a b s t r a c tThe new Design Science department at the Journal of Operations Management invites submissions using a design science research strategy for operations management (OM) issues. The objective of this strategy is to develop knowledge that can be used in a direct and specific way to design and implement actions, processes or systems aimed at achieving desired outcomes. This knowledge is developed by engaging with real-life OM problems or opportunities. Manuscripts submitted to this department will be evaluated on pragmatic validity and practical relevance. Because design science research (DSR) differs in some important aspects from other OM research strategies, this essay examines in some depth its challenges and possible solutions.