Occupation

Operations Research Analysts

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.8 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Also Known As: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, Business Process Analyst, Decision Analyst, Decision Support Analyst +32 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  2. Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  3. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
  4. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  5. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  6. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  7. Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
  8. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
  9. Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
  10. Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
  11. Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
  12. Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
  13. Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
  14. Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
  15. Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
  16. Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
  17. Review research literature.

Education & Training

Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Master's Degree
43%
Bachelor's Degree
33%
Doctoral Degree
14%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
10%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Amazon Redshift
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apache Hive
  • Apple macOS
  • Bash
  • C
  • C++
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • GitHub
  • Google Docs
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Linux
  • Marketo Marketing Automation
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
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  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
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  • Microsoft Visual Basic
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  • Microsoft Word
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  • Perl
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  • Scala
  • Shell script
  • Splunk Enterprise
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Swift
  • Tableau
  • Teradata Database
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX
  • UNIX Shell

Software (114)

  • A mathematical programming language AMPL
  • Apache Pig
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro
  • Cisco IOS
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Claritas PRIZM NE
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • ESRI ArcExplorer
  • Eko
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Fund accounting software
  • General algebraic modeling system GAMS
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Google Drive
  • Google Slides
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Hyperion Solutions Hyperion Intelligence
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • ILOG OPL-CPLEX Development System
  • Imagine That Extend OR
  • Insightful S-PLUS
  • Job control language JCL
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • LINDO Systems LINGO
  • LexisNexis
  • MathWorks Simulink
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • McAfee
  • Mesquite Software CSIM
  • MicroStrategy
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft MapPoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Minitab
  • Mixed integer optimizer MINTO
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • NetSuite ERP
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Eloqua
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Oracle Taleo
  • ProModel
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Rockwell Automation Arena
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • SAP PowerBuilder
  • Stanford Business Software MINOS
  • Stanford Business Software SNOPT
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Strategic Reporting Systems ReportSmith
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • Telelogic System Architect
  • Veritas NetBackup
  • Wireshark
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • iGrafx

Tools & Equipment (4)

  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Personal computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Business Information Management Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 5
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