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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013together with reasons why performance outcomes are different. The story concludeswith results and application to future professional practice.5.5.2 Multiple sources of evidence for professional practice.Two sources of evidence for professional practice are collation of data fromquantitative data of project outcomes together with qualitative data usingprofessional opinion and feedback.5.5.3 Correlation of discrete data streams with professional trends.Triangulation of the multiple sources of data is used as evidence to correlate viewsand a contrast made with current professional trends. Engagement with a number ofconstruction professionals through the case study will elicit tacit knowledge andexperience to allow presentation of results.5.5.4 Use of conventions and industry accepted standards.Measures, standards and conventions used within this research will be to civilengineering practice levels representing professional norms for the projects underconsideration. All projects investigated are managed using standard civil engineeringconditions of contract thereby ensuring key data is contractually applied to consistentstandards. All projects are specified to the same national highways specification andall bills of quantities compiled using the Method of Measurement for HighwaysWorks. Use of a standard specification means that ‘resource mix’ between projects(operatives, equipment and materials) is comparable, whilst standard bills ofquantities between projects ensure similar economic characteristics. A consistency ofcontractual, specification and economic parameters between projects containedwithin the case study is used to reduce uncontrolled variables.5.5.5 Depth of understanding through the case study.An in-depth understanding of the case study has been recorded through an‘immersion’ perspective using reactions and observations of participants. Stronglinks of professional practice is explored through construction management researchand professional bodies.108