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Abstract: This paper examines the development of a general analytical inductive approach to qualitative research. It critically assesses the research design and analytical processes that facilitated the development of a framework for understanding the initiation stages of collaborative partnerships between Business Schools and Industry. An interpretivist approach was adopted to understand (verstehen) how people make sense of their world (Gill and Johnson, 2010). The research design followed Thomas (2006), and the outcomes of this paper demonstrate how an analytical inductive analysis, one that refers to detailed readings and interpretations of raw data, can be rigorously used to drive the identification of concepts, themes, and models. In developing the analytical approach, data from both the Business School and SMEs was gathered and the 24 interview transcripts were analysed producing a provisional list of common features. Similarities between categories were established and deviant features accommodated either by linking them with other common features or by generating a new category with unique features. Eventually, cross case analysis within the groups and between groups at the business school and SMEs occurred and a number of themes emerged which form the basis of a proposed model for initiating collaboration, one linked with Vangen and Huxham's (2003) 'trust building loop'. Through a practical application of the research design, data collection and analytical approach, the paper demonstrates the credibility of a general analytical inductive research strategy as a qualitative research methodology; a strategy that promotes the linking of theory and practice. The benefits from the research are seen as facilitating the development of effective business relationships between local universities and SMEs in their regions.
Keywords: qualitative research methods, collaborative relationships & business development, general analytical induction
1. Introduction
This paper examines the development of a general analytical inductive approach to qualitative research. It critically assesses the research design and analytical processes that facilitated the development of a framework for understanding the initiation stages of collaborative partnerships between Business Schools and Industry.
Corporate demands are increasingly leading organizations to engage in 'partnerships' for the advancement of 'collaborative advantage1 and the higher education sector is no exception in seeing this as a key focus for its business activities (Salter, ?., Tartarí, V., D'Esté, P. and Neely, A. 2010). The continuing need to...