Most operations research analysts start out as generalists. Some analysts have a great deal of professional autonomy, while others are more closely supervised. Operations research analysts work closely with senior managers. These managers have a wide variety of support needs. Regardless of the industry or structure of the organization, operations research uses a similar set of procedures.
Managers begin the process by describing the symptoms of a problem to the analyst.
The analyst then formally defines the problem. For example, an analyst for an auto manufacturer may need to figure out the best inventory level for each of the materials for a new production line. More specifically, the analyst may need to learn how many windshields should be kept in inventory. Analysts study the problem, then break it into its component parts. Then they gather information about each of these parts.