The thesis sets out to evaluate the use of Causal Networks as a methodology
and as a means of highlighting the problems associated with tourism in
peripheral areas. Once these problems were identified through this process,
the research findings are related to established literature and Lesson Drawing
is evaluated as a means of comparative analysis.
In attempting to utilise both Causal Networks and Lesson Drawing, three
regions within Scotland were chosen as case studies. It was hoped that the
selection of three regions within the same geographical propinquity would
allow for Lessons to be both, imported and exported, from within the regions.
The three regions chosen were Grampian; Inverness and Nairn; and Ross
and Cromarty. An extensive literature search was conducted in an attempt to
establish facts salient to the regions and primary research was carried out in
all three regions. The primary research involved the use of an interview
questionnaire. The respondents were all involved in tourism provision in one
of the three case study regions. The interview data was collated and input
onto conceptually clustered matrices. Causal Networks were constructed and
analysed for each individual interview and for cognate groups and regions.
Some tentative conclusions were drawn as a result of constructing the Causal
Networks. These Causal Networks segmented the respondents into
representative groups based on their functions or locations, for example
commercial and non-commercial sector respondents or Grampian and
Aberdeen City regional sector respondents. Using the Causal Networks
opportunities for drawing lessons between the regions were highlighted.
Finally, the effectiveness of both Casual Networks and Lesson Drawing
methodologies were assessed in terms of their applicability for tourism
provision in peripheral areas