This Study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative research methods:
• Phase 1: A high level quantitative analysis of 46 alliances.
• Phase 2: A quantitative and qualitative confidential case study analysis of 14 alliances selected from Phase 1.
The reasons for adopting this methodology were:
• An identified gap in the literature which was generally limited to desktop analysis and often self assessment.
• The need to identify possible candidates in Phase 1 for the more detailed case study analysis in Phase 2.
• The possibility of the confidential case study method enabling in-depth exploration of the data, incorporating specific context and environmental facts that cannot be adequately addressed in a purely quantitative study.106
• The ability of a combined qualitative study (into VfM) "to provide more rounded evidence in support of its conclusions and recommendations".20
• The enhanced ability of a mixed method to allow triangulation of evidence from "people as well as documentary sources".20