Methodological challenges of knowledge production in construction management research: The case of a postgraduate research into supply chain integration

Construction management research implies quite a few challenges with regards to methodology and scientific rigour. In essence, this is true for management research in general. Much of the management research can be typified as theory-driven empirical research, often using qualitative and interpretative research techniques. This is also true for construction management research. A central issue of management research is that the research findings are closely related to their empirical context. In that context, management research tries to understand as well as solve problems, and aims to test as well as build theory. This phenomenon often turns out to be a great methodological challenge for management researchers. An essential aspect of this challenge is that the research process is aimed at the production of so-called solution-oriented knowledge, or Mode 2 knowledge (Gibbons et al 1994). In itself, Mode 2 knowledge production has a potential to improve the relevance of construction management research. However, application of a Mode 2 research approach often implies that researchers base their research strategies on their own paradigmatic convictions and methodological pluralism, rather than following a traditional interpretation of existing research standards and techniques. This paper discusses the challenges of applying Mode 2 knowledge production in construction management research. This is illustrated by means of the research design process of a postgraduate research into supply chain integration in construction.