Dear Donna:

What I need from you is to write only the Literature review for me. As initially, stated, it should contain 500 words and the submission deadline 19 March 2017.

I have already written the initial literature review which was part of my project proposal. Here, I would like to share it with to you. Please find attached.

Please note that I need the requested Literature review should be as per the Literature review that I have already submitted to my university. Use the same source/ article that I have used in my project proposal, you can add more, but please ensure to also use mine. Anyhow, Please create its template for me to review before starting actual writing.

The referencing is based on Harvard, and the originality is the most important aspect of the requirement. As a matter of fact the most important thing for me is the originality of my paper; the university has zero tolerance for plagiarism. Therefore, I have online software for detecting any piece plagiarism before submitting my paper to University website which will be checked by the same tools again.

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Please note the following: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Literature Review: Guiding questions:

Has a comprehensive range of RELEVANT literature been used to discuss relevant concepts, models and theories?Are the sources used up to date, and of sufficient academic weight?Does the dissertation give evidence of a critical attitude towards source material?Are the key themes and issues surrounding the research questions clearly drawn from the literature?Have sources been acknowledged and referenced fairly and properly? Is the bibliography at the end of the dissertation complete and in the Harvard style?

80% to 100%:Detailed and thorough literature review.Superlative analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material!.Development of a coherent theoretical framework, potentially to the standard of publishable work!

70% to 79%Detailed and thorough literature review.Excellent analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material!Sound theoretical framework developed.

60% to 69%Suitable literature review demonstrating some level of synthesis of secondary sources.Generally sound theoretical framework.

50% to 59%

Generally satisfactory literature review but with some flaws and omissionsAdequate analysis and evaluation of material, limited evidence of synthesis.Generally appropriate theoretical framework, but is not complete and/or justified.

40% to 49%Partial literature reviewWeak analysis and evaluation of materialWeak theoretical basis for the research based upon incomplete and fragmented literature review.

0% to 39%Unsatisfactory literature review!Rudimentary analysis and evaluation of material!Poor or inadequate theoretical basis for the research based upon incomplete and fragmented literature review.

Writing Assessment:Is the overall style and presentation of the dissertation in accordance with that specified in the Module Handbook; i.e. cover pages, title page, word count, spacing, chapter and section headings, pagination, appropriate font, bolding, italicsAre all citations and references properly formatted in the appropriate referencing style?Is the title concise and appropriate?Is the abstract a concise (1 page) summary of the main aims, methodology, findings and conclusions?Is the contents page clear, concise and logically numbered? Are appendices, tables and figures numbered and listed in the contents page? Are all appendices referred to in the text?Is the writing clear and in an appropriate academic style?Is the standard of written English acceptable?Has the dissertation been spelling and grammar checked

Project Proposal

Table of content

1) Part one- Critical Literature Review--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Supply Chain Risk Management----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Source of Supply Chain Risk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Supply Chain Resilience ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Academic researched in Supply Chain Resilience-------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Ensuring Resilience through Collaboration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

2) Part one- Critical Literature Review

Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Case Company--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Research Topic--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Research Question and Context-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Research Objective and Rational---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Research Philosophy and Paradigm------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Research Methodology----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

How the selected Methodology relates to my research question? ------------- --------------------------------------8

Alterative Methodology---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Strength and Weakness of the selected Methodology-------------------------------------------------------------------8

Data Collection and Analysis Strategies-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Type of data------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Tools---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Data Analysis----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Ethical Consideration and Conclusion-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Reference-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

Critical Literature Review

Introduction Studies have shown that contemporary enterprises can no longer operate in isolation as the increasing globalization has

astonishingly intensified the interconnectedness and subsequently the interdependencies between the firms (Ali and Shukran, 2016). This

trend, in turn, has shifted the competition from company to the Supply chain level. In another word, the competition is not anymore between

the companies, but among their supply chains. Studies have also echoed that the resulted interconnectedness and interdependencies that

have significantly increased the susceptibility of the enterprises to various supply chain risks (Mandal, 2012). To that end, managing the

associated supply risks has gained the substantial interest of the academic researchers (Pettit et al., 2010; Christopher & Holweg, 2011;

Tayur, Ganeshan & Magazine, 2012; Langley, 2008; Kleindorfer & Saad, 2005). Christopher & Holweg (2011), introduce the concept of

Supply Chains 2.0 discussing a management system that can be created for future development in order to organize workflow. Tayur,

