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3.7.1 Semi structured interviews

As suggested by Corbin and Strauss (1996), interviews were used, and where necessary observations were conducted in a semi-structured manner. The idea was that the qualitative researcher needs to collect data from multiple sources. Gobo and Mauceri, (2014); Saunders, et.al, (2009) also noted that the qualitative researcher uses various procedures to reduce fostering of data. When data is collected using different procedures, it is referred to as triangulation. Denzin (1970), Saunders, et.al, (2009) defined triangulation as the combination of methodologies in the study of the same phenomenon. In this study, a combination of data sources was used to collect empirical data (Yin, 2014). The following sources were used to gather data in this case; interviews and secondary data like documents.

3.7.2 Interviews

Saunders, et.al, (2009) have described interviews as purposeful discussions between two or more individuals. Interviews are able to assist the researchers gather valid and reliable data that would be relevant to the research questions and aims. Saunders, et.al, (2009) also argued that interviews have been the general term used to describe semi-structured interviews, in-depth and group interviews, and structured interviews. For purposes of this study, semi-structured interviews were used. Dawson, (2002), McCrakey, (1988), and Priporas, et al., (2017) asserted that semi- structured interviewing were perhaps mostly used in interpretive and qualitative social research in which little or nothing is known about the concepts and theories being developed. The interviews were then recorded using a tape recorder as a way of collecting data from the respondents at their places of work. Data was later analysed simultaneously as it was being collected (Chamarz, 2014; Strauss & Corbin, 1996). The collected data from one council was compared with that from the other councils. To maintain consistency, similar semi-structured questions were designed to be asked at each interview although the approach was different from one council to another. However, the researcher made sure that the interviews remained flexible so that other important information could still arise (Dawson, 2002). In order not to miss on the data collection deadlines, the researcher produced an interview schedule where topical questions were listed. As the data collection progressed, the schedule was being updated and revised after each interview to include emerging topics.

The advantages of semi-structured interviews are that the researcher has the opportunity to probe for more information (Bryman and Bell, 2015; Priporas & Poimenidis, 2008, & Priporas, et.al, 2017). This process is important because it is interpretive epistemology under which the research becomes more concerned with the understanding of the meanings that participants ascribe to various phenomena (Cresswell, 2013; Marshal, 2011; & Silverman, 2013). The respondents also used words and ideas in a particular way and that gave an opportunity to the researcher to probe these meanings. This added to the significance and depth of the data the researcher obtained. This also helped the researcher get into the discussion he had not previously thought of but was

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critically significant for answering the research question. Interviews also accorded each interviewee an opportunity to hear themselves “think aloud” about things they may not have previously thought of. This helped the researcher collect a rich and detailed set of data, and was in line with the objectives of this study.

3.7.3 The interview process

In the qualitative research, data collection is dominated by use of interviews (Creswell, 1998, Silverman, 2005 & Yin, 2014). This is the main method of data collection in addition to observation. Nine questions were prepared for this research as a guide only for the study. These questions were prepared based on the functions of the respondents in the IPC. These questions allowed the researcher to investigate how procurement functions were conducted in the councils. Through this process, issues of procurement procedures and compliance were also examined. Data collection and analysis were simultaneously undertaken. This helped the researcher to move back and forth in search for concise practices. In case studies, the researcher collects data by himself and generally dips into it from the start to the end. In order to collect rich data, the researchers’ experience as a procurement specialist guided what type of questions to prepare in addition issues from the literature review (Charmaz, 2011). Concepts based on literature review and experience were important in directing the interviews. However, concepts in case study also emerge from the data. Since the questions of this research originated from the literature review, it meant that theories that led to the guiding questions were not emergent. These concepts were put aside and removed as real concepts started emerging from the collected data. The analysis of data continued, and were subsequently directed by the emerging concepts from the data analysis 3.7.4 Managing the interviews and note-taking

Dawson (2002) stated that case study is best conducted using interviews that are supported by semi-structured questions. For this reason, the interviews were conducted in a semi-structured pattern. Data was collected using tape recorders supplemented by note taking. On average, each interview was administered in two hours. The advantages of collecting data using tape-recorders allowed the interviewer to concentrate on questioning and listening to the respondent. This also allowed the interviewer to get ready for the next question. Where appropriate, it allowed questions to be formulated right in the interviews and get them accurately recorded for use in later interviews. Re-listening to the interviews provided the chance on how presenting questions during the interviews could be improved. The recorder captured the interviews exactly as they were presented. This removed biased data from being recorded. It also allowed direct quotes to be accurate.

The respondents were informed about the purpose of the research before they were recorded. Most respondents were comfortable to be tape recorded due to the fact that the purpose of the information was solely academic. However, the disadvantage of this research tool was that it required transcribing the data and that took time. Note taking likewise supplemented audio recordings. Every important point that was unique was likewise written down and kept in a diary. All key words and phrases were equally noted. The main reason for capturing important issues was to easily filter out unnecessary points at transcription. The importance of note taking was

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also observed by Saunders, et.al, (2009) when he insinuated that note taking also allows the researchers to gain meaningful information, observations and consequential emergency of concepts from a particular interview.