Edwards, D J and Holt, G D (2010) The case for "3D triangulation" when applied to construction management research. Construction Innovation, 10(1), pp. 25-41. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – Construction management research (CMR) embraces many research paradigms and resultantly, methodological debate can proliferate. Triangulation is one specific method employed and this too has attracted discussion. This paper aims to subjectively but critically assess the role of triangulation within CMR. Resultantly, a “3D triangulation” (3DT) decision support model is proffered whose purpose is to improve triangulation's use. Design/methodology/approach – Following review of CMR methodological debate and the (multidisciplinary) application of triangulation to research; case study examples of triangulation applied among a sample of published CMR papers are observed in subjective detail, and contrasted with the invited opinions of researchers. Findings – Triangulation is adduced as a methodological aspect of many CMR studies – but researchers' perceptions of how it should fit within a research design and the extent to which it can contribute or should be relied upon – is varied. The authors' viewpoint is that triangulation use in CMR could sometimes be afforded more thought; and the decision to use it, be better “justified” within the broader methodological context. Accordingly, a 3DT decision support model is developed to assist in these objectives. Practical implications – It is argued that 3DT can lend toward a more robust methodological design, in the context of applying triangulation to CMR specifically, and management research generally. Originality/value – The 3DT model is entirely novel and evolves as a result of this specific study alone.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction operations; decision support systems; operations management; research methods |
| Index terms: | operations management, triangulation, methodology, decision support, management research, paradigm, research design, construction operation, case study |
| Subjects: | research design and methodology, data collection methods, construction operations, research methods, education and knowledge transfer, management, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Risk Management, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PTEA |
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