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The Case for a Unified Science of Operations

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  • Mark L. Spearman
  • Wallace J. Hopp

Abstract

Throughout its history, the industrial engineering/operations management (IE/OM) field has relied heavily on axiomatic models and empirical studies of individual systems. But, unlike other engineering and management disciplines, it lacks a clear foundation in a descriptive science. Exceptional results like the famous “bullwhip effect” paper by Lee et al. (1997) hint at the powerful potential for a descriptive science of operations. But the very fact that such works are exceptional suggests that they are held to a high bar in the publishing process. This may be symptomatic of the cultural norms that have prevented our field from producing a rigorous scientific foundation. In this study, we make a case for why developing a unified science of operations is essential for IE/OM education, practice and research. We provide examples and a tentative framework to illustrate what such a science might look like and use this framework to generate a testable hypothesis about a powerful relationship between variability buffers in and operations system. We conclude with suggestions of measures we can take collectively to promote development of the science of operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark L. Spearman & Wallace J. Hopp, 2021. "The Case for a Unified Science of Operations," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 30(3), pages 802-814, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:popmgt:v:30:y:2021:i:3:p:802-814
    DOI: 10.1111/poms.13318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Donohue & Özalp Özer, 2020. "Behavioral Operations: Past, Present, and Future," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 191-202, January.
    2. Hau L. Lee & V. Padmanabhan & Seungjin Whang, 1997. "Information Distortion in a Supply Chain: The Bullwhip Effect," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(4), pages 546-558, April.
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    5. Hakold F. Smiddy & Lionel Naum, 1954. "Evolution of a "Science of Managing" in America," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(1), pages 1-31, October.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Danny Samson & William Ho & Zahra Seyedghorban & Diana Bevington & Sally Kelly, 2026. "Solving the paradox of Lean Management’s low success rate," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 51(1), pages 264-290, February.
    3. Sushil Gupta & Medha Tekriwal & Carlos M. Parra, 2022. "Permeation of the term “analytics” in production and operations management research," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(10), pages 3651-3667, October.

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