After 25 Years: A Survey of Operations Research Alumni, Case Western Reserve University

As the Department of Operations Research at Case Western Reserve University entered its 25th academic year, it became apparent that a survey of past graduates would be valuable in planning for future academic excellence. In view of the fact that this Department is the oldest one of its kind in an academic institution, the significance of such a survey assumed special importance. Consequently, questionnaires were sent to alumni requesting factual and attitudinal responses in such areas as their educational background, curriculum studied, career path followed and utility of the degree.

The questionnaire was designed by the authors in consultation with the Department Chairman. Mailings, together with telephone calls, brought 137 responses from the initial list of 221 alumni, or a 62 percent response rate. Of these 137, 81 had received the M.S. in O.R. as their highest degree from the Department, and 56, the Ph.D. degree.