An objective of O. R. as it emerged from this evolution of industrial organization, is to provide managers of the organizations with a scientific basis for solving problems involving the interaction of the components of the organization in the best interest of the organization as a whole. A decision which is best for the organization as a whole is called optimum decision.

p. 6; Partly cited in: Werner Ulrich (2004) "In memory of C. West Churchman (1913–2004)." Journal of Organisational Transformation and Social Change. Vol 1 (Nr. 2–3) p. 210 - Introduction to Operations Research (1957)