Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Operations Researcher Richard Larson

Lexington, MA – Richard Larson has been an operations researcher for over five decades. His success in this area earned him the nickname “Dr. Queue”. In addition, he also describes himself as an “MIT Lifer.” In other words, besides being an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he also is a tenured professor at MIT.

According to Brittanica, operations research (OR) is the “application of scientific methods to the management and administration of organized military, governmental, commercial, and industrial processes.”

“It’s bringing the scientific method to the world in which we live,” confirms Richard. In operations research, Richard utilizes a model thinking approach. “Model thinking is part of operations research,” adds Richard.

Model thinking, according to Richard, has two definitions – “exemplary thinking, which is thinking to be emulated, such the term ‘model citizen’, and conceptual thinking, which is part of scientific research and mathematics.”

His knowledge and expertise have manifested itself in his most recent book, Model Thinking for Everyday Life: How to Make Smarter Decisions. Released in 2023, the book title has been carefully selected, so that it incorporates both meaning – exemplary and conceptual.

“It’s an active learning book that takes the reader through all different aspects of their daily life,” explains Richard.

“The book is written for a general audience, as opposed to an academic audience,” summarizes Richard.

You may purchase Richard Larson’s most recent book Model Thinking for Everyday Life on Amazon