Operational Research
Operational research (O.R.) is a way of using analytical methods to help make better decisions. Its methods can be used by almost all organisations, groups and individuals. It uses methods such as logic and mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations, giving decision makers of all types the power to make more effective decisions. Organisations may seek a wide range of operational improvements - for example, greater efficiency, better customer service, higher quality or lower cost.
Digging deeper into subject interests can help you in a number of ways:
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Confirm whether this is (or isn't) something you would be interested in enough to want to study it at university either as the focus of your degree or a minor/elective
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Give you some inspiration to use when creating your questions and topics for IA's (coursework) and your Extended Essay
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Provide you with content for your university application writing in the future, enabling you to reflect on the things you've been doing to explore your interests in a way that is academically relevant to the course or institution you are applying for.
Useful Resources
+Plus Magazine | E-Magazine | Podcast | Plus provides articles and podcasts on any aspect of mathematics, covering topics as diverse as art, medicine, cosmology and sport, a news section, showing how recent news stories were often based on some underlying piece of maths that never made it to the newspapers, reviews of popular maths books, and puzzles for you to sharpen your wits. | Click Here> | |
Royal SOciety Open Science | Journal | An open journal publishing high-quality research across all of science, engineering and mathematics | Click Here > | |
Research from the University of Bristol | Journal Articles | Website | Explore cutting edge research from the different faculties and departments from the University of Bristol, including free access to their published journal articles. | Click Here > | |
Coursera | Online Course | Coursera is an online platform for distance learning. They have a range of free courses delivered by universities. Search in this section to find courses of interest to you, often these are courses you can follow at your own pace. | Click Here > | |
EdX | Online Course | The X Series courses on the EdX platform are free online courses delivered by universities and aimed at helping you explore areas of interest. | Click Here > | |
FutureLearn | Online Course | FutureLearn is a free online platform where universities from around the globe host FREE online courses you can undertake in your areas of interest. Browse courses by categories or use the search bar to find courses relevant to your interests | Click Here > | |
Department of Statistics Podcast | Podcast | This is the blog from the Department of Statistics at Oxford is a world leader in research including computational statistics and statistical methodology, applied probability, bioinformatics and mathematical genetics. | Click Here > | |
PWC: The A - Z of tech podcast series | Podcast | Welcome to the A to Z of Tech podcast series. A is for Artificial Intelligence, B is for Blockchain, C is for Cyber Security. Follow our journey through an alphabet of technology trends with PwC's technologists and special guests. | Click here > | |
The Secrets of Mathematics | Podcast | Recorded Lecture | A series of talks and lectures from Oxford Mathematicians exploring the power and beauty of their subject. These talks would appeal to anyone interested in mathematics and its ever-growing range of applications from medicine to economics and beyond. | Click Here > | |
Nrich | Website | Maths activities to strengthen skills and a STEP support program | Click Here > |