In 2009, the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) celebrates its 15th anniversary and its precursor, the UK OMA, its 25th anniversary. The purpose of this paper is to review the origins and foundations of today's EurOMA and how it has progressed to being a vibrant and successful organisation.
The review draws on archived documents, especially newsletters and board minutes, as well as memories of all of those involved.
The review shows an important evolution from two groups of like minded individuals, through building annual conferences and brings these together as one. It then shows how it has evolved both through formalisation of its activities, building international links and, most importantly, developing a portfolio of activities to develop and support young researchers.
Where records are not available, the paper draws on individual memories of events from a long time ago.
As well as providing an invaluable record, it can provide a model for the development of similar organisations.
