Navigating Contemporary Operations Management Strategies: A Critical Analysis of Recent Trends

Abstract

Purpose: The increasing importance of sustainable operations management (OM) has captured the attention of businesses and governments alike. This paper examines the response of operations practices and research to the growing demand for sustainability. 

Approach: We explore the progression of the sustainable OM field by analyzing how it has adapted to contemporary business trends. Specifically, we review the development of research published in the International Journal of Operations and Production Management (IJOPM) since the 2001 special issue on sustainability. 

Findings: Since 2001, only 3.3% of the articles in IJOPM have focused on sustainable OM. Of these, 64% address environmental issues, with a notable increase in articles concerning social aspects and the triple bottom line. We differentiate between studies centered on internal operations and those examining sustainability across supply chains. Each paper in this special issue is summarized, highlighting their unique contributions to various facets of sustainability. 

Research Limitations/Implications: This analysis is limited to IJOPM articles. Further research could explore whether these trends are mirrored in other OM journals. 

Practical Implications: The paper offers practitioners an insightful overview of sustainable OM, highlighting research trends within organizations and across supply chains, and illustrating the evolving nature of sustainable OM research. 

Social Implications: The paper underscores the growing attention to social issues in OM, including employee well-being, health and safety, and the triple bottom line. 

Originality/Value: As the first IJOPM special issue on sustainable OM in 23 years, this paper presents future research directions, anticipating a rise in sustainable OM publications in the forthcoming years.