Action Research in Supply Chain Management—a Framework for Relevant and Rigorous Research

Abstract

In this article we present a framework that researchers can use when they prepare and conduct Action Research (AR) projects. Authors can also use the framework as a guide for how to write relevant and rigorous AR articles. AR is an applied form of case‐based research that can provide exceedingly relevant research in applied fields such as supply chain management. At the same time, AR is also a criticized research approach, particularly in terms of research rigor. With the ambition to address, as well as bridge, the gap between the relevance and rigor within AR research, we first develop a comprehensive research methodology framework that synthesizes the crucial aspects of the AR research methodology. Secondly, we review existing AR articles within logistics, operations management, and supply chain management and present the current state of AR research. After a critical review of the existing articles using our framework, we delineate vital aspects that should be addressed in future AR research. As relevance and rigor are not at odds, we believe that our comprehensive framework will pave the way for a growing stream of rigorous, as well as relevant, AR research.

Guiding the next generation of doctoral students in operations management

“…Action research seeks to bring about change in organizations while simultaneously adding to scientific knowledge (cf. Shani and Pashmore 1985;Westbrook 1995;Coughlan and Coughlan 2002;Näslund et al 2010). Finally, operations in any organization entail people.…”

The action research cycle reloaded: Conducting action research across buyer-supplier relationships

“…In the analysis of 1113 articles published from 1994 to 2010 in "Supply Chain Management: An International Journal", "Journal of Supply Chain Management", and "Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management", Chicksand et al (2012) do not even explicitly refer to any Mode 2 methodologies when classifying the articles. Näslund et al (2010) propose a unique contribution that links the broader area of SCM with action research. Considering 15 highly ranked academic journals spanning logistics (e.g., "International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management"), management (e.g., "Management Science", "Omega"), and operations management (e.g., "Journal of Operations Management", "International Journal of Production Economics"), the authors produce a final sample of only 26 articles that implement action research.…”

Action planning intervention to identify how to improve selection processes for internships

“…In this research, we followed the general recommendations for scientific protocols (Marin-Garcia, 2015;Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2013;Naslund, Kale, & Paulraj, 2010) and a participatory actions research framework where researchers and practitioners participated in all research stages (Alfaro, Avella, & Mejía-Villa, 2016;Dick, 2009;White, 1991): 1. Problem or improvement area in the organisation 2.…”

“…We followed the recommendations from several authors (Miles et al, 2013;Naslund et al, 2010) during the action research process. Table 1 below shows the main tasks performed in the action research project.…”