Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Introduction

This section of the study will be dealing with the methods and tools that will be used to gather

and analyse data. Methodology provides the framework or process for the conduct of the

research study (Bryman and Bell, 2004). According to (Pedmaker, 2022), research methodology

refers to the procedures and approaches used to effectively present the findings. It relates to the

methodical planning of a study to ensure outcomes that satisfy the goals and objectives of the

investigation. It will include the design, study variables, sampling procedures and methods, data

collection methods data handling method, data analysis methods.

Research Philosophy

According to Scotland (2012 research philosophy refers to a system of beliefs on the nature of

the reality being investigated, the choice of the research methodology being used, and the

selection of the research study style dependent on the subject matter being investigated. It also

refers to the expansion of knowledge used by academics in their research. (Saunders et al.,

2007). In other words, the theory that the researcher employs when they are undertaking the

process of research design, research strategy, questionnaire design, and sampling. Thus, the

research philosophy chosen has an impact on how research methodologies are seen in order to

effectively satisfy the research's objectives. This work is built on the interpretivism philosophy.

One of the philosophical method of conducting research is called interpretivism. It is a

philosophical view that says individuals are different from physical objects because complexity

must be taken into account. (Saunder, 2007). The study seeks to access the impact covid-19 had
on project cost, resource and schedule on ongoing building projects by taking account of relevant

stakeholders such as, project managers, procurement managers, project engineers, consultants,

site supervisors and labourers etc.

Research design

(Creswell, 2009) defines research design as a set of plans and procedures for conducting a study

that range from general hypotheses to specific approaches to data collecting and analysis.

Additionally, research design is described as a predetermined strategy and framework of an

inquiry that helps the researcher to find or obtain answers to research questions by (Kerlinger,

1986) and (McCombes, 2019). It offers a structure that encompasses the methods and procedures

for obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting data. In other words, the study design specifies the

methodology the researcher will use to address the primary research question and, as a result,

influences the type of data that will be collected.

A descriptive research design was adopted, both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be

employed in gathering data for the work . Descriptive research is a type of analysis that focuses on

outlining the features of the population (Anon., 2022). The goal of descriptive research is to

describe a phenomenon and its characteristics. This research is more concerned with “what”

rather than how or “why” something has happened. As a result, technologies for observation and

survey are (Gall, 2015). The term descriptive research then refers to research questions, design of

the study, and data analysis conducted on that topic. We call it an observational research method

because none of the research study variables are influenced in any capacity (Anon., 2022). In

relation to this research, the identification of what was the impact of covid-19 on building

construction project in the country was seeked. The findings to this research will creates another
scope for further research. This will seek to answer the why questions in relation to the topic

under consideration. Although descriptive studies and observational studies are closely related,

they are not only concerned with collecting data through observation. Surveys and case studies

are two further examples of common data gathering techniques used in descriptive

investigations. (Dudovskly, 2022).

Inductive Approach

The inductive approach of reasoning is employed for this study. Inductive reasoning is a method

of reasoning in which a body of observations is considered to derive a general principle.

Inductive research, as defined by (Jebb, 2017), is when a researcher employs observations and

patterns to comprehend a phenomena under investigation without validating preexisting beliefs

using hypotheses. In relation to this study, the researcher will not be testing a hypothesis but

rather observing the patterns on the extents to which the covid-19 pandemic affected the

construction industry with special emphasis on ongoing construction works. This will bring to

light how critical components in project management such as cost, resources and schedule were

affected and how to curb similar situation in the future.

Since the inductive approach of reasoning was followed, a qualitative research approach was

used. The qualitative research method is the best method for examining a phenomena, people, or

subjects, and the significance they attribute to social or human problems. (Creswell, 2009). The

researcher considers the impact of Covid-19 on construction projects as a phenomenon that

needs to be studied and explore.

Research strategy

(Saunders, 2007) " The broad plan of how the researcher will approach addressing the study

questions" is how research strategy is defined.”. In a similar vein, research strategy was defined

as "a general orientation to the conduct of research" by (Bryman, 2007)”. Research strategy,

according to (Remenyi, 2003) the research plan outlines the general direction of the study, as

well as the methodology. (Saunder, 2007) outlined the need to choose an acceptable research

strategy based on the research questions and objectives, the level of knowledge already known

about the topic being studied, the time and resources at hand, and the researcher's philosophical

foundations. Adapting a quite different approach, Yin (2003b) It is advised that a specific

research approach be chosen based on three (3) factors: the nature of the research topic, the level

of control the researcher has over real-world behavioral occurrences, and the degree of attention

paid to current or historical events. There are different types of research strategy, the following

describe them.

