Fellows, R and Liu, A M M (2000) Human dimensions in modelling prices of building projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(4), pp. 362-372. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
This paper supplements and extends consideration of quantitative models with application to building (costs and) prices by examining human elements inherent in modelling. In considering the concepts of modelling, attention is focused on the recently developed sociology of science, which questions the traditional perspective of total separation of a reality from the observer the objective' basis of scientific positivism. It is argued that human activities are fundamental in, and inseparable from, reality and so, they are integral in modelling. The aim of modelling should be to enhance understanding and knowledge rather than to secure inert objectivity. Application to modelling of prices of building projects investigates how prices are formulated, which prices are commonly modelled and the impact of the decision-makers involved. It is concluded that new models are required, perhaps developed through methodological pluralism, which identify people-oriented variables and assumptions explicitly. Further, the models should be stochastic and with sound bases in theories of economics and human behaviour to ensure that users are aware of the major variabilities in the processes modelled and so, by realistically informing, promote better decision making.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | costs and prices; human behaviour; modelling; research methods |
| Index terms: | human behaviour, science, positivism, decision-making, sociology, variability, human activity, dimension, modelling |
| Subjects: | health monitoring assessment and metrics, analytical methods, health behaviours and lifestyles, specialized education, statistical analysis, philosophical concept, decision analysis, sociology, social theory |
| Topics: | Education, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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