Operations Research Analysts

Also called: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst

Varies

estimated salary

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.

  • Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  • Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
  • Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
  • Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  • Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  • Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
  • Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
  • Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  • Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  • Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
  • Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
  • Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
  • Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
  • Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
  • Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
  • Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 75% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 64% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 65% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 55% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Telephone — 60% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Present research results to others.
  • Train others on work processes.
  • Develop scientific or mathematical models.
  • Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
  • Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
  • Develop scientific or mathematical models.
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Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Skills

Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Number Facility
  • The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Object or component oriented development software
  • Practical extraction and reporting language Perl Hot Technology
  • Scala Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
  • R Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
  • Swift Hot Technology
  • SAP PowerBuilder
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • Jupyter Notebook
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft SQL Server Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • MySQL Hot Technology
  • Amazon Redshift Hot Technology
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • FileMaker Pro
Project management software
  • Microsoft SharePoint Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Project Hot Technology
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