The Impact of Technology on the Information Systems and Operations Research Professions

Abstract

Management access to personal computers should not reduce the role of information professionals from active problem solving to user education as often speculated. The role of technology has been, and always will be, to facilitate the creative application of the basic methods of science, which are themselves unchanging. The particular roles played by systems analysts, management scientists, decision engineers, and the like may evolve under the influence of new technology, but the example set by the original operations researchers of the World War II era will remain relevant in any technological scenario. A reminder may help information professionals to avoid throwing technology at problems for its own sake and stop fearing for the future of their professions. However, the OR profession would do well to improve the marketing and public relations aspects of its own achievements and activities.