The following questions illustrate the type of problems amenable to operations research methodologies:
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It frequently happens that a telephone call does not take the shortest possible route from caller to receiver. How then is a long-distance call routed from its origin to its destination?
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In recent years many banks have changed the customer waiting line or queue from individual lines behind each teller to a single, snake line that feeds all tellers. Why is this?
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How are the cost and duration of warranties on automobiles, parts, and appliances determined? Why is the free warranty set for a limited time only, and why does an extended warranty increase in cost for each year of the guarantee?
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Why will most insurance companies not insure the life of an infant under a few months of age, but will insure infants over a minimum age at a very low premium?
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How does a network of computers operate? A program on one computer can be executed on another hundreds or thousands of miles away. How is the decision made as to which computer is to handle which job?
SOURCE: Career in Operations Research
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