Ganeshan & Magazine (2012) discuss a concept of methodological approaches of quantitative analysis being used in order to determine a

strong methodological approach for the research of Supply Chains. Langley (2008) discusses the importance of determining all of the factors

to prevent anything from going wrong in Supply Chain Management by calculating the logistics of a given situation and to attribute these

logistics to the management of supply chains. Building on the concept that Langley (2008) introduces, and rather when noting the publication

date, actually preceding Langley’s (2008) research, Kleindorfer & Saad (2005) are the ones that more recently introduce the concept of

ensuring that logistics and an avoidance of problems take place in the operations and management systems of supply chains. This is just an

example of the more extensive literature review that is to follow.

A review of the relevant literature shows that creating supply chain resilience through building the partnership is practical for dealing

with adverse effects of disruptive events (Hofmann et al., 2014). Thus, it is believed that increasing globalization of the business has made it

drastically imperative for contemporary enterprises to address supply chain vulnerabilities through creating a collaborative and resilient supply

chain network (Aigbogun et al., 2015).

Supply Chain Risk ManagementResearchers have conducted substantial studies about the potential risks and disruptions that stem from the interrelated movement

of information, materials, and finance (funds) in supply chain network (Hofmann et al., 2014). It is worthwhile theoretically defining risk before

proceeding with critically analyzing its related literature. Thus, from supply chain perspective, the supply chain risk is seen as the possibility of

an adverse outcome (Graham and Weiners, 1995, cited in Strelnik 2016) which in turn can involve an unforeseen state that exposes the

operations to the undesirable situation (Mandal, 2012). As the prominent scholar Mandal (2012) explained it, the probability of any happening

that would have the potential of disturbing supply chain operation and result in a potential loss is referred as “risk.” In a similar manner, other

scholars have described it “as unexpected happening, capable of triggering undesirable event which could drastically threaten the normal

course of operation of supply chain network” (Bode et al., 2011, cited in Hofmann et al., 2014).

Reviews of the literature show that the academic researchers have a communal concurrence on the "former" definition of the supply

chain risk (March & Shapira, 1987, cited in Ali Shukran, 2016). On the other hand, it is also imperative to provide you with a brief

definition of “disruption” and “vulnerability” for distinguishing of the terms. In short, Mandal, (2012), stated that the weakness of supply

chain is referred as the vulnerability of it, and in a similar vein, the negative situation that can occur due to the vulnerability is referred

as disruption. Given that, Kilubi and Haasis, (2015), believe that reduction of supply vulnerability and in turn mitigation of risks and

disruption necessitate a framework for identification of the source of risks.

Moreover, researchers such as Kilkenny (2013) discuss that the key in managing supply chains must include an adaptation by managers to

understanding how smartphones and social networks also interplay and connect with the existing supply chain infrastructure. Kilkenny (2013)

also notes that managers of supply chains without a company Facebook account now a days are creating a dinosaur complex for themselves

and will be working themselves not towards innovation, but rather towards extinction in the competitive market of supply chains. Krishnan,

Lombardo & Krishnan (2014) note the complexity of supply chains and these supply chains from a management point of view are becoming

even more complex due to the effects of globalization. Krishnan, Lombardo & Krishnan (2014) note specifically that with the increase in

compliance with trading regulations and the increasing demands of customers and clients, the management of supply chains becomes that

more daunting and it is imperative that a great level of organization is involved in its inherent structure. Krishnan, Lombardo & Krishnan

(2014) also note that many other industries are also affected by the same pressures and the same demands that are placed upon the supply

chain management domain. A year later in further research by the latter researchers, Krishnan, Lombardo & Krishnan (2015) develop their

concepts further and build upon the previous research from a year ago to discuss the organization that must be present in order for a

successful management structure of a supply chain to exist. Krishnan, S., Lombardo, J., & Krishnan, R. (2015) note that when a company

that is a supply chain has a factor of engagement that is below 70%, this is essentially when there needs and there is a requirement for there

to be a more thorough assessment of the structure of the management within the existing company and within the existing supply chain.

According to Krishnan, S., Lombardo, J., & Krishnan, R. (2015), a company and/or a supply chain needs (and this is vital) to have an

engagement factor with its employees and existing staff, as well as its customer and clientele base that is well above the 70% factor that they

have determined through their research is absolutely necessary in order for there to be growth within the organization and for the supply

chain and its management to flourish.

