The Research Methods and Research Practice (RM&RP) strategic interest group (SIG) exists to promote debates – and stimulate innovation – around all aspects of academic research, from its conception through to its execution, the subsequent development of theory and the dissemination of findings and knowledge. The RM&RP SIG seeks to draw understanding about research methods and research practice from all business and management disciplines including Accounting, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Learning and Development, Marketing, Operations Management, Organizational Behaviour, Strategy, and Systems Management. By sharing novel approaches and advancing knowledge about the usefulness of different methods and the facilitators of – and constraints on – the use of those methods in the research and broader environment, it seeks to enable researchers to improve the design and execution of their research and its dissemination. Good research approaches are indispensable to the asking of important research questions, the development of useful theories and meaningful engagement with broader societies. The RM&RP SIG aims to stimulate debate in a supportive environment in which all levels of academic from doctoral students through to senior professors feel at home. The RM&RP SIG aims to promote understanding across national borders and to draw strength from the diversity of research approaches that exist across Europe and beyond. It seeks to generate continuous debate between conferences through its use of a range of different media including electronic newsletters and a presence on the world wide web.
SIG OFFICERS (2025-2026):
SIG Co-Chairs:
Marc Stierand (Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland) – marc.stierand@ehl.ch
David Yates (Sheffield University Management School, UK) – d.g.yates@sheffield.ac.uk
General Track Chairs:
Marek Szarucki (Krakow University of Economics, Krakow, Poland) – szaruckm@uek.krakow.pl
Oskar Kosch (Krakow University of Economics, Krakow, Poland) – koscho@uek.krakow.pl
Plenary Organizers:
Michael Schlaile (University of Hohenheim, Germany) – schlaile@uni-hohenheim.de
Florence Allard-Poesi (Université Paris-Est Créteil) – allard-poesi@u-pec.fr
Online conference officer: Luna Leoni (Tor Vergata University of Rome) – luna.leoni@uniroma2.it
SIG Communication Officer: Heidi Collins – hcollins@swinburne.edu.my
RESEARCH METHODS AND RESEARCH PRACTICE SIG STANDING TRACKS
GT12_00 – Research Methods and Research Practice General Track
Short description:
Management scholars’ contribution to knowledge production depends on their ability to develop and apply suitable methods to achieve and interpret findings and to consider suitable conceptual frameworks to guide action for the application of that knowledge. The RM&RP track invites papers on all kinds of research methods, analytical techniques, ontological, epistemological and axiological approaches and management theories. It also welcomes papers on the future challenges facing researchers and research on a variety of methods that would help identify, describe, categorise, analyse, forecast, and/or evaluate micro (individuals), meso (processes), and macro (organizations) levels of management interest.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 1: No poverty; Goal 2: Zero hunger; Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people; Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation; Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action; Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
For more information contact:
Oskar Kosch, Krakow University of Economics – contact@oskarkosch.com
ST12_01 – Beyond the Metaphors: Coevolution and Ecosystems in Management
Short description:
In management research, “coevolution” and “ecosystem” are widely used but often without clear specification of mechanisms, levels, or boundaries. This track invites contributions that examine both as theoretical constructs, not just rhetorical devices. We welcome work that defines concepts, analyses when these perspectives add explanatory value and when they mislead, and distinguishes them from related notions such as networks, platforms, clusters, fields, and ideas of interaction or co-creation. All methodological approaches are welcome, including reviews and conceptual papers. This is the track for all research that advances theory and understanding of coevolutionary and ecosystem perspectives in management studies.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 1: No poverty; Goal 2: Zero hunger; Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people; Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation; Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action; Goal 14: Life below water; Goal 15: Life on land; Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
For more information contact:
Johan Kask, CREDS, University of Inland Norway – johan.kask@inn.no
ST12_01 - Beyond the Metaphors_ Coevolution and Ecosystems in Management
ST12_02 – Research Methods for Complex Adaptive Systems
Short description:
This topic is open to research on a variety of methods that would help identify, describe, categorise, analyse, forecast, and/or evaluate those systems that show adaptability to a level that indicates complexity. Organisations usually show these characteristics and therefore are complex adaptive social systems (CASS). While complexity is not new in management studies, recent technological developments and related methodologies have made it tractable. This ST is directed to any methods—qualitative, quantitative, simulation, hybrid, mixed—that show how CASS are, could, or should be studied.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people; Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation; Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action
For more information contact:
Davide Secchi, Paris School of Business – d.secchi@psbedu.paris