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is on a lower abstraction level than the case layers. In the context of this research
project, the case is an organization that implemented circular economy. Unit of
analysis is the specific circular economy implementation approach including the
challenges and impacts.
3.2.1 Design
The first phase in the process is the design. In this phase it is important to develop
relevant research questions based on an intensive review of existing literature.
Further activities are the selection of cases based on theory and the design of an
instrument for data collection. The qualitative research chosen for this project
requires the researcher to incorporate existing literature and previous theoretical
knowledge. The challenge for researchers is to process pre-existing knowledge whilst
maintaining the explorative character of the study. Only by ensuring this balance
a decrease in the quality of findings can be avoided (Wrona 2005).
3.2.1.1 Develop research questions
According to Eisenhardt (1989), it is important to define research questions at the
beginning of the research project. This enables the researcher to select relevant
cases and to know which organizations to approach. However, although defining
research questions and frameworks at such an early stage can be helpful it has to
be noted that both are preliminary and can be changed during the course of the
research (Eisenhardt 1989). In the course of this case study, preliminary research
questions have been changed based on results obtained from case analysis. The
resulting and final questions for this research project are found in chapter 1.2.
Furthermore, it can be helpful to develop a conceptual framework from literature
before starting the case analysis to ensure and facilitate the measurement of the
‘right things’ according to the key questions of the research project. Clarification
of terms and concepts, as well as a framework which has been developed based on
a combination of existing literature are shown in chapter 2 of this thesis.
3.2.1.2 Case Selection
A critical aspect of case study research is the case selection. In general, case selection
happens based on theoretical considerations rather than selecting cases randomly.
This is crucial to adequately enabling the researcher to build theory from his/her
case selection. The usual objectives for case studies are replication of theory, en-
hancement of theory or provision of examples for extreme types (Eisenhardt 1989).