Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD Candidate, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Associate Professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
Professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jstp.2026.12072.1945
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of systematically identifying and analyzing the research methodologies employed in studies of business viability in the field of entrepreneurship, in order to fill the existing gap in the literature regarding the lack of a comprehensive picture of the trends, patterns, and quality of the methods used in this domain. Despite the remarkable growth of related studies, a review of the literature indicates that conceptual heterogeneity and a lack of coherence in research designs have hindered the formation of a coherent and generalizable body of knowledge on business viability. Accordingly, drawing on a meta-methodological approach and Ghafarzadegan and Ghazi-Nouri’s “research onion” framework, this study conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of 122 international articles in order to examine their philosophical underpinnings, approaches, methods, and research strategies. The results show that the majority of studies have been conducted within an interpretive paradigm and with qualitative approaches, while the use of mixed and experimental methods has been highly limited. This indicates a pressing need to develop multi-faceted methodological models and to strengthen the coherence among research philosophy, method, and techniques. The innovation of this study lies in the application of Research Design Roadmap structured framework for comparative methodological analysis and for providing a comprehensive picture of the current state of research on business viability an endeavor that had not previously been undertaken in this domain. In addition to elucidating the existing methodological trends, the findings offer suggestions for enhancing the quality of future studies, including the need to expand empirical research, employ combined data sources, and design interdisciplinary research. The practical implications of the results may assist researchers in designing more coherent research projects and entrepreneurship managers in choosing evidence-based strategies to improve the sustainability and resilience of businesses. Overall, this study delineates a new path for methodological development and data integration in research on business viability
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