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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013CHAPTER 4: HYPOTHESIS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY4.1 IntroductionAn extensive review of published research undertaken in Chapter Three has notrevealed any directly comparable research specifically available for frameworkagreements. This is somewhat surprising given the extensive use of frameworkagreements within the public sector at this date. Although anecdotal claims ofperformance from supporters of framework agreements are available, these do notdetail the extent or contextual positioning of such evidence. To provide a theoreticalbasis upon which to analyse performance improvement with framework agreements,a performance model was constructed in chapter three. The model provides a holisticview comprising components from:• the impact of behaviours on performance• use of performance measurement on project outcomesin recognition to the cause and effect of dynamics anticipated from publishedliterature.Chapter four builds upon theories offered by the performance model by developinghypotheses from published literature, particularly those relevant to sociologicalgroups of a technical class (such as construction professionals) and developedresearch for construction management performance management. In recognition ofthe professional element required by this thesis, alignment with current professionalpractice is undertaken through operational considerations. In essence this requires theresearch to interact with construction management at two contextual connections.The first revolves around understanding of practice data so that methods proposed inthis chapter reflect practice. Examples of this are key contractual dates such aspossession and completion. The research methodology is developed around such keydata because this forms a strong connection with practitioners and being contractual,is a reliable data source. The second contextual connection is choice of paradigmplacement. The predominant paradigm of this research is with constructionmanagement and therefore published research, where applicable, is related to this79