Solving complex problems in logistics and transportation with Operations Research

Author: Diana Petrowicz

Operations Research is a field focused on solving complex, real-world problems using analytical methods. From transportation and logistics to healthcare and supply chains, its applications are wide-ranging and increasingly important. This blog introduces Springer Nature’s new Operations Research eBook collection and explores how it supports teaching, research and professional practice across disciplines.

Operations Research helps industries manage complexity and make smarter decisions. It’s especially valuable in logistics, transportation, supply chains, manufacturing and energy, fields where systems are interconnected and data-driven decisions matter. Also known as Management Science, it uses analytical methods and modelling to solve real-world problems, from pricing and financial planning to healthcare and disaster response. It’s also central to business education: around 30% of Springer Nature’s Operations Research portfolio includes professional books used in MBA case studies, and 11% are textbooks used in core curricula.

As its relevance grows, Operations Research is gaining fresh attention. Springer Nature’s new eBook collection brings together content from business, mathematics, computer science and engineering, making it one of the most interdisciplinary resources available. We spoke with editorial directors William Achauer and Christian Rauscher about the thinking behind the collection and why it’s a timely resource for academic libraries, research offices and corporate teams.

What motivated the launch of the Operations Research eBook collection and who is it for?

Operations Research is a core sub-discipline within Springer Nature’s business and management publishing portfolio. The decision to launch a dedicated eBook collection was driven by the success of the broader business and management collection and the opportunity to serve a growing audience focused on quantitative, data-driven approaches. With contributions from applied mathematics, computer science and engineering, the collection is highly interdisciplinary and reflects the expanding relevance of Operations Research across sectors.

This collection is designed for a wide range of users: researchers in business, logistics, supply chain management, analytics, economics (especially Game Theory), applied mathematics and engineering; professionals working in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, sports and tourism; and students studying these disciplines. It supports both academic inquiry and practical application, making it a valuable resource for institutions and individuals alike.

Which research areas and expert contributors shape the Operations Research eBook collection?

The Operations Research eBook collection covers a wide range of research areas, including industrial production, logistics, routing and scheduling, supply chain management, multicriteria decision making, game theory and the management of large complex systems. It also explores cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, big data, distributed ledger technology, smart grids, and adaptive systems, reflecting the latest trends in both research and industry.

The collection features contributions from leading experts in the field, including:

• Frederick Hillier (Stanford), founding editor of the flagship series ISORMS
• Michel Gendreau (Montreal), current ISORMS editor and top-cited scholar in operations research
• Grazia Speranza (Brescia), former president of EURO
• Panos Pardalos (Florida), EURO Gold Medal winner
• Dmitry Ivanov (Berlin), co-author of Global Supply Chain and Operations Management
• Gilbert Laporte (Montreal), Order of Canada recipient and one of Canada’s most influential management researchers

Together, these contributors help shape a collection that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Which subject areas are closely related to Operations Research and why do they matter?

Operations Research overlaps significantly with applied mathematics, computer science and engineering, disciplines that provide the analytical and technical foundation for its models and methods. These connections enable the development of tools for optimization, decision-making and systems analysis across industries.

Its interdisciplinary nature also links it to several other subject areas. Research into the fields of production, logistics and supply chain can be expanded by the Springer Nature Business & Management eBook collection, applied science has crossovers with the Mathematics collection, the field of big data analytics is also covered by the Computer Science collection, industrial management is an interdisciplinary field within Mechanical Engineering and game theory, financial management and investment and distributed ledger technology (DLT) are also part of the Economics & Finance collection.

These crossovers make Operations Research a powerful framework for tackling complex challenges across academic and professional domains.

What content will the first books in the Operations Research eBook collection cover?

The initial titles in this new eBook collection bring together core works from the business and management program, alongside key contributions from applied mathematics, computer science and engineering. The content reflects the breadth of the field, with applications in mobility, retail, healthcare management, disaster response and more.

Covering nearly every product category, from SpringerBriefs and Palgrave Pivots to monographs, proceedings and textbooks, the collection supports undergraduate, graduate and advanced learning, as well as professional practice through case studies and applied research. As William Achauer, Editorial Director for eBooks in Operations Research, notes:

“Springer Nature is the leading publisher of Operations Research, both in terms of journals and in books. This eBook collection represents the largest set of contributions of methods, cases, and applications in Operations Research there is on the planet.”

This collection offers a unique opportunity to access high-quality, interdisciplinary content that supports teaching, research and innovation. To explore the full scope of the Operations Research eBook collection or to discuss how it can enhance your library’s offerings, visit the collection or get in touch.

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