Action research for operations management

• Published in: International journal of operations & production management Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 220 - 240
• Main Authors: Coughlan, Paul, Coghlan, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford MCB UP Ltd 01.02.2002; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Action research; Case studies; Industrial democracy; Knowledge; Methodology; Operations management; Operations research; Problem solving; Research methodology; Researchers; Studies
• ISSN: 0144-3577; 1758-6593
• DOI: 10.1108/01443570210417515

A fundamental methodological question guides this paper How can operations managers and researchers learn from the applied activity that characterises the practice of OM To address this question, defines and explores the legitimacy of an actionoriented research approach in OM, and the particular logic and value of applying action research AR to the description and understanding of issues in OM. Begins with a review of the role of empirical research in OM and how AR features within the OM research literature. Introduces the theory and practice of AR and outlines the AR cycle and how AR is implemented. Finally, describes the skills required to engage in AR and explores issues in generating theory. Concludes with the assertion that AR is relevant and valid for the discipline of OM in its ability to address the operational realities experienced by practising managers while simultaneously contributing to knowledge.