Methodology
The research design employs three primary data collection methods: semi-structured interviews, participant observation and questionnaire surveys. The research will be conducted in five key stages.
- First, a set of theoretical 'criteria for good governance' will be identified to evaluate regional decision making.
- Second, interviews with Whitehall officials will be conducted to determine departmental motives and aspirations for RFAs.
- Third, detailed case studies will be undertaken in three English regions, including London, to examine the extent to which procedures for decision making meet Whitehall's aspirations and the 'criteria for good governance' identified in the literature.
- Fourth, survey questionnaires will be carried out in the remaining six English regions to determine the extent of variation and, in particular, to compare procedures under London's devolved system with decentralised arrangements in the rest of England.
- Finally, the critical factors that facilitate and impede decision making in all English regions will be analysed and judgements made about how these can be managed more effectively.