A Conceptual Framework For Integrating Methodologies in Management: Partial Results of a Systemic Intervention in a Textile SME in Argentina

Castellini, MA and Paucar-Caceres, Alberto (2018) A Conceptual Framework For Integrating Methodologies in Management: Partial Results of a Systemic Intervention in a Textile SME in Argentina. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 36 (1). pp. 20-35. ISSN 1092-7026

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Abstract

We report on the partial results of a systemic intervention in which a combined range of methods from classical operational research (OR), problem structuring methods and quality management tools was deployed in a small and medium‐sized enterprise in Argentina. Involving a full stakeholders' participation, the intervention allowed the team to appreciate and better understand the features of the problematic situation and its underlying causes and helped the management to define action plans to bring improvements to the organization. Using the multi‐methodological framework proposed by Mingers and Brockelsby for integrating methodologies as a starting point, we advance and test a modified framework that distinguish methodologies/methods by its location in the real world or in the thinking/conceptual world. The article contributes to the current debate on OR multiple paradigmatic practice and follows the trend to combine hard methods, well‐known soft OR tools with some less‐known methodologies from the ever increasing portfolio of methodologies.