Reflections on operations management research

It has been more than 18 years since I stepped down as the founding editor of the Journal of Operations Management (JOM). I recall the feeling-bittersweet, but mostly sweet. Now we commemorate Jack Meredith's "retirement" as the editor of JOM. Jack has done a great service to the profession while editor of JOM. I am sure that he has similar feelings of reluctance to turn over the reins and let the parade pass, however, I am also sure that he joins me in expressing confidence that Rob Handfield will do an outstanding job as the new editor. The first issue of JOM came out in August 1980. As expressed in my inaugural editorial, the Journal was to satisfy three basic needs: (1) enhancement of interdisciplinary research, (2) encouragement of research into real problems faced by operations managers, and (3) put the word management back into operations management. What prompted the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) to sponsor a journal devoted to addressing those three needs? The answer requires a brief review of history. What follows is my interpretation of various events in our past that, no doubt, are jaded by own experiences and opinions.