Tackling the ever so important 'soft' issue in operations management

Article Abstract:

A number of soft issue management concerns surround operations management research. Three types of research are important to operations management researchers and professionals when they are properly applied. These are studies that evaluate resource allocation concerns, research that supports conceptual ideas, and works about the associations between strategy, practices and performance in operations. Researchers are urged to expand their skill base and promote the cooperation of executive colleagues to support soft issue management issues in operations management research.

Editorial

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The relationship of strategy, fit, productivity, and business performance in a services setting

Article Abstract:

Empirical research shows that fit plays an important role in business strategy, productivity and performance. This interrelationship was analyzed in a wholesale distribution service setting using a field-based approach. Results revealed that external fit exerts a significant positive and direct influence on business performance, suggesting that the fit of the operational elements with the business strategy is more important than the choice of strategy. It was also found that a high customer service strategy has a significant positive effect on productivity.

Business Methods, Management Theory & Techniques, Research, Management, Business planning, Services industry, Service industries, Industrial productivity

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On theory in operations management

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to show that a careful organization of information can support useful, productive concepts in operations management that correlate with popular theories of natural science. The nature of scientific inquiry was analyzed in general terms. Two theories were proposed to analyze the phenomenon of cross-factor productivity differences and the various dimensions of factory performance. Results indicated that theories can be combined to support the development of theories that address productivity and performance measures.

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