National Occupational Standards
Level 8
Diploma intergrated
Integrated with a Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management recognized by the UK government and globally
National Occupation
Standards for DBA Swiss program
Occupation summary
Operational Research Specialists are integral to organisations of all sizes, including businesses across all industry sectors, government and other public sector bodies. These sectors include but are not limited to: Engineering, Government, Banking, Health, Telecommunications, Defence, Management Consulting, Transport, and Education.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to help clients (either internally or externally) to make strategic, tactical and operational decisions by using advanced analytical methods to understand and solve complex non-routine problems.
The benefits of Operational Research include a wide range of performance improvements such as reducing costs, increasing revenue, saving lives, raising levels of customer service and designing public policy.
Responsibilities include
An Operational Research Specialist will work closely with clients and other stakeholders, providing a comprehensive service from diagnosing and analyzing problems to offering recommendations for change and supporting implementation.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Structuring complex, non-routine problems and formulating specific research questions.
- Evaluating and implementing existing models, methods, and techniques, while also developing or adapting new approaches when necessary.
- Collaborating with teams, operational and policy experts, and managers, as well as interacting with senior stakeholders, economists, data scientists, management accountants, and other specialists.
- Engaging with a wide range of groups and organizations, including government agencies, businesses, regulators, academics, and non-technical audiences, both nationally and internationally.
- Managing projects, leading teams, delegating tasks to others, and taking responsibility for understanding and resolving complex problems to meet client needs.
- Selecting appropriate Operational Research methods, identifying and gathering data, conducting rigorous analysis, and ensuring the quality of their work and that of others.
- Communicating impartial, practical analysis and recommendations, including outlining limitations and risks.
- In some cases, assisting with the implementation of recommendations and monitoring their effectiveness.
Operational Research Specialists can work independently or collaboratively, reporting to clients at nearly any level and maintaining a high degree of autonomy and accountability in their work. While they may not possess detailed subject matter expertise, they rely on collaboration with other experts to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's systems and processes.
Typical job titles could do
Typical job titles that a Operational Research Specialist could do:
- Analytics Specialist
- Decision Support Analyst
- Management Scientist
- Modeller
- Operational Analyst
- Operational Research Analyst
- Operational Research Consultant
- Operational Researcher
Duties you can perform
after finishing the DBA Swiss
Duty 1
"Work With Clients To Understand A Problem And Capture Their Requirements; Translating Complex, Non-Routine, Real-Life Customer And Business Problems Into A Clear Structure And Formulating Specific Questions That Can Be Tackled Through Analysis Of Available Data And Modelling."
Knowledge must have for Duty 1:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K4: The approaches used to identify and obtain potentially useful data (including their provenance, scope and limitations).
- K5: How to manipulate, interrogate and manage raw data.
- K6: How to conduct exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K10: The role of the Operational Research team within their own organisation.
- K11: The wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect their clients and analysis.
- K12: The principles of Organisation theory. This includes how organisations work, change and behave. And how this impacts Operational Research practice, modelling and the uptake of findings.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation
- K16: The importance and value of using expertise from your own internal/external networks when considering an Operational Research question.
- K17: The techniques for managing client relationships from project initiation to closure.
- K18: Project management principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K20: How Operational Research has evolved and its impact on society.
Skills must have for Duty 1:
- S1: Structure a client’s problem using a relevant informal or formal methodology.
- S2: Conceptualise complex client problems into tractable operational research questions.
- S3: Critically evaluate and synthesise data relevant to the client problem (including data provenance, scope and limitations).
- S4: Manipulates, interrogate and manage raw data, using relevant methodology.
- S5: Undertake exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- S6: Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client’s problem.
- S7: Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client’s problem.
Behavior must have for Duty 1:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B2: Actively utilises diverse networks to enhance Operational research outcomes.
- B3: Overcomes challenges and perseveres in order to deliver on time.
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
Duty 2
"Use Formal And Informal Methods (With Their Clients, Subject Matter Experts, Other Interested Parties) To Understand The Organisations’ Systems And Processes."
Knowledge must have for Duty 2:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K4: The approaches used to identify and obtain potentially useful data (including their provenance, scope and limitations).
- K5: How to manipulate, interrogate and manage raw data.
- K6: How to conduct exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation
- K16: The importance and value of using expertise from your own internal/external networks when considering an Operational Research question.
- K17: The techniques for managing client relationships from project initiation to closure.
