Assessing the rigor of case study research in supply chain management
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the current practice in research on supply chain management applying a case study method. Two particular research fields, namely sustainable supply chain management (SustSCM) and performance supply chain management (PerformSCM), are used as examples.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a content analysis, where quality criteria for documenting case study research are analyzed. A total of 68 papers from the two research fields (51 SustSCM and 17 PerformSCM) forms the sample. The criteria of analysis chosen are taken from the case study research process.
Findings
There are two major findings: first, supply chain researchers have to make a greater effort to collect data from supply chains (i.e. at least two, or better, three or more stages of the supply chains). Second, the research process needs to be more comprehensively documented in related peer‐reviewed journal publications. This way, the value of case study based research might be appreciated more, as well enabling stronger conclusions to be drawn on the individual piece of research.
Research limitations/implications
The research presented focuses on two particular fields inside SCM. However, the observations made that methodological rigor is often lacking in the papers holds for both fields.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the further development of appropriate empirical research strategies for supply chain management.
Keywords
Citation
Seuring, S.A. (2008), "Assessing the rigor of case study research in supply chain management", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 128-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540810860967
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited