Where We Ought to Be Going: The Potential of Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets empower millions of managers to avoid algebra and classical mathematics and unknowingly approximate solutions to their problems by elementary numerical analysis. They use spreadsheets to carry out vast quantities of computations and create graphical support. These business people are numerate in the sense that they deal comfortably with the fundamental notions of numbers and chance. A hurdle in disseminating MS/OR is the shortage of mathematically proficient managers. These numerate managers should be more capable, receptive, and sympathetic to MS/OR. I believe that spreadsheets are the manager's skeleton key to mathematical modeling.