Research Techniques

This section will describe the research techniques (Egbu, 2010) adopted within the mixed methods research approach, to collect and analyse data, within the research strategy of single embedded case study. The research techniques selected by the researcher are development of a concept map, semi structured interviews, pilot study and fixed online survey. Analysis of the collected data from completed semi- structured interviews and key documents has been subject to qualitative data analysis. 4.8.1 Concept Map

An interpretation of the findings of the literature review has been presented in figure 4.8.1.2 by way of a concept map. A concept map has been described as a graphical tool for organising and representing knowledge (Wheeldon, 2010). It can be used to display the key areas of a study in a hierarchical relationship demonstrating links to the key variables. It has been considered as an appropriate research method within mixed methods research (Wheeldon, 2010) and an effective means of communication to facilitate knowledge integration and explore student understanding (Turns, Atman and Adams, 2000).

A concept map is considered to be useful in flexible design strategies where the map is to be refined as data collection and analysis continue (Robson and McCartan, 2016). It is also considered to be a succinct presentation method of displaying the findings of the literature review. It represents an opportunity for the author to describe their ideas about a research topic in a pictorial form and provides: “a template or scaffold to help organise knowledge of a subject and to structure it.” (Novak et al, 2008, cited in Wheeldon, 2010, p90).

Concept maps can be used to frame a research, reduce qualitative data, analyse themes and interconnections in a study and present findings. They can assist in reducing text-based data into a manageable form without losing the embedded

meaning and allows for the visual identification of emerging themes and patterns (Daley, 2004). It is claimed that a concept map can be used as a research tool for developing and presenting the theoretical framework (Maxwell, 2005).

The challenges of effective concept map development include the complexity associated with the development of the map (Daley, 2004). In addition the concept map cannot display everything important about the subject under study, the aim is to represent a simple and incomplete model of a more complex reality (Maxwell, 2005). Nonetheless the creation concept map provides a useful visual method of display of the key concepts generated in response to the research questions.

4.8.1.1 Concept Map Development

A concept map has been produced to demonstrate the findings of the literature reviews and to act as a pre-cursor to the development of a theoretical framework. The key elements of consideration for the development of the concept map development, is to initially define the context.. The development map context is to identify key issues to encourage active involvement in successful urban heritage regeneration projects by private sector development organisation.

The concept map has been created in accordance with guidance concept map creation (Novak and Caas, 2008). The key concepts originating from the findings of the literature review have been mapped to produce a visual display of the key factors studied in the research (Miles, Huberman and Saldana, 2014). The key concepts are presented where the use of linking words or propositions has been used to show how various concepts are related (Novak and Caas, 2008).

4.8.1.2 Concept Map

Figure 19: Concept Map

4.8.1.3 Concept Map Narrative

The concept map shown in figure 19 identifies key findings from the literature review. It identifies the linkages between the elements that are considered important in relation to completion of the aim and objectives in the research. The key elements of the concept map can be described as:

 Engagement in physical regeneration does not appear to solely deliver successful regeneration;

 Physical regeneration looks to be able contribute to the concept of successful urban regeneration;

 Negative case analysis appears to exist where property development companies desire to engage in non-urban heritage regeneration projects.

 Current governance of urban heritage may affect successful urban heritage regeneration projects involving private sector development organisations.

 Engagement in constructive conservation may enable the facilitation of successful urban heritage regeneration.

 Measurement of the concepts of value and successful regeneration require further consideration as to effective measurement and assessment.

 Identification of concepts of direct and indirect value has been established.

 Key concepts of risk, direct value and heritage asset are identified as potential factors that affect participation in urban heritage regeneration. The production of the concept map has enabled the researcher to display visually the key concepts of the research. The researcher has mapped the different inputs to identify possible overlap and inconsistencies of issues. A list of resultant propositions

has been created where the linking phrases attempt to describe the nature of the relationship and important concept issues to consider.

A feature of the concept map is known as the “parking lot” (Novak and Canas, 2008). These are concepts highlighted from the literature review that look to be important to the subject area, however they have not YET been included in the concept map as the propositions or the relationships between the concepts it yet to be confirmed. Following guidance by Novak and Canas, the concepts may remain in the parking lot until the researcher has confirmed the importance of the concept and if it is subsequently required to be included into the concept map.

4.8.2 Semi-Structured Interviews

The researcher has completed semi-structured interviews as a data collection method. It represented an opportunity to ask interviewees a list of pre-determined questions but where the order of questions can be modified based upon interviewees perception of what seems appropriate (Robson, 2002). It is considered a flexible data collection method. The interviewer can remain in control of the proceedings It offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of the world-views of interviewees (Bryman and Bell, 2007). It is a data collection method that allows for interview questions and the amount of time and attention to questions on particular topics to be modified dependant on the role of the interviewee in the current process. A template of the interviews questions asked during the first stage of data collection is included in Appendix C and Dof this research.

The rationale and boundaries for selection has focused upon senior practicing professionals from within the private sector development community (Havard, 2008) based in the North West of England. The interviewees have been selected due to their participation in urban heritage regeneration projects during the period from 2008 to the current date. Fifteen members have been interviewed consisting of four private sector development company directors, two private sector consultants to private and public sector organisations, one statutory heritage advisor, seven members of local authority regeneration organisations and one member of an economic funding agency. A further description of the discipline of the interviewees is provided in Table 3, in section 4.8.2.

Table 3: Description of Senior Practicing Professional Interviewee Role.

INTERVIEWEE TYPE IDENTIFICATION

CODE