This course provides an introduction to analysis and operational research in a defence context.

Includes:

  • details of the use of operational research in defence decision making, how it is used and by whom
  • an introduction and exposure to the methods and tools which are used in defence analysis
  • hands-on practical exercises.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 13 - 17 May 2024
    • 12 - 15 May 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£1,925 Concessions available

What you will learn

  • To introduce defence analysis and operational research.
  • To detail the use of operational research in decision making, how it is used and by whom.
  • To introduce the methods and tools which are used in defence analysis.

Core content

  • Origins and concepts of operational research
  • Model building in operational research
  • Weapon and defence system assessment
  • Measures of effectiveness and performance
  • Logistics modelling
  • Mathematical combat modelling
  • Wargaming
  • Combat modelling and simulation
  • Human in the loop simulation
  • Distributed simulation for defence applications

Timetable

  • Can be delivered as a tailored course for a particular customer requirement.

    • Who should attend

    The course is aimed at:

    • those with a background in operational research, but only limited knowledge of its defence applications
    • more senior staff, whose work has brought them into contact with operational research, and who now wish to gain a better understanding of the subject
    • new graduates with a general science or engineering background who wish to gain a better understanding of operational research.

    Note that this is intended as a general introduction to operational research in a defence context. Anyone with specific interests or requirements could also consider one of our more specialised courses.

    No formal requirements for the short course.

    Concessions

    A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available.

    Location and travel

    Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

    Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

    Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

    All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

    For further location and travel details

    How to apply

    To apply for this course please use the online application form.

    Apply now

    Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.