Operational research is an attitude of mind and a collection of techniques. Although the people who make up the engineering strength of a guided weapons firm find that attitude of mind congenial and commonly approach their problems predisposed to use the techniques, it is uncommon to encounter an OR group in any great strength.

This is perhaps because the grouping of people by techniques in such firms is more natural when those techniques bear a direct relation to the firm's products. Despite the fact that a substantial body of practitioners is not to be found in close association, practices which are recognisable as OR are to be found throughout the course of a project.