Methodological Approach

3.2.1 Research Philosophy

The philosophy of epistemology concerns the question of what is or what should be (Bryman, 2008). Central to the position of epistemology is the concept of positivism where the social world can be analysed from a natural science perspective and used to consider social phenomena. In addition to the principle of phenomenalism, others include deductivism (hypotheses driven) and inductivism (gathering of facts). The principle of inductivism has been used as a central basis for the methodology of this thesis.

Social ontology is concerned with the nature of social entities (Bryman, 2008). Constructivism and objectivism form the two main positions that differ in their ontological philosophy. Constructivism is based on the premise that social actors and interactions are central to the effects on social phenomena. In contrast, objectivism asserts that external effects are beyond reach or influence, in other words, independent of social actors (Bryman, 2008). The position of

constructivism has formed the basis for this paper as the author considers that the actions and decision of social actors can have a direct impact on the outcome of events as they relate to leadership and management of humanitarian logistics.

3.2.2 Research Strategy

In his book Developing Effective Research Proposals, Punch (2012) advocates keeping methods simple and clear. There is a need to first consider whether the study will be quantitative, qualitative, or if there is to be a combination of both (mixed methods). As the research is based on a relatively unstructured approach where answers and themes unfolded throughout, a mixed methods model has been chosen. Data collection methods used for generating material to analyse were also considered as part of the strategy. This study adopted both primary and secondary data collection methods. Three primary data collection methods consisted of semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire survey, and a strengths and weaknesses analysis.

Secondary data was collected through academic research. This research focused mainly on independent reviews and reports, performance monitoring reports and academic literature.

3.2.3 Research Framework

The research framework applied to this thesis is based on the Venn diagram previously shown at Figure 1.2. This framework consisted of three broad areas of research:

1. Humanitarian Logistics.

2. Leadership and Emergency Management.

The aim of the GR questions detailed in Section 3.3 is to support this research framework. Chapter 4 analyses the findings with a focus on identifying overlapping themes, which are then investigated in further detail. The common themes chosen were then taken forward for further discussion and recommendations from those discussions are made in Chapter 5. Due to the broad nature of the three fields of research, a number of themes were identified. The main themes are analysed here, while the other emerging themes pose potential areas for future research.

3.2.4 Research Design

The methodology for this study has been to develop a research design with two main elements: a strategy and a framework (Punch 2012). First, the strategy explains the logic and rationale by which the research intends to proceed in order to connect the research questions with the data collected. The second element is a conceptual research framework that defines the research fields explored and outlines the approach taken to the research methods; this specifically examines whether a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach should be taken. Figure 3.1 below provides a holistic depiction of the research design. This demonstrates how the method used to gather data was based on an inductive approach using a Hierarchy of Concepts set against a conceptual framework (Figure 1.1).

Figure 3.1: Research Design Data Collection Questions

Primary and Secondary data

In determining an effective strategy and framework to suit the research area and topic three important questions were considered:

1. What the research is trying to find out (i.e. creative thought and original thinking)?

2. How does the research propose to answer its questions (i.e. dealing with the methods)?

3. Why is the research worthwhile (i.e. its importance)?

(Punch, 2012, p. 20)

These questions have helped shape the strategy based on the conceptual framework introduced in the first chapter. Having considered these three questions and the related literature, the next step was to determine whether the thesis would test a defined hypothesis. Veal (2005) argues that in an inductive approach, the researcher collects data and then conducts the analysis, making deductions and recommendations based on the information gathered. An inductive approach to research design was adopted, based on a "simplified model of research without hypothesis” (Figure 3.2). The Hierarchy of Concepts is used to support this research approach (Figure 3.3).

Figure 3.2: Simplified Model of Research Without Hypotheses (Punch, 2012)

This simplified model of research allows for an inductive, bottom-up, approach that is not pre-structured, and recognises the fluid and ontological nature in the research area of Humanitarian Logistics (Punch, 2012). This approach was chosen over a more pre-structured approach resulting in a top-down deductive analysis better suited to research methods where a hypothesis is being tested (Bryman, 2008). By utilising a simplified model of research various themes were able to emerge that were either connected to, or independent of, the research questions asked. The model also allows the ability to re-examine and cross- reference these themes to the literature. This provided an opportunity for research questions, both general and specified, to unfold as the subjects related to the questions asked, having a significant influence on the overall findings of the study.