Get to know the members of ORSSA: Dave Evans

In this edition of Get to Know the Members of ORSSA, we feature Dave Evans, an additional member of the Executive Committee. As part of the ORSSA Exec, Dave contributes to supporting the society’s activities and helping strengthen the OR community.

In this short interview, we get to know more about Dave, his interests, and his perspective on being involved with ORSSA and the field of Operations Research.

What is your academic and professional background?

"I have a MSc in Operational Research and Management Studies from Imperial College, London – what would now be described as an MBA with the OR options, although that label hadn’t arrived in Britain back in those days, as well as a MA in Biochemistry from Cambridge University."

How (and when) did you first get involved with ORSSA?

"In 1971, when I came to AECI in Joburg, who had many members in ORSSA."

What position do you hold on Exec and for how long have you had this position?

"I’m currently an ‘additional’ member. ORSSA is a member of AFROS – the African Federation of OR societies. I was their secretary when it was set up, twenty odd years ago, and have been president. I am currently the vice-president and secretary, so I’m a link there."

Tell us a bit more about what your role includes on the Exec.

"I just contribute anything that is required these days."

Have you had any other positions on the Exec of ORSSA (and if so, when)?

"I’ve been on the Exco most of the past 50-odd years; president (three times), treasurer (twice) and secretary, as well as ex officio when I was Joburg Chapter chairman."

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of being a member of ORSSA?

"It is a very positive OR community – our events are wide ranging and high quality and the social aspects of being a member are also great."

What excites you about the field of OR?

"The potential to have significant positive impact on so many aspects of what goes on in the world."

Was there a specific project or moment that made you realise, "This is why I love OR"?

"A project back in the 1970s where we were doing the analysis of a massive, very high impact project for what was then AECI. The project team was three of us junior members, doing all the calculations, in what was effectively an ‘Excel’ which I had written in Fortran, and about six senior managers and board members. Both the fun of working with them, and the realisation that we

were having input at that level!"

What OR technique do you find yourself using the most and why?

"I am now retired, but simulation and LP were my major tools."

What skills do you think OR students should focus on developing today?

"There is obviously the technology tool set, but the human interaction ability is critical – being able to hear what your client is really saying, knowing how to ask what may be awkward questions without antagonising them, and selling your outputs honestly, and not ‘over the top’, are all vital."

What is one common misconception people have about OR?

"Seeing it as a ‘maths’ subject, and not appreciating the wide value of its applicability – probably our own fault, as OR practitioners are famously bad at marketing…"

What has been your favourite ORSSA memory over the years?

"Working and socialising with such great people – both in the workplace and in ORSSA."

What piece of advice would you give to students or those new to OR?

"Don’t see it as a backroom mathematical career – learn the interpersonal skills and behaviours, and make a point of getting out there and interacting with your clients as much as you can."