Three simple approaches for young scholars to identify relevant and novel research topics in operations management

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.