46 Chapter III Research Methodology This chapter outlines the methodological framework utilized to achieve the research objectives of identifying the risk factors associated with Indonesian PSCs regarding their dependence on imported raw material medicine. This study adopts a mixed- methods research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques to deliver a thorough analysis of the current situation and future recommendations regarding Indonesia PSCs, particularly in relation to the importation of raw material medicine. III.1 Research Paradigm The research is deeply rooted in the pragmatism paradigm, as reflected by the following statements: First, the research endeavor seeks to investigate the factors associated with the reliance on the importation of raw materials utilized in pharmaceuticals, employing expert assessments and quantifying the identified determinants for the purpose of prioritization. This objective is in complete harmony with the pragmatism paradigm, which underscores the significance of the practical application of research outcomes and the incorporation of diverse methodologies to tackle research inquiries (Creswell & Poth, 2018). This underlines the notion that both qualitative and quantitative data hold intrinsic value and that the selection of methodological approaches is contingent upon the specific research problem being addressed. Pragmatism, as a philosophical paradigm, provides a significant degree of flexibility and adaptability throughout the entirety of the research process, thereby facilitating the seamless integration of a diverse array of data sources and methodological approaches, as elucidated by Kaushik & Walsh (2019). This methodological framework is especially suitable for the current investigation, as it adeptly provides qualitative insights gained from expert interviews combined with Koleksi digital milik UPT Perpustakaan ITB untuk keperluan pendidikan dan penelitian 47 the Causal Loop Diagram for deeper understanding and continues with quantitative data derived from the AHP approach that is completing the analysis. III.2 Research Design This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research techniques within a convergent mixed-method design. As illustrated in Figure III.1, the research methodology follows a structured, multi- phase approach designed to comprehensively identify, assess, and analyze risk factors related to Indonesian PSCs about the dependence on the import supply of raw material medicine. The process begins with a literature review aimed at identifying relevant risk factors, followed by the compilation of a risk list based on insights gathered from both the literature and expert opinions. To ensure accuracy, the relevance of these risks is systematically evaluated and categorized using the Delphi method, which helps refine the data through rounds of expert consensus. Once the risks are categorized, they are prioritized using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), providing a clear ranking of the most critical risks. In the next phase, expert agreement is sought on the results, and if consensus is not achieved, the process loops back to adjust and refine the list. When consensus is reached, the identified risks are thoroughly evaluated, and the findings are discussed in detail. Moving forward, causal relationships between the identified variables are explored, and these causal directions are illustrated using a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD), providing a visual representation of the interconnected factors. Previous research also combines AHP approach and CLD for the following reasons: • Comprehensive Analysis: AHP allows for precise, quantifiable prioritization of risks or factors, while CLD captures the complex relationships and feedback loops between these factors, offering a more complete analysis (Omotayo et al., 2020 and An et al., 2024). • Visualizing Dynamic Interactions: CLD enables the visualization of causal relationships and feedback loops among different factors within the manufacturing process. This visualization helps to understand how changes Koleksi digital milik UPT Perpustakaan ITB untuk keperluan pendidikan dan penelitian 48 (related to specific factors) in one area can affect others, facilitating a clearer picture of the system's dynamics (An et al., 2024). • Improved Decision-Making: By quantifying the factors through AHP and understanding their interactions through CLD, decision-makers can make better-informed choices that consider both immediate and long-term impacts (Omotayo et al., 2020 and An et al., 2024). Finally, the research concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings, offering recommendations and drawing conclusions based on the overall analysis.