Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

The Work

Operational researchers look closely at how organisations work. They use their findings to help managers improve systems and processes, and solve any problems. Researchers use a logical, scientific approach to their work. They may deal with long-term plans for an organisation, or help with more immediate decisions.  
 
Operational researchers use their skills in many different situations. For example, they may help a supermarket to decide where to locate a new superstore, forecast demand for a new airline, or help a manufacturing company to decide how many people it needs to recruit. They may plan how to re-route a bus service or change stock control procedures.  
 
The researchers' main tasks are to define problems, set out their aims and expectations, collect and examine as much information as possible, and then come up with clear, practical solutions.  
 
First, a researcher may carry out a survey or study to examine the problem from every angle. Then, they produce one or more plans, helping managers to see the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Researchers often use mathematics, statistics or computing to arrive at their solutions. A typical technique is to convert the organisation's system into a mathematical model. Researchers often use computers to test solutions against data.  
 
Operational researchers work with people at all levels throughout the organisation, interviewing them to find out their needs, concerns and opinions.  
 
At the end of the survey, operational researchers present their reports to company directors or senior managers; they recommend any changes. Operational researchers can also play a very important role in putting into practice the ideas and solutions they have suggested.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
• Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
• Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
• Collaborate with others in the organisation to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
• Analyse information obtained from management to conceptualise and define operational problems.
• Study and analyse information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
• Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
• Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
• Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyse information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.

Further Information

• Operations Research Analyst - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

A wide range of Level 8 degree subjects may be acceptable for this job role, in particular -  maths, statistics, economics, engineering, computer studies, and business studies. Certain 'numerate' social sciences, such as psychology are also valued.  

Training & Development 

Higher Education CAO Entry: Maths, statistics, economics, engineering, computer studies, Psychology and business studies at NFQ levels 7-8 Search CAO courses 
 
Operational research courses are sometimes offered as options within other degrees, especially computing, mathematics/statistics and production management.   

Postgraduate programmes MSc in Management of Operations (DCU) MSc in Business Analytics (UCD) at NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €115k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ CPL / Brightwater/ Azon/ Sigmar/ Lincoln

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average growth for this occupation was strong; this is in part related to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment levels have also been increasing annually since then. Over 700 new employment permits were issued in 2021 for roles including risk/business analysts and project managers.

The ICT sector accounted for over a third of permits issued, although the numbers employed in this occupation in the ICT sector are small. The number of advertised vacancies in the OVATE data increased by 39%, albeit from a small base. While no shortages are evident, the skills in demand as highlighted by the Spotlight on Skills data in the introduction above (e.g. relationship management, critical thinking etc) would be of relevance for these occupations.

• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
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• Irish Management Institute

  • Clonard, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16
  • 1800 22 33 88
  • [email protected]
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• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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• Analytics Institute

  • 01 5136076
  • [email protected]
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