Source of Supply Chain RiskIt is also believed that the concept of risk is certainly not a new phenomenon, but its role and impact has considerably altered

and become eminent in recent decades (Vasvari, 2015). Given that, the globalization and its resulted interconnectedness and

interdependencies have made risk as an inevitable element of any operation. As explained by Ali and Shukran, globalization has

generated a greater level of interconnectedness and interdependence between contemporary organizations which in turn can expose

their SC services to various risks. While it is perceived that it is the complexity that is generated due to the globalization of market

which is making supply chain (SC) more vulnerable to various disruptions (Mandal, 2012). Though, Ali and Shukran (2016) both

concede on complexity as one of the sources of vulnerability but insist that the increased competition coupled with rapid technological

advancement and changes is inevitably also exposing organizations to various risks.

In a similar manner, Gorzen- Mitka (2016), reports that the recent trend of globalization has tightened the competition which in turn

compels firms and their respective supply chains to strive for constant improvement services, reduction of cost, elimination of waste,

inventory reduction, and outsourcing which can ultimately generate new risks and disruption. In a similar fashion, Pettit et al. (2015),

define the nature of supply chain network as “complex,” reasoning that it always experiences turbulences, generating unexpected

variations, capable of disturbing the operations. In fact, there are significant researches in this field. Most of them have conspicuously

studied the concept of interdependencies and interdependence, complexity, and collectively coincide on the necessity of managing

risks in a proactive manner to enable not only the effective response to risk, but the recovery from the disruption event to original or

better status (Kilubi and Haasis, 2015, Mitchell, 2013, and Ali and Shukran, 2016). This is referred as resilience!

Supply Chain ResilienceThe word resilience has originated from the Latin word of “resilio” which means springing back (Mandal, 2012). The

researchers believe that the concept of resilience roots back to findings of an ecologist, named C.S Holling, in 1973 (Melnyk, 2014).

The term "resilience" has various definitions in the different discipline and has been examined from various perspectives. From the

business viewpoint, the term resilience deemed as the “recovery capability” while being preserved it as a quite new concept where its

theoretical justification is still in its infancy (Scavarda et al., 2015). From supply chain perspective, it is deemed as the ability of a

system to proactively manage risk and return to its original or more desirable state of operation after being disturbed (Speigler et al.,

2012).

According to Mensah and Merkuryev (2014), resilience is “the ability of a system to efficiently and speedily return to its original

condition after deformation”, without hampering the operation. In a similar manner, Melnyk., (2014), define it “as the capability of a

system for resisting against supply chain disruption, and equipped with sufficient capabilities to swiftly recover after disruption occur.

Given these, definitions, supply chain resilience, comprises three main components; proactive preparation, immediate response, and

fast recovering from the disruption (Day, 2014). A critical review the of the relevant literature reveal the fact that despite a concrete

definition for supply chain does not exist, but most of the researcher concur on importance supply chain resilience

Academic researched in Supply Chain ResilienceGiven the importance of this phenomenon, there has been significant academic research in this field. The first study of supply

chain resilience was conducted in the United Kingdom after the transportation disruption, in early 2001(Mandal, 2012). Since then, the

attentions of the practitioners and researchers have further intensified towards this phenomenon (Kilubi and Haasis, 2015), not only

due to the increased level of uncertainties but also owing to the ever fast changing and advancement of information technology that

has further made supply chain vulnerable to disruptions. As a matter of fact, nowadays, the concept of supply chain resilience has

become an important topic for management scholars and practitioners. It is believed that the increase in numbers of the natural and

made-made disaster have substantially led to growing interest of the academics and practitioners in resilience (Mandal, 2012).

A literature review reveals that of the studies have agreed on creating resilience through building capabilities required for proactive

preparation, limiting the impact, and strengthen the means of rapid recovery from the disruption to original or more desirable status.

While on other hand, there are scholars, such as Christopher & Allen, who believe that studies of supply chain resilience relates to

exploration of proactive, structured, and integrated capabilities required for coping with the unpredicted events, not only the ability to

mitigate risk and return to origination status (SCAVARDA et al.,2015). In a similar manner, several studies have discussed the role that

collaboration can play in ensuring supply chain resilience (Cao et al. 2010; Chen and Sohal 2013; Leat and Revoredo-Giha 2013, cited

in Ali, I., & Shukran, 2016).

