Research Principles and Practices

Effective planning, implementation, and management of successful construction projects requires extensive evidence-based research. While evidence can be extracted from the disciplinary literature, existing databases, or previous project experience, original research may also be undertaken to meet the requirements of a specific project. Research is a process of inquiry and investigation that takes a systematic and methodical approach to creating knowledge as evidence. NBC3010 Research Principles and Practices provides an introduction to a methodical approach to reviewing, analysing and formulating a research proposal in the Built Environment context. The unit explores research approaches in the built environment by providing an overview of paradigms and interpretative frameworks, discussing their advantages and limitations, and integrating quantitative and qualitative data in Construction Management research projects.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate and elaborate the fundamentals involved in planning and executing a construction management research project;
2. Critically and systematically review relevant literature, use appropriate research tools to interpret findings and articulate research gaps;
3. Formulate a research question/(s) or a hypothesis in the context of construction management research;
4. Develop appropriate research approaches, while focusing on methodologies, measurement tools and instruments for data collection and analysis used in construction management research; and
5. Critically analyse sources of information and demonstrate sensitivity to research ethics and codes of conduct.