Operational Research Tools for Solving Sustainable Engineering Problems

The need for operational research (OR) tools and techniques is manifested in its ability to balance conflicting objectives (goals or interests) where there are many alternative courses of action available to the decision-maker when resources, time, and funds are limited. Therefore, beyond the domain of theoretical knowledge and model-building activities, OR has all of the pervasive applications in decision making regarding problems in sustainable engineering, sustainable society, and business. OR tools and techniques find applications in all aspects of sustainability operations, such as sustainable supply chain planning, sustainable distribution, sustainable traffic flow optimization, industrial waste reduction, energy conservation, sustainable city planning, etc. Over the years, the applications of OR have been extended to solving the problems of communication of information and socio-economic fields. In this context, the academic community needs to take the lead in the design, development, and demonstration of sustainable operational research models, endowed and supported by organizations.