An empirical investigation of cause-and-effect relationships is called an experiment. An

experiment's goal is to establish or refute a causal link between a factor and an observed result.

The goal of an experiment is to demonstrate how one thing affects another, but there is always a

chance that other factors may come into play and invalidate the experiment's findings. (Paul

Johannesson, 2014). Survey usually in the social sciences are frequently used for gathering basic

data about large groups of people, including their activities, beliefs, and attitudes as it covers a

broad coverage and provides a helicopter view of some area of interest (Paul Johannesson,

2014).

The case study is the most flexible type of research design since it allows the researcher to

preserve the main characteristics of actual events while investigating empirical ones. A case
study is frequently empirical research that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in its actual

context, when the distinctions between phenomenon and environment are not immediately

obvious, and when several sources of information are used. (Manchester Business School, 1992).

In relation to Ethnography strategy towards research is about describing people or cultures (Paul

Johannesson, 2014).

Action research is a type of research methodology that focuses on solving practical issues that

arise in everyday life. An action researcher aims to tackle significant issues that people encounter

in their professions in addition to generating new scientific information. (Paul Johannesson,

2014)

3.3.2. Qualitative Research Approach

Qualitative research is a holistic strategy that incorporates discovery. To acquire a degree of

depth through intense engagement in the real happenings, qualitative research is commonly

defined as an unfolding model that happens in a natural context. (Creswell, 2009). The objective

of qualitative research is to provide a thorough, in-depth description of observations, including

the circumstances and context of happenings. The researcher can study the issue and ask

whatever questions they believe are pertinent, and they can even change the setting, which gives

this approach some flexibility. This approach has some versatility because the researcher can

examine the problem, pose whatever queries they think are important, and alter the environment.

It brings about healthy discussions and explores attitudes in a more in-depth manner. This

approach's main shortcomings include the lack of privacy, the high chance of bias in selection,

and the possible duration of the data collection process. (Pedmaker, 2022). With the use of the
qualitative case study approach, researchers may carry out a thorough investigation of complex

phenomena in a particular setting.. (Yasir Rashid, 2019).

Qualitative approaches that will be employed includes interviews and documentary reviews.

Quantitative approaches that will be used includes structured and semi structured questionnaires.

The various objectives, sample design and questions that will be asked respondents are

predefined to help understand and quantify the variation in situations. The adaptation of these

approaches, enhanced the gathering and analysis of relevant data on the under-study topic.

Quantitative Research Approach

A quantitative approach to inquiry states that there is single truth that only needs to be

discovered known as realism. Therefore, it's important to ask the right questions. Furthermore,

this viewpoint is outcome-oriented because it favours observable causes and effects. (Aliaga,

2002) defines a quantitative study as a research strategy that collects numerical data and then

analyzes it using statistical techniques to explain a phenomena. It is a methodology where the

researcher gathers data using certain tools and research methods, such surveys and experiments,

in order to obtain statistical data. (Creswell, 2009). Quantitative research aims to classify

features, count them and create statistical models to text hypotheses and explain observations. It

is a methodology in which the researcher collects information utilizing certain instruments and

research techniques, such surveys and experiments, in order to get statistical information.

(Leedy, 2001). Quantitative research helps with generalization that helps in the development of

theory. It is mostly used in scientific and field-based research. (Pedmaker, 2022) lists several

benefits of quantitative research, including the utilization of larger sample sizes, thorough

analysis of the results, quicker and simpler data collecting, and anonymous data collection..
Limitations with the use of quantitative approach can linked to the fact that survey responses are

limited, making it a problem delving immensely into the problem. This is especially when the

research is not conducted in the subjects’ natural environments, giving the impressions that it

was orchestrated and artificial and the expensive nature of data collecting.

Mixed Method Research Approach

Researchers can combine techniques for data collection or analysis from qualitative and

quantitative research processes in a single study by using a mixed method approach. (Creswell,

2003). The mixed method approach is distinguished by an examination of multi-level

perspectives, cultural influences, and real-world contextual understandings; by an intentional

application of rigorous quantitative research assessing the magnitude and frequency of constructs

and by rigorous qualitative research exploring the meaning and understanding of the constructs;

and by an objective drawing on the strengths of rigorous quantitative and qualitative data

gathering techniques to formulate a holistic understanding (Adjei, n.d as cited by Sheppard, n.d).

