Attachment J: Focus Group Covering Letter Template

[Name]
[Title]
[Address 1]
[Address 2]
[Address 3]
[Address 4]

[XX] June 2013

Dear [X],

Thank you for supporting this second stage of the Integrated Management Model (IMM) research project.

The research activity involves the collection of data through a small focus group made up of public sector PPP experts. The purpose of the focus group review is to obtain reflective feedback on an operational phase governance model that forms the topic of my current doctoral research at RMIT University. The IMM has been developed from a comprehensive analysis of PPP literature and from findings of earlier individual research interviews.

I would like to receive feedback from you regarding your perceptions and suggestions about the IMM, particularly relating to the relevance and accuracy of the: VfM contributors; VfM evidence-base factors; relationships identified between issues and sub-issues; and possible treatment actions. These should first be considered separately for each centrally-positioned management discipline shown in the Model (Partnership; Risk; and Performance Management), and then for combinations between the different disciplines.

I have included a summary of the main IMM design features and the governance framework document developed to date, together with a table that indicates the feedback areas sought from you. Also attached is a copy of a recent peer-reviewed conference paper that describes the background of the research.

Your reflective feedback will assist in the finalisation of the IMM development in terms of the current research. No personal identifiers will be used in the analysis and interpretation of the feedback data. Therefore your confidentiality is assured. In return, you are requested to observe the confidentiality of the enclosed IMM material in accordance with the usual arrangements for intellectual property associated with research at RMIT University.

I will appreciate it if you could provide feedback (either written or by email) and return the documentation in the stamped, self-addressed envelope included in this document pack by 31 July 2013.