Charoenngam, C and Maqsood, T (2001) A qualitative approach in problem solving process tracing of construction site engineers. In: Akintoye, A (ed.) Proceedings of 17th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2001, Salford, UK.
Abstract
The construction project success greatly depends upon the effectiveness of problem solving process exercised by site managers. This process has been explored to investigate factors impeding its effectiveness. Ninety-nine civil engineers were presented with common on-site problems through various informal intuitive and formal non-intuitive tools and techniques. The nature of tools employed is found to have an effect on problem recognition. Factors like management and technical cognitive styles, the phenomenon of 'selective perception,' non-existence of mental models of problem and cognitive biases are found associated with informal tools usages. The study reveals a lack of meta-cognitive awareness among some engineers regarding the problem solving process and their role as a site manager. Non-intuitive formal tools help frame the problems in a more rational and logical way not affected by these psychological factors. The use of non-intuitive tools employed was not found to be difficult and their non-use may be attributed to the unawareness of the existence of such tools. Variations in the problem solving processes exercised by the engineers question the present definition of experience and its value as a measurement of expertise. The focus group interview approach assisted to develop some insights into the current practice of site managers.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction experience; decision making; site management; site engineer |
| Index terms: | interview, focus group, qualitative approach, engineer, construction site, mental model, civil engineer, bias, variation, decision-making, site manager, site management, construction project, cognitive style, effectiveness, problem solving |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, cognitive psychology, performance management, decision-making and reasoning, research methods, contractual condition, production management, probability and distributions, work location, construction operations, profession, data collection methods, practitioner |
| Topics: | Contract Administration, Site Management, Quality Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here