Chileshe, N (2005) PhD in construction management research: What is original contribution to knowledge? The case of TQM. In: Khosrowshahi, F (ed.) Proceedings of 21st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2005, London, UK.
Abstract
The ultimate test of any PhD is how it contributes to knowledge. However, other criterion must still be met in order to satisfy the requirements of a PhD in Construction Management. In order to demonstrate the process undertaken towards contribution, this paper highlights the two steps of the research process that were utilised, the positivist and phenomenological approaches as two distinct methodologies. The aims of the paper are two fold. First to highlight the general requirements of meeting the PhD criteria in Construction Management research, and second, to match the specific criteria of contribution to knowledge with illustrative examples by exploring the application and theory development. Using the topic of 'Total Quality Management' in the fields of ' Operations Management' and 'Construction Management' as prime examples, the research undertaken and contribution made in achieving in obtaining the PhD are presented. Examples of the required criteria are illustrated. This paper can be of benefit to researchers in the writing up phase of the PhD in clarifying what constitutes the contribution to knowledge.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction management; knowledge; research methodology; phd research; TQM |
| Index terms: | management research, total quality management, research methodology, methodology, operations management |
| Subjects: | management, research methods, evaluation methods, research design and methodology |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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