Chapter 2 – Relevant literature to this research topic
3.4 Research Methodology theory leading to the Conceptual Framework
3.4.6 Case Study
Qualitative case study has consistently been one of the most powerful research frameworks in O&SCM (Barratt, Choi & Li 2011; Runfola et al. 2017; Voss, Tsikriktsis & Frolich 2002) and remains a strong process of data collection in the procurement
63
environment (Doherty, McConnell & Ellis-Chadwick 2013; Ilhan & Rahim 2017; Panayiotou, N, Gayialis, S & Tatsiopoulos, I 2004). Flynn & Davis’s (2014) study of theory in purchasing for the period 2001-2013 found case studies as the most common framework followed by survey–based frameworks for research into public authority purchasing. A case study approach was selected to facilitate the aims and exploratory nature of this research project. This follows DeHoratius & Rabinovich (2011, p.371) call for SCM researchers to return to the field to observe operating phenomena.
The use of case study in this research project continues the research theme of the
principle antecedent literature (Doherty, McConnell & Ellis-Chadwick 2013) who used case studies and recommended scope to build on the results of their study. This leads to the question of what is a case study? According to Yin (2014, p.16) a case study is an empirical inquiry that:
“Investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real- world context, especially when, the boundaries between phenomenon and context may not be clearly evident”.
Yin (2014) does not see this definition as an all-encompassing position with many relevant characteristics needing inclusion, such as: variables of interest, multiple sources of
evidence and benefits of prior development of theory to guide collection and analysis. For example, George & Bennett (2005) referring to a case study definition relevant to social science includes examination of historical episodes and testing historical explanations. Barratt, Choi & Li (2011, p.329) in a literature review of O&SCM qualitative case studies adds ‘…contextually rich data from bounded real-world settings to investigate focused phenomena’. A more simple inclusion in a SC usage includes words ‘…. sufficient method … holds up well when compared to other methods …’ (Johnson 2012, p.513). Patton (2015, p.359) confirms there is no common agreement on what constitutes a case and sees researchers will nominate a case study aligned to any process. That said, Patton (2015) sees the necessity to place boundaries around the phenomenon of interest with the boundary inevitably being arbitrary and determining the case and therefore the direction of the research. This is what Yin (2014, p.33) calls bounding the case as classifications: persons to be included, the topic, time elements, geographic locations and the researchers
64
decision as to what is to be included. Summarising the definition and type of case studies Patton (2015, p.260) sees the variety of approaches as an opportunity for the researcher to define their case within their context, field and focus of inquiry.
In this research project, the unit of analysis, boundary of the research project and research questions (Chapter 1 - Table 1) all evolved from the relevant literature search that
indicates a gap in existing theory relating to Australian council e-Tender through a TMP. Therefore this research project is considered exploratory with qualitative case research an appropriate methodology for theory building (Barratt, Choi & Li 2011; Voss, Tsikriktsis & Frolich 2002; Yin 2014). The case method lends itself to early, exploratory investigations where the variables are still unknown and the phenomenon not at all understood, factors of council e-Tender.
The still unknown element reflects the unit of analysis as the theoretical interest
regardless of the participants or other factors such as the TMP (Bazeley 2013, p.49). An interpretative approach was selected and while this may be categorised as predetermined logic, it was a starting point. The conceptual framework, or rather the stated elements of the conceptual framework were found, not in any predetermined form, but rather in an emerging form, initially in an ad-hoc fashion and later an intentional integration of
systematic combining and abduction. The conceptual framework is the researcher’s view, or what Buchanan & Bryman (2007, p.483) call ‘the personally significant characteristics of the field research’.
3.5
Conclusion
This chapter provides the Theoretical Literature Review, Theoretical Framework and the Research Methodology Theory, purposed to discover the choice of theory and methods leading to the research question response. The methodology is qualitative case studies and it is argued that case studies provides a humanistic experience and best suited to creating a comprehensive understanding of the institutional behaviours of council e- Tender.
65
Working through this chapter was arduous and time consuming to obtain a grounding, enabling methodology to be discovered and contextualising through the emerging theoretical framework towards the conceptual framework. Does this chapter portray a degree of expertise: this is for others to determine. The emergent nature of this chapter was a journey of the researcher situating the Australian council e-Tender through a TMP conceptualisation into a larger framework of information, research ideas and
overwhelming confusion of academic process. The antecedent literature teased out theory: the marriage of theory and practice was consolidated into the PRD into a research project reality.
66
Chapter 4 – The road to a Conceptual Framework: positioning existing &
new knowledge
4.1
Introduction
The research questions are outlined in Chapter 1 along with an overview of this research project including the methodology and the methods to be used for data collection, analysis and response to the research questions. The relevant literature (Chapter 2) and the theoretical framework and research methodology theory (Chapter 3) are the
accumulated epistemology leading to engaging the pervasiveness of council e-Tender through a TMP. This chapter is the contribution of the researchers constructed
methodology and methods leading to the broader conceptual framework. This chapter does not have a rigorous academic underpinning, but rather an emerged pragmatic view of the researcher’s overall strategy. This follows open thinking that a conceptual
framework is not a single style for all: its purpose is to position methodology11 for exploration of the research questions and generation of new knowledge.