Analysis of research methodology and approaches Essay Example

weight to the use of questionnaire methodology.According to Creswell (2009), variables can be measured using instruments to analyze numerical data using statistical methods. The objective of paper one was to study the existing culture profile in the Turkish construction industry. Naoum (1998) explains that quantitative research is appropriate for investigating facts based on evidence or records, making it suitable for achieving the aim of paper one, which is to find out the culture profile. However, if the objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the organizational culture in the Turkish construction industry, qualitative research such as interviews could supplement the findings from quantitative research as it provides more profound and comprehensive data (Naoum, 1998), emphasizing comprehension instead of mere testing and confirmation (Ghauri & Gronhaug, 2005). Paper two aims to identify and improve the status of claims management in Egypt, specifically change order claims. The research in paper two is conducted using a questionnaire that contains both closed-ended and open questions, combining quantitative and qualitative inquiries.The research was conducted as an individual interview, which lasted longer than expected due to the large amount of information collected. It is believed that a semi-structured interview method was used (Bryman 2008). The second paper questionnaire consists of seven questions, with the first three being closed-ended and focused on categorical (Q1) or nominal (Q2 and Q3) variables to determine the profile of claims statement position in Egypt. Questions 4-7, however, are all open-ended. Interestingly, Question 4 actually contains three separate inquiries. The research in the second paper utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, which are analyzed separately. It uses a concurrent embedded strategy

(Creswell 2009). Assorted method is acceptable but the combination of three different inquiries as Question 4 is not preferred. Inquiry 5 asks respondents if the contract states that all alteration orders must be written.The opportunity to gather more information from respondents, such as the version of contract used, the terms and conditions related to change orders, and whether written orders are required, was missed.

Data Collection and Sampling

According to Kumar (2005), there are two main types of data collection: primary data and secondary data. Primary data is collected by researchers themselves while secondary data is available from another source. In paper one and two, primary data was collected. In paper one, the data collection was purely quantitative using Likert-scale questionnaires, whereas in paper two, the data collection was for both quantitative and qualitative information using closed-end questions and semi-structured interviews. Therefore, both of the studies used quantitative methods combined with structured questionnaires to collect primary research data. A questionnaire is defined as "a written list of questions, the answers to which are recorded by respondents" by Kumar (2005). In a questionnaire, respondents read the questions and provide answers accordingly. It is evident that a questionnaire is less expensive and easy for respondents to understand when providing answers.Kumar (2005) suggests that sensitive inquiries can be included in questionnaires and respondents may answer anonymously. However, questionnaires have disadvantages, such as low response rates, limited literacy of participants, biased self-selection, no opportunity for clarification, and lack of allowance for self-generated responses. Bryman (2008) suggests that questionnaires are considered quantitative because they use structured and closed-ended questions, although they may include a few open-ended questions. Closed-ended

questions provide predetermined response options for the respondent to choose from, while open-ended questions allow for respondents to answer in their own words. In paper two on claims management, both closed-ended and open-ended questions are used in the questionnaire, which was developed based on a literature review of claim management issues, specifically change order claims.Paper one utilized an Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) based questionnaire featuring two primary dimensions - the organizational focal point and the distinction between stableness and control versus flexibleness and discretion - categorized by kin, adhocracy, market, and hierarchy. All of the questions in this survey were closed-ended inquiries, providing quicker and more efficient responses due to the predetermined answer choices. However, this also limited the depth and variety of responses possible within a given range. In contrast, paper two conducted semi-structured interviews in person with experienced engineers and managers, focusing on analyzing claims management in Egypt, particularly change order claims. These interviews featured open-ended questions allowing for more in-depth information gathering and greater respondent freedom in expressing their thoughts. Although even closed-ended questions in paper two provided space for respondents to write their own answers if necessary, analysis of open-ended data can prove more complex due to the potentially wide range of information provided.According to Kumar (2005), the inquiries being made may hold biases from the interviewees. There are various types of sampling, such as chance random sampling, non-probability non-random sampling, and various types of trying designs. In paper one, non-random judgmental sampling was employed while graded random trying aggregation was used in paper two. Fellows and Liu (2008) and Kumar (2005) state that random sampling provides an equal opportunity

for each member of the population, and one type of this is stratified sampling. In the case of building industry in Egypt, a sample was selected from major companies via graded random chance trying method, allowing for generalization of findings to the whole population. Organizational Culture employed judgmental sampling (also known as purposive sampling) while taking into consideration factors such as nationality, house size, and market share. As a result, 134 out of the 351 houses participated in the research survey.The use of judgmental sampling is beneficial for researchers who need to gather information and examples from individuals who meet the criteria chosen for the sample. This method is particularly useful when the phenomenon being studied is not well known. However, there is a potential for bias when sampling is selected. Additionally, random sampling may be unconsciously influenced by human preference and sampling frames may not contain all characteristics of the population. Consequently, conclusions drawn from samples should be considered in relation to the wider population.

In the case of paper one, the sample was gathered from the entire Turkish building industry using graded random sampling. This resulted in 826 respondents from 107 contracting and 27 architectural firms, with a male to female ratio of 74.9% to 25.1%. Although the male to female ratio was unbalanced, it may be due to the dominance of males in this industry. A response rate of 38.18% was achieved with 134 responses received from 351 contacted firms.

