Assessing Importance of Communication in Construction Industry

This research proposal aims to assess the importance of communication in maintaining timely delivery of project activities in the construction industry. It explores the background of the study, reviews relevant literature, justifies the topic, and presents research questions, aims, and objectives. The proposal also discusses the chosen research methodology, including the philosophy approach, research methods, sampling method, data collection method, and data analysis. The critical evaluation section provides an overview of the research onion and its components.

Running head:RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal: Assessing importance of communication in maintaining timely delivery
of project activities in construction industry
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:

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Table of Contents
Part A: Research Proposal..........................................................................................................2
Part 1: Introduction................................................................................................................2
1.1 Background of the study..............................................................................................2
1.2 Review of literature.....................................................................................................2
1.3 Justification for choosing the topic..............................................................................3
1.4 Research question, aim and objectives.............................................................................4
Part 2: Proposal methodology....................................................................................................5
2.1 Philosophy approach........................................................................................................5
2.2 Chosen research methods.................................................................................................6
2.3 Sampling method.............................................................................................................6
2.4 Data collection method....................................................................................................7
2.5 Data analysis....................................................................................................................8
Part 3- Critical evaluation..........................................................................................................9
References................................................................................................................................13
Appendix..................................................................................................................................15
Part B: Reflection.................................................................................................................15
Questionnaire.......................................................................................................................17

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Part A: Research Proposal
Part 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
The research is based on “Assessing importance of communication in maintaining timely
delivery of project activities in construction industry”. Meredith, Mantel and Shafer (2017)
stated that efficiency in the construction building is based on quality relationships between
the contractors, clients and others. Into the construction industry, communication is a
problem which can cause delay in providing the project activities. Camilleri (2016) argued
that each of the stages of construction is relied on the professionals those are developing
buildable design to meet with the client’s needs. The information which are transferred as
well as understood has various aspects to realize construction design.
Yang, Zou and Wang (2016) discussed that communication is termed as exchange as well
as flow of interaction from one person to other, and it is involved sender to transmit the ideas
and information and receive by the receiver. The research work on this construction industry
is mainly based on health and safety, improvement of organizational performance,
procurement and others. Beyond all this, no research is done on the factor like construction
communication which is also required to get well-timed release of the development activities
to client. One of the problems that the company is facing is resolve issues of information flow
(Ika & Donnelly, 2017). Proper communication medium is required to solve construction as
well as design issues.
1.2 Review of literature
Mesa, Molenaar and Alarcón(2016) stated that announcement is a process of interaction
among the individuals and in the construction industry, each of the project participants are
demand for communication. Dave et al., (2016) pointed that communication plays a key role

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in organizational effectiveness. Butt, Naaranoja, & Savolainen(2016) emphasized importance
of the communication process for the managers and pointed it for project success. There are
two different types of communication mediums such as formal as well as informal
communication. The formal communication is exchange of the project information
legitimately and flow of the message process is being controlled. It is possible to accomplish
needed place with no any problem. The informal message is not official in nature as well as
there is social relationships which are formed into the workplace outside of business
structure.
Basu (2017) cited that communication barriers are aspect of communication system
which can limit flow of information as it is being transmitted. The factors of communication
barriers which should be summarized in this proposal are poor listeners, lack of leadership
style, and improper communication channels, and limited project resources, lack of trust and
language difficulties. Those are the factors which cause barriers in communication in
communication industry occurred between clients, construction consultants as well as
contractors (Oakland & Marosszeky, 2017). Those communication barriers can cause delay
in delivering the project activities and therefore the project manager is not able to deliver
required project activities to the client at scheduled time.The project manager can able to
understand as well as build working relationship with the stakeholders (Davis, 2017). They
can address how the communication can able to satisfy requirements as well as expectations
of the development stakeholders. In order to manage the development stakeholders as well as
provide with guidelines related to the project scope, cost as well as time goals. There is
communication management matrix which would help to create clarify communication
expectations.

