Qualitative analysis forms an integral part of the analytic work we do. This is where we put issues in front of the experts. In qualitative analyses, identify subject matter experts (SME) for each individual project and interview them in an iterative process that aims to put together a mosaic - a comprehensive picture that creates clarity, one piece at a time.

Stragellan staff has been trained in modern analytic methodologies as well as journalistic interview techniques. We assist clients in the articulation of issues and then design tailor-made analytic strategies to focus our approach. The way we conduct expert interviews is best described by the word iterative. It is its own version of the journalistic “inverted pyramid” in which we approach issues from a broad platform and then iterate down to very specific information as we go along. The interview process helps our SMEs tap the depths of their own expertise in a disciplined and efficient manner, while we maintain control over the issues we want to pursue so that the client’s interests are served the best possible way.

Since 2004, we have steadily built a robust global expert network. Our experts may be former stakeholders or scholars or commentators and observers of an issue. Each gives us the disparate pieces with which we build the mosaics. Expanding the network is a constant process. We’re obviously less interested in the numbers than we are in the quality of our data providers, the experts. Each individual project results in new expert relationships. Sometimes experts come to us, to be included in the database. Our goal is to make the network available to clients on a subscription basis in the future. (See experts under our stragellan tab for more information.)