Development of an analysis model for a risk-benefit balance

Abstract

As explained in the previous chapters, this thesis aims at establishing the general or particular value of customer integration with the aid of case study research. In order to guarantee meaningful statements and comparable results, this type of empirical research requires an analysis model or reference framework on which the practical investigations are based (Miles and Huberman 1994; Voss et al. 2002). For a close link with theory and a fit with the novel perspective on customer integration, the analysis model has to combine findings of existing research and own theoretical deductions, thus showing why and how the case study research has to be conducted. This combination will lead to several propositions that are to be validated or refuted by the ensuing empirical research in the case studies or with additional support of mini-cases.