Abductive thematic analysis blends empirical observations with theoretical frameworks, fostering a continuous and dynamic exchange between research evidence and theory. It is distinct from other forms of analysis as it is underpinned by pragmatism and is flexible in its adoption of theory to best answer the research question. As a result of an interplay between theory and data, a surprising, puzzling, or anomalous finding may lead to new insights. This flexible approach to inquiry can draw from theories dependent upon what is best able to explain the data. This results in a theoretically informed explanation for empirical phenomena, which may in turn unveil unique insights about theories, making it a valuable tool across diverse research domains in medical science. The guidelines in this paper aim to illuminate abductive thematic analysis, steering the reader through each step toward maximizing novel theoretical contributions and fostering a comprehensive understanding for researchers and educators.
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Research has pointed out opportunities and research agendas to integrate sustainability issues with supply chain and operations management. However, we find that it is still not mainstream practice to systematically take a sustainability approach in tackling supply chain and operations management issues. In this paper, we make use of behavioral theory to explain the current lack of integration. We conclude through abductive reasoning that the reasons for procrastinating integration of sustainability in supply chain and operations management research are the conflicting nature of the task and the inherent context, which is the focus on operations rather than environmental or social issues.
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In higher education, design thinking is often taught as a process. Yet design cognition resides in action and design practices. Dewey’s pragmatism offers a solid epistemology for design thinking. This paper describes a design research whereby Dewey’s inquiry served as the foundation for educating students. Three extensive educational case studies are presented whereby a design inquiry was introduced and became part of the curricula. It was found that students and coaches struggled with doubts experienced as a result of the co-evolution of problem and solution, means and ends. Four coping mechanisms were observed: (1) focus on problems, risking analysis paralysis; (2) focus on creative problem-solving, risking unsubstantiated design; (3) focus on means, risking fixation; and (4) focus on future ends, risking hanging on to a dream. By establishing a joint practice and a community of learnersthrough show-andshare sessions, the students establish solid ground.
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