A Landscape of Case-Based Research: Methodological Rigor in an Emerging Economy Context

Abstract

In the evolving field of Production Engineering, the robustness of case-based research plays a crucial role in theory development and practical application. Recognizing this criticality, this paper delves into a systematic examination of methodological rigor in Production Engineering case research, scrutinizing a significant corpus of research to discern patterns and practices in methodological execution. This work seeks to shed light on the prevailing trends and identify potential avenues for strengthening the methodological foundations of case study research within the Production Engineering domain. The search was based on case studies from select publications in the Scielo database, a relevant Brazilian source that make available journal articles published in journals in various areas of knowledge. The analysis delineates a framework of four quality criteria – construct validity, internal and external validity, and reliability – to augment methodological rigour. The findings reveal a critical need for a more explicit engagement with these criteria in research design, data collection, and analysis. The research highlights strategies to fortify rigour and, by extension, the quality of case-based research, paving the way for more robust theoretical contributions in Production Engineering. This work in progress not only considers the recent landscape of case-based research but also provides actionable insights to refine future research methodologies, ultimately fostering a paradigm of excellence in qualitative research. The enhancement of methodological rigour in Production Engineering case-based research within the scientific community in a developing country is of paramount importance. As scholars strive to amplify their voices in the international arena, the meticulous application of robust research methodologies becomes critical. It serves not only to fortify the validity and reliability of findings but also to ensure the reproducibility of research. Enhancing methodological rigour aids in building a legacy of credibility and trust in the Brazilian scholarship that can contribute significantly to both regional and global advancements in Production Engineering.