Research Methods for Construction

This book provides guidance on research methodologies and methods with particular attention to applications in construction. Three main sections - producing a proposal, executing the research and reporting the results - discuss the main issues in research and examine the primary approaches, both qualitative and quantitative. The methods adopted for scientific and engineering experiments, model building and simulations are discussed, as well as those employed for research into management, social and economic issues. The authors examine the requirements for data and analysis, including the important statistical considerations and techniques that enable the researcher to appreciate the issues to be evaluated in devising how research may be carried out effectively and efficiently in the practical environment of modern construction. Research Methods in Construction provides guidance to instil rigour in problem solving and in the production of reports and publications. It will be of value to construction, surveying, architecture and civil engineering students undertaking research, whether for bachelors and masters degree dissertations, or for masters and doctoral research degrees.