| Summary: | Many academics utilise management science or operational research (MS/OR) for business purposes. Specifically, MS/OR methods have played important roles in managing the profitability and the robustness of the food supply chain in the private sector; for example, by maximising income, improving efficiency and managing risk. However, there have been few published studies investigating the application of MS/OR methods from a public sector perspective. Discussions regarding food sector management in the context of the public sector are relevant for food security system management. This dissertation investigates the importance of applying MS/OR methods to policy making in the public food supply chain, and further links them with food security (availability, access to food, utility and stability) sustainment. Therefore, MS/OR methods become evidenced-based to further support policy making in the public food supply chain, from planning to monitoring and evaluation.
Published literature on MS/OR, public policy, and economic development studies were gathered to draw insights into the past and potential use of MS/OR methods for public food supply chain management. Knowledge from such literature guided conclusions about the fundamental use of MS/OR methods for public food supply chain management. In addition, practical uses of MS/OR methods for policy making processes are discussed. As studies applying MS/OR methods to public food supply chain management are limited, future research is necessary to explore this area. Future implications are explored and potential research areas are discussed.
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