Investigating the Reality of Using Quantitative Methods in Improving Decisions in a Sample of Public Industrial Sector Companies

Abstract

Purpose: The research aims to verify whether or not the production and marketing managers in Iraqi public companies (research sample) use the contemporary quantitative methods (operations research). The present research draws the attention on these managers to explain their importance and impact in choosing the best decision alternatives that respond to environmental complexities (economic, social, technical, and even political) that took place after the events of 2003. Theoretical Framework: The use of quantitative methods is seen as a criterion for the validity of decisions to be taken before implementation, which requires managers to think seriously about the importance and impact of these methods in reaching sound decisions, which raise economic efficiency and productivity, and improve the financial position of the company in its markets and among its competitors. Design/Methodology: The research community consists of (3) general industrial companies, as a sample chosen by the researcher to represent the Iraqi industry. And because the research problem is one of the existing and chronic problems in the Iraqi industry, therefore, the time series of the research included length of the economic life of the three companies. Findings: The results of the research showed that the industrial companies (the research sample) did not use quantitative methods in the past and in the present in decision-making processes, whether productive, marketing or other decisions, the researcher did not find any interest in the economic nature of the decisions taken. Therefore, we recommend attracting analysts and specialists in economics and management sciences to be a nucleus for the establishment of a central supporting unit that uses quantitative methods in the field of decision-making. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The research dealt with the issue of using quantitative methods in a sample of public industrial sector companies, and clarified its important role in making more objective decisions of an economic nature that works to reduce the randomness of dealing with local markets, the cases of uncertainty, and the economic and social benefits that can be provided to the companies themselves. And for members of society and those who deal with it. Originality/ Value: The originality of the research is embodied in the investigation of whether quantitative methods are used or not by organizing survey lists that were distributed to production and marketing managers in industrial companies (the research sample) to answer them, which is a precedent that has not occurred before in the Iraqi industry.