Empirical simulation studies in operations management: context, trends, and research opportunities

Abstract This study investigates, published simulation studies in operations management (OM) that are empirically based. The results of the study are based on an exhaustive search of twenty leading operations management journals over the period from 1970 to 2000. Approximately, 600 published simulation studies in operations management were identified, but only 85 of these were subsequently identified as being empirical in nature. The 85 articles were next classified into one of 17 categories. Results by journal, topic, time period, and combinations of these factors are reported. Finally, opportunities for future research are discussed.