3.2.1 Data collection and initial research steps:
In-depth interviews with experts and decision-makers within the municipalities serve as primary data. The main steps of qualitative research as defined by Bryman & Bell (2015) were followed (Attachment 6). The data collection was further based on the model suggested by Dubois and Gadde (2002) since a systematic combining/abductive approach was used:
The data collection followed a flexible research design, as the data collection, analysis, and writing were conducted in parallel prior following a strict order. This is further reflected in the model suggested by Bryman & Bell (2015), where the data collection process is characterized by continuous analysis. Eisenhardt (1989) promotes the importance of continuously adapting the process to new theory and data collected. Our research question was continuously adapted to data found throughout the data collection process to achieve a highly customized research question related to the observations. Several aspects arose during the process, which made the original research question outdated in relation to the actual
real-Figure 4 Systematic Combining by Dubois & Gadde (2002)
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life experiences explained by the decision-makers and consultants in the field. A flexible research design made it possible to adapt to the gathered data, especially when findings of relevance were uncovered.
The data collection process was initiated by reading reports about the usage of non-economical specifications written by Avfall Norge. The report written by Deloitte regarding the crisis that occurred in Oslo was also of high relevance to get an impression of what went wrong. Public tender documents found online at Doffin served as a baseline for elements we wanted to elaborate throughout the research. Initial and unstructured interviews with Avfall Norge and DIFI were conducted to gain a deeper knowledge of the field and provide us the ability to ask questions regarding relevant issues found in the reports. The interviewees further provided us with information and insights in a project they are working on regarding the usage of non-economical specifications and environmental concerns. Based on this initial process step we figured out what we needed as primary and secondary data, which interview objects that were of relevance, and what sampling approach that were optimal to conduct the study.
3.2.2 Primary data
Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data containing comparable answers, and yet enable follow-up questions based on the factors that separate the decision process conducted by the different municipalities. Saunders et al. (2016) define the research interview as a purposeful conversation between two or more people, whereas the interviewer must ask concise and unambiguous questions, and carefully listening to the answers to be able to explore these further.
Semi-structured interviews enabled us to vary the order of the questions, add additional questions, and omit questions and themes custom to each interview, dependent on the specific organizational context, the flow of the conversation, and the
interviewee (Saunders et al., 2016).
An interview guide was prepared based on the research question and conceptual framework (Attachment 7). Public information regarding the tenders used in previous contracts served as a baseline for additional questions. The interview guide was separated into the following topics; key information, specifications, buyer-supplier relationships, innovative contracts, information sharing, risk allocation, and additional questions. By using a clear distribution of the questions,
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the opportunities to vary the order of the subject discussed during the interview were enlightened.
3.2.3 Sample/interview objects
Data were collected through interviews with one or two interview objects from each selected municipality. Key personnel within the municipal waste
departments, which operates as the buyers of the transportation service, serves as interview objects in this study. Their position differs in some manner, with specialties varying from purchasing officers to head of the waste department.
Although, all the interview objects were directly related to the previous tender.
The interview objects were first contacted by email. When the interview request was accepted, all interviewees received a consent form which included the master thesis topic, the usage of a tape recorder, and how sensitive and personal
information was considered through anonymity in the study (Attachment 8). By developing interview themes and supplying information to the interviewee beforehand, they were able to prepare for the interviews, and some typical data quality issues were coped with (Saunders et al., 2016).
The interviewees were gathered through a purpose and convenience sampling approach (Easterby-Smith et al., 2015). Purposive sampling was optimal since we had a bright idea of what sample units that were needed to reach the study aims.
Further, the sampling unit was affected by some characteristics from a convenience sampling approach, as sample units were selected based on
availability. Mainly municipalities nearby Oslo were chosen, as the interviewers aimed to collect the data face- to- face and needed to consider the time- and resource constraint influencing the master thesis. Face- to- face contact between researcher and respondent provides more information than the verbal responding through the usage of facial expressions, body language, and a deeper
understanding of the feelings and attitude towards the subjects being discussed (Brønn, 2015).
Based on the research question and sampling approach, the data set contains interviews with four IMC and three municipalities. All interview-objects are subject to open tendering and has recently completed a supplier selection process.
Both municipalities and IMC were of interest for the study to achieve a broad perspective arising from economies of scale, structural and institutional
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differences in leadership and administrative aspects, the financial situation, and resource utilization. In addition, two consultants with expertise in public procurement of household waste collection services were interviewed as they serve as experts in the field. The usage of non-economic award criteria differs among the interviewees, which gives a spread in data and provides the basis for further analysis.
3.2.4 Data Collection Timeline
Date
28.02.18 Meeting Avfall Norge
10.04.18 Meeting DIFI
19.04.18 Interview Asker
20.04.18 Interview VESAR
23.04.18 Interview RfD
26.04.18 Interview Bærum
27.04.18 Interview ROAF
02.05.18 Interview Halden
08.05.18 Interview Consultant
24.05.18 Interview Consultant
29.05.18 Interview (by Phone) BIR
30.05.18 Seminar
Table 3 Primary Data Collection, Timeline
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3.2.5 Sample Size
The sample consists of 9 interviews, whereas seven interview objects are
representatives from municipalities and inter-municipal cooperation, and two are consultants that function as external competence (Table 3). The time spent on each meeting varied from 1.5 hours to 2 hours. A tape recorder was used during the interviews to enable the interviewers to focus on the conversation rather than taking notes (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The transcription was conducted shortly after the interviews were held. The location for the meetings was allocated in the different municipalities, except for one skype-interview.
The number of cases used in a qualitative and comparative case study has been widely discussed. Collins and Onwuegbuzie (2007) argue that the sample size should not be so small that it is difficult to achieve data saturation, theoretical saturation, or informal redundancy, nor so large that it is difficult to undertake an in-depth, case-oriented analysis due to information overload. Teddelie and Yu (2007) refer to this as the representativeness/saturation trade-off. Eisenhardt (1989) has suggested that four to ten cases are optimal when using a multiple case study since an in-depth knowledge and understanding of each of the cases are crucial. As several similarities and differences were found between the interview objects, a sample size of nine served as a useful amount for this research.
3.2.6 Secondary Data
Previous studies on the field and other relevant academic articles serve as secondary data for this research. Secondary data consist of textual sources like reports, documents, and other literature (Bryman & Bell, 2015). A literature search matrix was generated to enable the researchers to map which articles that could be of interest, and avoid pitfalls connected with biased data collection (Attachment 9). As stated by Easterby- Smith et al. (2015) regarding student projects; it is generally necessary to use theory, not to demonstrate a contribution to theory. Hence, the research project was initiated by formulating a draft of the research question, before listing relevant subjects and theories that could be of relevance. Public tenders and recent reports on the Norwegian waste sector were of particular interest as the aim of the research was to compare tenders and mapping the research field.
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