The findings of this method can be generalized, leading to the creation of fresh theories or

hypotheses. Usually, this method is employed to address complex research issues.

Study area

The focuses on the construction industry with special emphasis on the building construction

sector. The building construction industry has been an integral part of the economy of the

country. The number of building construction companies in the country continue to grow. During

the covid19 pandemic, the reduction in economic activities, there were few major building

constructions works that were given out. This was due to rising inflation and the various

restrictions that were imposed.

Study population

Population is the total number of people living within the research study area and from which a

researcher draws a sample size of his or her study. The term "research population" refers to all

the instances of individuals, groups, or institutions that the researcher is interested in. (Aidoo-

Buameh, 2014). The population that was studied includes construction companies. Also building

construction consulting companies and the clients for the various projects were also considered

These companies had information that were relevant to the study area.

Sample Size

Sample size consist of the number of entities involved in a research study. According to

(Sandelowski, 1995), a qualitative sample size should be sufficient for the production of an

original and intricately detailed phenomenon under study, while still being manageable for a

complete, case-based analysis of the qualitative data. (Morse, 2015), opined that the less

participants are required the more beneficial data are collected from each individual. Thirty (30)

companies were considered to solicit information from them which then consisted of the total

population.

These were made up of twenty (20) construction firms and (10) construction consulting

companies and fifteen (15) clients or companies who have awarded construction contract were

selected via purposive sampling method. There were fifty (50) workers from the construction

companies availing themselves to answer the questionnaires and interview whiles the consulting

companies had fifteen (15) respondents from the consulting firms.

Table for respondents for the companies

 Respondent Study population Sample size Percentage

Construction companies. 20 15 75

Consulting firms. 10 8 80

Clients. 15 10 66.66

Table for respondents for the workers

Respondent Study population Sample size Percentage

Construction companies. 70 50 75

Consulting firms. 20 15 80

Clients. 15 10 66.66

Sampling procedures and methods

A purporsive sampling technique which is a function of non-probability was used for the

selection. With purposive sampling technique, only units that are directly related to the study

areas or research topic and can provide the needed information are selected which involve

identification of the respondent. In view of this, only construction companies and consulting

firms undertaking building construction works during the covid19 pandemic were identified and

selected to be part of the sampling size. According to Noe and Gelfand (2018), sampling is the

process of selecting respondents from a population such that the group arrived at has

representative features of the general population. The purposive sampling helps in ensuring that

the persons selected meet the criteria for selection before being allowed in the study (Sinclair,

Jullien, & Garner, 2016).

The focus of the research is on construction companies undertaking building construction project

during the covid-19 pandemic area in the year 2020 through to 2021. In view of this,

construction companies that best fit these criteria were searched for and issued questionnaires

whiles interviews were conducted with those who will not be in the best position to answer the

questionnaires.

Data collection method

Primary data

Questionnaires and interviews were used in gathering primary information from respondents.

Open ended and closed ended questionnaires were used in administering of responses from the

respondents.

Officers from the procurement department, project managers and project schedulers were

engaged to answer questions for the purpose of this research. Also, project engineers were

engaged on telephone interviews to solicit information in relation to how they worked during the

pandemic. Workers from consulting firms who were assigned to various project during the

pandemic were selected and interviewed for further clarification.

Questionnaire were selected because the information provided by it contains minimum errors and

has high level of confidentiality. It is also cheaper to administer to scattered respondent. In

relation interviews, more interaction between the researcher and the respondent using both

informal and research guides to solicit relevant information that relates to the research study

from the respondent. provides.

Secondary data
Secondary data, or "the analysis of data acquired by someone else," can be defined as any dataset

not obtained by the author.” (Bohannon, 2016) being more precise Data that has already been

collected but is being considered for reuse on new queries for which it was not initially intended

might be considered secondary data. (Vartanim, 2010). Secondary analysis is an empirical

exercise that applies the same basic research principles as studies utilizing primary data

and has steps to be followed just as any research method (Melissa P. Johnston, 2014)

Various sources of information were obtained from the internet, newspapers and journals. This

information helped and enlighten the researcher’s mind in understanding the study variables of

cost, resources and scheduling in construction and the impact covid19 had on it.