Ensuring resilience through a collaboration

The concept of supply chain collaboration has turned into a significant and relevant topic for scholars and practitioners, mainly for coping with

risks and increasing supply chain resilience. However, before proceeding with critically analyzing the role of collaboration in supply chain

resilience, it is important to "theoretically" define it for clarity purposes. Collaboration has myriad of definitions as well, but each applicable to

the different field. According to Switala, the collaboration from supply chain perspective is a long-lasting relationship that is based on trust,

confidence, and mutual interest (2016). In other words, collaboration means working together towards a mutual goal for benefiting involved

parties. Chan and Prakash defined collaboration as a negotiated partnership among several independent entities through exchanging of

capabilities and sharing of information for collective combating supply chain risks (2012).

In a similar manner, Chen et al. (2013), define collaboration as a group of enterprises that have adopted “a long-term” relationship based on

trust and confidence for working together towards creating a unique value and competitive advantages that neither partner can achieve alone.

The review of the relevant literature reveals that the most of the scholars agree on the definition provided by Chen et al. (2013). The central

theme and common term for all definition mentioned above are that collaboration have the prominent role in ensuring supply chain resilience.

In another word, in today‘s completive global business environment the supply chain cannot succeed in isolation, but unless adopting a long-

lasting relationship to collectively combat the emerging supply chain risk and ensuring supply chain resilience. In a similar manner,

globalization of the business has made it necessary for all contemporary organizations to include all stakeholders, that are whether internal or

from outside the four walls of their company, in their contingency plan.

It is widely believed that collaborative activities, such as information sharing, knowledge and expertise, and joint planning and problem-solving

results in creating visibility which in turn can help in reducing uncertainties (Spiegler et al., 2012). Researchers have conducted sizeable

studies about the potential role that collaboration plays in strengthen supply chain resilience. For instance, Scholten, and Schilder (2015)

explored how the partnership can influence supply chain resilience. In fact, this was one of the first articles that provided a comprehensive, in-

depth exploration of the instrumental role that collaboration plays in ensuring supply chain resilience. The authors of this study have adopted

the exploratory multiple case study methodology, based on buyer and supplier relationship of eight factions which helped in answering their

research question and provided new insights describing collaboration as a formative factor for building supply chain resilience. The finding of

their studies has specified exchange of information and knowledge, improved communication, and joint planning efforts as the main elements

that contribute to building resilient supply chain through a collaborative approach. The authors have echoed that the collaboration activities

(listed above) would increase the supply chain resilience through increasing the supply chain flexibility, velocity, visibility, and agility.

The influence of partnership in improving supply chain resilience is also confirmed by other researchers. Aigbogun et al. (2014), in their article

of 'A framework to enhance supply chain resilience,' corroborated this correlation from a theoretical perspective. Despite that their article was

geared towards investigating the supply chain vulnerabilities and capabilities of the pharmaceutical sector in Malaysia, but their primary

objective was to academically authenticate the role that collaboration plays in enhancing supply resilience. The finding of their article has

revealed the fact the adaptation of a collaborative relationship is instrumental in overcoming vulnerabilities and in turn improving supply chain

resilience. The overall approach of the authors in this article is in line with what Sutcliffe called “relativism ontologies”, with the grounded

theory methodology from a manager perspective (2016). In a similar manner, Pettit et al. (2010) have also used the grounded theory

methodology for developing a theoretical framework to validate the impact of collaboration on supply chain resilience. Their studies have

revealed that forming a collaborative partnership with other enterprises would significantly help in coping with risks and subsequently improve

supply chain resilience. In summary, all the listed authors have argued that collaboration and resilience are both vital element of any supply

chain operations for sustaining competitive advantages. This literature review reveals that that collaboration and resilience are both

mandatory characteristics of contemporary supply chain operation.

A Proposal to Research the Role of Collaboration in Supply Chain Resilience

Case Study of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Republic of South Sudan

Introduction United Nations Peacekeeping Operations spends 17 billion of American dollars annually and yet fails to delivers most of its

mandated tasks, protection of civilian people, mainly due to logistical challenges (Peter, 2012). Unfortunately, its recent failures to

protect the life of hundreds of internally displaced people who were sheltering within its base in South Sudan resulted in the death of

dozens of civilian people (Lauren, 2016). This accident, in turn, drew the attention of the international community which they all

respectively condemn it and urge all involved parties to conflict to stop killing of the innocent civilian population immediately. On the

other hand, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General asked for an independent investigation of this brutal accident to find out what

obstructed the effective response to this-this particular case (Peter, 2012).The preliminary findings of inquiry corroborated the “logistical

challenges” as one of the primary element of the shortcoming that deterred the UN peacekeepers to effectively response to that

particular brutal accident (Nzwili, 2016). The investigation has referred to the scarcity of supply chain integration and collaboration

between the internal components of the United Nations as the primary cause of the logistical challenges and warned of the subsequent

adverse impacts that such arrangement makes on business continuity of this organization.

