دانلود رایگان مقاله استفاده از مدل سازی در تحقیقات مدیریت تامین / خرید

abstract

The purpose of this research to explore the use of modelling in the field of Purchasing and Supply Management (P/SM). We are particularly interested in identifying the specific areas of P/SM where there are opportunities for the use of modelling based methods. The paper starts with an overview of main types of modelling and also provides a categorisation of the main P/SM research themes. Our research shows that there are many opportunities for using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive modelling approaches in all areas of P/SM research from the ones with a focus on the actual function from a purely operational and execution perspective (e.g. purchasing processes and behaviour) to the ones with a focus on the organisational level from a more strategic perspective (e.g. strategy and policy). We conclude that future P/SM research needs to explore the value of modelling not just at the functional or operational level, but also at the organisation and strategic level respectively. We also acknowledge that while using empirical results to inform and improve models has advantages, there are also drawbacks, which relate to the value, the practical relevance and the generalisability of the modelling based approaches.

5. Conclusions

There are many opportunities for using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive modelling approaches in P/SM research. In today's research, studies often conduct tests that are only incremental changes to previous research and may not be based on any observed phenomenon in the business world. Therefore, empirical methods are needed to identify the model parameters and drive the experimental agenda for predictive and prescriptive models. One way to do this is to use a multi-method approach where an empirical case study or survey is used to gain insight into practice, and the results are used to frame the testing in a model that follows. Such empirically driven models have the potential to make significant contributions in P/SM research and a number of indicative research areas are provided in Table 1. Also in the context of the P/SM themes classification presented in Fig. 1 and in conjunction with the indicative research areas proposed in Table 1, future P/SM research needs to explore the value of modelling not just at the functional or operational level, but also at the organisation and strategic level respectively.