Research Choice Summary

Yin (2009) suggests that mixed-method research forces the same questions to be shared and allows for the collection of complementary data and for the conduct of counterpart analysis. Yin (2009) further suggests that this approach allows the researcher to collect a stronger chain of evidence than can be done by employing any single method. A mixed- method research strategy was adopted as the overall approach to conduct this research. In support of mixed method research, Saunders et al. (2009, p. 153) suggest that ‘You may wish to employ, for example, interviews at an exploratory stage, in order to get a feel for the key issues before using a questionnaire to collect descriptive or exploratory data’.

Literature review has shown that construction site superintendents play a crucial role in maintaining the health and safety of construction workers. This research, being of an explorative nature of combining RFID and BIM technologies to improve site safety, it is vital that input from site superintendents is used. A qualitative approach will be adopted in the creation of a conceptual framework for combining RFID and BIM for site safety monitoring, using semi-structured interviews. Due to the inherent qualitative nature of interview data, the first stage of the study can be considered ‘qualitative’ in nature.

The conceptual framework will be subsequently validated using a quantitative approach by conducting a construction industry Internet survey. Literature has shown that the survey instrument is inherently associated with a quantitative approach and is an appropriate tool in social research (Saunders et al., 2009). Revisiting the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches as outlined by Bryman (2012), table 3.3 shows the sequence and methods employed in conducting this research. As presented in table 3.3, the qualitative study will be conducted first to create a conceptual framework and followed by a quantitative study to validate the conceptual framework.

Chapter 3 – Research Design & Methodology

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Mixed Method Approach for RFID + BIM based Construction Safety Monitoring

Qualitative Approach: Conceptual Framework Development Quantitative Approach: Conceptual Framework Validation Words: Textual data will be collected using semi-structured

interviews with construction site superintendents.

Point of view of participant: Superintendents will be asked about

their opinion regarding safety on a construction site and related issues. Interviewer will try to understand personal points of view from the participants regarding monitoring construction workers.

Researcher is close: The researcher will conduct face-to-face

interviews.

Theory Emergent: Conceptual framework will be developed using

the results from interview data

Process: Data will be qualitatively coded to understand the

underlying relationships.

Unstructured: Semi-structured interview data, by its very nature, is

somewhat loosely structured. A set of interview questions will be prepared for the purpose of this research but participants will be allowed relative latitude to answer each question as they see fit. Where appropriate, the interviewer will seek further clarification

Numbers: Survey data will be collected and analysed using

descriptive statistical methods.

Point of view of researcher: The conceptual framework will be

formulated from superintendents and the survey participants will be asked to provide feedback about the various sections of the

framework, using Likert scale data.

Researcher is distant: Since this will be an anonymous Internet

survey, the researcher will have no contact with individual responders.

Theory Tested: The conceptual framework represents a theoretical

construct that was validated by the survey.

Static: The data represented in the results of the survey represent

the perceptions of participants at that point in time.

Structured: All participants will be given the same specific

questions that they are asked to answer and will be given a limited choice of responses to most questions, consistent with Likert scale surveys. Participants will also be allowed to provide written feedback at appropriate junctions, keeping in line with effective

Chapter 3 – Research Design & Methodology

from the participants.

Contextual Understanding: Every attempt will be made by the

researcher to understand the context in which the participants gave a particular response.

Rich Deep Data: Each interview will be conducted in

approximately an hours’ duration or less, giving the researcher the opportunity to gather elaborate information about site safety and the role of the site superintendent.

Micro: Researcher will ask the participants about specific incidents

that contributed to their beliefs about safety.

Meaning: By evaluating responses to individual questions as well

as responses to the overall questionnaire, the researcher was able to better understand the participants’ point of view.

Natural Setting: Each interview will be conducted at a location of

the participant’s choosing, allowing them to pick a location that is most convenient for them.

usage of the survey instrument.

Generalisation: Descriptive statistics will be used to interpret the

central tendencies of the survey data.

Hard Reliable Data: Numerical data will be used from the results

of the survey to interpret the meaning.

Macro: The data gathered will represent the opinions of

construction industry professionals at various levels within the industry and can be considered to represent a snapshot view of their opinions in regards to the proposed framework.

Behaviour: The data collected in the survey will be a quantifiable

measure to categorise the opinions of the participants and will represent their beliefs towards site safety monitoring using RFID & BIM

Artificial Setting: The survey will be conducted over the Internet,

which is a rather impersonal way of collecting data and represents a stark contrast to the interview format. The survey will be conducted anonymously; hence the researcher will not have any personal contact with the survey participants with regards to the survey instrument.

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A proof of concept software prototype solution will be developed and evaluated in order to demonstrate that the proposed framework can be implemented on a construction site, using scenario simulations. The ‘software prototyping’ methodology will be used to create the software prototype. A ‘model’ in software engineering in many ways represents an execution plan similar to a construction plan (Ludewig, 2003). Several methodologies exist for the creation of software programs including the ‘Waterfall Model’, ‘Agile Model’ and ‘Software Prototyping’. These methodologies are often referred to as models in the software programming arena (Ludewig, 2003). Each of these models represents a holistic approach to creating software programs. From a methodological perspective the ‘Waterfall Model’ is the oldest model and represents a linear approach to programming wherein the project is broken down into several sequential stages and work at each stage is completed before work at the next stage is ready to be taken up (Yoffie, 1997). The ‘Agile Model’ is a more recent methodology in which the software project is split up into several parts and may be developed in a sequential or simultaneous manner. The ‘Agile Model’ has been compared to a puzzle where each piece is developed separately and eventually put together at the appropriate time to form the entire software (“Waterfall vs. Agile Methodology,” 2008). The ‘Prototype Model’ is considered an inexpensive way to develop and test a software before making an investment to develop a production model software (Davis, 1992). The ‘Prototype Model’ of development allows a quick turnaround time for the development of the software as well as uncovering any unforeseen implementation issues for the program (Davis, 1992). Details regarding the process of the software prototype creation are presented in section 3.10.3 of this chapter.