operational research
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishRelated topics: Business, Technologyoperational researchˌoperational reˈsearch, operations research noun [uncountable] BTthe study of the best ways to build and use machines or plan organizationsExamples from the Corpusoperational research• Graduates often enter other professions such as those of the actuary, accountant, and operational research scientist.• In 1941 Williams became director of operational research at Coastal Command.• It has, today, been adapted to measure the effectiveness of operational research.