Behavioral Decision Making in Operations Management: Experiments using Human Subjects in Operations Management Research
Abstract
As part of the special issue in JOM on "Incorporating Behavioural Theory in OM Empirical Models", we have looked at experiments using human subjects in operations management research. We are particularly interested in the way in which experimental work gets incorporated into OM and OR models. As a method of thinking about the body of work, and for extending the research, we look at the assumptions used in the mathematical modelling. We divide these assumptions into three categories: those concerning the intentions of the decision makers; the actions of the human involved; and the reactions of those people to the changes being considered in the model. In this way we hope to organise thoughts in this area and find direction for future research. As an example we use a current paper on decision-making and framing within the context of the Newsvendor Problem.
Dr. Schultz is interested in the effects of human behavior on Operations Management decisions. He uses experiments and behavioral theory to test Operations models. He is a graduate of the Wharton School with a BS in Economics and the Johnson School with a PhD in Operations Management. He spent twelve years in the Army Corps of Engineers in Italy, northern New York and southern New Mexico.
Dr. Schultz's research is cross functional with Operations Management and Human Behavior. He uses behavioral theory and experimentation to contribute to operations models. His goal is to improve the consideration of behavioral issues and to increase the use of experimentation in Operations Management.
