ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the research design and reflects the empirical data sampling and inquiry process. It presents the methodological approach to describe the analytical framework and research methods used, as well as the material generated in the field phase. The research design here provides the insights into the transition processes of single resource systems and above that for differential diagnosis of certain individual and contextualised aspects. The chapter discusses the first instance of the strategic sampling procedure on the national and regional level. It then describes the second instance of selecting actors that were to fill out questionnaires and were engaged in face-to-face interviews. Methodological reflections complete the chapter by assessing the challenges and pitfalls on handling poor data availability in the city selection process as well as by providing a critical assessment of the applied sampling strategy and research methods for data inquiry.
