What is the primary goal of operational research?

• To increase production costs in businesses.

• To optimize decision-making and problem-solving in complex systems.

• To simplify all decision-making processes.

• To eliminate all uncertainties in systems.

Define operational research in your own words.

• Operational research is solely focused on financial analysis.

• Operational research is the study of historical events and their outcomes.

• Operational research is a method for conducting scientific experiments.

• Operational research is the application of analytical methods to improve decision-making and problem-solving.

What are the key components of a mathematical model in operational research?

• Input variables, output function, limitations, constants, and predictions.

• Variables, goal function, boundaries, coefficients, and conclusions.

• Decision variables, objective function, constraints, parameters, and assumptions.

• Parameters, decision criteria, outcomes, rules, and evaluations.

Explain the significance of constraints in mathematical modeling.

• Constraints have no impact on the accuracy of predictions.

• Constraints are essential for ensuring feasibility and realism in mathematical models.

• Constraints limit the creativity of mathematical models.

• Constraints are only necessary for complex models.

What is the difference between deterministic and stochastic models?

• Deterministic models yield consistent results, while stochastic models account for variability and randomness.

• Deterministic models are always random, while stochastic models are predictable.

• Stochastic models provide exact outcomes, whereas deterministic models are uncertain.

• Deterministic models are used only in simulations, while stochastic models are used in real-world scenarios.

Name one historical figure who contributed to the field of operational research.

• Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein

• Marie Curie

• George Dantzig

What major event during World War II influenced the development of operational research?

• The Battle of Britain

• The Attack on Pearl Harbor

• The Battle of Stalingrad

• The Normandy Invasion

List three common types of models used in operational research.

• Decision trees

• Linear programming, simulation, queuing

• Genetic algorithms

• Neural networks

What is linear programming and where is it applied?

• Linear programming is a technique for solving nonlinear equations.

• Linear programming is a method for predicting weather patterns.

• Linear programming is a method for optimizing a linear objective function subject to constraints, applied in fields like operations research, economics, and engineering.

• It is primarily used in artistic design and music composition.

Describe the role of simulation in operational research.

• Simulation is only used for financial forecasting.

• Simulation eliminates all uncertainties in decision-making.

• Simulation is primarily focused on historical data analysis.

• Simulation plays a crucial role in operational research by modeling complex systems, analyzing behaviors, and supporting decision-making under uncertainty.