Case CompanyThe case company is an international non-for-profit organization, and it is a joint venture for several stakeholders mandated to achieve

the common mission goal. The two components that form its backbone are the Military and Civilian Departments. Neither party can

achieve the mission goal alone unless working together towards a mutual goal. As a matter of fact, these two components have their

separate supply chain funding, technology, and operations, but are expected to work together in achieving the same mission goals.

Unfortunately, this arrangement has resulted in duplication of efforts, increase of overall operation costs, and adversely impacting entire

organization business continuity and its supply chain resilience.

While on the other hand, lack of collaboration between these components is making the organization’s operations vulnerable to various

risks. To address the vulnerabilities, and avoid the recurrence of the mentioned brutal accident types, through tackling the logistical

challenge; building a collaborative and resilient supply chain would be necessary. The recent accident has made it drastically

imperative for both parties to form a cooperative relationship for addressing the supply chain challenges. It is widely believed that

collaborative activities, such as information sharing, knowledge and expertise, and joint planning and problem-solving results in

creating visibility which in turn can help in reducing uncertainties (Spiegler et al., 2012).

Research Topic To that end, I have selected the proposed research topic for explaining the role that collaboration plays in supply chain resilience of the

United Nations Peacekeeping operations in the Republic of South Sudan. The initial focus of the proposed research project is to

answer the two theoretical questions; why collaboration play an instrumental role supply chain resilience, and how it help in minimizing

the effects of disruptions and in turn maximize the resilience? The answers to these two questions will constitute the theoretical

background required for understanding the phenomenon from a wide-ranging context. My research topic has gone through several

refining process before reaching this phase, and I have located a handful of articles online that have already studied the same areas.

Research Question and Context The research question is the fundamental and core element of my research project. As a matter of fact, my main research question is

designed in a manner to explain the relationship between two components, which is collaboration and resilience. The involvement of

various parties in my case company makes it interesting to find out the about the role that collaboration plays on its supply chain

resilience. Given the increasing supply chain risks, it is important to locate the answer to the question of “how effective collaboration

between the civilian and military components can contribute to ensuring supply chain resilience?

In addition to my theoretical and primary research questions, I have also prepared the following listed questions for inclusion into my

research topic. (1) How can effective collaboration impact the overall performance of the organization? (2) Will the lack of collaboration

between the military and civilian components impose the organization‘s supply chain to more risks? (3) How effective collaboration

between the military and civilian components can be achieved? (4) What are the obstacles in achieving effective collaboration between

the military and civilian components? (5) Are the two components are adequately integrated to facilitate forming the collaborative

relationship? The structure of my case company is very diverse and has the international scope to accommodate these types of

research questions.

Research Objective and RationalThe objective of my overall research will be to explain the impact of collaboration on supply chain resilience in a peacekeeping setting.

Given that, it is expected to facilitate understanding the real essence of collaboration and supply chain from a not-for-profit perspective

and context. I aim to explain the relationship between the two contemporary phenomena (Collaboration and Resilience) from the point

of view of the peacekeeping operation in a real-life context, which no other researcher has done up-to-date. While conducting this

research is part of the requirement for completion of my master degree program, but I also want it to help me find a practical solution to

an actual supply chain problem that is bothering my case company. In addition to above-listed objectives, conducting this research will

also help further improve my knowledge of the subject topic.

Research philosophy and Paradigm I have formulated the research questions, objectives, and topic based on my ontological and epistemology standpoint. In brief, ontology

and epistemology are Greek words, and in the research context, they are the assumption of researcher regarding the world‘s reality

and the knowledge for figuring out that reality (Wahyuni, 2012). According to Wynn 'Ontology is the view of how one perceives a

"reality" and epistemology is the beliefs on the way to generate, understand and use the "knowledge" that are deemed to be acceptable

and valid'(2012:69). Given these points, my philosophical position is based on interpretivism paradigm with relativist ontology and

subjectivist epistemology. In another word, I presume that the reality is socially constructed and I am linked with I know about the reality

(Gotfert, 2015). In light of the above, I can confidently say that my philosophical position is consistent with my selected methodology

and the research question at hand.

