While our research has concentrated on internal OR groups in the U.K. only, we believe that some of the key results have relevance to worldwide OR consultancy. Endorsements by clients will almost always be effective. Ideally the OR staff should maintain close contact with the client, both formally and informally, to ensure that unpleasant surprises do not occur. Finally, implementation of project recommendations is often outside the control of an OR consultant. Since implementation starts when the project starts, it can be helpful if all the stakeholders involved in the study problem can be identified early, as some may be remote from the direct client.
Problem structuring approaches can often be helpful.
Any actions that lead to client satisfaction, such as delivering useful benefits as early as possible, are likely to facilitate implementation. John Ranyard and Robert Fildes are professors at Lancaster University in Lancaster, U.K. Ranyard is a former manager of a large, successful in-house OR group in the United Kingdom. Today copyright 2001 by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences . All rights reserved. Inc. All rights reserved.