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1.3 Justification for choosing the topic
The researcher visualizes aspects of the construction building work based on its accuracy,
aspects of the building except the information is being expressed in approach that it is
allowed to develop understanding of the communication relevant to management of the
construction projects. Delay in providing project related information, incorrect information
and others cause delay in the project in addition to incorrect construction components.
Communication is effective and the information is being processed. This research topic is
selected so that the reader can know about the communication channels, communication
challenges and causes of project delay for the future construction project.
1.4 Research question, aim and objectives
The aim of this research study is to assess the project announcement in the
construction industry in United Kingdom and following are the research objectives based on
research work such as:
 To determine how the construction project professionals in UK value the
communication aspects
 To determine different communication mediums employed by the construction
professionals
 To determine communication barriers on the construction projects
 To determine how communication affect delivery time of project
Following are the list of research questions based on selected research topic:
I. How do project professional’s value communication and communicated on the
construction projects in United Kingdom?
II. What are causes of the communication barriers on the construction projects?
III. How have communication channels affected project delivery in the UK construction
industry?

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Part 2: Proposal methodology
Research methodology defines the most pertinent approach which is required in
obtaining a completed investigation of the results acquires in the research study tenure. The
concepts moreover the theories assumed in the research process to get the desired outcomes
provide added assistance for deeply analysing the research study topic. (Kumar, 2019). The
purpose of following the analysis in detail is to obtain an immaculate comprehension and
perspective of the importance of communication in continuing timely delivery of project
activities. To realize the research occasion, a thorough understanding of a project delivery
process study is needed to be done. The nature of the study process engages a descriptive
approach of analysis of the research topic. Descriptive approach will significantly aid the
researcher in gaining applied concepts and further provide help to the researcher to deliver a
superior presentation of the study and analysis.
2.1 Philosophy approach
In research methodology, research philosophy aids in the decision making process of
choosing the righteous means to acquire detailed data and information on the research topic.
The selection of one particular research philosophy is crucially important in explanation the
undertaken statements to conduct the research study (Hair Jret al., 2015). Three most familiar
forms of epistemology are Positivism, interpretivism and realism.
For the researcher to understand and apply logic to get valuable hidden factors and
discover important information on the research topic is dictated by Positivism. Positivism
ignores metaphysics for enabling detailed observation. Complex model structures of the
business world are supported by interpretivism. Realism holds the concept of both the
research philosophy. The utilization of human believes to study the different kinds of human
interaction and reality is defined in realism.

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2.2 Chosen research methods
In this chapter, the research procedures which are to be used to study as well as
analyze the importance of communication in continuing timely release of development
activities. Positivism philosophy is selected as the research philosophy to gain and gather
insights and resourceful information or data which is completely fitting for logical
assessment. The deductive research stratagem is highly well-organized and successful for
analysing the research case on the primary sources. This will provide additional assistance to
examine the significance of communication in upholding timely release of development
activities. The impact of the learning can also be determined allowing for the methods argued
(Flick, 2015). The sample size considered for this exacting investigation is 50 for
quantitative technique.
The quantitative approach is being dealt with numbers which are measurable in
systematic way to investigate the selected research topic. This study is based on emphasize
for measuring the objectives measurements as well as statistical as well as numerical analysis
of data collection through questionnaires as well as surveys. There is manipulation of the
statistical data by means of computational techniques. It is provided with insights into the
research problems and develop ideas as well as hypothesis for the potential research work.
For this particular study, the data collection is varied by means of unstructured as well as
semi-structured techniques. Based on the research questions, following are the research
hypothesis such as:
Hypothesis 1:There is positive impact of communication on timely delivery of
construction project.

