OPERATIONS RESEARCH

We analyse problems and apply statistics to understand “What happened?”. We design and build mathematical and simulation models to better understand the “status quo” and then use these models to answer the question “What if?”. We apply simulation and forecasting techniques to understand “What will happen?”. We use a range of mathematical optimisation techniques to help answer the question “What’s best?” in complex decision-making problems. We embed mathematical and simulation models in computerised decision-support systems to provide day-to-day assistance in effective and efficient decision-making.

SURGOR RESEARCH AREAS

NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resource management  brings together aspects such as land use planning, water management, biodiversity conservation, and the future sustainability of industries like agriculture, mining, fisheries, and forestry. Operations research can aid in the analysis and efficient management of natural resources.

HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

Humanitarian operations save lives, alleviates suffering and maintains human dignity following conflict, shocks and natural disasters. Among the people in need belong refugees, victims of natural disasters, epidemics, wars and famines. Humanitarian problems are becoming increasingly pressing and complex and require more support in decision-making.

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

One of the fundamental challenges in healthcare management is to achieve, with limited funding, an efficient utilisation of expensive resources, while maintaining or increasing the quality of care for an increasing population. Operations research can and have played an important role in answering this question.

OTHER

Every now and again, some of our members venture out into the world of other research areas not specifically related to our main research focus. These have included portfolio optimisation in the world of finance, and aircraft crew scheduling.