Methodological Approaches and Research Strategies for Circular Supply Chain

This seminar explores a set of complementary methodological approaches that support rigorous studies in circular supply chain research. It first introduces the problematization approach, a methodology widely adopted in management studies to challenge underlying assumptions and generate novel contributions; the session will draw from two ongoing research projects that apply this long-form, iterative method. The discussion then turns to phenomenon-based research, highlighting its value in framing multidisciplinary investigations by anchoring inquiry in empirically observed, real-world phenomena. Finally, the presentation reflects continuous advancements life cycle thinking as a conceptual tool for understanding sustainability impacts across temporal and systemic boundaries. Together, these approaches offer a multifaceted methodological repertoire for engaging complex research problems at the intersection of circular economy and supply chain management.