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2.3 Sampling method
The sample is considered as a study to analyse importance of communication for
timely release of the development activities. The sample size selected for this study is 50
which is smaller in number can suit for the research topic criteria. The samples for the
employees are simple random probability sampling where no such criteria are being selected
for the research participants. The employees of various UK construction companies are
selected as sample population for the non-probability sampling method. By means of the
online questionnaire, the employees are being selected for participation where the survey is
being performed based on strongly disagrees, disagree, neutral, agree and strongly agree. The
research work is intended for understanding of how the professionals are communicating on
the construction project in UK construction industry. As a result, the researcher is focused on
professionals those are working with various project and construction organizations in UK
such as contractors, consultant contractors as well as others.
2.4 Data collection method
The most vital basis of information for any research study is data. Data aids in
accelerating the research process to provide superior insight into research subject. Data
collection is highly significant for gaining correct outcome in investigation study (alinkas,
2017). Data sources aids the research process to easily penetrate into the given research topic
to extract information which is required for the conduction of the research. Primary and
secondary data sources are the two types of data sources. Primary data source provides first
hand raw information which requires validation. The primary data source is innovative data
source where the data are to be composed by the associate for the research purpose.
The data are to be collected in various ways, but in this learning the data are to be
composed throughout survey. The survey study is best for this particular research study due
to some reasons such as survey research is being involved with data collection from group of

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people, generalized the results for the study to estimate approach of the population those are
concentration to work. The list of survey questions is closed ended questions to gather
information from interested population in systematic way. They are permitted to do statistical
analysis as well as generalisation of larger population that can make the study appropriate to
the construction related research. This data collection method is time consuming as well as
expensive as compared to secondary data collection method. The data collection method is
suitable for this type of research work. Books, journals, blog and article comprise secondary
sources of data. For this particular research, primary data is used. The data are gathered by
means of questionnaire survey. The survey questions based on the research topic is shown in
the appendix part.
2.5 Data analysis
Qualitative and quantitative are the two type data analysis proceedures. Qualitative
data provides valuation to previously acquired information or data (Silverman, 2016).
Quantitative data involve numerical data that are highly supportive for recording massive
sample size (Jensen, 2017). For researching the significance of communication for maintains
timely delivery of project actions, quantitative data technique is used.
Quantitative data analysis technique emphasizes on purpose dimensions,
mathematical or statistical investigation of the composed data through polls, surveys,
questionnaires and also by manipulating of pre-existing statistical data with the help of
computational technique utilization (DeFusco el at., 2015). The chief focus of Quantitative
research is to gather numerical information or data and it is generalized across individual
groups for the purpose of explaining a particular phenomenon (Quinlan et al., 2019). The
objective of quantitative research is to settle on a connection connecting a dependent and
independent variable within the taken population. The data are to be analyzed from the raw
data by means of pie charts and graphs. It is applied with statistical data which is helpful to

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record data of larger sample size. The employees are to be considered for quantitative
research.
Part 3- Critical evaluation
The research opinion is tool for the research methodology which are listing key
divisions of the research work which are used to analyse research topic. The research opinion
is used for the academic students to derive effects of investigation processes. The research
onion is being divided into six sections such as:
Research philosophy: As a research philosophy, positivism is selected which is
applied in research context helps to better analyse concealed facts as well as data related to
the consequence of communication for timely delivery of development activities. The nature
of this research study is limited, therefore both two approaches such as interpretative and
realism studies are unused as alternative of research philosophy (Flick, 2015). The selection
of this positivism philosophy limited the role of associate to manipulate as well as evaluate
data which can lead to reduce data errors.
Research approach: In this particular research study, the selected approach is
deductive and the approach tried to study concepts related to communication for timely
delivery of the development activities in the construction industry with help of different
theoretical knowledge. The models of communication required to select this approach as it
helped to understand the topic in clear manner. Deductive method involves realistic use of
applied theories to gain fruitful content and knowledge on the research paper (Kumar, 2019).
The chief objective of deductive approach is to establish a concept filled theory that has the
required specifications for data analysis. Observation of elements is the primary level for this
approach to add relevant information and knowledge on the research subject to pave the road
for research work. The approach for the research is chosen in accordance to the research topic

