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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013environment, it is recognised that results are obtained from a single case study. Inorder to provide mass to the results the case study is set within a significant localauthority organisation a widened view is undertaken through collection andintegration with external sources. The case study encompasses a substantial influencefrom experienced engineering professionals – external and internal to theorganisation. Results from performance of fifteen external companies, includingregional and national construction companies are used to represent a range ofsuppliers.As noted by Babbie (1992), perfect indicators for performance can rarely bedeveloped from theoretical concepts. Whilst the most appropriate indicatorsfollowing an examination of published theory and empirical evidence are chosen,these provide no guarantee for ultimate best match. As such data may be consideredunique to the case study and outcomes, and this may provide a limitation toreplication.A counter argument to the above is that, provided the organisation is representativeof similar local authorities and source data is consistent in characterisation,apportionment or bias has no significant effect. The use of multiple research methodsand convergence between data has been used to support representation andcharacterisation of results.It is recognised, through boundary limitations, that this research is undertaken whollywithin the UK, within a legal system, standard form of contract and technicalspecifications set within that location. Macro-cultural influences of WesternEuropean construction management practices may create significant differences toresults and this provides a potential area for further research to confirm externalvalidation.12.6.1 Areas for further researchFollowing findings from this research and mindful of limitations noted, the followingrecommendations are provided for potential future research within this subjectmatter:• The research has revealed that operation of a framework agreement,provided that care is taken to clearly identify critical success factors and285