Operations Research and Systems Analysis

The science of man-machine operating systems, which includes operations research and systems analysis, has achieved a substantial body of theory and application over the last 40 years. Its current strength prompts it to attack difficult large-scale problems while challenging the other relevant sciences to unite, not only with each other and operations and systems research, but also with society, to deal with some of the most widespread and important problems of our time. This paper, which was contributed by invitation to the Centennial Issue of Science, describes the genesis of systems analysis and gives a brief overview of the field, using examples to illustrate key points. Thus, it is designed to introduce systems analysis to a wide and varied audience