66 Chapter III Research Methodology This chapter explains research methodology. Research methodology is a series of techniques and stages used in conducting research. Research methodology is also a guide in conducting research. In research methodology there is the philosophy of research, research methods used to answer research questions, appropriate data collection methods, analysis design and interpretation of the results of the analysis. III.1 Introduction This research follows the scientific approach in answering the research question. Figure III.1 shows this research steps. Figure III.1 Research Steps (Adopted from Creswell (2012) and Sekaran (2003)) The research process starts with observation regarding the phenomenon in the real world, the purpose of this activity is to give better understanding about the problem that we are going to solve. This phase also ensures that our research gives practical contribution to the area of research. Next phase is problem definition by creating research question(s). This research has two research questions, which both research questions require two different approaches to answer. The first research question requires better understanding as to why these responsible practices have not been implemented well in the agricultural sector. To answer this, a qualitative study is needed. The qualitative study builds a new theory from the validation of the initial 67 model with observation result in real situation (field). This new theory was tested with quantitative approach which is using simulation. The result of quantitative study answers the second research question. Detail regarding each step of this methodology elaborated later in this sub chapters. III.2 Research Philosophies Research philosophies is the way or the assumption that we use when getting the knowledge. Research philosophy is very important because research philosophy will base all research sections starting from research problems, methods, data collection, to the results and analysis of research (Saunders, 2018). The first thing to note is that the research philosophy is inseparable from three philosophical features, namely ontology (what is true knowledge or how we view the world), epistemology (How we should investigate the world), and axiology (what is believed to be true). One method for understanding research philosophy is onion research developed by Saunders (2018). As seen in figure III.2 Onion research consists of layers of how we conduct research. There are four research philosophies, namely positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism. This research follows the philosophy of critical realism. Saunder (2018) in his book explains that critical realism is part of realism philosophy. Critical realism argues that even the truth exists, but the interpretation of human is also needed to enrich the understanding about the truth itself. Critical realism distinguishes between theory of knowledge and theory of being. Critical realism argues that knowledge consists of not only observable events, but also un-observable event. In Critical realism philosophy, the experimental context becomes very important, because it can distinguish between events and the causes of these events. Morton, 2006 says that “A central idea of CR is that natural and social reality should be understood as an open stratified system of objects with causal powers”. 68 Figure III.2 Research Onion (Saunders, 2018) This research discusses the agricultural responsible supply chain model, especially if it involves multiple actors. In the process of model building, a qualitative study that uses interpretivist approaches was used to see if there are unobservable variables that can perfect the model. After the model has been built, it analyze by analytical and simulation approaches. That is why this research follows the philosophy of critical realism. III.3 Data and Research Methods In this sub chapter, the research methods or research design explained. Research design refers to the outline, plan, or strategy specifying the procedure to be used in seeking an answer to the research question. (Christensen, 2007). III.3.1 Research Strategies Research strategy is an approach that scientists use to conduct research. According to Galliers (1991), there are several research strategies that suitable for either positivist or interpretivist philosophy of research as seen in Table III.1 69 Table III.1 A Taxonomy of Research Scientific/positivist Interpretivist/ Anti-positivist Laboratory Experiment Subjective / Argumentative Field experiment Reviews Surveys Action Research Case Studies Case Studies Theorem Proof Descriptive / Interpretative Forecasting Future Research Simulation Role/ Game playing This research uses a system thinking approach to see the problem and solve it. System thinking approach chosen because this approach able to see the problem holistically. According to Battle Fisher (2015), there are eight characteristics of systems thinking including: 1) Seeing the problem as holistic, 2) Encourage progress, 3) See the relationship and dependence between elements, 4) Pay more attention to the long term result, 5) Do not blame each other and focus on the structure of the problem, 6) Before making a decision, usually consider something unusual, 7) Mapping to see the system, 8) Put yourself in the system. This research uses a case study approach to answer the first research question, because the case study approach is suitable for looking deeper into obstacles in implementing a responsible supply chain. This research will use dynamic system simulation model to answer the second research question. According to system of system methodologies developed by Jackson and Keys (1984), simulation is suitable if the problem is complex and the participant is unitary, meaning that all actors in the system have the same objective and the objective is clear. Dynamic system simulation model is a model that can describe the condition of a causal relationship. Simulation models are usually in a computer model that describes the behavior that occurs in the real world. Dynamic system simulation models have advantages in overcoming and studying complex conditions. This simulation models can be used as tools to find out what happens if a variable or parameter is changed. The output generated from the simulation is quantitative as is the analytic model. 70 III.3.2 Research Choices The methods used in this research are mixed methods. “Mixed methods research is research design with philosophical assumption as well as method of inquiry.