2. THE RESEARCH METHOD
2.1 General Approach
The research involved a series of group discussions and telephone surveys with authorities and their suppliers.
Discussion groups
The group discussions were held between 18 June and 6 July 2001. They allowed an in-depth exploration of the views of authorities and suppliers. The general outline of the discussions was as follows:
The circumstances in which the Order applies.
Issues arising during the selection process.
Issues arising during the operation of a contract.
Nine group discussions were held, four in London, two in Leeds, two in Birmingham, and one in Liverpool. The groups involved authorities and suppliers from around the region.
The Questionnaires
The telephone surveys were conducted between 11 June and 6 July 2001. The two questionnaires are attached at Annex 2 (authorities) and Annex 3 (suppliers). The questionnaire covered two broad areas:
current practice in relation to workforce matters in procurement
opinions about the future impact of the Order on local government procurement
The original sample framework for authorities was based on type and region. That for suppliers was based primarily on industry and secondly on size and location. Relevant officers and managers from 148 local authorities and 175 suppliers agreed to participate in the survey after being contacted personally by telephone and provided with an advance copy of the questionnaire. Despite a great deal of effort the subsequent response rate to the telephone surveys was disappointing, with 36 authorities and 53 suppliers eventually completing a telephone interview or submitting a written response. Reasons for this low response rate are discussed at Annex 1. The survey questionnaire can be adapted and used as part of the longterm monitoring of the impact of the Order that is to be carried out by the IDeA.
Note of caution
The low response rate to the telephone surveys means that a degree of caution should be exercised when considering the survey results. It is possible that the responses received reflect the view of those with a greater understanding and/or more developed approach to the consideration of workforce matters in procurement. That said, the survey results reinforce many of the points made in the group discussions.
Published 6 August 2002
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