A Critique of the Paper “Research Methodology in the Management Sciences: Formalism or Empiricism” by A. G. Beged-Dov and T. A. Klein

Abstract

The paper by Beged-Dov and Klein sets out to "analyse some major problems confronted in research on management problems". The conclusion reached is that "a subtle interplay between the two is essential... this condition suggests that the most powerful managerial algorithms are heuristic and computer-based".

A number of the arguments used in reaching this conclusion are critically examined. The discussion leads the reviewer to call in question whether the words "management science" have any real meaning at present.