Operations management theory building research : the case study approach and some methodological issues

Senevi Kiridena

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[Over the years, operations management (OM) has evolved from a predominantly natural science based discipline to a more encompassing one inclusive of behavioural sciences. Consequently there is an increasing recognition of the relevance of interpretivist approaches, over traditional positivist approaches, to OM research. The intent of this paper is to discuss some methodological issues associated with the use of case study approach in OM theory building research. The discussion builds on existing knowledge of the use of qualitative approaches to research OM theory building, and work carried out in related areas such as strategy process research. The discussion is facilitated by a qualitative research study on the manufacturing strategy process. The significance of the multiple case study approach in investigating complex phenomena such as strategy process is confirmed while acknowledging the limitations of the same. In qualitative studies, particularly in the context of novice researches, the major challenge is to devise appropriate strategies, tactics, and compositional structures in order to address the problem of "anecdotalism ". The best possible way to meet this challenge is to be as specific as warranted by the context in which the research project was carried out and reporting on all procedures followed and the protocols used. Ways and means of addressing a number of other broader issues that are of significance to theory building research such as scholarship of research and contribution to knowledge are also discussed. The paper concludes with a call for broader consensus towards a generic framework for guiding, facilitating, and evaluating qualitative theory building research in OM.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationGlobal Challenges and Local Applications: Proceedings of the ANZAM 2004 Operations Management Symposium, held at University of Melbourne, June 17-18, 2004
    PublisherUniversity of Melbourne
    Number of pages1
    ISBN (Print)0734030223
    Publication statusPublished - 2004
    EventOperations Management Symposium -
    Duration: 1 Jan 2004 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceOperations Management Symposium
    Period1/01/04 → …

    Keywords

    • operations management
    • research

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