OPM 791 (OPM 7910): Research Seminar Procurement
Contents
This seminar examines current procurement and supply chain management topics from a research perspective. By writing an independent research paper on a specific topic, students deepen their understanding of procurement research and its implications for practice. The suggested topics emphasize research rather than application, take an empirical perspective, and are related to the current research interests of the Endowed Chair of Procurement. Topics increasingly favor data-driven and innovative research designs that go beyond traditional literature reviews, reflecting the evolving capabilities of AI tools and the corresponding need for researchers to focus on genuinely novel questions, creative methodologies, and authentic empirical contributions that cannot be readily replicated by automated means.
Participants learn how to structure a research question systematically, review and synthesize relevant academic literature, develop an appropriate empirical research design, and present research findings to an academic audience. The seminar follows the typical phases of a research project: problem formulation, literature review, methodology selection, data collection and analysis, and presentation. A joint kick-off session introduces the foundations of research and scientific writing in the context of procurement and supply chain management. Participants then work independently on their assigned topics under individual supervision. The seminar concludes with a block presentation session in which each participant presents their findings and serves as a discussant for another paper.
Learning outcomes
The main objective of this seminar is to develop the competences required for writing a high-quality empirical master thesis in the broader procurement arena. On successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Formulate a research question in the field of procurement and supply chain management and position it within the existing academic literature.
- Conduct a systematic literature review, identifying relevant theories, empirical findings, and research gaps.
- Select and justify an appropriate empirical research design for a given research question, prioritizing data-driven and innovative methodological approaches over purely descriptive or review-based work.
- Synthesize findings from the literature and from own analysis into a coherent written research report that meets academic standards.
- Present research findings to an academic audience and defend methodological and substantive choices in discussion.
- Critically evaluate the research of peers by serving as a discussant and providing constructive feedback.
Necessary prerequisites
Attendance of at least one module OPM 6xx (parallel attendance is possible) or an equivalent module within an exchange program
Recommended prerequisites
OPM 591 and OPM 692 or equivalent modules within exchange programs
| Forms of teaching and learning | Contact hours | Independent study time |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 2 SWS | 15 SWS |
| ECTS credits | 6 |
| Graded | yes |
| Workload | 180h |
| Language | English |
| Form of assessment | Written report (50%, scope depends on the assigned topic), presentation (50%, 15–30 min) |
| Restricted admission | yes |
| Further information | Admission is capacity-constrained. The seminar is part of a coordinated offering by the four chairs of the Area Operations Management. Students apply centrally via an ILIAS survey during a two-week application window in the preceding semester, indicating topic preferences across all participating chairs. Applicants for OPM 791 must additionally submit a CV, B.Sc. grades overview, and current M.Sc. grades overview by email to the office of the Endowed Chair of Procurement (procurementuni-mannheim.de). Admission is binding and confirmed before the exam season of the preceding semester. Details on topics, deadlines, and contact persons are published at the beginning of each application cycle. |
Examiner Performing lecturer |  | Prof. Dr. Christoph Bode Prof. Dr. Christoph Bode |
| Frequency of offering | Spring semester & fall semester |
| Duration of module | 1 semester |
| Range of application | M.Sc. MMM, M.Sc. Bus. Edu., M.Sc. MMOSCM |
| Preliminary course work | – |
| Program-specific Competency Goals | CG 1, CG 4 |
| Literature | There is no mandatory textbook. All relevant course materials will be provided. Auxiliary readings:
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| Course outline |
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