Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the evolution of operations management (OM) research along two major dimensions from 1977 to 2003 and discusses possible paths for research progression in the future. Design/methodology/approach – To identify OM research papers, a careful definition...

Identifies the significant role of conceptual research methods in theory building and contrasts it with the theory‐testing research currently prevalent in operations management. The research stages of description, explanation and testing are used to distinguish between theory building and...

Presents eight guidelines to help managers better utilize their flexible manufacturing technology (FMT). Suggests changes in the operator′s role, the production planning system and the integration of departments. The conclusions are based primarily on an in‐depth study of six companies using...

Relates the current situation with regard to operations management in the USA by reporting on journal submissions and course popularity. Notes that the areas most popular in terms of journal submissions are supply chain management, operations strategy and quality management. Also notes that, in...

This paper presents the results of a case/simulation study that evaluated a number of potential maintenance policies for a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Empirical data were used to structure the operation of the FMS, and to simulate its failures and repairs on the shop floor. Five...