An Empirical Investigation into the Decision-making Processes of New Infrastructure Development

............................................................................................................................. 22 1. Chapter One Introduction ............................................................................................. 23 1.1. Research Background .............................................................................................. 24 1.2. Research Motivations .............................................................................................. 26 1.2.1. Empirical or Practical Motivations ................................................................... 26 1.2.2. Theoretical Motivations .................................................................................... 27 1.2.3. Methodological Motivations ............................................................................. 28 1.3. Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................ 28 1.4. Research Questions .................................................................................................. 29 1.5. Assumptions and Research Scope ........................................................................... 32 1.5.1. Assumptions ...................................................................................................... 32 1.5.2. Research Scope ................................................................................................. 33 1.6. Methodological Approach and Research Process .................................................... 34 1.7. Research Findings .................................................................................................... 36 1.8. Thesis Overview ...................................................................................................... 37 2. Chapter Two: Literature Review .................................................................................... 40 2.1. Operations and Processes Strategy and Management ............................................. 41 2.1.1. Business Strategy: an Introduction ................................................................... 41 2.1.1.1. Business Strategies: Origin and Definitions .............................................. 41 2.1.1.2. Articulation of Business Strategies ........................................................... 42 2.1.1.3. Business Strategy and Performances Measurement Systems .................... 42 2.1.2. Operations Strategy: Content and Process ........................................................ 43