Four types of methodological approaches were employed in this study. They are the quantitative, qualitative, triangulation, and historical approaches.
4.4.1 The quantitative approach
A quantitative approach was chosen as the methodology best appropriate for the study because the purpose of the research concerns explanation and prediction of time. It involves explanation of the various factors that contribute to delays, as well as the prediction of the final contract time based upon the initial time. Factors and sub-factors contributing to delays are measured in ordinal values as the perceptions of professionals in the industry. These are then converted to percentages and expressed as percentage time value.
Furthermore the quantitative approach was chosen as appropriate as it involves numerical data.
In terms of the availability of literature for the study, its availability could be assumed to be largely one of the criteria suggested. Therefore, the quantitative approach was chosen, according to Leedy et al. (2005).
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The time for the field work of the research is relatively short. Leedy et al. (2005) posit that when the time available for the research is short, the quantitative approach is appropriate. Based on this the quantitative approach was chosen.
The target population for the study are learned (educated). They are mainly graduates and are familiar with quantitative studies.
The characteristics of the data for the study are that they are numeric, representative and consist of large samples. Data will be analysed statistically and findings communicated in numbers. Based on these considerations, the quantitative approach is considered appropriate as a method for conducting the research.
4.4.2 Qualitative approach
A qualitative approach has also been used in this research. To illustrate the purpose, descriptive and explanatory methods were used and part of the findings will be expressed qualitatively.
4.4.3 Triangulation
Triangulation is used because it is a method that employs the use of qualitative and quantitative data to address a single research question or problem (Kumar, 2005).
Fellows and Liu (2003) describe triangulation as the means of using both qualitative and quantitative techniques together. Further, they said that such combination can be very powerful to gain insights and results. Love et al. (2002) suggest that triangulation could be influential in espousing multi-level research within construction management research, to embrace both ontological and epistemological viewpoints
4.4.3.1 Triangulation as a convergent method
This principal tenet of triangulation – that is, usually three investigative components being related to each in a research setting according to Edwards and Holt (2010) is also generally known as „convergent methodology‟. A graphical description of a „multi-component‟ is shown in Figure 4.1. A triangulated component will therefore in some way be „related to its neighbours‟. Figure4.1 reveals that, component 2 is seen to have
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two relationships, these being to components 1 and 3 (labelled r1,2 and r2,3 respectively) but,
Figure 4.1 Related research components – the tenet of triangulation [Jack and Raturi (2006) cited in Edwards and Holt (2010)]
such relationships are not causal. An example in practice might mean that components 1-3 are separate data sources, entirely independent of each other, but relevant to the phenomenon being studied and therefore, in that way „related‟.
Figure 4.2 indicates how components of triangulation (a convergent methodology) are intended to unite on a point, in reaching a research conclusion. Note that the contribution of each component to the point of convergence will typically differ in a given research setting (here shown as distance d1 ≠ d2 ≠ d3) because each component is by design dissimilar. The rationale of triangulation therefore, is that any strengths or weaknesses in one component will be reconciled or tempered by another.
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Figure 4.2 Convergence on a research conclusion using hybrid triangulation [Jack and Raturi (2006) cited in Edwards and Holt (2010)]
4.4.3.2 Types of triangulations
There are five types of triangulation according to Edwards and Holt (2010) cited in Jack and Raturi (2006). They are: data; investigator; theory; method, and multiple triangulations.
Data triangulation
This involves more than one method of data sampling strategy and / or more than one way of data analysis is employed, may be single source taken in slices over time or related to space or origin.
Investigator triangulation
This involves more than one observer employed in data collection and / or more than one investigator is employed in data interpretation.
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Theory triangulation is that which more than one theoretical scheme or theoretical standpoint is employed to interpret the phenomenon, that is, via data.
Methodological triangulation
Methodological triangulation is where more than one method of data collection and / or analysis is employed, may include a mix of quantitative and qualitative sources.
Multiple (Hybrid) triangulation
Multi or hybrid triangulation is the combination of different observers, perspectives, data sources, and methodologies used in the same investigation.
4.4.4 Historical approach
Historical research concerns itself with the meaning of events. According to Leedy et al.
(2005), history consists of nothing more than an ever-flowing stream of events and the continuing changes in human life and its institutions. These comprise, inter alia, language, customs, philosophies, religious art, and architecture. This kind of research tries to draw inferences from this maelstrom, by considering the currents and counter-currents of present and past events, and searching for the pattern that ties them all together. The major distinction between historical research and historical narrative is the interpretation of the facts, relative to historical research, while the latter tends to organise facts into a sequence, usually chronological. Historical research is largely a qualitative endeavour: often it makes use of quantitative data as well. It is a blend of the two methodologies.
4.4.4.1 Types of historical research
Leedy et al. (2005) identify four types of historical research. They are research based on searching for roots, historical time, space, and conceptual research.
The fascination of searching for roots
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The search for roots is known as ex-post facts research. This kind of research tries to account for phenomena such as the creation of the universe. Questions such as: where did it come from and how did it begin; characterises this type of research.
Historical time researches take into consideration a period or space of time. It recognises a series of events placed along a time continuum
Historical space research takes into consideration events that occurred in a particular place over a period of time. It has a space dimension. Furthermore it attempts to answer the questions relating to where and when events occurred.
Psychological or conceptual historical research
This type of research is concerned with the origin, development and influence of ideas and concepts. This type of research can influence the course of history as events and people do. The idea of democracy was born in Greece and its development coincided with major events of the Greco–Roman world, the Middle Ages and modern times. Over a space of time the concept of democracy can only be found in its purest form in New England town meeting. The aforementioned presents how ideas originate, the stages of development they undergo, and what has become of the idea. Further examples of ideas that developed over a space of time are capitalism, socialism, rationalism, individualism, communism, utopianism, to name a few.
4.4.4.2 Data sources in historical research
In any study researchers place a high value on first-hand accounts and original artefacts. The data sources for this type of research are newspaper clippings, original memos, diary entries, eyewitness accounts, and relevant objects. From these sources, data is gathered and coherent meaning established.
4.5 Primary and secondary sources of data