The company offered little 'by way of explanation' for the delays. [=as a way of explaining why there were delays]
Some of the more technical terms need/require 'explanation'. [=they need to be explained]
a likely/probable/possible/plausible 'explanation of' how the accident occurred
(..) In India, I once met a man who predicted his own death right down to the number and placement of the bullets that killed him. You have to admit, Holmes that a supernatural explanation to this case, is theoretically possible. Agreed. But, it is a huge mistake to theorize before one has data. (..)2009 Sherlock Holmes