Principles of Operations Management - Critical Thinking Example

Question 1: What were the weaknesses discovered by Barratt, Choi, and Li in the use of qualitative research for OM?

Some of the weaknesses that Barratt, Choi, and Li experienced when using the qualitative research for operations management was the lack of specific guidelines in the literature. This meant that the authors had to deduce their own guidelines based on the topic of discussion (Barratt, Choi, and Li, 2011 p330). Most sources of the information emphasized on the theory-testing purpose as a method to conduct research. In addition, most sources of information adopt logic as their main way to develop the structure of a study. This means that more researchers face a complex problem when handling the methodological section as well as the justification of the study (Akkerman, Farahani, and Grunow, 2010 p863).

Question 2: Why has qualitative research in OM been criticized for being used for theory testing purposes?

Qualitative research in operations management has received critics for being used for theory testing purposes, as researchers tend to present their personal views when presenting the happenings in an organization. Further, the presentation may indicate false and conflicting data rendering the qualitative research null and void (Peng and Lai, 2012 p476). It is also impossible to identify the patterns in the methodology section as data presented produces different implications.

Question 3: Identify and evaluate the methodologies employed by Barratt, Choi, and Li.

Barratt, Choi, and Li used the theory building as well as testing purposes for the methodologies. They made use of the logic to select claims and support of their arguments. The researchers also made use of inductive and deductive methods to develop their arguments.

What improvements, if applicable, could be used for future research?

The future research could consider using academic journals that have the guidelines on how identify and evaluate a methodology for their qualitative study (Slack, Brandon-Jones, and Johnston, 2013 p56). Researchers can make use of competing theories and consider using the longitudinal data approach to collect their data (Krajewski, Ritzman, and Malhotra, 2013 p77). Hence, it is important to define the research questions in the beginning then present the logic in choosing the deductive mode as an emphasis.

Reference List

Akkerman, R., Farahani, P. and Grunow, M., 2010. Quality, safety and sustainability in food distribution: a review of quantitative operations management approaches and challenges. Or Spectrum, 32(4), pp.863-904.

Barratt, M., Choi, T.Y. and Li, M., 2011. Qualitative case studies in operations management: Trends, research outcomes, and future research implications. Journal of Operations Management, 29(4), pp.329-342.

Krajewski, L.J., Ritzman, L.P. and Malhotra, M.K., 2013. Operations management: processes and supply chains (Vol. 1). New York, NY: Pearson, pp.50-88.

Peng, D.X. and Lai, F., 2012. Using partial least squares in operations management research: A practical guideline and summary of past research. Journal of Operations Management, 30(6), pp.467-480.

Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A. and Johnston, R., 2013. Operations management. Pearson, pp, 34-67.