Research MethodologyPositioning the management research project within the correct methodology is another determinant success factor that can

lead in connecting the ontology and epistemology viewpoints with the other components of the research design. It is worth nothing that

methodology and method are two different terms and represent two distinct elements of the research paper. According to Easterby-

Smith et al. the methodology is 'a combination of techniques used to inquire into a particular situation, while on the other hand, the

method is the techniques used for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the data' (2012:19). Given this

explanation, my proposed research methodology is the explanatory case study.

How the selected methodology relates to my research questions?The explanatory case study methodology is increasing being used by academics, practitioners, and management researchers

for analyzing and explaining the relationship between two components (Tumele, 2015). In a similar fashion, Aczel reports that this

methodology is practical for explaining the “a contemporary phenomenon” within the context of real-life” (2015). These characteristics

of the explanatory case study make it the right methodology for my research project whereas I will be explaining the role that

collaboration plays in ensuring supply resilience in real a life context. In other words, this methodology has the potential to provide the

answer to my research question which is to explain the relationship between two variables based on “How” and “Why” questions.

Alternative Methodology Initially, I selected the Applied Research Methodology to use for underpinning my research project. This methodology is

famous for pursuing postgraduate and funds research projects. (Easterby-Smith et al.,2012). The reason that I (initially) selected this

methodology was based on its relevancy for Master degree dissertation and preserved it as the only practical approach for finding the

solution to the real-life problem through utilizing of qualitative and quantitative approach. However, after reviewing the characteristic of

other methodologies, I comprehended that my research question at hand could be better answered through using explanatory case-

study Methodology. It is believed that explanatory case-study methodology is the practical approach for explaining relationship between

two contemporary variables (collaboration and resilience) based on “how” and “Why” questions in a real-life context (Mandal, 2012).

After a comprehensive study of explanatory case-study methodology, I noticed that its characteristics correspondence with my research

topic and is the most relevant methodology for answering my research question at hand.

Strength and Weakness of the selected MethodologyExplanatory case study methodology has its strength and weakness as well. One of the advantages of this methodology is

that it can facilitate improving my knowledge of the subject topic. In addition to this, this methodology can support both quantitative and

qualitative data collection (Gog, 2015), and generate first-hand data which be used by the case company as a recommendation for

improving its supply chain collaboration and resilience. It is also believed that this methodology has the potential capacity for in-depth

study of management issues in a real life context (Zivkovic, 2012). However, there are also few weaknesses that are reported by

numerous authors. For instance, Samson and Gloet refer to the perception that case studies as whole lack insufficient precision and

objectivity (2014). I have comprehensive, practical consideration and plans for addressing these challenges, for details of my plan, see

the last chapter of this paper. However, these issues cannot outweigh the above-mentioned momentous advantages but emphasizes

the importance of following all the guideline for doing a good, valid, and relevant research project.

Data Collection and Analysis Strategies

In a similar fashion, the other reason that has inclined me to go for this methodology is it can supports data collection

from multiple sources (Wynn and Williams, 2012). Again, this element of the explanatory case study is indeed as per my planned

data collection method whereas I will be collecting data different type of data from various sources. More information on this

would be proved in the followings paragraphs. As a matter of fact, the data collection for such type of research can be obtained

through observation, unstructured interviews of groups or individuals, and reviewing documentary materials and so on (Graue,

2015). Given that, I will acquire both types of the data, quantitative and qualitative, through multiple sources in different

approaches. To that end, I need to gather secondary and primary data for answering my research question as utilization of both

type of data can simultaneously contribute value-added contribution in my effort of answering the research question.

Type of data

My data plan also entails collecting historical secondary data for finding the causal explanation of the subject

phenomenon and generating primary data for obtaining new insights and confidence in the outcome of my research project

(Easterby-Smith et al., 2012). In result, I will comprehend the existing practice and process of the case company through

reviewing its documentary materials. In a similar manner, I will learn about the recent literature and intellectual contribution of

another researcher about subject phenomenon through reviewing academic journals. In addition to secondary data, I will also

gather primary data directly from the participants through web-based survey semi-structured questionnaire to support my

research question. Utilization of primary data authenticates my research finding and provides better control, and ultimately it is

easy for interpretation (Easterby-Smith et al., 2012). Unlike, the secondary data, the primary data would be collected specifically

for the research question at hand.

