Operations management associations in Europe – a history
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 16 October 2009
Abstract
Purpose
In 2009, the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) celebrates its 15th anniversary and its precursor, the UK OMA, its 25th anniversary. The purpose of this paper is to review the origins and foundations of today's EurOMA and how it has progressed to being a vibrant and successful organisation.
Design/methodology/approach
The review draws on archived documents, especially newsletters and board minutes, as well as memories of all of those involved.
Findings
The review shows an important evolution from two groups of like minded individuals, through building annual conferences and brings these together as one. It then shows how it has evolved both through formalisation of its activities, building international links and, most importantly, developing a portfolio of activities to develop and support young researchers.
Research limitations/implications
Where records are not available, the paper draws on individual memories of events from a long time ago.
Originality/value
As well as providing an invaluable record, it can provide a model for the development of similar organisations.
Keywords
Citation
Karlsson, C. and Voss, C. (2009), "Operations management associations in Europe – a history", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 29 No. 11, pp. 1093-1108. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570911000140
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited