@TECHREPORT\{IMM2005-04004,
    author       = "R. V. Vidal",
    title        = "Operational Research: A multidisciplinary discipline",
    year         = "2005",
    keywords     = "Operational Research, hard, soft, critical, creativity",
    number       = "",
    series       = "IMM-Technical Report-2005-14",
    institution  = "Informatics and Mathematical Modelling, Technical University of Denmark, {DTU}",
    address      = "Richard Petersens Plads, Building 321, {DK-}2800 Kgs. Lyngby",
    type         = "",
    url          = "http://www2.compute.dtu.dk/pubdb/pubs/4004-full.html",
    abstract     = "This paper is focusing on the following question: What is Operational Research (OR)?

We will show that there is not a single and simple answer. Epistemological assumptions and practical traditions define different types of {OR}. We have identified three: The technical or hard {OR,} the practical or soft {OR,} and the critical {OR}. Following a historical perspective we will present these three schools. Habermas' theory about the three cognitive interests will provide a framework to understand this development. Finally, some final remarks about the future of {OR} will be outlined."
}