His specific focus in this research is on ADS' role in the NextGen air traffic control and communications system. The selection of Qualitative Risk Analysis is ideal for this type of research as it brings together what the author calls "informants" (Wood, 2009) who are also thought leaders in the technology communities working on the nextgen air communications and traffic control system. The research design encompasses the disciplines of aviation, avionics ADS-B, academic and computer science, all from a commercial aviation perspective (wood, 2009). This stratified research design makes the reliance on Qualitative Risk Analysis even more relevant, as the need for contacting then interviewing key thought leaders in each of these disciplines forms the foundation for the secondary analysis of the dissertation. The sampling frame geographically is national in scope, and limited to the corporations who are publicly accessible working on these programs. The selection of a staged methodology where Qualitative Risk Analysis is the initial phase followed by additional interviews and what the research calls the "snowball effect" actually refers to additional investigative research through social networking...

In effect, the researcher is also determining the network of experts in this area of the NextGen flight system in addition to completing research on critical success factors. Ultimately, a map of the key influencers in this industry and their insights are gained as a result. As a result of the study being on threats and risk to the NextGen system being the primary and secondary goals of the analysis, the selection of Qualitative Risk Analysis as the research method is highly appropriate and effective.
References

Baker, K. (2005). A model for leading online k -- 12 learning environments. Dissertation for DOCTOR OF Management IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP, 172. University of Phoenix Graduate School of Business. Phoenix, Arizona.

Najjar, M.. (2008). On Scaffolding Adaptive Teaching Prompts within Virtual Labs. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies, 6(2), 35-54.

Palloff, R.M., & Pratt, K (2001). Lessons from the cyberspace classroom: The realities of online teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Wood, R. (2009). A security risk analysis of the data communications network proposed in the nextgen air…