Nature of study (A)
In the proposed taxonomy the nature of the study (A) is considered to depict the motives of the study. As
we know SCRM is an exponentially growing area of research, the exploration of literature with the nature of
study perspective identifies the way by which the study contributes to the literature. It indicates whether the
study is conducted to describe risk issues and propose solutions with due analysis or, as in some cases, if
researchers prescribe solutions based on their experience and expertise. As the risk perceptions are multidimensional
and elusive it will be interesting to explore the nature of the study adopted in the extant literature.
The nature of the study of the papers is analysed using the Malhotra and Grover (1998) scheme by
categorizing them as having a positive research approach (A.1) or a normative research approach (A.2). Papers
that attempt to describe, explain, investigate and predict the current supply chain risk issues and practices with
various perspectives are considered as positive research. On the other hand, approaches that deal with the issues
in a prescriptive manner where the author suggest(s) what an individual should do in a particular risk situation
are termed normative. In normative research the author usually recommends the guiding framework and
suggestions based on their experience and expertise in a particular field.