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The scientific theory‐building process: a primer using the case of TQM
Author(s) -
Handfield Robert B,
Melnyk Steven A
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of operations management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.649
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1873-1317
pISSN - 0272-6963
DOI - 10.1016/s0272-6963(98)00017-5
Subject(s) - publication , process (computing) , total quality management , computer science , empirical research , quality (philosophy) , management theory , process management , management science , knowledge management , operations management , business , epistemology , engineering , philosophy , lean manufacturing , advertising , operating system
As Operations Management (OM) researchers begin to undertake and publish more empirical research, there is a need to understand the nature of the scientific theory‐building process implicit in this activity. This tutorial presents a process map approach to this process. We begin by defining the nature of scientific knowledge, and proceed through the stages of the theory‐building process, using illustrations from OM research in Total Quality Management. The tutorial ends with a discussion of the criteria for OM journal reviewers to consider in evaluating theory‐driven empirical research, and suggests a number of OM topic areas that require greater theory development.