- K18: Project management principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K19: How to translate information, insights and recommendations into client focused reports and presentations.
- K25: How to balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal, codes of practice and funding requirements.
Skills must have for Duty 2:
- S1: Structure a client’s problem using a relevant informal or formal methodology.
- S2: Conceptualise complex client problems into tractable operational research questions.
- S3: Critically evaluate and synthesise data relevant to the client problem (including data provenance, scope and limitations).
- S4: Manipulates, interrogate and manage raw data, using relevant methodology.
- S5: Undertake exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- S6: Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client’s problem.
- S7: Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client’s problem.
- S13: Use appropriate methodologies to manage complex client relationships.
- S14: Strategically manage all variables necessary to deliver timebound Operational Research recommendations. This includes, but is not limited to, people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
Behavior must have for Duty 2:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B2: Actively utilises diverse networks to enhance Operational research outcomes.
- B3: Overcomes challenges and perseveres in order to deliver on time.
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
Duty 3
"Relate Their Understanding Of A Client Problem And Organisational Context To A Set Of Operational Research Problem Archetypes And Select Appropriate Operational Research Methods."
Knowledge must have for Duty 3:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K4: The approaches used to identify and obtain potentially useful data (including their provenance, scope and limitations).
- K5: How to manipulate, interrogate and manage raw data.
- K6: How to conduct exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K10: The role of the Operational Research team within their own organisation.
- K11: The wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect their clients and analysis.
- K12: The principles of Organisation theory. This includes how organisations work, change and behave. And how this impacts Operational Research practice, modelling and the uptake of findings.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation
- K16: The importance and value of using expertise from your own internal/external networks when considering an Operational Research question.
- K17: The techniques for managing client relationships from project initiation to closure.
- K18: Project management principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K19: How to translate information, insights and recommendations into client focused reports and presentations.
- K20: How Operational Research has evolved and its impact on society.
- K25: How to balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal, codes of practice and funding requirements.
Skills must have for Duty 3:
- S1: Structure a client’s problem using a relevant informal or formal methodology.
- S2: Conceptualise complex client problems into tractable operational research questions.
- S3: Critically evaluate and synthesise data relevant to the client problem (including data provenance, scope and limitations).
- S4: Manipulates, interrogate and manage raw data, using relevant methodology.
- S5: Undertake exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- S6: Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client’s problem.
- S7: Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client’s problem.
- S12: Source and use relevant internal/external technical expertise necessary to address the client’s problem.
- S13: Use appropriate methodologies to manage complex client relationships.
- S14: Strategically manage all variables necessary to deliver timebound Operational Research recommendations. This includes, but is not limited to, people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- S19: Use concepts of team dynamics to create, lead and manage high performing and collaborative teams.
- S21: Design and implement strategic approaches that motivates team members to achieve objectives.
Behavior must have for Duty 3:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
- B5: Seeks out the latest Operational Research techniques in order to address client problems effectively.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
- B8: Acts ethically and challenges unethical evidence/practice.
Duty 4
"Carry Out Analysis Using A Range Of Operational Research Methods, Adapting And Developing Them To Meet Client Needs Whilst Understanding Their Limitations."
Knowledge must have for Duty 4:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K4: The approaches used to identify and obtain potentially useful data (including their provenance, scope and limitations).
- K5: How to manipulate, interrogate and manage raw data.
- K6: How to conduct exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K9: How to create spreadsheets and code in at least one programming language to develop models and carry out analysis.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation
- K17: The techniques for managing client relationships from project initiation to closure.
- K18: Project management principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K19: How to translate information, insights and recommendations into client focused reports and presentations.
- K22: Techniques for supporting colleagues in their professional development through provision of feedback.
- K23: The concepts of team dynamics and its relevancy to solving Operational Research problems. How to use this to create, lead and manage high performing and collaborative teams.
- K25: How to balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal, codes of practice and funding requirements.
Skills must have for Duty 4:
- S8: Creates a model to analyse a problem; applies an appropriate approach including programming, scripting, coding or using spreadsheets.
- S9: Critically analyse the internal and external factors relevant to an Operational Research problem to determine a holistic approach. These factors include organisational structures, the political, business and social context.
- S10: Apply holistic approaches to an Operational Research problem, taking into consideration internal and external factors.
- S12: Source and use relevant internal/external technical expertise necessary to address the client’s problem.
- S15: Exercise judgement to deliver persuasive arguments that are objective and unbiased.