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at hand. The inductive approach is failed to implement in this study as no such new concepts
as well as theories are mentioned in the literature review (Silberman, 2016). The role of the
construction consultants as well as contractors helps to understand concepts in detailed way.
Research strategies: As research strategies, survey is selected where interaction
session is done with the employees of various UK construction companies to gain
information based on the research objectives. This survey strategy is used to collect raw data
which can cater as per requirements of the research topic. This research strategy is termed as
the data gathering method which is being used to collect as well as interpret various views of
group of people for specific population. The other research strategies such as experiment,
case study, action research, archival research are not used for this particular research study as
the researchers are tried to make sure that the study is general and the study is applicable to
particular circumstances as it is predictable outcomes of tests (Jensen, 2017). The limitations
of survey research strategy is that the respondents are not feel encouraged to give accurate
results, and the respondents are not filled comfortable to provide answers to researcher.
Research choices: The selected research choices for this research study such as mixed
methods where both quantitative as well as qualitative research method is used. Mixed
method is used to provide description form of the data which can insert enhanced explanation
of selected research topic. The method is helped to add hypothetical ideas into the realistic
field which can lead to provide enhanced sympathetic of research topic. The benefit of this
method is that it is applied with numerical data which are supportive to record data of larger
size of sample. The limitations of this method are that the research design is complex, and it
takes lot of times as well as resources to plan plus implement type of research work. This
method is difficult to plan as well as implement by drawings on research findings. The other
research choices methods such as mono method and multi-method are not used for this study
these methods are used only one type of method either quantitative or qualitative (Hair et al.,

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2015). Those methods are applied to single method of analysis of research work, and it
produced results providing only limited understanding of the larger occurrence.
Time horizons: This present work is cross sectional study which is being adopted and
limited to time period such that Gantt chart application is taken for easier conclusion of this
particular investigation work. For this study, Gantt chart is used to segregate key project
activities based on structure of this research study and help to give better completion of
research topic. The limitation of this study is that the cross sectional study is that this design
can exposure as well as outcome are being assessed, and there is no evidences relationship
among exposure as well as research outcome (Flick, 2015). The longitudinal study is not used
for this study as it is correlation research which can follow group of individuals over a
extended period of instance. The cross sectional study is observational research which can
analyse data of the variables gathered at single point of time across a specific sample
population. The variables are remained constant through entire research study.
Activities Week
1 -3
Week
4 – 10
Week
11 - 13
Week
14 - 17
Week
18 - 21
Week
22 - 23
Week
24
Identification of Topic 
Primary data collection  
Layout formation 
Completion of literature
review.
  
Data analysis   

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Findings from collected
data
 
Conclusion 
Draft formation  
Task submission 
Techniques and procedures: The data collection in addition to analysis is used for
this study. Based on the data collection technique, primary data source is used where survey
of the participants are used. The surveys are collected from employees those are working into
the construction industry. The employees are used communication for project delivery on
timely basis. The data analysis method used is quantitative. The purpose for choosing
quantitative method for this particular research is that quantitative research concentrates on
unchanging and detailed data and convergent reasoning. The data is recorded through
structured research devices. The results generated are based on a huge sample size. The
method is highly reliable and it provides the researcher with immaculately definite research
questions to which purpose answers are required. Additional attribute lies in the fact that
projects are utilized to widely generalize concepts and predict future patterns (Silverman,
2016). A carefully designing of the aspects makes the research process and data collection
easier.

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References
alinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., &Hoagwood, K.
(2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed
method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and
Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533-544.
Basu, R. (2017). Managing Quality in Projects. Routledge.
Butt, A., Naaranoja, M., & Savolainen, J. (2016). Project change stakeholder
communication. International Journal of Project Management, 34(8), 1579-1595.
Camilleri, E. (2016). Project success: critical factors and behaviours. Routledge.
Dave, B., Kubler, S., Främling, K., & Koskela, L. (2016). Opportunities for enhanced
lean construction management using Internet of Things standards. Automation in
construction, 61, 86-97.
Davis, K. (2017). An empirical investigation into different stakeholder groups perception
of project success. International Journal of Project Management, 35(4), 604-617.
DeFusco, R. A., McLeavey, D. W., Pinto, J. E., Anson, M. J., & Runkle, D. E.
(2015). Quantitative investment analysis. John Wiley & Sons.
Flick, U. (2015). Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a
research project. Sage.
Hair Jr, J.F., Wolfinbarger, M., Money, A.H., Samouel, P. and Page, M.J.,
2015. Essentials of business research methods. Routledge.

