This thesis describes a research programme which investigates further the models developed by Conway [1] - the dynamic model of the process of operational research and the life cycle of in-house operational research groups. It studies the relationships between the two, and also extends the range of applicability of the models. From this the research develops a useful tool to assist the strategic management of in-house operational research groups. In the prev ious study, the two mode I s had been re I ated in theory only. This study investigates the actual relationships and develops a method of defining an operational research group's position on its life cycle using data about the mix of proj ects of the dynamic mode I project types. This method was developed using data from the Conway study, and tested on data collected in two surveys conducted during the current period of research. In certain circumstances, it was found to be essential that other aspects of the data on operational research projects were used to help define more exactly the current state of health of the operational research group. The level or importance of the project was shown to be significant, as was the approach employed when tackling the project. The validity of the model with respect to other forms of operational research group was also investigated, and external consultancy was chosen for this research. A classification was developed which categorised consultants according to their managerial structure, and consultants from each of the types in the classification were interviewed using Systems Based Interviewing. The interviews showed that the dynamic model of the process of operational research was a valid way to describe external operational research consultancy. Some preliminary concepts involving the life cycle of consultancies were also developed, but could not be tested within the time scale of this study. 1. CONWAY, D.A., (1984), "The Development and Application of a Dynamic Model of the Process of Operational Research". PhD thesis, Hatfield Polytechnic.