ABSTRACT
Cybernetics is based on much the same idea in that the systems or models which are developed are applicable to biology, psychiatry and other natural sciences, but also to man-made problem areas, such as economics, social science and business problems. Operational research makes extensive use of mathematics and statistics, but this is because the subjects are essentially the language of science. A common fallacy is to regard operational research as a form of ‘business mathematics’, whereas its aim, in fact, is to use any science or technology which can assist in solving the problems which it faces. The commercial world differs from the scientific world in that for business it is generally impossible to avoid selecting a course of action, even if theoretical understanding is incomplete. ‘Operational research’ as a name was first used in the military services in the United Kingdom and was quickly adopted by the military services in the USA where it was known as ‘operations research’.
