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A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Methodologies in Management: Partial Results of a Systemic Intervention in a Textile SME in Argentina
Author(s) -
Castellini María Alejandra,
PaucarCaceres Alberto
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2552
Subject(s) - structuring , intervention (counseling) , soft systems methodology , process management , conceptual framework , management science , quality (philosophy) , systems thinking , action (physics) , knowledge management , computer science , portfolio , sociology , business , engineering , psychology , artificial intelligence , information system , epistemology , management information systems , social science , philosophy , physics , finance , quantum mechanics , psychiatry , electrical engineering
We report on the partial results of a systemic intervention in which a combined range of methods from classical operational research (OR), problem structuring methods and quality management tools was deployed in a small and medium‐sized enterprise in Argentina. Involving a full stakeholders' participation, the intervention allowed the team to appreciate and better understand the features of the problematic situation and its underlying causes and helped the management to define action plans to bring improvements to the organization. Using the multi‐methodological framework proposed by Mingers and Brockelsby for integrating methodologies as a starting point, we advance and test a modified framework that distinguish methodologies/methods by its location in the real world or in the thinking/conceptual world. The article contributes to the current debate on OR multiple paradigmatic practice and follows the trend to combine hard methods, well‐known soft OR tools with some less‐known methodologies from the ever increasing portfolio of methodologies. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.