International Transactions of Operational Research is looking its next editor. I chair the search committee. We just did a review of the journal, and I think it offers an interesting opportunity to the right person. The key is trying to make the journal not just a “me-too” journal, taking the rejects from higher-ranked journals. The issue is finding the right niche. Since the journal is sponsored by IFORS, making the journal a key outlet for “international operations research” seems a very promising direction.
But what is “international operations research”? Lots of OR seems country/culture-independent. Certainly much of “mathematical programming”-type operations research does not seem “international” in any way. But there are issues of particular interest to developing countries that seem quite international. And there are many topics in international management that seem to fit (models in international operations for instance).
I guess I am hoping that someone out there will come up with a convincing vision of what “International OR” could be and how ITOR could play an important role in achieving that vision.
IFORS feels strongly about wanting the journal to succeed. The Administrative Committee has budgeted some funds for the activities that generate journal material (workshops, datasets, etc.) to help make the journal a success.
Here is the full call for nominations:
Call for Nominations
Editor in Chief, International Transactions in Operational Research
Deadline for Nominations: September 15, 2006
Nominations are sought for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the International Transactions in Operational Research. This journal is sponsored by the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), an international organization of national societies whose primary objective is the advancement of Operational Research.
Following a recent review of the journal, the Administrative Committee of IFORS has reiterated its strong support for this journal and seeks an editor who will build off the current base to create a high-quality journal able to attract the best research in operational research of broad international interest.
Nominations (including self-nominations) for Editor-in-Chief are solicited. Candidates should have the following qualities:
- A demonstrated interest in a broad range of topics in Operational Research
- A demonstrated record of research in this field
- Significant editorial experience
- Commitment to the efficient handling of the workload involved in handling the journal
- Understanding of, and a vision for, an international view of operational research, including issues of interest in developing countries
The Administrative Committee is particularly interested in a candidate’s vision for creating excellence through focusing on international aspects of operational research. As an aid for attracting the best research for this journal, the Administrative Committee has committed funds for innovative activities such as workshops, conference tracks, and other activities that generate journal material.
The Search Committee consists of Michael Trick (chair, Carnegie Mellon), Peter Bell (University of Western Ontario), Jyrki Wallenius (Helsinki School of Economics), and Andres Weintraub (University of Chile).
Candidates may be either individuals or small teams of prospective co-Editors. Please submit comments, nominations, and applications by September 15, 2006. An application should consist of a resume and a brief statement of the candidate’s vision and plans for the journal. Information can be sent (preferably by email) to the chair of the Search Committee:
Michael Trick
Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
USA
Phone: +1 412 268 3697 Fax: +1 412 268 7357