*1.3. Research Structure*

A research structure as demonstrated in Figure 1 was set out with all the challenges and previous studies listed above. It details the steps that were followed in order to achieve clarification on di fferent issues previously raised and to possibly reveal new information from incidents analysed.

**Figure 1.** Research structure.

This structure shows the process necessary to be followed in order to achieve the research aim and objectives. Following a literature review, a background study was carried out on previous studies showing existing taxonomies, their advantages and disadvantages. The choice to select taxonomies developed by Insley [16] and Hieminga [17] was due to their acceptable level of inter-rater concordance. It was also to check if the results would coincide with research previously carried out in other countries.

Finally, it was to determine if developing a taxonomy in Nigeria for the identification of maintenance-related incidents and accidents, with the contribution of stakeholders in the industry would aid in identifying and predicting future events.

Responses from SMEs were collected via online questionnaires (Appendix D) in order to further understand the results of the accident/serious incident and occurrence data analysis and discover the root causes behind some discrepancies noted. The responses from the SMEs aided in gathering more detailed information of the method used and what is currently occurring in the industry. After the analysis of SME data, a survey was carried out to capture the views of maintenance engineers to further understand the issues raised by SMEs.
