Discriminant analysis in export research: an imperative for methodological rigor
Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics
ISSN: 1355-5855
Article publication date: 9 January 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to appraise methodological rigor in the application of discriminant analysis (DA) in export-focused research and to offer guidelines for future studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample includes 89 empirical peer-reviewed studies, comprising 102 models published over the period 1979-2014. Content analysis and vote counting are used to evaluate each of these studies.
Findings
This review highlights major flaws in the application of DA in export research. The shortcomings are self-evident particularly concerning suitability of DA for research context, completeness in the reporting of descriptive results, and validity and reliability of predictive results.
Practical implications
The study takes the position that the lack of methodological rigor may be undermining the eminence of knowledge in exporting, and this has extensive implications for both researchers and practitioners.
Originality/value
This review outlines steps to assess methodological rigor associated with DA and offers guidelines for scholars seeking to enhance rigor in future research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is indebted to Professor Gerald Albaum for constructive feedback on earlier versions of this manuscript. The author also acknowledges a colleague Rebecca Kennedy, three anonymous reviewers, and the Editor Professor Ian Phau for their useful comments and guidance throughout the review process.
Citation
Kahiya, E.T. (2017), "Discriminant analysis in export research: an imperative for methodological rigor", Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 145-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-11-2015-0170
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited