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ANNEX E. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This report was produced by using the agile CBRA method which builds on continuous data search
and iterative rounds of development of the final deliverable. This approach allows flexibility in
following unexpected, interesting new openings that may offer novel insights.
Methods applied
We performed an extensive literature review taking benefit of CBRA’s existing conceptual
frameworks on Border Agency Cooperation (BAC) and other trade facilitation activities. The
literature review investigated academic studies, industry reports, governmental white papers, and
legislation. We put special emphasis on supranational trade instruments and policies (e.g., WCO,
WTO, UNECE, OSCE and World Bank), including regional organisations and arrangements relevant
to the OIC member states. The literature review allowed identifying and discussing key trends,
challenges and opportunities that characterise modern thinking and practice of international
border agency cooperation.
In support of identifying and describing the current trends in BAC, we made an extensive search
for current practices. This was carried out as a desk research into websites anddocuments, while
being facilitated by discussions with numerous experts in WCO, UN bodies, national customs
bodies and other international and national organisations. As a result, we identified a long list of
best practices across the globe. Ultimately, we selected three non-OIC cases that were investigated
in more depth and presented in this report (Mexico – the United States, Zambia – Zimbabwe, and
Vietnam – Laos). To collect necessary information, the CBRA team conducted telephone and email
interviews, and complemented this firsthand data with literature and document reviews.
We also collected information related to BAC and its constituent factors in the OIC member states.
We collected an extensive database of country indicators from various sources, including the CIA
World Factbook, World Bank, OECD and World Economic Forum. We also collected information on
the affiliation of all OIC member states in the key supranational and regional organisations and
agreements. Furthermore, through searching websites, reports and other documents and
discussing with experts, we collected information on the past, ongoing and future BAC activities in
OIC member states.
Field case studies
A key part of this report are the four field case studies describing interesting developments and
best practices in selected OIC member states. The literature review, the OIC specific data collection
and particularly extensive discussions with international BAC experts provided the basis for
selecting these case countries among many equally interesting options. As part of the process, the
research team, advised by COMCEC experts, set the scope for each case study, and defined their
principal themes. As a result, each of the cases – Uganda, Abu Dhabi / the UAE, Malaysia and
Albania - also has a specific focus, thus serving the interests of the entire report.
In the field case studies, we used a combination of methods to collect case-specific data, the most
important being face-to-face expert interviews and on-site observations during the field visits. The
CBRA team interviewed a large number and variety of stakeholders, including customs
administrations and other border control agencies, both in the field and remotely. We also took
benefit of project reports and other documents provided by the interviewees and other experts.
Primary data was complemented with secondary data regarding the BAC activities in these
countries as well as the constituent factors, such as trade patterns and economic indicators.