Operations Research is a way of studying problems. The basic approach used follows the scientific method, and in doing so utilizes existing or newly developed mathematical and statistical techniques and high speed computers to produce a more analytical basis for handling complex problems in long range planning and day-to-day operations. Studies have been carried out by affiliated companies of Standard Oil Company (N. J.) which have produced mathematical tools to assist in solving problems concerning marine transportation and terminal tankage. One such study carried out by Creole Petroleum Corporation was concerned with specification of the optimum pier facilities and terminal tankage for the Lacustre Marine Terminal at La Salina, Venezuela. This study resulted in the development of a mathematical model in which statistical formulae are used to represent major parts of the terminal operation and are tied together with operating decision rules in order to reproduce, or simulate, in mathematical form the actual operations. For any set of decision rules and configuration of terminal physical facilities, a simulation of the terminal operation ran be generated which will produce results similar to those which would be obtained if the same decision rules and facilities existed in the actual operations. The incentives for adding berths, lines, tanks, and pumps can be evaluated with the model, which was programmed to a high speed electronic computer for most efficient use. Another Operations Research study, which had as its purpose the minimizing of all terminai and transportation costs involved in the tanker movement of refined products from refineries to terminals, produced an operational type tool. This tool, which was developed to take into account all cost factors at one time and to minimize the total of these eosts, is being used to aid in the day-to-day scheduling of tankers as they arrive at refineries, and is designed to answer the questions of how much of each product should be loaded on a ship, and to which terminal or terminals the ship should be sent. While many transportation and distribution problems are being successfully studied using existing techniques, research and development work is being carried out to find new techniques which will enable Operations Research to encompass broader areas of operations. A most important distinction which can not be emphasized too strongly is that Operations Research is not a substitute for the judgment of the human being. Operations Research only aids the decision-maker by providing him with a more analytical basis for his decisions.
L' "Operation Research" représente un moyen d'étudier des problèmes. Afin d'avoir à sa disposition une base plus seientifique capable de résoudre des
