Special Issue On Research Methodology In Operations Management

The aim of the special issue. The purpose of this special issue of the International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM) is to contribute to the standards of research in the field of operations management (OM). A statement regarding the aim of the special issue may explain more. This issue of the journal resembles more a planned ‘‘book’’, than an issue open for submitted manuscripts. There are four invited contributions that complement each other. These are on survey studies, case studies, action research, and simulation and modelling. Each manuscript was required to have three dimensions. The texts focus on ‘‘how’’, not only on ‘‘what’’. The articles are designed to serve as valuable advanced comprehensive reference texts for non-beginners. Their format contributes a step-by-step thinking in carrying through each research approach. In addition, each article includes an introductory discussion of important references and their contributions, typical contributions from the respective research approach, typical issues dealt with in the approach and (to the extent that it is applicable) a step-by-step treatment of the approach including data selection, data gathering, data treatment, analysis, synthesis, and strengths and weaknesses of the approach. Integrated in the text there are references to cases or examples of good research in the OMfield published in refereed journals. EDEN seminar in OM and the present special issue – a common philosophy Concurrent EDEN aim This publication is one of two important outcomes of the European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM) and European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) joint workshop on research methodology in operations management. This workshop has been held annually in February since 1998. Two parallel processes have been going on, one basic a doctoral seminar for European doctoral students, a second being the faculty developing the material published in this special issue. The EDEN activity EDEN (EIASM Doctoral Education Network) is organized around an integrated set of doctoral seminars, which bring participants into systematic interaction, leading them to comparing their approaches and crossexamining their research work. It consists of a mix of intensive one-week seminars dealing with advanced research methodology issues in management, as well as with the frontiers of specific areas of interest. EIASM involves the best doctoral students and their supervisors, but also the institutions to which they belong. Therefore the doctoral seminars are produced in networks of European faculty establishing linkages between leading European business schools and universities. These seminars address various fields of management research. This special issue is the documented outcome of such a project with specific reference to EDEN in OM. The need for an EDEN in OM program and this special issue The