INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  Latest episode of the Resoundingly Human podcast features Dr. Queue

    Posted 08-30-2024 06:55

    In this episode, I'm joined by a longtime member of the INFORMS community, Richard Larson, post-tenure professor with MIT, past-president of both ORSA and INFORMS, recipient of the INFORMS Lanchester Prize, and author many times over, including his most recent book, Model Thinking for Everyday Life.

    What's wonderful about Dick's latest book, is its innovative and accessible approach to showing you how to think like, well an INFORMS member! The book combines real life examples with Dick's own personal experiences to show you how to shift the way you problem solve and improve your own decision making processes. But most of all, it's a fun and entertaining read!

    Listen now!



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    Ashley Kilgore
    Manager, Communications
    INFORMS
    Catonsville MD
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  • 2.  RE: Latest episode of the Resoundingly Human podcast features Dr. Queue

    Posted 11-15-2024 02:46

    In this engaging episode, Professor Richard Larson, an MIT faculty member and former INFORMS president, dives into his latest book, Model Thinking for Everyday Life. He shares how INFORMS principles can be practically applied to everyday decisions. What I loved most was Larson's approachable style; he connects real-life examples with his deep experience in operations research, making "model thinking" feel both accessible and useful.

    One thing that really stood out was how Larson made complex ideas enjoyable. His relatable anecdotes give the episode a conversational feel, making these technical concepts easy to grasp. However, I felt a brief summary at the end highlighting key takeaways would've made it even better, helping listeners retain and apply the principles.

    This episode resonated with me, especially around decision-making. Larson's approach reminded me of our class discussions on structured problem-solving-how models can simplify complex choices. His work underscores that analytical thinking isn't just for researchers but can elevate our everyday decision-making.



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    Rimsa Shrestha
    UC Davis
    San Jose CA
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  • 3.  RE: Latest episode of the Resoundingly Human podcast features Dr. Queue

    Posted 12-02-2024 07:48

    Glad to listen to this latest episode by Richard Larson, a renowned INFORMS member and MIT professor! This podcast does an excellent job of highlighting how OR principles can solve both complex and everyday problems, from managing airline logistics to keeping track of dog food inventory.

    What makes this episode engaging is Larson's captivating storytelling. One standout moment is his recounting of how a fraternity mishap involving professional thieves serendipitously launched his career in OR. His advisor turned the incident into an opportunity for research, which eventually led Larson to join a presidential task force on crime. 

    One thing that impressed me was that it makes OR relatable. Larson's explanation of how algorithms like Dijkstra's, used for shortest path calculations, are embedded in GPS systems connects abstract concepts to tangible applications. The conversational tone makes these advanced ideas accessible to a broad audience, whether they're seasoned professionals or curious listeners unfamiliar with OR.

    However, one area for improvement could be pacing. While Larson's anecdotes are fascinating, the conversation occasionally delves too deeply into his personal history at the expense of focusing on the broader takeaways from his book. Structuring the discussion to tie his stories more directly to actionable insights could enhance the listener's experience.

    This episode resonates with me as I explore ways to apply data science and OR principles in real-world scenarios, such as my practicum project on data pipeline automation. Larson's emphasis on model-based thinking aligns with the systematic problem-solving approach I use to optimize workflows and visualize metrics like churn rates and customer lifetime value. His passion for making OR accessible motivates me to consider how I can share similar insights in my work.

    Looking forward to more episodes from Resoundingly Human podcast!



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    Yingxuan Bian
    San Francisco CA
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