Semi-structured Interviews

The semi-structured interview method considers the requirement of qualitative data and information from the experts through three convergent themes (e.g., the management of construction project overheads, the ABC system, and the CMCPs’ tools and techniques). The expert interview outcomes could validate the ABCC model for improving the CMCPs’ tools and techniques of construction project overheads.

Advantages of the interview method generally include a higher rate of responses, because the presence of the interviewer can explore answers and gain wider information from the interviewees. The interviewer can explain questions and unfamiliar words to be able to get qualitative data and more accurate information. However, the disadvantages of the interview method for data collection and analysis are that it is very difficult to define and meet the list of certain populations. This method needs trained interviewers, especially when interviewees might feet reluctant to share information related to personal beliefs. This would bring bias to the interview in both verbal and non-verbal values when the data is analysed (Nedarc, 2006).

4.4.5.

Research Findings

This research design would expect four categories of research findings, such as literature review findings, questionnaire survey findings, project case study findings, and interview outcomes. Therefore, the most importance of CSFs and the result of the ABCC model would be incorporated into the CMCPs’ tools and

111 techniques for improving the management of construction project overheads. These should enable an effective implementation of the ABCC model.

4.5.

Research Methods

Although the research process is defined according to disciplined inquiries of academic and business purposes differently, the research method may refer to a research process which is currently offered in published literature, such as through methodological research designs, a systematic research process of inquiry and investigation, and to increase the body of knowledge (Amaratunga, et al., 2002).

Research methods are basically influenced by the philosophical position of the research. This research positions the ‘critical realist stance’ that represents assumptions about the nature of reality and knowledge, and observable phenomena to be critically interpreted by the social entities that are revealed through the value laden system (refer to the research philosophy, Section 4.2). Quantitative and qualitative methods are the two systematic and distinct categories that are generally used in conducting research. In order to increase validity and reliability of the research or to consider consistency of the results, different methods may be combined in order to triangulate the research through mixed methods or multi methods (Saunders et al., 2009).

4.5.1.

Quantitative Methods

A quantitative research method is a numeric description derived from the study of a sample of population to represent trends, attitudes, or opinions of a population (Creswell, 2009). This research provides computational expressions of empirical inquiries and investigations through a process of direct observations and questionnaire survey (refer to Section 4.6.3.2 for the justification) measurements for collecting and analysing numerical forms of data.

112 Direct observations obtain audio and visual records, project documents, and analysed events or activities related to the research area and focus (refer to Section 4.6.3.4 for the justification). Questionnaire surveys contain open-ended and close questions for obtaining more details and avoiding redundant responses. It can be administered electronically or via printed documents for the respondents to collect quantitative data (Saunders et al., 2009).

4.5.2.

Qualitative Methods

A qualitative research method contains word expressions of empirical inquiries and investigations through a process of interview assessments for understanding human behaviours and their interpretation of the phenomena. Qualitative data or information can be collected by face-to-face, by telephone, or by other electronic media such as the internet or intranet (Saunders et al., 2009).

However, specific qualitative inquiries may be in the form of structured or semi- structured interviews, and unstructured interviews. This research utilises semi- structured interview methods (refer to Section 4.6.3.3 and 4.6.3.5 for the justification) during field research, even though Saunders et al (2009) suggested that the appointment and confirmation may be ensured through telephone or internet.

4.5.3.

Mixed Methods

There are different methods of research which contain both quantitative and qualitative methods, as the research could provide bias. The mixed method (triangulation method) can compensate each single method’s weaknesses through the counter balancing strength of another (Amaratunga et al., 2002), and could reinforce each of the different methods by normalising a bias of any single method by serving the bias inherent in the other method (Creswell, 2009). These have implications on positioning the two research approaches in relation to the ontological and epistemological philosophies (refer to Section 4.2.1 and Section

113 4.2.2). Scientific approaches argue that hypotheses should be formulated and use precise measurement techniques to test. On the other hand, the issue must be considered whether the scientific approach is the right choice to adopt and how this could be included in social research. It would seem to be a possibility and desirability for combining both quantitative and qualitative versions.

Quantitative and qualitative approaches were seen from an ontological and epistemological assumption, where a grounded theory research was not compatible to combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches. According to the nature of these philosophical assumptions, the mixed method approach is not possible for the grounded research. However, most researchers see these two approaches as capable of being triangulated to give the greater strengths of the data collection and data analysis based on a technical assumption (Bryman, 2012).

In fact, research can be more confident when combining different methods and techniques for observing a phenomenon from different angles or dimensions to obtain compelling information. Yin (2009) suggested that case studies may use multiple sources of information and case study databases, and maintain the chain between evidences in order to increase validity (construct, internal and external) and reliability of the research. Further, it was explained that construct validity can be achieved through establishing correct operational procedures to address and utilise appropriate instruments for data collection. Internal validity considers causal relationships between facts and certain conditions in order to establish other conditions through the implementation of correct analytic strategies for data analysis, while, external validity considers appropriate sampling strategies and unit of analysis to establish a generalisation of research findings. Reliability considers that the replication of operational methods of the research which provide similar results and acceptable inconsistencies across cases through a clear research methodology. However, Creswell (2009) provides a basic assumption of the mixed method inquiry that its’ diversified types of data collection techniques and procedures could serve a better understanding of the research problem.

114 This research begins with reviewing the related literature to identify project overheads and Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in construction projects, then, a questionnaire survey is developed in consultation with experts to generalise results, in respect of the project’s evaluation criteria. During the literature review phase, this research also investigates an underpinning philosophy of the Activity- Based Costing (ABC) system in construction projects to develop the ABCC model for improving the management of project overheads.

The second phase continues with the field research. Three main research processes are carried out during this period, such as: (1) questionnaire survey, (2) project documentation and direct observation of case studies, and (3) semi- structured interviews with the experts. The next section discusses the research techniques and procedures.