About This Career

Formulates and applies mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster Operations Management pathway.

A person in this career:

• Formulates mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• Performs validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
• Collaborates with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
• Presents the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
• Collaborates with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
• Analyzes information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
• Studies and analyzes information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
• Prepares management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
• Defines data requirements, and gathers and validates information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
• Observes the current system in operation, and gathers and analyzes information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel