Operations Research Analysts

• Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
• Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
• Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
• Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
• Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
• Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
• Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
• Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
• Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
• Break systems into their component parts, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Operations Research Analysts.

• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Operations Research Analysts.