Too much theory, not enough understanding⋆

Roger W. Schmenner, Luk Van Wassenhove, Mikko Ketokivi, Jeff Heyl, Robert F. Lusch

Journal of Operations Management · 2009 · Volume 27 · Issue 5

DOI: 10.1016/j.jom.2009.07.004

Abstract

This essay and the following commentaries address the use of theory in operations management. While much is said about theory in the typical journal article, theory, as science defines it, is not at the center of much of our research. The discipline had fallen into some bad habits. This essay and its commentaries appeal for more attention to what theory can mean for our understanding of operations management.

Keywords

Theory, Operations management, Empirical research

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