The document discusses the history and concepts of management science. [1] Management science originated from operations research during World War 2 to apply analytical methods to decision making. [2] It uses tools from fields like economics, mathematics, business administration and psychology to examine organizations and find ways to improve productivity and efficiency. [3] The key is viewing management logically and quantifying problems to solve them using models, simulations and other mathematical techniques.
2. The History of Management Science
âȘ The roots of management science can be found in a concept of operations
research, a system developed during World War II. Operation research or
operational research saw the scientists trying to apply analytical methods in
order to enhance the decision-making processes.
âȘ One example of the operation research use was the application of
âeffectiveness ratiosâ, which compared the flying hours of Allied planes with
enemy U-boat sightings in a given area. By studying these numbers, the
military was able to distribute the planes to productive patrol areas and map
out enemy positions more efficiently.
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4. Management Science
According to Lancaster University, management
science can be defined as a concept that is
âconcerned with developing and applying models
and concepts that help to illuminate issues and
solve managerial problemsâ. The approach is
essentially interested in looking at an organization
and finding ways it can manage itself better and
improve its productivity.
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5. â While management science is mainly a mathematical approach to
solving problems, the application of it requires the examination of
different fields. Management science uses analytical data, statistics
and methods for increasing efficiency of management systems and it
finds the tools from fields like:
đ Economics đ Mathematics
đ Business Administration
đ Psychology
đ Sociology
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6. â The key to management science is the visualization of management as a logical action. Since
the approach views management through this lens, it means the process can be quantified and
described with the help of symbols, measurements and relationships. The approach basis its
theory on the decision theory approach and rational decision-making models and it can provide
organizations with a model that helps identify goals and the roadmap for achieving them.
â Management science makes a few general assumptions of management, which are the
basis for its framework. The assumptions are:
âą Management is a problem-solving mechanism, which can be boosted by mathematical tools
and techniques.
âą Problems in management can be quantified and described in mathematical terms. This
includes areas such as system analysis, but also human behavior.
âą Managerial problems can best be resolved through mathematical tools, simulations and
models.
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8. â Management science can reduce the overall efficiency of the organization
and make decision-making easier and more defined.
â Ability to design measures that can be used to identify and evaluate the
effectiveness of the processes currently in use.
â Management science looks at the current situation and compares it with other
possibilities, creating measurable predictions.
â The analysis of processes and decision-making can help the organization
identify the problem areas, as well as the systems that are already working
efficiently.
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9. 1. Planning â The management
science approach can be used in the
planning because it identifies and
predicts the results of certain
processes. The approach makes it
easier to understand the future needs
of the organization based on the
current and future models, as well as
the objectives the organization is
looking to fulfill.
Management science approach can help more specifically
in the following core areas of any business:
2. Organizing â Creating systems that
efficiently focus on the specifically
defined processes and tasks.
Furthermore, it makes it easier to direct
resources to their right places.
3. Leading and controlling
operations â Since the approach
focuses on management, it can boost the
way the organization leads. It can help
individual managers focus on the most
important aspects of the organization
and improve their decision-making skills.
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10. APPLICATION OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
Airline Industry
has used management
science to create the
scheduling systems for
airlines. This has created the
system for ensuring the
planes are utilized more
efficiently, together with
guaranteeing the crew is
rotated in the most efficient
way.
A number of information
systems
currently in use by
organizations are a result of
management science. The
approach has been used to
identify and understand the
correct information system
strategies.
Public Administrations
have also used management
science to identify the flow of
water from water reservoirs.
The process identifies the
most efficient routes and
cost-effective ways to
manage the flow.
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12. Six-step formula in applying management science
1. Identifying business
processes in use
The organization must first
identify the different
management processes it
currently has in place. By
identifying each process, itâs
also possible to notice the
strengths and weaknesses of
the individual management
operation.
2. Analyze the individual
processes
As youâve identified the
problem areas, as well as the
management processes that are
working effectively, you can
start using management science
to modify the process. By
implementing the analytical
approach, you will notice which
processes need scaling,
implementation or adjustment.
3. Redesign the processes
With the analysis done, the
focus should move to
identifying the right process for
achieving the right results.
Management science tends to
present a number of solutions
and predictions, which means
the organization has to identify
the most effective processes for
its needs.
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13. Six-step formula in applying management science
4. Ensure the right resources are
in place to improve the processes
Ensure the organization has the
right resources at hand.
Redesigning of the processes
might require additional
resources, either in terms of
money or labor. Ensure the
appropriate amount and type of
resources is identifying to
guarantee the newly established
processes work as planned.
5. Implement the identified
processes
Ensure thereâs a community
wide buy-in and proper
information available for people
to understand the changes, the
reasoning behind them, as well
as the new processes
themselves.
6. Review and analyze the effectiveness
of the new processes
â Finally, the implemented processes
require constant analysis and review.
Management science will provide
answers and prediction, but just like any
other approach to management, itâs not
a magic pill to fix everything.
â Therefore, you must make sure you
continue to collect data and analyze the
effectiveness of the processes in place.
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14. Reference:
Management Science â The Definitive Guide. Cleverism. (2022). Retrieved 8 January 2022, from
https://www.cleverism.com/management-science-guide/.
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15. The aim of management science is to display the best course of action in
a given set of circumstances, and this must include all the circumstances.
- Anthony Stafford Beer -