Paper two targeted middle to large-sized contracting firms with an industrial work turnover of no more than LE 50 million and cumulative construction work turnover no more than LE 100 million.In order to

ensure accuracy and avoid biases in the sample selection, this study selected seven major companies in Egypt, with a total of 21 industrial undertakings, to research. The data was collected through interviews with senior directors at these companies, but the exact number of interviewees is undisclosed. As a result, when presenting the data as percentages, it is impossible for readers to know how many respondents chose a specific answer. However, it can be speculated that there were at least 21 respondents, given that there were 21 industrial undertakings. If the number of respondents was only 7, the sample size would be questionable due to its limited nature. It should also be noted that the study excluded small contracting houses and inexperienced site managers/ engineers, which may have created a skewed representation of the industry as a whole. Inexperienced managers and engineers may struggle with contract management, understanding procedures, and utilizing documentation. The primary objectives of the sample selection were to achieve maximum precision in estimations within the sample size and avoid selection biases (Kumar, 2005).The first paper used a big representative sample which was reasonably good, while the second paper used a comparatively smaller number of interviewees with an unspecified exact figure. In social research, dependability and validity are important processes. Dependability refers to the ability to retest results and obtain the same outcome under different conditions. The Organizational Culture paper had good internal consistency dependability coefficients (Cronbach alpha) for all types of cultures. Meanwhile, there was no mention of dependability in the information in the Claims Management paper. Validity determines the integrity of research conclusions, whether they answer the research question appropriately, and if

they have internal or external credibility. Yin (1994) and Amaratunga (2002) defined internal validity and external validity respectively.Both research studies aim to provide a general overview of the current state of affairs. It can be concluded that both studies are legitimate. The first paper includes a survey containing six relevant questions about the fundamental aspects of organizational culture. Each question has four alternative statements, resulting in a total of 24 inquiries. All questions utilize a 1-5 Likert scale, with 5 indicating complete agreement. The average score is calculated to determine the overall cultural profile of a particular organization and the findings are presented in Table II. Independent sample t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were used to analyze differences in organizational culture by company size and age. Further analysis was carried out using Scheffe test to explore differences among subgroups, which are summarized in Table III. Independent sample t-tests were also applied to compare the overall scores of each cultural type for architectural and contracting firms. To ensure equal sample sizes, a random selection of items were chosen from 107 contracting houses and 27 architectural houses. The research suggests that "Market" has greater influence on the contracting firms than on the architectural ones (Pallant, 2007).The mean mark of 32 Contracting houses selected indiscriminately is 3.37, while Architectural houses' mean mark is 2.93, with t=3.849, P<0.0001. The found relationship between the two groups is valid because the void hypothesis suggesting no difference between them is rejected. To determine significant differences in dependent variable scores among over two groups, One-way ANOVA is used instead of Independent-sample T-test that compares two groups under certain conditions (Pallant, 2007).

It is based on the F-test ratio of the between-groups discrepancy to the within-groups or mistake discrepancy (Fellows and Liu, 2008). A high F-value implies higher influential independent variables on dependent variables indicating the rejection of a null hypothesis stating equal population means (Pallant, 2007). The Table II of paper one confirms that for small and average-sized houses, all four culture types' values are more significant than those for bigger houses; three culture types reject null hypotheses (P<0.05).The researcher concluded that organizational culture has a greater impact on small and medium-sized companies than it does on large companies, which contradicts some previous literature. In Paper One, k-means clustering analysis was used to group companies with similar cultural features, using Ward's method and squared Euclidean distance. The results of the hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three underlying patterns of cultural types among the sampled companies, which were used as the basis for the non-hierarchical k-means analysis. This type of clustering algorithm focuses on finding clusters with established clusters, and the selection of a distance measurement is a critical step in clustering. The shape of the clusters may be influenced by the distance measurement selected. In Paper Two, Figure 1 presents data from Question 1 on the causes of claims, showing a pie chart indicating the percentage of various causes. This result was validated by other research, which indicated that change order claims were the main reason for claims in most projects, while owner factors ranked second. The result confirmed the need to evaluate change order claims in particular, suggesting that the research is valid in terms of its research purpose.The study on claims presentment positions found that

67% of the undertakings had contract clauses tied to presentments. However, the research acknowledged the potential for interviewee bias and its limitations as respondents tend to answer such inquiries optimistically. For inquiries related to claims certification positions, the researcher categorized responses into seven groups using pattern matching for qualitative data analysis, a desirable method despite its subjective risk of interpretive discretion. This suggests that different researchers may group and interpret data differently. Figure 2 utilizes a pie chart in alteration order paper inquiries, demonstrating the need to improve certification for better record management. The research employed an account constructing scheme to explain and discuss the remaining inquiries and proposed solutions to improve change orders. The conclusion summarized both the findings and recommendations based on them.The text below lists several research articles and books relevant to various research methods in social sciences and engineering. These are as follows:

References:

• Amaratunga D. et Al, ( 2002 ) Quantitative and qualitative research in the reinforced environment: application of `` assorted '' research attack, Work Study Vol.51 No.1, pp.17-31
• Bryman, A. ( 1998 ) Measure and Quality in Social Research.Unwin Hyman.
• Bryman, A. ( 2008 ) Social Research Methods, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Creswell, J. ( 2009 ) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Assorted Methods Approaches, Sage.
• Hassanein A and Nemr W, ( 2008 ) Claims Management in the Egyptian industrial building sector: a contractor 's position, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Vol.15 No.5, pp.456-469
• Huang, Z. ( 1998 ) .Extensions to the K-means Algorithm for Clustering Large Datasets with Categorical Values.Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 2, p.283-304.