Alharbi, M; Emmitt, S and Demian, P (2015) What is architectural management? Towards a pragmatic definition. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(2), pp. 151-168. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a pragmatic definition of architectural management (AM) derived from systematic research. Design/methodology/approach - A triangulated approach to data collection was employed, comprising a number of sequential stages. First, a literature review was carried out to analyse the previous attempts to define the term. Then, a preliminary survey was conducted (online questionnaire) to capture the current interpretations of the term. After that, a new definition was formulated based on analysing and synthesising the collected data. The fourth stage was focused on examining the consistency of the new definition through the perspectives of architectural researchers and practitioners. The final stage was refining the definition based on the feedback. Findings - After following a pragmatic approach for constructing a new definition of AM; and based on the results of the several testing stages, it was found that AM is associated with the strategic management of the architectural office and its individual projects; and it is responsible for value design and delivery for its adopter and for the different types of stakeholders. Research limitations/implications - Although there was some quantitative testing in addition to the qualitative data the response rate was low in terms of the population of UK architectural practices. Originality/value - The outcome is the first definition of AM grounded in research. The research is unique in terms of reviewing the scope and limitations of the previous definitions of AM. Based on the research findings, the new definition of AM was found to offer an accepted description of AM that can be used by both researchers, educators and practising architects. The definition provides a common understanding (vocabulary) for those working in the area of AM.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architecture; impact; architectural management; architectural practice; CIB W096; definition |
| Index terms: | survey, architectural management, literature review, questionnaire, practitioner, population, strategic management, methodology, architect, architectural practice, testing |
| Subjects: | demography, management, research methods, practice management, professional practice, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, profession, business, practitioner |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Design Practice, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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