Abstract
The originsand initial scope of Operations Research (OR) evolved from the need to resolve operational military problems during World War II (WWII). OR’s growth and applicability as a new science has come about by its ability to assimilate, adapt, and extend old and new ideas from across a wide range of scientific developments. In particular, the interaction between OR and advances in mid-twentieth century mathematics and computers has proven to be a remarkable occurrence. The mathematician John von Neumann played a central role in these advances. He made seminal and major contributions to game theory, utility theory, stored-program computers, numerical analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation, all of which helped to advance the theory and application of OR.
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Gass, S.I. (2011). John von Neumann. In: Assad, A., Gass, S. (eds) Profiles in Operations Research. International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, vol 147. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6281-2_4
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