A Local-State Government Spatial Data Sharing Partnership

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Chapter 4 – Research Design and Methods
case studies and questionnaires remained confidential and was utilised for research
purposes only.
Prior to the interview process, background information to the study was provided to the
participants, and an explanation on the limitations and use of data was provided prior to
seeking their consent. In the case of the online questionnaire, the information was
provided online and participants were required to agree to participate before being allowed
to access the questionnaire.
Although it was organisational units at both state and local government levels that were
being studied, sensitivity was required in collecting and reporting of the data. At the state
government level the data sharing partnerships represent ongoing initiatives of the
government to improve the access and reliability of information to support many areas of
government delivery. During the study, a number of the data sharing arrangements were
being reviewed or renewed. The researcher took care to ensure that the ongoing
negotiations between state and local governments were not affected.
Collected data was held in a secure environment during and after the collection period.
The analysed data shown in this thesis has been aggregated at a number of appropriate
aggregation levels to protect the individual local governments from criticism or scrutiny.
Individual comments recorded in the data collection have not been directly attributed to
any individuals and any comments that were seen to be inflammatory or judged to be
unjustified were not utilised. Where data has been passed back to organisations as an
agreed part of the collection process, only high level aggregated data belonging to their
state jurisdiction was provided.
4.6 Chapter Summary
This chapter presented the methodological framework for this research. The research
context provided by chapters 2 and 3 has been reviewed and the research questions
clarified. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were examined in order to answer
the identified research questions. A mixed method design was adopted and justified as
being an appropriate strategy for the research on spatial data sharing partnerships.
The case study approach enabled an in depth study of three data sharing partnership
initiatives through a scientifically rigorous process. The quantitative analysis of the local
government surveys complemented the case study approach by providing validation of
concepts and issues. The results of both components are reported in detail in Chapters 5