Epistemological Role Of Case Studies In Logistics: A Critical Realist Perspective

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop the paradigmatic justification for the use of casernstudies in logistics research. The argument is based on a critical realist (CR) ontology andrnepistemology. The current logistics paradigm's flat ontology - based on regularity - is replaced by anrnontology emphasising structures and mechanisms underlying actual events in the form of logisticsrnpractice and performance.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of desk research, conceptual workrnand theorizing.rnFindings - Based on this CR view of the logistics domain it is argued that the justifications forrnconducting case studies lie in their ability: to reach the causal depth required for revealing the realrndomain of logistics activities and performance: to reveal the working of mechanisms in loosely coupledrnstructures showing open systems characteristics through a constant alternation between abstract andrnconcrete reasoning and; to include the causal powers and effects of agents' ascribed meanings. Also, itrnis argued, in contrast with Yin's work which refers to the possibility of generalising case studies, thatrnthe justification of case studies not only must refer to their complementary role in research but alsornmust build on groundings that allow this form of research to take a primary role in knowledgerncreation.rnPractical implications - The arguments have direct implications primarily for the scientificrnjustification for case studies in logistics. CR thinking in this respect offers a view in which case studiesrnshould be seen as a more legitimate method in logistics inquiries. Second, the paper has implicationsrnfor further work on the methods of using case studies in logistics: between what types of case studiesrncan one distinguish, and which practical guidelines regarding design and reasoning can be developedrnbased on the CR view?rnOriginality/value - The paper problematizes current research methodology in logistics. Based onrncritical realism, it presents a thorough and systematic justification for using case studies as a researchrnapproach.