Key papers in Management Science and Operations Research

Pofolia’s corpus holds 77 papers from the Management Science and Operations Research subfield (2012–2026). The list below starts with the most cited.

Most cited

Ranked by citation count. Because citations accumulate over time, this list naturally leans towards work published a few years ago; for where the field is now, see “recently added”.

  • Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis

    Qualitative Research in Sport Exercise and Health · 2019 · Q1 · SJR 1.00 · FWCI 596.65 · 17,713 citations

    The authors revise their influential 2006 thematic analysis method, now preferring the term 'reflexive TA', to address conceptual mismatches and confusions observed in published studies.

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  • Theory of games and economic behavior

    American Mathematical Society eBooks · 2019 · FWCI 949.89 · 16,943 citations

    This foundational work introduced game theory, a mathematical framework for analyzing economic and social organization based on strategy games.

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  • Business Research Methods

    Oxford University Press eBooks · 2022 · FWCI 87.68 · 10,948 citations

    This book introduces new chapters on quantitative methods, visual research, and cutting-edge material on inclusivity, bias, feminist, decolonial, and indigenous research perspectives.

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  • The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

    American Journal of Qualitative Research · 2022 · FWCI 1009.85 · 10,926 citations · Open access

    The fourth edition of The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers is significantly expanded and reorganized, introducing two new coding methods and enhanced digital resources.

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  • Case study research and applications design and methods

    2018 · FWCI 692.08 · 9,696 citations

    This book provides a comprehensive guide to conducting case study research, covering its design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

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  • Applied Thematic Analysis

    2012 · FWCI 92.47 · 7,791 citations

    This book introduces 'applied thematic analysis,' a method for analyzing qualitative text data from interviews and focus groups, specifically tailored for research with an applied focus.

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  • Fourth Generation Evaluation

    The SAGE Encyclopedia of Action Research · 2014 · 7,285 citations

    This entry introduces Fourth Generation Evaluation (FGE), a constructivist approach to evaluation that emerged as a response to the perceived limitations of positivist methodologies.

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  • Using PLS path modeling in new technology research: updated guidelines

    Industrial Management & Data Systems · 2016 · Q1 · SJR 1.00 · FWCI 287.37 · 6,746 citations · Open access

    Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modeling is now a viable method for confirmatory analysis in new technology research, thanks to novel developments like consistent PLS and confirmatory composite analysis.

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  • A Beginner's Guide to Structural Equation Modeling

    2015 · FWCI 192.91 · 6,594 citations

    This book offers a comprehensive, accessible introduction to Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), minimizing complex math to focus on conceptual understanding and practical application.

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  • Regression Analysis of Count Data

    Cambridge University Press eBooks · 2013 · FWCI 146.19 · 6,472 citations

    This book, now in its second edition, offers a comprehensive and updated guide to regression methods for analyzing event frequency data, integrating theory with practical applications.

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  • Taking the Human Out of the Loop: A Review of Bayesian Optimization

    Proceedings of the IEEE · 2015 · Q1 · SJR 5.00 · FWCI 143.09 · 5,943 citations

    Bayesian optimization offers a powerful, increasingly popular approach to automatically tune the numerous configuration parameters in complex Big Data applications, promising significant improvements in both product quality and human productivity.

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  • The Motivation to Work

    2017 · FWCI 98.93 · 5,433 citations

    This work challenges the idea that job satisfaction stems from avoiding dissatisfaction, arguing instead that fulfillment arises from achievement and growth within the job itself.

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  • Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research

    The Qualitative Report · 2015 · Q1 · FWCI 555.39 · 5,197 citations · Open access

    This paper argues that traditional quantitative definitions of reliability and validity, rooted in positivism, need to be redefined for qualitative research's naturalistic approach.

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  • Applications of Item Response Theory To Practical Testing Problems

    2012 · FWCI 93.22 · 5,052 citations

    This abstract is a placeholder and does not contain specific research findings or contributions.

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  • Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners

    QMiP Bulletin · 2016 · FWCI 395.29 · 4,036 citations

    This chapter introduces qualitative research, distinguishing between a full qualitative paradigm (Big Q) and using qualitative data within a positivist framework. It outlines the skills and mindset, termed 'qualitative sensibility,' needed for effective qualitative research.

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  • Dose-Response Analysis Using R

    PLoS ONE · 2015 · Q1 · FWCI 115.02 · 3,766 citations

    The R extension package 'drc' offers a flexible and user-friendly infrastructure for dose-response analyses, simplifying complex statistical modeling and inference for derived parameters.

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  • Thematic analysis of qualitative data: AMEE Guide No. 131

    Medical Teacher · 2020 · Q1 · SJR 1.00 · FWCI 245.05 · 3,711 citations

    This guide clarifies thematic analysis, a common but often misunderstood qualitative data method, by defining its philosophical underpinnings, appropriate uses across epistemologies, and providing a six-step framework with examples.

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  • The Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment

    2018 · FWCI 39.52 · 3,684 citations

    Donald Winnicott's work, collected in "The Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment" (1957-1963), applies Freudian theories to infancy, suggesting mental health disorders stem from developmental failures in early childhood.

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  • Sample Size Requirements for Structural Equation Models

    Educational and Psychological Measurement · 2013 · Q1 · SJR 2.00 · FWCI 51.87 · 3,610 citations

    Monte Carlo simulations reveal that common rules-of-thumb for sample size in structural equation modeling (SEM) are often outdated, with required sample sizes ranging from 30 to 460 cases depending on model properties.

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  • Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

    2012 · FWCI 187.32 · 3,585 citations

    This abstract outlines a comprehensive textbook covering both qualitative and quantitative social research methods, from foundational principles to advanced data analysis techniques.

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Recently added

  • The Sovereign Spine: A New Theory of Institutional Coherence and Agency

    Open MIND · 2026 · 88 citations

    This paper introduces 'Distributed Coherence,' a new theory proposing that institutional alignment emerges from interconnected decision systems rather than top-down control.

  • The Green Dashboard Trap: Why Institutions Lose Sight of Their Own Intent

    Open MIND · 2026 · FWCI 1213.98 · 88 citations

    This paper introduces the 'Green Dashboard Trap,' where performance metrics can improve and signal success even as an institution's core purpose erodes, leading to systems that appear healthy but are drifting away from their goals.

  • Efficient learning by implicit exploration in bandit problems with side observations

    arXiv (Cornell University) · 2026 · 129 citations · Open access

    Researchers developed two new algorithms for online learning problems with limited feedback, achieving near-optimal performance without prior knowledge of the observation system.

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  • Stochastic simultaneous optimistic optimization

    arXiv (Cornell University) · 2026 · 79 citations · Open access

    A new algorithm, StoSOO, can find the global maximum of a noisy function with unknown local smoothness, performing nearly as well as algorithms that require this information.

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  • Organizational Design

    Cambridge University Press eBooks · 2026 · FWCI 34.37 · 221 citations

    This updated fifth edition textbook offers a multi-contingency model to guide executives and students in designing effective organizations amidst rapid change, digital disruption, and demands for sustainability and resilience.

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