Research Methods in the Field of Construction Management, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper will examine the research methods of three dissertations in the field of construction management. In addition to the discussions, the author will recommend changes for improvements for each separate dissertation. The dissertations to be examined are Women in Construction Management: creating a Theory of Career Choice and Development,Needs Assessment: Construction Management Doctoral Programs in the United States, and Would the Increasing Use of Prefabrication Methods in the Construction Industry Significantly Reduce the Housing Shortage Within the UK?

Women in Construction Management

This study focused on the development of a theory of women’s career choices in the field of construction. It focused primarily on females in the construction industry, specifically those in management positions to oversee construction projects and companies. The study investigated the dominant factors that influence women who choose to enter the construction industry by obtaining a degree in construction management. The aim of the study was to develop an understanding of the type of women who choose construction as a career and the external factors that influence them in making those career choices. This study therefore implemented a grounded theory research design by utilizing qualitative research methods to collect and analyze data. Furthermore, the study used purposive and snowball sampling to collect a sample of 24 women. Research was collected through interviews after which a quantitative data analysis was conducted. This data included participants’ construction experience, education, demographics, self-efficacy, and personality. In addition to the focus group interviews, data was collected from questionnaires filled out by the 24 participants to create an accurate profile of women in the construction management industry (Moore, 2006).

The study attributed the disparity between men and women in the construction industry to the lack of education in mathematics and science which starts as early as high school. Numerous studies have shown that fewer girls participate in math and science courses than boys. As a result, fewer women go on to pursue degrees in engineering and engineering-related fields (Moore, 2006). Another reason for the difference in the number of men and women in the construction industry can be attributed to hostile work environments and the stigma attached to the construction industry that require harsh conditions often suitable only for masculine individuals. Many women who have entered the construction industry have launched complaints of discrimination and harassment which results in job dissatisfaction and eventual termination of employment (Moore, 2006). Based on a literature review, questionnaires, and small focus group interviews, the study implemented a triangulation of data collection methods. Although these methods are effective in data collection procedures, it seems too narrow for a study of this magnitude. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women make up 10 percent of the construction industry. In 2009 the industry was reported to have a total of more than 10 million workers; 975,000 were women (U.S. Department of Labor, 2009). This study sampled only 24 women in the construction industry. Although the method of data collection was thorough and comprehensive, it did not have a large enough population and therefore the results cannot be considered to be substantial. In order to develop a theory which reflects the behavior of a specific group in a specific industry, it is crucial to ensure that the group is represented at the best possible magnitude. Sampling only 24 women out of a pool of nearly one million simply will not produce an accurate account for the purpose of the study. The method of data collection was effective, but the sampling was limited and as a consequence the data results were insufficient.

Needs Assessment

This study focused on the lack of doctoral degree programs in the field of construction management prior to July 1, 2005. Although many construction education programs exist, few focus solely on construction management. The purpose of the study was to determine the need for construction management doctoral programs in the U.S. Currently, there are not enough individuals to fill faculty positions in construction education bachelor’s and master’s programs. Most college and university positions advertised require that applicants have a doctorate in construction management. Because of the limited availability of programs that offer doctorate degrees in construction management, few individuals qualify for advertised positions. Consequently, these positions remain unfilled as the demand for construction education faculty increases (Gunderson, 2005).

Through qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires, the researcher wants to support his hypothesis that there is a need for construction management doctoral programs in the U.S. The researcher based his sample population on faculty and administrators currently teaching and working in the construction education departments of colleges and universities. He specifically chose to sample this population because they would be most knowledgeable about the need for the doctoral program. The researcher employed mixed methods of needs assessment to determine the needs of the study’s target population, which is construction education faculty. The study describes mixed methods as “a type of research design in which qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in types of questions, research methods, data collection and analysis procedures, and/or inferences,” (Gunderson, 2005). Critics of this method state that it is unsuitable to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods because the study’s results may be questioned for credibility. By employing a sequential exploratory mixed methods research design, the study implemented triangulation, which is a reliable method to provide validity to the study. The study’s triangulation consisted of (1) a document analysis of 32 advertised faculty positions for construction education, (2) interviews with department heads from six different construction education programs, and (3) a survey sent to 402 faculty members currently teaching in construction education programs. Data analysis concluded that there is a need for doctoral programs in the field of construction management (Gunderson, 2005).

The research methods employed by this study were comprehensive and dense. Because this is an assessment, the researcher’s methods were acceptable and effective. In addition, the study’s sample population was large enough to ensure a well-developed study. The population sample was scattered and not concentrated to one specific geographic area or one particular school. This ensured variety which contributed to the study’s credibility. For the purpose of this paper, no required changes are suggested.

Evaluating Research Methodology in Construction Productivity Studies

This study discusses the relevance and implications of research methods in the area of construction productivity. The study analyzed nearly 100 studies from construction journals and management science journals. Research methods discussed in this paper are qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research approaches. Within each method three categories are discussed; data collection, experimental frameworks, and modeling proposals. The researcher hypothesized that regardless of the research method implemented in any given study in the field of construction, the results will almost always support the predetermined stance of the researcher. In other words, many of these studies which implement qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods lack credibility because they were molded by the researcher to reveal specific information (Panas & Pantouvakis, 2010). The assumptions of a particular study are supported by that study’s research methodology. Because a study’s research strategy influences the specifications for the research methodology, it is crucial that the researcher implement an appropriate research methodology. The purpose of the research methodology is investigate the study’s problem, and find the appropriate research design to gather and analyze data before interpreting those findings.  This particular study questions the most effective and most appropriate methodology for construction research (Panas & Pantouvakis, 2010).

Doctoral studies pertaining to construction management are unique because the topic is not considered to be an academic discipline. Therefore, construction management as a field of study does not have its own theories and techniques; instead it borrows from hypothetical models developed in other fields of the social sciences. For this reason, it is pertinent that the researcher employs a research methodology which will successfully support the study’s objective while ensuring that the study presents data in an original manner. In other words, the research findings for studies in the field of construction management must successfully contribute original information to an existing body of knowledge (Panas & Pantouvakis, 2010). Furthermore, the research methodology must be based on a research design that supports the reliability and validity of research findings.

In an effort to determine the most suitable research design for doctoral studies in the field of construction management, the researcher implemented qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods strategies. The qualitative research approach was implemented to analyze the content of the various papers which were studied. Quantitative methods were implemented to conduct empirical research. Lastly, the mixed methods approach was implemented to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods. This study found that the mixed methods approach is the most popular form of research design for doctorate studies in the field of construction management(Panas & Pantouvakis, 2010).

In order to determine the most relevant form of research design for construction studies the researchers utilized the three methods in question. Their approach effectively showed that the mixed methods approach was the most popular and most effective method for research gathering and analysis. Their population sample was wide-ranging and as result, their conclusion is valid and reliable. For the purpose of this paper I do not see any need for change.

Bibliography

Gunderson, D. E. (2005). Needs Assessment: Construction management doctoral programs in the United States. Dissertation. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA: Colorado State University.

Moore, J. D. (2006). Women In Construction Management: Creating a theory of career choice and development. Dissertation. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA: Colorado State University.

Panas, A., & Pantouvakis, J. (2010). Evaluating Research Methodology in Construction Productivity Studies. The Built & Human Environment Review, 3(1), 63-85.

U.S. Department of Labor. (2009). Facts – Women in Construction. Retrieved May 24, 2011, from www.rc.state.az.us: http://www.rc.state.az.us/wic/wcfacts.html