Running Head: Comparing research methods

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Research Portfolio

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Comparing research methods

Table of Contents
Part 5..........................................................................................................................................3

Introduction................................................................................................................................3

Compare two papers’ methodologies and contributions to knowledge.....................................3

Recommendation of the use of the methodologies studied........................................................5

Recommendation to use both the methods.................................................................................6

Conclusion..................................................................................................................................6

References..................................................................................................................................7
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Part 5

Introduction

The methodology section of a research paper allows readers to determine the overall

validity and reliability of a study providing key insights into the two significant research

elements; data collection and data analysis. This further helps in the evaluation of the

rationale for conducting the research study. This essay takes an effort to compare the

methodologies of two prominent papers "Sustainable consumption as constraint to

sustainable production” and “Behaviour, the theory of constraints, and the future of

sustainable supply chain management”.

Compare two papers’ methodologies and contributions to knowledge

Paper 1 “Sustainable consumption as a constraint to sustainable production”

authored by Leseure (2018) explored the relationship between sustainable consumption and

sustainable production using a case study approach. In other words, it can be said that the

paper incurs a conceptual and theoretical approach in addressing the research rationale rather

than taking up an empirical method. It involves an analysis of existing theories, and synthesis

of concepts like the MOA framework using the sample case study of the UK offshore wind

industry. It does not involve any primary data collection and solely relies on secondary data

such as case studies, reports, and relevant literature. The paper further employs q-analysis in

qualitative research text to examine the theoretical perspective and conceptual frameworks

put forward relevant to sustainable consumption and production. On the other hand, in Paper

2 “Behaviour, the Theory of Constraints, and the Future of sustainable supply chain

management”, the author Leseure & Alexander (2017), takes an empirical research method

approach considering in-depth qualitative case research. The paper studying the aspects of
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sustainable supply chain management using the Siemen's et al. (2008) Constraining Factor

Model (CFM), involves the analysis of two case studies. It has been reported by Ketokivi &

Choi (2014) the utility of case research as a means to conduct evaluation and elaboration of

an existing theory and therefore enables considering a nascent theory in tandem with the real-

time condition of the theory's implications on business practices. It can be said that whereas

Leseure & Alexander's (2017), Paper 2 was based on interpretive case study methodology,

the purpose of Paper 1, Leseure (2018) was to revisit one of the cases from the perspective of

a positivist case study approach. Leseure (2018) has used positivist method. This is a

quantitative approach and findings from such methods can be generalized due to objective

approach. Though, interpretivism is a qualitative method which has richness of data but it is

subjective and time consuming. Lack of depth and bias research are the issues of positivism.

The methodological approach in paper 1 is seen to be consistent with Yin's (1994)

original treatment, where more significance is attested to defining the study variables, the

instrumentalisation of the same, and the method of data analysis incorporated. The data used

in the study is based on qualitative field research and from the author's experience of being a

part of three successive applied research project work regarding the fashioning of supply

chain aspects within the UK offshore wind sector. The q-analysis technique is used to analyse

the collected data over the 4 years of involvement of the author with the UK offshore wind

sector throughout the 3 successive projects. In contrast to the same, in Paper 2, Leseure &

Alexander (2018) provide a conceptual development based on past case studies to inform the

next event of data collection procedures and analysis. Critically commenting, this paper can

be argued over its absence of data analysis techniques which makes it difficult to understand

the ways in which the collected data is analysed and interpreted to derive the presented

findings. This can be further indicated that due to the clear description of the data analysis

process involved, there is a possibility of subjective bias in the interpretation of the collected
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empirical data. The absence of demarcated steps taken to ensure the objectivity and reliability

of the interpretations drawn might undermine the credibility of the conclusions. In contrast,

Paper 1, Leusure (2018) can be criticised for its absence of empirical evidence. While

conceptual analysis poses its own merits, the absence of empirical data limits the ability of

the paper to validate or render support to the claims being made; the lack of empirical

evidence reduces the robustness of the findings and conclusions drawn.

Recommendation of the use of the methodologies studied

The choice of research methodology is largely based on the research objectives, the

nature of the research questions being formulated, and the available resources. The

methodology of Paper 1 by Leusure (2018) can be recommended to be used in the

exploration of theoretical concepts when the aim is to analyse and synthesise the existing

theories, a particular conceptual approach, or existing conceptual models as shown in the

paper. The methodology is further suitable for its use in research studies where the research

question involves the evaluation of relationships, interplay, and presence of any constraints

between vivid constraints or constructs relying on a comprehensive literature review and

theoretical analysis. Conceptual papers generally involve the utility of fewer resources

regarding the data collection process and analysis in comparison to empirical research. So, if

there exist any limitations in terms of available duration, budget, or availability of data, such

a concept-based methodological approach can be implemented. In contrast to the same, paper

2, by Leusure & Alexander (2018) involves an empirical data-based methodological approach

and is therefore recommended to be used in research studies where the objective is to study

specific behavioural formats or understanding of the phenomenon in real-world settings. Such

a methodology allows the researcher to acquire first-hand data and insights from the area of

research. Further, research studies involve hypothesis testing or theory formulation, the same
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is done through the collection and analysis of empirical data therefore, an empirical

methodology like that in Paper 2 is deemed suitable.

Recommendation to use both the methods

Yes, it can be beneficial to use both methodological approaches, especially in research

studies where a comprehensive understanding of a complex research aim is desired.

Integrating a conceptual methodological approach (as used in Paper 1) and an empirical

research methodological approach (as used in Paper 2) would provide a more robust and

nuanced data interpretation. It can work by starting the research study with a conceptual

approach which would help in understanding the relevant key concepts involved,

identification of the research gap, and hypothesis development. Based on the insights gained

from this stage, an empirical research design can be formulated like in Paper-2. This would

involve the collection of real-world data and evaluation of specific behaviours in real-time

aspects. The findings and analysis can be integrated and a comparison and contrast of the

theoretical insights gained from the conceptual and empirical methodological approach can

be presented thereby drawing a conclusion addressing the research objectives

Conclusion

It is significant to understand that the choice of methodology is not mutually

exclusive and the researcher might adopt a mixed-method approach combining both the

empirical method as in Paper 2 and the conceptual method as in Paper 1 based on the

objectives of the research and the particular research question in hand. By incorporating both

kinds of methodologies studied, researchers might benefit from the depth of conceptual

analysis and the aggravated richness that comes with empirical insights.
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References

Leseure, M., & Alexander, A. (2017, February). Behaviour, the theory of constraints, and the

future of sustainable supply chain management. In Proceedings of the 04th EUROMA

Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains Forum. Politechno de Milano.

https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/3425/1/milan%202017%20manuscript-v5%20%28shortened

%20conference%20version%29.pdf

Leseure, M. (2018, April). Sustainable consumption as a constraint to sustainable production.

In Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Management of Technology

(pp. 1-20). Operations and Information Management Group, Aston Business School,

Aston University. https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/3421/1/IAMOT%202018%20-

%20Mansucript%20mjl%20(revised%20Jan).pdf