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Advancing Empirical Science in Operations Management Research: A Clarion Call to Action

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  • Aleda Roth

    (College of Business, Department of Management, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634;)

  • Eve Rosenzweig

    (Information Systems and Operations Management, Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322)

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the rise of empirical operations management research in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management ( M&SOM ). We review 91 empirically focused papers published in M&SOM since its inception in 1999, classifying them based on data type and data collection methodology. The results show that although empirical operations management research has made great strides thus far, empirical research still lags analytic modeling, and much work remains to be done. We call on operations management scholars to broaden and increase their use of empirical tools as a vital source of new knowledge creation; and we highlight the benefits of filling methodological gaps, especially in case and survey research. Drawing on the dynamics associated with paradigm shifts, we offer a new research paradigm that we term combinative research value , in which these two empirical techniques, coupled with other approaches (e.g., web scraping, analyses of big data, and/or analytic modeling), can help accelerate our understanding of changing operating strategies and practices. We advocate for a tighter integration of analytical and empirical operations management knowledge in order to address the challenges and opportunities of the fast-paced, enormous forces of change in the 21st century.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleda Roth & Eve Rosenzweig, 2020. "Advancing Empirical Science in Operations Management Research: A Clarion Call to Action," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 179-190, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormsom:v:22:y:2020:i:1:p:179-190
    DOI: 10.1287/msom.2019.0829
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sunil Mithas & Yanzhen Chen & Yatang Lin & Alysson De Oliveira Silveira, 2022. "On the causality and plausibility of treatment effects in operations management research," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(12), pages 4558-4571, December.
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    5. Aleda M. Roth & Vinod R. Singhal, 2022. "Pioneering role of the Production and Operations Management in promoting empirical research in operations management," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(12), pages 4529-4543, December.
    6. Sunil Mithas & Zhi‐Long Chen & Terence J.V. Saldanha & Alysson De Oliveira Silveira, 2022. "How will artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 emerging technologies transform operations management?," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(12), pages 4475-4487, December.

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