- S16: Translate complex landscapes into client focused communications that balance rationale for recommendations with project limitations & compliance.
- S18: Apply judgement to provide relevant and timely feedback when supporting colleagues’ development.
- S23: Validate quality by application of relevant quality assurance methodology.
Behavior must have for Duty 4:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
- B5: Seeks out the latest Operational Research techniques in order to address client problems effectively.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
- B8: Acts ethically and challenges unethical evidence/practice.
Duty 5
"Identify What Data Is Available To Help Solve A Problem And How To Acquire It And Manipulate It, Applying Appropriate Data Protection Principles."
Knowledge must have for Duty 5:
- K4: The approaches used to identify and obtain potentially useful data (including their provenance, scope and limitations).
- K5: How to manipulate, interrogate and manage raw data.
- K6: How to conduct exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K8: Operational Research software solutions (packaged and “in-house” developed) and their comparative strengths and weaknesses in analysing client operational research problems.
- K9: How to create spreadsheets and code in at least one programming language to develop models and carry out analysis.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation.
Skills must have for Duty 5:
- S3: Critically evaluate and synthesise data relevant to the client problem (including data provenance, scope and limitations).
- S4: Manipulates, interrogate and manage raw data, using relevant methodology.
- S5: Undertake exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
- S8: Creates a model to analyse a problem; applies an appropriate approach including programming, scripting, coding or using spreadsheets.
- S9: Critically analyse the internal and external factors relevant to an Operational Research problem to determine a holistic approach. These factors include organisational structures, the political, business and social context.
- S10: Apply holistic approaches to an Operational Research problem, taking into consideration internal and external factors.
- S13: Use appropriate methodologies to manage complex client relationships.
- S14: Strategically manage all variables necessary to deliver timebound Operational Research recommendations. This includes, but is not limited to, people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- S23: Validate quality by application of relevant quality assurance methodology.
Behavior must have for Duty 5:
- B2: Actively utilises diverse networks to enhance Operational research outcomes.
- B5: Seeks out the latest Operational Research techniques in order to address client problems effectively.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
Duty 6
"Develop And Implement Methods To Quality Assure Their Work And Others’ Analyses."
Knowledge must have for Duty 6:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K8: Operational Research software solutions (packaged and “in-house” developed) and their comparative strengths and weaknesses in analysing client operational research problems.
- K10: The role of the Operational Research team within their own organisation.
- K11: The wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect their clients and analysis.
- K12: The principles of Organisation theory. This includes how organisations work, change and behave. And how this impacts Operational Research practice, modelling and the uptake of findings.
- K19: How to translate information, insights and recommendations into client focused reports and presentations.
- K22: Techniques for supporting colleagues in their professional development through provision of feedback.
- K23: The concepts of team dynamics and its relevancy to solving Operational Research problems. How to use this to create, lead and manage high performing and collaborative teams.
- K24: The principles and techniques of quality assurance. This includes model structure and clarity, validation & verification, recording data sources, assumptions and documentation.
- K25: How to balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal, codes of practice and funding requirements.
Skills must have for Duty 6:
- S6: Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client’s problem.
- S7: Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client’s problem.
- S8: Creates a model to analyse a problem; applies an appropriate approach including programming, scripting, coding or using spreadsheets.
- S9: Critically analyse the internal and external factors relevant to an Operational Research problem to determine a holistic approach. These factors include organisational structures, the political, business and social context.
- S10: Apply holistic approaches to an Operational Research problem, taking into consideration internal and external factors.
Behavior must have for Duty 6:
- B3: Overcomes challenges and perseveres in order to deliver on time.
- B5: Seeks out the latest Operational Research techniques in order to address client problems effectively.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
Duty 7
"Communicate Their Analysis And Recommendations With Impact To Their Clients, Specialist And Non-Specialist Audiences To Help Them Make Decisions; Including The Strengths And Limitations Of The Analysis And Underlying Data."
Knowledge must have for Duty 7:
- K1: How to select and apply, a range of problem structuring methods to understand complex problems.
- K2: How to establish and scope client requirements into clear analytical questions.
- K3: The comparative strengths and weaknesses of informal and formal methods used to structure problems.
- K7: The range of potential Operational Research techniques & methods, their strengths and weaknesses and how they are used in practice. This includes, optimisation, machine learning, scheduling, forecasting, simulation, decision analysis, inventory models, Markov models, dynamic programming, performance measurement (such as KPIs, metrics and benefits), heuristics and statistical methods.
