INFORMS at the University of Maryland

What We Do: Definitions of Operations Management and Management Science

Operations Management (OM): 

Operations management is a discipline within management and engineering that focuses on the systematic design, control and continuous improvement of processes involved in the production and delivery of goods and services. It encompasses a broad range of decisions related to capacity planning, supply chain coordination, inventory control, quality management and service operations. Rooted in both theory and practice, OM integrates analytical models and empirical methods to optimize performance across diverse operational contexts. 

Management Science (MS): 

Management Science is a rigorously analytical and interdisciplinary field that applies mathematical modeling, optimization, simulation and statistical analysis to support decision-making in complex organizational systems. As a subfield of operations research and analytics, MS seeks to develop and apply quantitative tools to address strategic, tactical and operational challenges in areas such as logistics, finance, healthcare and public policy. It emphasizes prescriptive insights that enhance managerial effectiveness under uncertainty and resource constraints.