Action research for operations management
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 1 February 2002
Abstract
A fundamental methodological question guides this paper: How can operations managers and researchers learn from the applied activity that characterises the practice of OM? To address this question, defines and explores the legitimacy of an action‐oriented research approach in OM, and the particular logic and value of applying action research (AR) to the description and understanding of issues in OM. Begins with a review of the role of empirical research in OM and how AR features within the OM research literature. Introduces the theory and practice of AR and outlines the AR cycle and how AR is implemented. Finally, describes the skills required to engage in AR and explores issues in generating theory. Concludes with the assertion that AR is relevant and valid for the discipline of OM in its ability to address the operational realities experienced by practising managers while simultaneously contributing to knowledge.
Keywords
Citation
Coughlan, P. and Coghlan, D. (2002), "Action research for operations management", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 220-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570210417515
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited