A call for broadening the range of approaches to case studies in purchasing and supply management

Journal article, 2016

Case studies are frequently adopted in purchasing and supply management studies, but the field would benefit from more diversified approaches to this method of scientific inquiry. The inherently flexible case study approach allows for benefiting from the often serendipitous features and non-linear, interactive patterns of scientific work. We urge scholars to be open about their research paths and pay more attention on reflection and learning aspects of case studies. Furthermore, problematisation rather than gap-spotting can serve as a fruitful grounding for formulation of research questions. The academic community can contribute to diversity by supporting and legitimizing different approaches to case studies, as long as these approaches are well grounded and argued for.