Tutorial: Addressing Underexposed Components in Operations Research Literature

Frans Cruijssen (), Koen Peters () and Hein Fleuren ()
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Frans Cruijssen: Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, 5037 AB Tilburg, Netherlands
Koen Peters: World Food Programme, 00148 Roma RM, Italy
Hein Fleuren: Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, 5037 AB Tilburg, Netherlands

Interfaces, 2025, vol. 55, issue 3, 224-237

Abstract: This tutorial paper discusses underrepresented practical perspectives in the operations research literature, which primarily focuses on theoretical advancements rather than documenting successful real-world applications. Drawing on experience in academia, business, and humanitarian organizations, the authors identify seven crucial—yet often overlooked—components essential for a successful analytics implementation. These components are change management, data management, model selection and validation, project management, promotion and advocacy, scoping, and software. Despite the prevalence of analytics research, these components are seldom discussed in academic literature, leaving a gap between theory and practice in analytics. We emphasize the importance of these components to achieve impactful analytics interventions and call for a more comprehensive approach to analytics research. By bridging the gap between hard analytics (mathematical modeling) and soft analytics (practical implementation), the tutorial highlights the need for scholars and practitioners to collaborate and exchange insights for more effective real-world applications of analytics.

Keywords: implementation; soft analytics; impact; interdisciplinarity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:orinte:v:55:y:2025:i:3:p:224-237

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