Abstract

Complex, real-world problems often benefit from being tackled using multiple OR methods. The ability to combine methods successfully therefore plays a key role in successful OR practice. The research described in this paper aims to augment current understanding of mixed methods modelling, moving beyond the predominant focus on technical aspects of which methods to use and how they can be combined. As such the research sought to explore the practice of mixed methods from the perspective of those with mixed methods experience to reflect on all aspects of a modelling intervention and identify generic lessons. The research involved a series of in-depth interviews with experienced OR practitioners (both academic and non-academic) to understand how they undertake mixed methods work. The paper describes the research methodology employed, the emergent data and the results of the analysis. The analysis reveals that an area of significance hitherto only peripherally addressed was consideration of the modelling team particularly a) additional skills, b) organisational culture and modeller personality and c) the role of the team leader. The paper concludes with some avenues for further exploration regarding teaching, research, and the practice of OR mixed methods work.

摘要

复杂的现实世界问题通常受益于使用多种 OR 方法来解决。因此，成功组合方法的能力在成功的手术室实践中起着关键作用。本文描述的研究旨在增强当前对混合方法建模的理解，超越主要关注使用哪些方法以及如何组合它们的技术方面。因此，研究试图探索实践从具有混合方法经验的人的角度对混合方法进行分析，以反思建模干预的各个方面并确定通用课程。该研究涉及对经验丰富的手术室从业者（学术和非学术）的一系列深入访谈，以了解他们如何进行混合方法的工作。本文描述了所采用的研究方法、新兴数据和分析结果。分析表明，迄今为止仅在外围解决的一个重要领域是对建模团队的考虑，特别是 a) 额外技能，b) 组织文化和建模者个性，以及 c) 团队领导者的角色。本文最后提出了一些关于 OR 混合方法工作的教学、研究和实践的进一步探索的途径。