Computer‐based Environments for Operations Research: Classification and a Pioneer System

Abstract

A computer‐based environment for operations research (CEOR) is a work environment based on information technology (IT) that supports OR activities. Elements of CEOR are tabulated by the objects of support (i.e. staff members and steps of OR projects). Staff members are classified into decision makers, project managers, OR practitioners, OR researchers and IT specialists. As a result, CEOR for OR researchers is mentioned as one of the research targets to be promoted more positively than up to now. As a pioneer CEOR in this category, CAMP is outlined as an information system based on databases of knowledge concerning branch‐and‐bound algorithms and their construction. CAMP aims to efficiently manage and apply its knowledge databases in designing branch‐and‐bound algorithms for sequencing problems. Its application example suggests that a knowledge support system like CAMP is useful as a work environment for OR researchers.