An Analysis of the Operations Research/Management Science Industrial-Academic Interface

This study provides information on how the directors of the operations research/management science (OR/MS) function in industry view three major industrial-academic interfaces: the professional journal, the professional society, and the directors' hiring practices. Questionnaires were mailed to OR/MS managers of the 500 largest U.S. industrial corporations, with a response rate of approximately 40%. Initially, the characteristics of the OR/MS directors were examined. Next, the three interfaces were investigated with respect to the directors' backgrounds. Finally, implications based on the analysis for both academicians and practitioners were drawn.