Leroy White

The end of theory

This paper explores a number of different theoretical positions concerned with the methodology, philosophy, process and practice of OR. These are presented in order to air some of the debates relevant to the theory of (or the role of theory in) OR, but not to provide any definitive resolution to the debates. In part, and in particular in terms of the style in which it is written, the paper is a response to Burrells 1989 call for postmodernizing OR. The concluding section explores these links.

Pragmatic pluralism—An explication

AbstractThe focus with which the paper is concerned is the process or task of intervention and, more specifically, the exploration of three (overlapping and interacting) questions pertinent to those who would intervene:What is to be done?How shall we decide what to do?What can guide our actions? In terms of what we will describe as pragmatic pluralism (our response to these questions), we intend this to be read in several different ways and on several different levels. Illustrating the discussion with examples from a number of different case studies, we will talk about pluralism in each of the following features:in the use of specific methods/techniquesin the role(s) of the interventionistsin the modes of representation employedin the use of different rationalitiesin the ‘nature’ of the client

Development options for a rural community in Belize - alternative development and operational research

Abstract This paper describes a project undertaken in Belize, Central America, to look at development options for a rural community. This paper begins by providing a background to Alternative Development, and ORs relation to it. It outlines the methodology adopted in teh project (Rapid Rural Appraisal) and provides a discussion on the use of this method in conjunction with problem structuring methods in the under-developed countries.

Working with Heterogeneity

Our experience in evaluation has been that we need to find ways of working in situations which have a high degree of variety and in which acceptance and respect for difference is important. Such situations display a high degree of heterogeneity, in a number of different senses: the differences between the people involved in the situation; differences between groups; and lack of stability in the environment. In contrast, most well-established evaluation strategies expect a stable hypothesis to be under test, do not recognise more than one perception of a situation, and are based on the implicit assumption that a unitary description of reality can be offered. The starting point for the paper will be a critical analysis of a particular strategy for evaluation arising from within the systems tradition. The concept of heterogeneity will be explored and the paper will present an alternative way of approaching evaluation, which we have found particularly valuable for use where a high degree of variety exists. The pluralist strategy described is based on the acknowledgement and respect of difference, rather than its rationalisation. Elements of this strategy for evaluation will be illustrated with examples from recent work in the social policy arena.