3.6. Validity and Reliability Tests

Reliability and validity are the two most important and essential criteria for evaluating any

measuring tool or research tool (Mohajan, 2017). Reliability and validity in qualitative research

foster transparency and lessen the possibility of researcher bias (Singh, 2014 as cited by

Mohajan, 2017). Reliability is the stability of findings, whereas validity is the honesty of

findings (Altheide & Johnson, 1994).

3.6.1. Validity

A fundamental feature of validity is the degree to which an instrument measures what it promises

to measure (Blumberg et al., 2005). Ghauri and Gronhaug (2005) define validity as the degree to

which the data genuinely address the topic of the study. Validity in quantitative research is the

extent to which any measuring instrument measures what it is intended to measure (Thatcher,

2010). However, it occurs in qualitative research when a researcher follows particular methods
and procedures to guarantee the validity of the study findings (Creswell, 2014). By carefully

examining the literature on stakeholder management and the primary data collection methods

employed in fulfilling the goals of the numerous studies on stakeholder management, this study

aimed to attain validity.

Reliability

Drost (2011) defined reliability as the extent to which measurements can be repeated when

numerous people carry out the measurement on different days, under different circumstances,

and probably using other tools to assess the construct or skill. The reliability criteria is the

uniformity of the research's study methodology (Miles & Huberman, 1994). A researcher's

findings are considered reliable if consistent results have been obtained in comparable settings

under different situations. Reliability in quantitative research pertains to the consistency,

stability, and repetition of results. However, it is known as this in qualitative research when a

researcher's methodology is the same across all projects and researchers (Twycross & Shields,

2004). For instance, if this requirement is met when another researcher uses a comparable study

procedure,

Data handling

Data that were collected from respondents were manually recorded, this involves editing, coding

classifying and tabulating the data to a representative level for analysis. Relevant information from

the respondent were separated thus does that relate to the objective of the study by editing. The

relevant data were coded by way of noting the relationship among the gathered data. All essential

patterns are brought out through categorical classification.

Data analysis

Research data analysis, according to (LeCompte, 2019) is a procedure used by researchers to turn

data into a narrative and then analyse it to draw conclusions. Data analysis is thus the process of

turning raw data into usable research findings. According to (Patton., 2002), data analysis reveals

what should have been studied the most if we had known. Numerous procedures for the analysis

of qualitative data have been suggested by researchers. LeCompe and Schensul (2010), for

instance, outlined five important steps in qualitative data analysis. The five steps are

organisation, item discovery, stable set creation, pattern creation, and structure assembly.

Edited and coded data from the respondents are then analyzed so as to get the meaningful

information concerning the research problem. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were

used to determine accurate interpretation of the data. The main purpose of this is to discover the

strength of the study variables being considered.

Ethical Consideration

Ethical considerations are the principles and values that guide the research designs and practices.

The protection of human subjects through the application of appropriate ethical principles is

important in all research study. Bryman and Bell (2007) suggested that the most important

principle related to ethical considerations in dissertations are: participant should be protected

from harm; respect for the dignity of participant; full consent of participant should be obtained

prior to the study; the protection of participants’ privacy; ensuring of confidentiality of research

data; anonymity of participants; no deception or exaggeration of aims and objectives; avoidance

of conflict of interest and if any, should be declared; communication in relation to the research

should be done with honesty and transparency; and all misleading information as well as
representation of primary data findings in a biased way must be avoided. The researcher adhered

to the dictates of ethical consideration by seeking the consent and voluntary participation of the

respondents. The researcher also sought the consent of interviewees to record the interview

where necessary to, enable smooth transcription. The respondents were assured of the utmost

confidentiality of the information they had provided. The respondents were given ample time in

answering each questioning in order to avoid errors and inaccuracies.

Summary

The focus of this study is on the effect of covid19 on the project cost, schedule and resources on

the various building construction project ongoing in the country. A survey research design was

adopted by way of using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Fifty respondents

were selected from thirty construction firms and ten respondents from consulting companies

were given questionnaires or interviewed for the purpose of this project. Both primary and

secondary information were solicited and analyzed using various analytical tools in excel. The

reliability of the data was accessed and validity of the data was assessed and how to go about

such works.