What really matters in international operations?

Despite having generated a growing body of literature the subject of international operations is only vaguely defined and lacks any common and accepted frameworks. The aim of this paper is to introduce some clarity into the arena by examining international operations from the perspective of the body of research, the content of some seminal texts, and the practical considerations of firms that have set up and are managing operations in foreign countries. Research output in International Operations is analysed using a model, the dimensions of which have been identified from the core literature and cases of industrial companies. The analysis highlights the range of problems and issues that have been of interest to the community involved in International Operations research and teaching.