INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  Seeking Feedback about OR/MS Today

    Posted 07-10-2024 12:36
    Happy summer to those in the Western Hemisphere! In my latest editorial, I mentioned that I'm looking for feedback regarding the content of OR/MS Today, so I'm reaching out here to get some thoughts about your membership magazine. (Here's the latest full issue.)
    I'm curious to know:
    - How many of you read through my column (online or in print?)?
    - For those who do, do you enjoy reading my thoughts on current events and personal anecdotes?
    For the Inside Story, I aim to provide intriguing and insightful thoughts with a bit of humor and a personal touch, relating it the best way I can to the INFORMS community and the wide world of OR/MS and analytics. I also provide a preview of what's in the current issue to help you decide which articles to read.
    Is this approach working for you? Or would you prefer a more straightforward outline of the issue's contents? I enjoy sharing my thoughts, but am open to streamlining.
    I've asked for feedback in the past, and I'd like to ask again.
    For those who read OR/MS Today:
    - What do you like about the magazine's contents and its look and feel in the past few years?
    - What's missing?
    - What do you want to see more or less of?
    For those who don't read OR/MS Today: Why?
    Constructive feedback is invaluable. If you have criticisms, please follow them up with suggestions for improvement. Understanding your preferences will help us make the magazine even better.
    I've brought this discussion to INFORMS Connect in hopes that we can have a meaningful dialogue. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of our magazine. In addition, if you'd like to share thoughts on Analytics magazine (or to contribute to either magazine), please let us know!
    Looking forward to your helpful thoughts!


    ------------------------------
    Kara Tucker
    Editor
    Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
    CATONSVILLE MD
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Seeking Feedback about OR/MS Today

    Posted 07-12-2024 12:06

    Thank you for initiating this discussion thread.

    To be completely honest, I am inconsistent at best with reading OR/MS Today (or any professional publication for that matter).  However, I repeatedly tell myself to do better.  So, when I do read articles, why does that happen?

    1) I read an article when a post about it appears in my LinkedIn feed.

    2) I read an article when I have  a heads up about it.....so am waiting on it.

    3) I read part of a physical copy when an article topic catches my eye.  I rarely will read cover to cover.  A failing I still want to remedy.

    4) Connect emails are starting to help me get into publications more.

    I look forward to hearing everyones thoughts on this topic.



    ------------------------------
    Nicholas Ulmer
    CANA LLC
    Pacific Grove CA
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Seeking Feedback about OR/MS Today

    Posted 07-12-2024 14:40

    I have enjoyed OR/MS Today for 4o years - more than "fun", I have found it of value.   Every periodical / journal / magazine has its role.  OR/MS Today fits the role between a formal journal article and trade-press.  The material always has interesting well written content focused on important topics - without the overhead of a journal.  This enables the magazine to respond quickly to emerging items - from a technical item to current events to the passing of long-time pillars of the OR/MS community.  Do I read it end to end most months - NO, but I always look at to get a sense of what the community is focused on.  And I do read some of the material.  More than that I pass it along to others.   My observation is you have maintained the rich tradition of OR/MS Today.



    ------------------------------
    Ken Fordyce
    director analytics without borders
    Arkieva
    Wilmington DE
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Seeking Feedback about OR/MS Today

    Posted 07-14-2024 16:15
    Edited by Jill Capello 07-19-2024 07:12

    Kara, 

    Firstly, I read whatever benefits me or my team in terms of career succession. For context, I have a 1:1 with my CEO every other week. I did not prepare questions or materials for our recent meeting, but I had written salient points from a career development article I read in Today a few weeks ago. Those were my talking points. It went great. Touched on personal vision, identifying gaps between present state and aspirations, and talked about lateral rotations to diversify my experience. Suggestion is do more of this but tailor by career stage. But honestly, you guys are doing a great job here.

    Secondly, I never read cover to cover. Best I do is read the first and last sentence from 2-3 articles. No suggestions here.

    Thirdly, huge turn off is anything about an authors' personal politics or preferences. Anything about "identify of the month" is a no go for me. Suggestion is dial it down - it really is in our faces ALL THE TIME - and focus on what benefits our pockets and development. 



    ------------------------------
    Alberto Aparicio
    Data Analyst
    Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
    San Diego
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Seeking Feedback about OR/MS Today

    Posted 07-18-2024 15:06

    Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on this thread or messaged me directly. Any other thoughts to share with the community regarding our magazines?



    ------------------------------
    Kara Tucker
    Editor
    Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
    CATONSVILLE MD
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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