A three tier evaluation mixed method research model aiming to select an adequate MCDA method for public sector procurement

This paper presents the three tier mixed-method (TTMM) design, discusses it in relation to more traditionalmixed method approaches and presents a summary of the findings of the research that originated it. This research designemerged from a project that aimed to identify a suitable multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method according tolegal, operational and performance requirements associated with public procurement in the Maldives. This design followeda sequential method and perspective triangulation that encompasses three different methods, namely a systematic literaturereview, focus group interviews and a quantitative performance analysis. The design was found to be particularly usefulin enabling the systematic and evidence-based selection of one MCDA method out of more than 80 potential candidates. TTMM as a general mixed method research framework is applicable to similar research studies where the understandingof legal, operational and performance factors inform the selection of IT artefacts in specific contexts.