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OM Forum—Three Simple Approaches for Young Scholars to Identify Relevant and Novel Research Topics in Operations Management

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  • Christopher S. Tang

    (UCLA Anderson School, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095)

Abstract

The revolution in information technology has provided the research community in operations management (OM) with new areas to explore and many new avenues to develop. In recognition of this, many editors of OM journals strive to publish new ideas. These two forces generate strong motivation, but many young OM scholars find it difficult to find new OM research ideas. To address this challenge, I describe three simple thought processes (or approaches) that I have learned and used to identify new research topics over the last 35 years. These approaches are as follows: (1) observe and learn to develop “problem-based” research, (2) ask “whys” to develop “phenomenon-based” research, and (3) sketch graphs to develop “insight-based” research. Clearly, these simple approaches are neither complete nor optimal; however, I share these personal thought processes with the hope of contributing to discussions as to how the next generation of OM researchers can build upon and expand the remarkable impact that our field has had and will continue to have.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher S. Tang, 2017. "OM Forum—Three Simple Approaches for Young Scholars to Identify Relevant and Novel Research Topics in Operations Management," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 19(3), pages 338-346, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormsom:v:19:y:2017:i:3:p:338-346
    DOI: 10.1287/msom.2017.0633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gérard P. Cachon & Kaitlin M. Daniels & Ruben Lobel, 2017. "The Role of Surge Pricing on a Service Platform with Self-Scheduling Capacity," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 19(3), pages 368-384, July.
    2. ManMohan S. Sodhi & Christopher S. Tang, 2012. "Supply Chain Risk Management," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Managing Supply Chain Risk, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 3-11, Springer.
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    6. Aleda Roth & Jaya Singhal & Kalyan Singhal & Christopher S. Tang, 2016. "Knowledge Creation and Dissemination in Operations and Supply Chain Management," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 25(9), pages 1473-1488, September.
    7. Lieven Demeester & Christopher S. Tang, 1996. "Reducing Cycle Time at an IBM Wafer Fabrication Facility," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 26(2), pages 34-49, April.
    8. Eric V. Denardo & Christopher S. Tang, 1997. "Control of a Stochastic Production System with Estimated Parameters," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(9), pages 1296-1307, September.
    9. Anonymous, 2014. "Introduction to the Issue," Journal of Wine Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 109-110, August.
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    11. Felipe Caro & Jérémie Gallien, 2010. "Inventory Management of a Fast-Fashion Retail Network," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 58(2), pages 257-273, April.
    12. Linda V. Green, 2012. "OM Forum--The Vital Role of Operations Analysis in Improving Healthcare Delivery," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 14(4), pages 488-494, October.
    13. Christopher S. Tang & Eric V. Denardo, 1988. "Models Arising from a Flexible Manufacturing Machine, Part I: Minimization of the Number of Tool Switches," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 36(5), pages 767-777, October.
    14. Teck-Hua Ho & Christopher S. Tang & David R. Bell, 1998. "Rational Shopping Behavior and the Option Value of Variable Pricing," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 44(12-Part-2), pages 145-160, December.
    15. Guillermo Gallego & Garrett van Ryzin, 1994. "Optimal Dynamic Pricing of Inventories with Stochastic Demand over Finite Horizons," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 40(8), pages 999-1020, August.
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    17. Xin Li & Pengfei Guo & Zhaotong Lian, 2016. "Quality-Speed Competition in Customer-Intensive Services with Boundedly Rational Customers," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 25(11), pages 1885-1901, November.
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    19. Hau L. Lee, 1996. "Effective Inventory and Service Management Through Product and Process Redesign," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(1), pages 151-159, February.
    20. Jérémie Gallien & Stephen C. Graves & Alan Scheller-Wolf, 2016. "OM Forum—Practice-Based Research in Operations Management: What It Is, Why Do It, Related Challenges, and How to Overcome Them," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 18(1), pages 5-14, February.
    21. Martin K. Starr & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2014. "Introduction to the Special Issue on Humanitarian Operations and Crisis Management," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 23(6), pages 925-937, June.
    22. Volodymyr Babich & Christopher S. Tang, 2012. "Managing Opportunistic Supplier Product Adulteration: Deferred Payments, Inspection, and Combined Mechanisms," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 14(2), pages 301-314, April.
    23. Anonymous, 2014. "Introduction to the Issue," Journal of Wine Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(1), pages 1-2, May.
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    25. John Birge (Editor) & Panos Kouvelis (Editor) & Duane Seppi (Editor), 2007. "Call for Papers--Special Issue of Management Science: Interfaces of Operations and Finance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 53(2), pages 355-355, February.
    26. Martin A. Lariviere, 2016. "OM Forum—Supply Chain Contracting: Doughnuts to Bubbles," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 18(3), pages 309-313, July.
    27. H. Dharma Kwon & Steven A. Lippman & Kevin F. McCardle & Christopher S. Tang, 2010. "Project Management Contracts with Delayed Payments," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 12(4), pages 692-707, October.
    28. Tang, Christopher S. & Zhou, Sean, 2012. "Research advances in environmentally and socially sustainable operations," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 223(3), pages 585-594.
    29. Hau L. Lee & Christopher S. Tang, 1997. "Modelling the Costs and Benefits of Delayed Product Differentiation," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(1), pages 40-53, January.
    30. David F. Drake & Stefan Spinler, 2013. "OM Forum —Sustainable Operations Management: An Enduring Stream or a Passing Fancy?," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 15(4), pages 689-700, October.
    31. Marshall Fisher & Ananth Raman, 1996. "Reducing the Cost of Demand Uncertainty Through Accurate Response to Early Sales," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(1), pages 87-99, February.
    32. Teck H. Ho & Christopher S. Tang, 2004. "Introduction to the Special Issue on Marketing and Operations Management Interfaces and Coordination," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(4), pages 429-430, April.
    33. Volodymyr Babich & Panos Kouvelis, 2015. "Call for Papers—Special Issue of Manufacturing & Service Operations Management : Interface of Finance, Operations, and Risk Management," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 271-271, May.
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