Critical evaluation of epistemology in supply chain research - Qualitative case study research in operations and supply chain management.

McLoughlin, KM, Hines, A, Nudurupati, S and Lascelles, D (2015) Critical evaluation of epistemology in supply chain research - Qualitative case study research in operations and supply chain management. In: British Academy of Management Doctoral Symposium 2015, 07 September 2015, Portsmouth.

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to offer a critical evaluation of epistemology in supply chain research. The two approaches, the positivist and post-positivist critical realism research traditions, are the primary philosophical foundations for case study research design. These are discussed in relation to the research project: ‘exploring sustainable supply chain strategy’. Key concepts in the literature present characteristics of the research problem in relation to the methodological paradigm and theory development from which a summary that underpins the research strategy is outlined in the ‘Research method’ section. Finally, the research questions leading from the findings are presented.