PhD Final Thesis April 2013.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

Thesis Keith Gale 2013Providing a link between data and methods requires contemplation of evidentialproperties and reliability standards. Evidential sources of data indicate a rich veinstarting with strategic objectives of the organisation supported by political Memberapprovals through to controls and implementation of projects with contractualmechanisms. Reliability is examined through a discussion by contrasting the range ofvariables with projects in this research with those experienced with constructionmanagement. The conclusion from this initial examination is that fewer variables arepresent in the case study projects due to the narrower technical range (all are civilengineering highways related).A summation of research methods is shown diagrammatically in Figure 4.5 relativeto the case study enclosure. Figure 4.5 also provides identification of thetriangulation stage where qualitative and quantitative paradigms converge to allowformation of conclusions. Table 4.3 expands the research overview by linkingstatistical tests and methods with data sources. Within each hypothesis, dependentand independent variables are shown allowing a control and direction to be appliedthroughout management of this research.In summary, use of a holistic single case study method fulfils a desire to widen thisresearch in reaction to criticisms from academic authority concerning the ‘apparentnarrowness of the construction management research community’s methodologicaloutlook and the implications for understanding of the practice of construction.’(Dainty 2008, p10). As the single case study, supported by Yin (2003), is sosignificant to methods used by this research, the next chapter considers this aspect ingreater detail.101