- K8: Operational Research software solutions (packaged and “in-house” developed) and their comparative strengths and weaknesses in analysing client operational research problems.
- K10: The role of the Operational Research team within their own organisation.
- K11: The wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect their clients and analysis.
- K12: The principles of Organisation theory. This includes how organisations work, change and behave. And how this impacts Operational Research practice, modelling and the uptake of findings.
- K19: How to translate information, insights and recommendations into client focused reports and presentations.
- K24: The principles and techniques of quality assurance. This includes model structure and clarity, validation & verification, recording data sources, assumptions and documentation.
- K25: How to balance actions and benefits that meet client needs with policy, legal, codes of practice and funding requirements.
Skills must have for Duty 7:
- S1: Structure a client’s problem using a relevant informal or formal methodology.
- S2: Conceptualise complex client problems into tractable operational research questions.
- S6: Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client’s problem.
- S7: Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client’s problem.
- S11: Recommend compliant solutions that address the client’s problem.
- S12: Source and use relevant internal/external technical expertise necessary to address the client’s problem.
- S16: Translate complex landscapes into client focused communications that balance rationale for recommendations with project limitations & compliance.
- S17: Critically evaluate & address own developmental needs.
- S18: Apply judgement to provide relevant and timely feedback when supporting colleagues’ development.
- S23: Validate quality by application of relevant quality assurance methodology.
Behavior must have for Duty 7:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B2: Actively utilises diverse networks to enhance Operational research outcomes.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
- B7: Seeks out proportionate and pragmatic response to client issues.
- B8: Acts ethically and challenges unethical evidence/practice.
Duty 8
"Manage Operational Research Projects, Budgets And Staff."
Knowledge must have for Duty 8:
- K17: The techniques for managing client relationships from project initiation to closure. anagement principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K18: Project management principles and techniques; including people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
- K21: Techniques for managing and appraising your own personal and professional development.
- K24: The principles and techniques of quality assurance. This includes model structure and clarity, validation & verification, recording data sources, assumptions and documentation.
Skills must have for Duty 8:
- S15: Exercise judgement to deliver persuasive arguments that are objective and unbiased.
- S18: Apply judgement to provide relevant and timely feedback when supporting colleagues’ development.
- S23: Validate quality by application of relevant quality assurance methodology.
Behavior must have for Duty 8:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B2: Actively utilises diverse networks to enhance Operational research outcomes.
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
Duty 9
"Develop Professional Capability By Tracking Developments In The Field Of Operational Research And Improve Their Managerial, Networking And Leadership Skills."
Knowledge must have for Duty 9:
- K16: The importance and value of using expertise from your own internal/external networks when considering an Operational Research question.
- K21: Techniques for managing and appraising your own personal and professional development.
Skills must have for Duty 9:
- S19: Use concepts of team dynamics to create, lead and manage high performing and collaborative teams.
- S20: Operate autonomously within the limits of own authority and responsibility.
- S21: Design and implement strategic approaches that motivates team members to achieve objectives.
- S22: Exercise judgement in managing and using data in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational principles and governance.
Behavior must have for Duty 9:
- B1: Adapts approach to meet client needs, whilst avoiding over-attachment to pre-determined or expected outcomes.
- B5: Seeks out the latest Operational Research techniques in order to address client problems effectively.
- B6: Adopts an analytical mindset to the client’s problem.
Duty 10
"Identify New Opportunities For Applying Operational Research Techniques For Their Organisation Or Clients And Disseminate And Share Best Practice Inside And Outside Of Their Organisation."
Knowledge must have for Duty 10:
- K10: The role of the Operational Research team within their own organisation.
- K11: The wider political, business and social context and how these external factors might affect their clients and analysis.
- K12: The principles of Organisation theory. This includes how organisations work, change and behave. And how this impacts Operational Research practice, modelling and the uptake of findings.
- K13: Ethical principles and processes that relate to Operational Research and how to ensure compliance.
- K14: How regulatory frameworks, commercial and contract management collectively impact the practice of Operational Research.
- K15: How Data Protection legislation is implemented across own and client organisation.
- K20: How Operational Research has evolved and its impact on society.
Skills must have for Duty 10:
- S11: Recommend compliant solutions that address the client’s problem.
- S12: Source and use relevant internal/external technical expertise necessary to address the client’s problem.
Behavior must have for Duty 10:
- B4: Delivers client centric outcomes.
