I'm conducting a comparative study - by way of most similar systems design - between two countries on their decentralization implementation on a service delivery and attempting herein to understand why some states succeed while others fail in that. Though the literature review I've found three explanations that largely appear to explain for why some succeed or fail; elite capture, lack of a supportive and clear regulatory and legal framework; and central government intervention.
I have those explanations, but i am somewhat unclear on how to proceed with the theory - since I don't have any like e.g., realism. How would I go about writing a theoretical framework if I have some potential explanations but no clear theory to hang onto?
A general methodological approach can be proposed. Here is the study map
The assumption must be logically consistent.
The assumption should not contradict the fundamental provisions of the science in which the hypothesis is put forward (the provision of this requirement is not absolute, since in some cases it is useful to question these provisions themselves; if the fundamental provisions of science, which the proposed assumption contradicts, cannot be refuted, an assumption is made).
The assumption must be fundamentally verifiable. If an assumption cannot be verified in principle (substantiated or refuted), it is not recognized as a hypothesis.
The assumption should not contradict previously established facts, for the explanation of which it is not intended (not related to the subject area of the proposed hypothesis).
The assumption must be applicable to the widest possible range of phenomena. This requirement allows one to choose the simplest from several hypotheses explaining the same range of phenomena - therefore it is often called the principle of simplicity.
The assumption must be effective in cognitive or practical terms (in particular, allowing the development or concretization of a program for further research).
Although there is no set pattern for developing a framework, one can follow the below process to develop the same:
The next important question can be regarding the placement of the framework in a study. A theoretical framework is usually provided in the initial sections, preferably in the first chapter ‘Introduction.’ This would assist the readers to understand from the beginning the underlying theoretical constructs which have been the basis of researcher’s hypotheses. The conceptual framework, on the other hand, usually forms part of the Literature Review.
To ensure that an appropriate framework has been developed, review the framework to ascertain whether it is in alignment with the study:
- objectives,
- problem statement,
- the main research question,
- methodology, data analysis, and the expected conclusion.
A trick here can be ensuring that the chosen theories are well developed and have several constructs that are widely available. This would simplify the entire task and save time.
Mr. Mohamed A. H. My suggestion is to use capability approach of Amartya Sen for understanding capability of the government mechanism and also beneficiaries in service delivery system. Theory of decentralisation is also applicable in the study.
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