METHODOGY Qualitative Research Qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines.

Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often needed than large samples. In the conventional view, qualitative methods produce information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only propositions (informed assertions). This study is focused only with various proposals from a private firm for a Waste-toEnergy (WTE) project it intends to develop in partnership with the City Government. This is in a bid to address the citys looming waste disposal and energy crisis in Mindanao grid. There were at least 10 firms which showed interest to partner with the city with the WTE project. However, approval of any of the proposal remans a difficult task for the local officials if not impossible absence of clearcut criteria in the selection of suitable WTE project for Davao City. With the on-going negotiation of the Local Government of Davao City for a WasteEnergy (WTE) Project, the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (DCESWM) has compiled remarks (Annex C) of its members per proposal already submitted before the board. From the commentaries, this study aims to establish clearcut criteria in the approval of WTE project and to aid the City in its quest for a detailed, serious and most innovative proposal which is suitable for Davao Citys context. Holistic Description When conducting qualitative research, the investigator seeks to gain a total or complete picture. According to Stainback and Stainback (1988), a holistic description of events, procedures, and philosophies occurring in natural settings is often needed to make accurate situational decisions. A semi-structured interview is called for in this study, involving decision-makers as well as the analysis of relevant document and materials produced during the on-going negotiation between the City Government and various private firms. Corraboration The purpose of corroboration is not to confirm whether peoples perceptions are accurate or true reflections of a situation but rather to ensure that the research findings accurately reflect peoples perceptions, whatever they may be. The purpose of corroboration is to help researchers increase their understanding of the probability that

their findings will be seen as credible or worthy of consideration by others (Stainback & Stainback, 1988). Assessment of Trustworthiness Researchers need alternative models appropriate to qualitative designs to ensure rigor without sacrificing the relevance of qualitative research. Gubas model describes four general criteria for evaluation of research and then defines each from qualitative perspective. Criterion Truth value Applicability Consistency Neutrality Quantitative Approach Internal Validity External Validity Reliability Objectivity

Strategies With Which to Establish Trustworthiness Strategy Credibility Criteria Prolonged and varied field experience Time sampling Reflexivity (field journal) Triangulation Member checking Peer examination Interview technique

Establishing authority of researcher Structural coherence Referential adequacy Transferability Nominated sample Comparison of sample to demographic data Time sample Dense description Dependability Dependability audit Dense description of research methods Stepwise replication Triangulation Peer examination Code-recode procedure Confirmability Confirmability audit Triangulation Reflexivity