Tools

Correspondingly, I will be using the systematic radon method for selecting the sample. As recommended, by Easterby-

Smith et al. (2012), this method is practical for obtaining data from a targeted group. The targeted group (sample) is a small

number of operations and supply managers from both the military and civilian departments of my case company (Population).

According to Easterby-Smith et al. (2012), this method of sampling is applicable for selection of a targeted group from any entity

using computer programs. I have selected the web-based survey for self-completion questionnaires, for obtaining the primary raw

data from the participants. Thus, I will be sending the members a web address for accessing the online questionnaires.

The survey will be 100% online, and responses are to be automatically stored in an online database with password protected

application for the subsequent analyzing and processing. According to Gog, each research design necessitates specific data

collection and analysis method (2015). In line with that, Yin has recommended utilization of web-based survey for self-completion

questionnaires for explanatory case study methodologies (2009). According to Easterby-Smith et al. (2012), nowadays, there are

numerous tools available for researchers to use for conducting the web-based survey. Tools such as Surveymonky, Qualtrics,

Vovici, and Zoomerang are the few of them to name here. Given these offers, I will be using one of these computer oriented tools

for collection, storing and processing of my data.

Data Analysis

As my research project is a single case study methodology of the explanatory case study with the quantitative and

qualitative method; I will be collecting and analyzing two types of data. In other words, my research will have two phases; it will

start with collecting quantitative secondary data for finding the relationship between the collaboration and supply chain resilience.

Subsequently, in the second step, I will gather primary qualitative data for explaining the impact and role collaboration on supply

chain resilience in a real life context. This method of data collection is called as triangulation in academic research (Easterby-

Smith et al., 2012).The tools that listed in above paragraphs have the potential to facilitate the direct loading of the raw materials

into analysis programs. According to Easterby-Smith et al. (2012), Excel spreadsheet is the practical data analysis tools for mixed

methods and more importantly it is compatible with the research paper for receiving the raw materials directly from other

computer-orientated tools.

Ethical Consideration and Conclusion

One of the main elements of the research project that I would pay extra attention would be the ethical consideration, as not

fulfillment with the specified guidelines can significantly hamper the reliability and validity of my research’s outcome. For

instance, my data collection plan could entail some ethical issues that I would pay particular attention to it. To that end, I would

get written approval of my case company for using its (unpublicized) documents, and reports as my secondary data. In a similar

manner, for gathering the primary data directly from the participants, I shall also ensure to follow the specified ethical guidelines.

According to Easterby-Smith et al. (2012), the researcher has the ethical responsibility to prevent any potential conflict of interest.

In fact, I do feel fully qualified and equipped with all the skills, knowledge, and tools to carry out the data collection as per the

ethical guidelines and based on the method and methodology of my research.

More importantly, I will carry out the data collection exercise with full consultation with my supervisor to avoid any wrong doings.

Case studies are mostly critiqued because of its flexibility of data collection and analysis which deemed possible to result in the

production of piles of data to permit the researchers makes bias interpretation (De Kock, 2015). Therefore, I have made ascertain

that my case study has a clear design, data collection, and analysis method well-defined at the outset to avoid such kind of

possible criticism and misinterpretation. In a similar fashion, Easterby-Smith et al. (2012) have also echoed that these measures

can help in minimization of the possible interpretation of the data. To that end, all components of my research design are

connected in a logical manner and will be specified so in my research paper to communicate it to the readers.

The other challenge that I might encounter with obtaining the secondary data would be getting certain relevant data from my

organization that might be deemed confidential. The case company is a Peacekeeping organization which has a military element

and disclosing the military related data to the public is not permitted and is considered as misconduct. Therefore, I will ensure to

obtain all the required approvals of the case company and give the assurance that the data will not be made public unless coded

and anonymous. I also have sufficient preparation and the required skills to ensure that the findings my research is presented in

a logical form, easy for the reader to locate and read without any difficulties (Tumele, 2015). The outcome and results can be

presented in various ways. The most common and useful way for such type of research methodology is converting the obtained

data into graphs or table for visual displays. Given that, I will be using all both kinds (graphs and tables) for presenting my results

and findings. In addition to this, I will also use the textual explaining for better conveying and presentation of the results. This

arrangement will indeed help in avoiding the misinterpretation of the findings and results.

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