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Ika, L. A., & Donnelly, J. (2017). Success conditions for international development
capacity building projects. International Journal of Project Management, 35(1),
44-63.
Jensen, M. F. (2017). Reconciling Anti-Essentialism and Quantitative
Methodology. Kvinder, Køn&Forskning, (1), 8-17.
Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage
Publications Limited.
Meredith, J. R., Mantel Jr, S. J., & Shafer, S. M. (2017). Project management: a
managerial approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Mesa, H. A., Molenaar, K. R., & Alarcón, L. F. (2016). Exploring performance of the
integrated project delivery process on complex building projects. International
Journal of Project Management, 34(7), 1089-1101.
Oakland, J., & Marosszeky, M. (2017). Total construction management: Lean quality in
construction project delivery. Routledge.
Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J., & Griffin, M. (2019). Business research methods. South
Western Cengage.
Silverman, D. (Ed.). (2016). Qualitative research. Sage.
Yang, R. J., Zou, P. X., & Wang, J. (2016). Modelling stakeholder-associated risk
networks in green building projects. International journal of project
management, 34(1), 66-81.

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Appendix
Part B: Reflection
From the feedback of PRISM1, the selected research topic is sustainable development
of the energy efficient building by using renewable energy sources. It is not a project
management related context. Therefore, I have selected a project management related
research topic for this assignment so that it can provide with proper analysis of the topic from
the project management theories. Therefore, I have selected the topic “Assessing importance
of communication in maintaining timely delivery of project activities in construction
industry”. I have selected this topic as it is related to project management. In the previous
Prism1 assignment, the research methods which are selected are not described in details,
while in this particular study the research methods selected are described in details so that all
the research related work are provided with description and justification for choosing each
methods. It helps the associate to understand the theme in proper means. There is no
mentioning of why the research topic is selected. The main weakness of the assignment is
that it is not meet with the research requirements as based on the feedback the topic selected
is not appropriate. Hence, this time I have done through in-depth study to choose a particular
topic.
Based on the research methodology part, as per the feedback there is no such single
approach to the research methodology, therefore I have selected research onion where I have
mentioned six dimensions such as research approaches, research strategies, research
philosophy, research choices, time horizons and techniques and procedures. Through this
method, I have mainly focused on data analysis and data collection methods so that I can
conduct primary data collection for performing the survey research and use quantitative data
analysis for analysing the raw data so that I can perform statistical data in form of pie charts

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as well as graphs. Primary data source included first hand raw information which needs
validation. The primary data source is unique information source where the data are to be
composed by the associate for the investigation determination. The survey method is to be
performed for gathering raw data which can cater as per requirements of the research topic.
This research strategy is termed as the data gathering method which is being used to collect
as well as interpret various views of group of people for specific population. I have compared
all the research methods so that I can get best and suitable methods for this study based on
selected topic.

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Questionnaire
i. Gender
o Male
o Female
ii. Age group
o 25-29 years
o 30-39 years
o 40-49 years
o Above 50 years
iii. Describe position in the organization
o Project Manager
o Architect
o Contractor
o Quality Surveyor
iv. Experience
o Less than 5 years
o 5-10 years
o 10-15 years
o More than 16 years
v. Have you ever had any form of communication on the construction project?
o Yes
o No

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vi. How far do you agree that site meetings is important communication channel
between construction consultants and contractor on the site?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
vii. How far do you agree that training is required for the onsite communication?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
viii. How far do you agree that poor communication can cause project delay and
increase in project cost?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
ix. How far do you agree that poor information will affect level of construction work
done on the project site?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree

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o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
x. How far do you agree that importance of language used among the construction
operators are required for effective communication on construction site?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
xi. How far do you agree that project communication management is required for
success in the construction projects?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
xii. How far do you agree that effective communication can reflect openness as well
as tolerance of the cultural differences?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree

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xiii. How far do you agree that communication plan can review on daily basis to
provide better information flow?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
xiv. How far do you agree that effective communication strategies are required to
reduce potential disputes and misunderstandings?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree
xv. How far do you agree that understanding language and local culture enhances
communication?
o Strongly disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly agree

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