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OM Forum—Three Simple Approaches for Young Scholars to Identify Relevant and Novel Research Topics in Operations Management

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  • Christopher S. Tang

    (UCLA Anderson School, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095)

Abstract

The revolution in information technology has provided the research community in operations management (OM) with new areas to explore and many new avenues to develop. In recognition of this, many editors of OM journals strive to publish new ideas. These two forces generate strong motivation, but many young OM scholars find it difficult to find new OM research ideas. To address this challenge, I describe three simple thought processes (or approaches) that I have learned and used to identify new research topics over the last 35 years. These approaches are as follows: (1) observe and learn to develop “problem-based” research, (2) ask “whys” to develop “phenomenon-based” research, and (3) sketch graphs to develop “insight-based” research. Clearly, these simple approaches are neither complete nor optimal; however, I share these personal thought processes with the hope of contributing to discussions as to how the next generation of OM researchers can build upon and expand the remarkable impact that our field has had and will continue to have.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher S. Tang, 2017. "OM Forum—Three Simple Approaches for Young Scholars to Identify Relevant and Novel Research Topics in Operations Management," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 19(3), pages 338-346, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormsom:v:19:y:2017:i:3:p:338-346
    DOI: 10.1287/msom.2017.0633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    15. H. Dharma Kwon & Steven A. Lippman & Kevin F. McCardle & Christopher S. Tang, 2010. "Project Management Contracts with Delayed Payments," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 12(4), pages 692-707, October.
    16. Teck H. Ho & Christopher S. Tang, 2004. "Introduction to the Special Issue on Marketing and Operations Management Interfaces and Coordination," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(4), pages 429-430, April.
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    19. Felipe Caro & Jérémie Gallien & Miguel Díaz & Javier García & José Manuel Corredoira & Marcos Montes & José Antonio Ramos & Juan Correa, 2010. "Zara Uses Operations Research to Reengineer Its Global Distribution Process," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 40(1), pages 71-84, February.
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    22. Teck-Hua Ho & Christopher S. Tang & David R. Bell, 1998. "Rational Shopping Behavior and the Option Value of Variable Pricing," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 44(12-Part-2), pages 145-160, December.
    23. Xin Li & Pengfei Guo & Zhaotong Lian, 2016. "Quality-Speed Competition in Customer-Intensive Services with Boundedly Rational Customers," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 25(11), pages 1885-1901, November.
    24. Hau L. Lee, 1996. "Effective Inventory and Service Management Through Product and Process Redesign," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(1), pages 151-159, February.
    25. Volodymyr Babich & Christopher S. Tang, 2012. "Managing Opportunistic Supplier Product Adulteration: Deferred Payments, Inspection, and Combined Mechanisms," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 14(2), pages 301-314, April.
    26. David Simchi-Levi, 2014. "OM Forum —OM Research: From Problem-Driven to Data-Driven Research," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 16(1), pages 2-10, February.
    27. John Birge (Editor) & Panos Kouvelis (Editor) & Duane Seppi (Editor), 2007. "Call for Papers--Special Issue of Management Science: Interfaces of Operations and Finance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 53(2), pages 355-355, February.
    28. David F. Drake & Stefan Spinler, 2013. "OM Forum —Sustainable Operations Management: An Enduring Stream or a Passing Fancy?," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 15(4), pages 689-700, October.
    29. Eric V. Denardo & Christopher S. Tang, 1997. "Control of a Stochastic Production System with Estimated Parameters," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(9), pages 1296-1307, September.
    30. John Boudreau & Wallace Hopp & John O. McClain & L. Joseph Thomas, 2003. "On the Interface Between Operations and Human Resources Management," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 5(3), pages 179-202, September.
    31. Felipe Caro & Jérémie Gallien, 2010. "Inventory Management of a Fast-Fashion Retail Network," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 58(2), pages 257-273, April.
    32. Tang, Christopher S. & Zhou, Sean, 2012. "Research advances in environmentally and socially sustainable operations," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 223(3), pages 585-594.
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