For more information Pro Bono O.R. (Operational Research) for the Third Sector

What is O.R? O.R. is the discipline of applying appropriate analytical methods to help those who run organisations make better decisions. By using techniques such as problem structuring methods and mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations, operational research gives those who run organisations the power to make more effective decisions and build more productive systems based on: More complete data Consideration of all available options Careful predictions of outcomes and estimates of risk The latest decision tools and techniques

How can O.R. help? Organisations may seek a very wide range of operational improvements - for example, greater efficiency, better customer service, higher quality or lower cost. Whatever the aim, O.R. can offer the flexibility and adaptability to provide objective help. Most of the problems O.R. tackles are messy and complex, often entailing considerable uncertainty. O.R. can use advanced quantitative methods, modelling, problem structuring, simulation and other analytical techniques to examine assumptions, facilitate an in -depth understanding and decide on practical action.

O.R. in the Third Sector Third Sector organisations face extremely complex decisions about the direction they should take and how to allocate scarce resources. Without the tools to model different scenarios and understand the consequences of them, it isn't surprising that many organisations, tend to rely on gut feelings. An O.R. practitioner comes armed with an array of analytical tools plus the skills and experience to identify the critical factors and issues, explore the different options and explain the impact of them in real terms. O.R. won’t make the decisions for you, but it provides some of the head to your organisation’s heart and, when you combine the two, you are more likely to act in the interests of your organisation and its beneficiaries.

O.R in the Third Sector Some of the problems third sector organisations are faced with: ‘We have lots of different options for the future but it’s impossible to decide which to choose in such uncertain times.’ ‘We’re under huge pressure to do more with less, and we don’t know how we’re going to do it.’ ‘It’s hard to stay objective when we’re faced with such emotionally charged decisions.’ ‘We know we’re doing a good job – but how can we prove it?’

Here is what a few of the organisations who’ve received Pro Bono support had to say: Crimestoppers: ‘We’ve benefited hugely from your work and support in all areas of the project. And from an organisational perspective you’ve enabled us to take a highly professional approach to increasing the efficiency of our charity.’ (Performance Manager) Participle: ‘I have just started to digest the work you did for us and wanted to say a huge thank you. This will be so critical to our growth and I am very grateful indeed for your time and expertise. The team have described you as “a joy to work with”.’ (Principle Partner) The Cardinal Hume Centre ‘We valued the opportunity to work collaboratively and without doubt benefited from the analyst’s expertise and commitment to the project.’ (Operations Director)

For more information please see my blog, webpage, Twitter or LinkedIn page. Webpage: Blog: Felicity McLeister I look forward to hearing from you. For more information