Action Research on Operations Research for Street Children

This paper discusses an application of the CRASP model of Action Research (AR) on Operations Research (OR). The CRASP model portrays AR as a style of staff development that would lead to professionalism. It also advocates social responsibility, committed and informed action, and a critical approach. All of these concerns are inherent to the process of reflection and development characteristic of OR. As an OR practitioner I participate in this process of reflection and development and applied the CRASP model of AR in performing one application novel to OR, namely, OR for street children. Reflecting on this application of AR on OR for street children, some similarities between AR and OR surface, as well as some difficulties in applying AR on OR, thereby enriching both AR and OR. It is hoped that through collaborative reflection with other AR and OR practitioners, this paper will further our professional development.