Research on management issues in the pharmaceutical industry: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to present a review of literature to assess the progress of research on managerial issues in the pharmaceutical industry globally. Design/methodology/approach – Literature from peer-reviewed journals available on online databases was collected for the last decade, using the keyword search technique, and then classifying it according to major managerial issues, research methodologies used and geographical zones. Findings – Behavioral issues at the consumer/physician level and non-behavioral issues in pricing and medical expenses are studied the most, followed by supply chain management, research and development and manufacturing and services operations management. There is scope for conjunction of research efforts across themes and players. The studies focus on the developed nations through the application of field research and mathematical modeling techniques. The studies in the American region focus more on development and marketing while studies in Europ...