Min and Max
the
O.R. Heroes
minandmax.org.nz

The Min and Max posters and pamphlet provide information about operations research, how it is used in business and industry and where to study it at New Zealand Universities. This site provides links to further information.

O.R. Information

Resources for Teachers

Min and Max Creators

Operations Research

O.R. seeks to improve a problem situation by supplying decision makers with information and insights gained through problem analysis, often involving mathematical models and computers.

More Information …

    … About what Operations Research is

If you have not seen the Min and Max pamphlet, you can view a PDF version. Other operations research organisations have descriptions of operations research. Their views reflect the organisation's purpose. See, for example:

Further down you can find a collection of additional operations research links, including (new) two Blogs on Operations Research in current events. You can also find out more by searching the web using any search engine. Use any of the following search terms to find more information: "Operations Research", "Operational Research", "Management Science", "Operations Management", "OR/MS", "MS/OR".

    … About studying Operations Research at University in New Zealand

At some Universities operations research is called management science or operational research. It is also taught as part of operations management, systems or logistics.

    … About Operations Research at High School

Preliminary skills for operations research are taught at high school in the Mathematics curriculum. English is also useful to improve your report writing and communication skills. As a general guideline for what to study at high school if you plan to study operations research at university, take Mathematics or Statistics to Year 13 and English to Year 12.

Operations research is widely used so you can integrate it with your own strengths and interests. It can be complemented by additional high school subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, Electronics, Geography or Agricultural and Horticultural Science.

For more specific details contact the universities above.

    … About careers in Operations Research

The organisations below provide information about possible careers in operations research.

You can get an idea of where O.R. is used in New Zealand business and industry from the affiliations of the members of the New Zealand ORSNZ.

Operations research skills can also be used effectively in careers not directly related to operations research. Examples include general management positions, planning, banking, software engineering and manufacturing.

    … About Operations Research organisations

    … An interesting collection of Operations Research links

For Teachers

To request more posters and/or pamphlets email Min and Max at info@minandmax.org.nz
The following are available: Poster 1, Pamphlet.

Following are some teaching resources for high school Mathematics and Technology teachers.

For Industry

If you wish to find out about sponsoring the next Min and Max poster, email Min and Max at info@minandmax.org.nz

Who is behind Min and Max the O.R. Heroes?

The Min and Max posters and pamphlet were developed to inform high school students about operations research as a career and option for study at University. The information campaign was begun as many students do not find out about operations research until they are well into their University studies and this can limit the options they have for taking the subject further. A group of academics (Nicola Petty, Shane Dye and Andy Philpott) saw the need for the information campaign and got together to see it happen. Here is some information about these people.

Nicola Petty  Nicola is a lecturer in operations research within the Department of Management at the University of Canterbury. She has been heavily involved in the development and teaching of the first year courses in operations research (called Management Science at Canterbury). She developed the definition of O.R. that is used in the posters and brochure. Nicola also teaches other undergraduate and graduate courses. Nicola's current research involves evaluating and improving curriculum access for blind students in New Zealand schools.

Shane Dye  Shane is a senior lecturer in operations research within the Department of Management at the University of Canterbury. Shane is involved in teaching operations research at all levels from first year to the graduate level. His current research involves the development of models and methods for improving decision making under uncertainty.

Andy Philpott  Professor Andy Philpott teaches in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Auckland. He teaches operations research mostly at the graduate level. Andy's research involves the development of models and methods for improving decision making, including situations where decision are being made in an uncertain environment.

The Min and Max information campaign is not affiliated with any particular University or organisation, although it had the financial backing from some New Zealand universities. The New Zealand universities who provide financial assistance are: University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington and University of Waikato.

Poster 1 and the pamphlet were designed by Nicola Petty, Shane Dye and 360 Design. The artwork on poster 1 and the pamphlet are by 360 Design.

Last updated by Shane Dye 3--October-2005.