If this meeting is typical, we will hear a number of fine papers on such specific methods as queuing theory, decision theory, search theory, linear programming, etc. I would predict there will also be many excellent case studies discussed. In view of this display of professional talent, it seems that what is reserved for me, is to discuss operations research from the viewpoint of an inquisitive potential client who is at the same time intrigued by what we claim and confused by what we seem to do. Operations Research, ISSN 0030-364X, was published as Journal of the Operations Research Society of America from 1952 to 1955 under ISSN 0096-3984.