This Chapter has presented the research design. It is informed by the main research problem and research questions.
Epistemological and theoretical perspectives are argued and selected, along with the methodology and methods. The epistemological position adopted is constructionism, with a phenomenological methodology and qualitative approach. Literature review is used to frame the specific contexts for the research. Semi-structured interviews and focus group will be used to collect primary data from participants in a purposive and snowball sample that will comprise public sector executives and senior managers working in the PPP environment within Australia and internationally. Phenomenological analysis is presented as the analytical tool, and data validity and reliability are discussed. Research ethics approval is confirmed.
The next chapter places PPP in the context of privatisation and associated government reforms that took place during the 1980s and 1990s. This includes an overview of the economic and regulatory reform drivers that have led to the use of PPP.