Structured Literature Review with TISM Leading to an Argumentation Based Conceptual Model

Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is a methodology for conceptualising and modelling interactions among a collection of elements. While TISM is intended to interpret both nodes and links, the interpretation of linkages lacks argumentative depth. Given that TISM, as an extension of interpretive structural modelling (ISM), aims to answer the question ‘why’ in theory building, adding argumentation-based discussion of links could enrich the interpretation phase. In this perspective, the purpose of this paper is to strengthen the interpretation part through argumentation. Additionally, the paper proposes a methodology for conceptualising models with the structured literature review. The method is demonstrated with the literature-based study on strategic innovation management in the context of new ventures. The illustration proceeds in three phases: answering the questions ‘what’, ‘how’, and ‘why’. The proposed approach is applicable to any study requiring the derivation of an argumentation-based conceptual model through the structured literature review.