Theory Building through Conceptual Methods

In: International journal of operations & production management, Volume 13, Issue 5, p. 3-11

Abstract

Identifies the significant role of conceptual research methods in
theory building and contrasts it with the theory‐testing research
currently prevalent in operations management. The research stages of
description, explanation and testing are used to distinguish between
theory building and theory testing. Short‐circuiting any one of these
stages results in dysfunctional research activities which produce war
stories, black boxes, or ivory‐tower prescriptions. Defines some terms
relevant to conceptual research methods and describes different
conceptual classification schemes. Finally, discusses the differences
between conceptual models, frameworks, and theories and illustrates each
method with examples from the literature.