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Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Kristian Rotaru, Leonid Churilov and Andrew Flitman

The current state of theory-building in the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM) is in a strong need of rigorous, empirically based theories that enhance…

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Abstract

Purpose

The current state of theory-building in the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM) is in a strong need of rigorous, empirically based theories that enhance understanding of the causal relationships between the structural elements and properties of the business processes. In this research note the authors propose the critical realism (CR) philosophy of science as a particularly suitable philosophical position (not to the exclusion of others) to review the mechanisms of OSCM knowledge generation and to provide philosophical grounding and methodological guidance for both OSCM theory building and testing.

Design/methodology/approach

To demonstrate potential benefits of CR-based structured approach to knowledge generation in OSCM research, this conceptual paper uses a case study that illustrates the adoption of one of the OSCM theories – i.e. the theory of swift, even flow.

Findings

CR interprets the accumulated empirical information about OSCM phenomena as observable manifestations of the underlying causal mechanisms that cannot be perceived otherwise. CR can provide epistemological support to the choice of performance measures that manifest the underlying causal mechanisms of interest. Extensive accumulation of empirical data from multiple innovative sources will not dramatically add to understanding of the system under investigation, unless and until the underlying causal mechanisms that trigger the observed behaviour are identified and tested. The CR abductive mode of reasoning emphasises the role of uncertainty in complex process behaviours and can facilitate enrichment and refutation of OSCM theories.

Originality/value

CR has a clear potential to contribute to OSCM research by enabling better understanding of causal relationships underlying complex behaviours of different elements of business process by providing robust and relevant mechanisms of generating knowledge about business processes that explicitly link empirical and causal aspects of theory building and testing.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

Andrew Flitman

Software development projects are known for inaccuracies associated with elapsed time and total cost estimates. Attempts have previously been made to provide tools to facilitate…

1084

Abstract

Software development projects are known for inaccuracies associated with elapsed time and total cost estimates. Attempts have previously been made to provide tools to facilitate estimation of just how much effort will be required. One such tool is the estimation of project size (and therefore effort and time required) using function point counts. This benchmarking tool facilitates measures of productivity relating this size to the person‐hours required. The problem with this is that such relative productivity measures assume labour hours to be homogenous and that the only measure of output is the size of the project. This paper investigates the use of data envelopment analysis as a method of benchmarking which overcomes these issues. The end result is a set of simple tools that can be used to determine whether a given project or project plan is efficient.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1996

Andrew Flitman

A common complaint about strategic plans is that, once developed, they tend to be largely forgotten until the next planning cycle. At that time a review is made of the progress to…

1529

Abstract

A common complaint about strategic plans is that, once developed, they tend to be largely forgotten until the next planning cycle. At that time a review is made of the progress to strategic goals. What is needed, however, is a reporting tool that actively tracks progress towards the strategic goals and encourages management and employees to achieve strategic success. Outlines a successful methodology which has been applied in around 20 organizations in Australia and South-east Asia. This methodology encompasses the design of strategic measures, through their timely reporting, utilizing the latest theories to maximize the quality of the information. All of this is achieved using readily available software tools and skills, thus minimizing implementation risk. Gives an example of implementation which clearly illustrates the benefits that can accrue from this methodology.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

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