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The end of theory?

Author

Listed:
  • White, L.
  • Taket, A.

Abstract

This paper explores a number of different theoretical positions concerned with the methodology, philosophy, process and practice of OR. These are presented in order to air some of the debates relevant to the theory of (or the role of theory in) OR, but not to provide any definitive resolution to the debates. In part, and in particular in terms of the style in which it is written, the paper is a response to Burrell's 1989 call for postmodernizing OR. The concluding section explores these links.

Suggested Citation

  • White, L. & Taket, A., 1996. "The end of theory?," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 47-56, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:24:y:1996:i:1:p:47-56
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Taket, A & White, L, 1994. "Doing community operational research with multicultural groups," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 22(6), pages 579-588, November.
    2. Flood, R. L., 1993. "Practising freedom: Designing, debating and disemprisoning," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 7-16, January.
    3. Eden, C, 1993. "From the playpen to the bombsite: the changing nature of management science," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 21(2), pages 139-154, March.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hector, Donald & Christensen, Carleton & Petrie, Jim, 2009. "A problem-structuring method for complex societal decisions: Its philosophical and psychological dimensions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 193(3), pages 693-708, March.
    2. Lowe, David & Espinosa, Angela & Yearworth, Mike, 2020. "Constitutive rules for guiding the use of the viable system model: Reflections on practice," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 287(3), pages 1014-1035.
    3. Ormerod, Richard & Yearworth, Mike & White, Leroy, 2023. "Understanding participant actions in OR interventions using practice theories: A research agenda," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 306(2), pages 810-827.

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