The Use of Operations Research in Decisions Made by Bank Managers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The current paper examines strategies that bank managers use in decision-making and seeks to determine awareness level of operations research (O.R.) techniques among bank top management. The study assesses the implementation of the techniques by 46 senior managers in banks in Alhasa, Saudi Arabia, by using survey and statistical methods to test research hypotheses. The survey was designed to collect information about the use of decision-making techniques, the implementation of computers and specialized programs for decision-making, the current status and obstacles that limit the application of decision-making techniques, ways to enhance the use of such tools and the socio-demographic profile of bank managers and employees. The results reveal bank manager's respondents typically felt a need to employ and apply decision analysis techniques. It was also found that the respondents generally favoured the establishment of a training center to enhance O.R. practices that would be a part of the qualifications of future bank's employees.