Perspectives on MS Applications—All Around the Model

We live in a period of uncertainty, uncertainty concerning the economy, uncertainty concerning the ability of our businesses to function properly under the breadth of the problems experienced, uncertainty concerning our own organizational stability. The plain and simple fact is that at a time of economic uncertainty, at a time of potential recession, the watchword in the typical business firm is retrench. This means that the management science function along with all other staff functions is vulnerable to the cost cutters' knife. In times of economic stress when we face a challenge, if the company is hit hard and if management is desperately seeking ways to cut overhead, it is unfortunately true that staff departments invite attention. “But we develop systems and decisional techniques to enable management to do better,” one might say. But the plain and simple truth is that past contributions are often overlooked in the zeal to cut overhead today.