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

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.