Research Methodology and Methods

Abstract

The previous chapter discussed the theoretical framework that this study uses to analyse the empirical results. This chapter describes the design and implementation of the empirical phase of the study. It explores the research methodology and techniques used to collect empirical data. The remainder of this chapter is divided into seven sections. Section 4.2 presents different research methodologies and their relation to theory and research method selection. Section 4.3 discusses the interpretive case study as the preferred method for collecting empirical data. Section 4.4 describes the pilot case study that clarified the research issues and research design. Section 4.5 describes the design of the case study and the organisations and individuals chosen for the empirical study. Section 4.6 discusses data collection methods particularly the use of semi-structured interviews which was selected as the main method. Section 4.7 discusses the weaknesses and problems of the case study method. The last section provides a summary and conclusion.