Mny thanks for your helpful advice and sharing of your experience, Rick. I am re-examining my codes to eliminate duplication of codeing of similar information.

thanks again.

Many thanks for that. I am re-examining the codes I used and whittling them down to a manageable proportion and checking, in the process, whether I am , in fact, duplicating for similar pieces of info.

Best regards and thank you again.

having completed the data collection and transcription of 30 in-depth interviews, I am now embarking on the data analysis. I am using Atlas ti. software. Although I expect to have a total of 8 overall themes with some sub-themes in the writing up, I find that after coding 4 interviews in Atlas, I already have more than 220 codes.

Can any one tell me if this is the norm, or am I creating work for myself? s it right that I should have so many codes, and am I right in assuming that after initially coding all 30 interviews and having maybe having about 1,500 codes, that I must then narrow all of those down further to suit my themes?

As usual, any comments or advice would be most welcom - and more particularly if you have used Atlas ti. Kindest regards, Murt

Many thanks to you both, WanderingSage and Ady. I have taken on board your valued comments and advices, and am more leaning towards transcribing individualy - despite the fact that initially it appears to me that an hour of interview time seems to equate with 7/8 hours of transcription time. As I am working full-time and doing Ph D (subject = Charity Governance in Ireland) part-time, I am just essentially looking for the most efficient, though 'valuable to the research' route through this part of the studies.

Just seems painful after completing my 1st interview and commencing the transcription immediately. I do accept also that keeping up with the transcription makes more sense rather than waiting untiil later is important. I particularly like the idea of use of shorthand!


How disruptive did you find the process to the normal reading and writing involved in the Ph D process?

Thanks agin to all for your generous advice.

Murt.

Many thanks for your prompt reply, Sneaks - I promise Iwon't tell anyone!

Hi all,

Can anyone advise of any 'shortcuts' in relation to transcription of interveiws, other than paying a typist to do it!
What is the general consensus in relation to the notion that there is a lot to be gained from doing the transcription oneself - from the greater understanding of the interviewee's preceptions?


I am interviewing a complement of thirty persons for my research, with a list of 29 questions. some of the questions require further on the spot questioning to clarify the interviewee's answers, or elaboration of points they make.
I am interested in others' experience in this regard.

thank you,

Murt.:-(

Many thanks Cate, I hope I am replying properly to these posts as this is my first time to use such a forum.

My angle is on conceptualising a core-flexible contingency governance model for adoption by nonprofit organizations in Ireland, regradlless of size, life-cycle stage, mission or vision. this is based on my perception of the weakness of overly prescriptive guidelines produced by umbrella bodies which are not flexible enough or user-friendly for the smaller organisations in particular. This together with the situation that board members are volunteers, wit separate lives to lead, and who require clear, flexible an understandable procedural guidelines to manage the organisation.

REgards and thanks for your suggestions re methodology,

Murt.



(up)

Many thanks, Jun480, for your encouragement. Interestingly, most of the literature I have reviewed is essentially North American, as that seems where a lot of writings originate.

Kind regards,

Murt

Many thanks for the info and the advice, Chuff. I spend most evenings and weekends at it, and will carry on for the mo.

Kind regards,
Murt.

I am currently undertaking a Ph D in Nonprofit Governance and Management in Ireland. I work full-time in the charity sector and hope to complete my thesis over four years. I am currently halfway through the second year, have completed my draft literature review and currently conceptualising a model of governance. My problem is firstly, I seem to have hit a 'wall' (frustration at difficulties of balancing study, work etc.) and am having difficulty getting over it. Secondly, my limited understanding of research methods is a bit scary and thirdly, there are very few Ph D students that I know of following the same subject. I would like to liaise with anyone doing similar research in the UK, and also would welcome any advice from any quarter on processes etc. Many thanks.
Murt. :-(