The conclusions of most good operations research studies are obvious. - Robert E. Machol

The lack of formal definition does not prevent us from noting the characteristics which are frequently present in large scale systems. Each such system has a certain integrity. It may or may not be rigidly controlled from some central point, but in every case, all the parts of the system have some common purpose; in some sense, they all contribute to the production of a single set of optimum outputs from the given set of inputs, with respect to some appropriate measure of effectiveness.

Most accidents in well-designed systems involve two or more events of low probability occurring in the worst possible combination.

Scientists possess healthy skepticism. They realize that you've got to know the answer before you measure it.