The paper's aim is to highlight the importance of qualitative and quantitative models for management and to propose a research agenda for the topic of model-based management. This way, a contribution to the use of models for higher managerial effectiveness should be made. The role of models for managerial purposes has been under-researched and often misunderstood. In this paper, an analysis of the concept, role and function of models in the context of management and organization is undertaken. Both theory and practice can benefit from the envisaged research.