SRR782 : Research Methodology

SRR782 Assignment 2 Submission Template
A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
SRR 782 Research
Methodology
Student Name:
Student No:
Course: Construction Management
Research Title: Implementation of Sustainable Practices in the
Construction Industry

I. ABSTRACT/SUMMARY:
Industry specific approaches to sustainability focus on the drivers of change
and the underlying challenges. In the construction industry, the delivery of
sustainability practices is under the stakeholder’s mandate. Project delivery
incorporates environmental practices for various reasons. Essential
requirements include sustainability standards on the type of material,
manpower involvement for sustainable operations and sustainability
strategies or techniques. It is necessary to address the emerging
challenges in order to maximize on the potential. Although there are
success factors in the implementation process, there are challenges that
hinder effective strategies. Among these are cost factors and lack of
commitment. This proposal seeks to find ways in which to implement
sustainability at an industry level.

A. II. THE PROPOSAL
1. An Opening Statement:
Water, sand, wood, and energy are some of the major natural resources used
in the construction industry (Bringezu, 2015). With so much waste from
construction projects and the increased number of construction works, how
long will the natural resources last? What about the increasing population and
the need for more housing to meet this need? Who will bring a balance
between rural and urban development projects? Is there a formula for replacing
the land used for development works? What happens when there is no more
land for building residential and commercial houses? Recent research
highlights the use of billions of tonnes of raw materials for building and
construction (Labrincha & Pachero- Torgal, 2013). Industry specific
sustainability is a challenge because each sector contends with different
challenges. In the construction industry, this is a worrying trend because of the
resource factors. The construction process is continuous and it involves safety
measures, economic viability and sustainability. Maximization of resources,
minimization of wastage, reduced costs and controlled consumption are some
of the factors influencing sustainability in this industry. Growing concerns about
the environmental impact of processes in the construction industry raise
questions about the implementation strategies. An effective process captures
the use of renewable resources, environmental protection and competitiveness.
Project delivery calls for stakeholder involvement, sustainable approaches and
techniques. Related to construction activities eco-friendly construction activities
involve strategies such as waste management, energy efficiency, and ethical
obligations. This proposal looks at implementation strategies for the
construction industry with recommendations for the industry.
B. Research Significance & Scope
Hussin, et al (2013) points out that the construction industry is one of the key
economic pillars in an economy. However, continous climate change factors bring
to mind the need for sustainable practices in the industry. Research on traditional
practices in building and construction recommends solutions against climate
change effects such as greenhouse emissions (Robichaud & Anantatmula, 2008).
Countries invest in policy changes in order to accommodate environmental
challenges. However, do the solutions work? Is there a long-term response
mechanism for sustainability challenges in the construction industry? The impact
of construction activities on the environment is the driving force behind policy
changes.
From the figure below, it is clear that policies are responses to environmental
hazards and conflict areas. The frequent use of raw materials in building projects
and landscape changes made by construction designs puts pressure on the
natural environment. Driven by production and consumption, these activities
present hazards in form of climate change, landscape and resource depletion.
Scurrah, et al ( 2014) discusses resource extraction projecs in Australia and their
impact on the environment, economy and social sector. He points out that conflict
arises in the construction industry because of these processes which contribute
to value erosion.

Figure 1: sustainability response mechanisms for the construction industry
(Bringezu, 2015)
Research on the challenges of implementing sustainable practices identifies the
cost factor (Hussin, et al., 2013, p. 16). The cost overrun in global building and
construction projects is high. Private and public costs are hefty and feature cost of
material and effective processes. Making changes on the project design to suit the
sustainability plan takes time and money. The fluctuation of costs also worry
contractors and financiers. The construction industry spends a lot on ecofriendly
resources. Using sustainable approaches calls for energy efficient installations,
recycling and reuse technology. This is bound to cost more in terms of heating,
lighting and ventilation. The local government focuses on policies that control the
use of natural resources. However economic viability is about the cost and benefit
factors. Sustainable construction based on solution against resource depletion an
affordable concept that gives principles of sustainability. Policies should provide
concrete solutions for the present and in the long term. Industries are important
actors in the sustainability challenge. Long-term trends indicate the need for
resilience in the human-environmental systems. At the center is the socio-
ecological challenge, which leads to social and environmental risks. Strategic
implementation requires a plan that addresses corporate behavior such as land
change.
This quickens the business actor’s to respond to climate change and community
development with a focus on social benefits. Waste management is another
challenge in construction because of the uncontrollable wastes from construction
processes (Ludwig, et al., 2012). It leads to loss of resources, dumping of solid
wastes in the environment and greenhouse emissions. Waste minimization through
recycling also presents challenges because of the processes involved. The
implementation of green processes requires an effective plan that is free from
human and health hazards. In order to address waste management, it is necessary
to tackle consumption rates. Urban centers have the greatest challenge based on
the uncontrollable production of solid wastes from the construction projects (Beradi,
2012). Decision-making in this case involves the use of principles of sustainability in
construction. These are the environment, social and economic aspects. The design
of a quality based project highlights sustainability as risk reduction and value
addition.

Planned projects have an effect on the environment. As a best practice in business,
developers invest in research to discover the consequences and impact of their
activities on the environment. In order to predict the problems it is important to
design, implement and monitor projects with an environment focus. Commercial
constructions such as business and residential units require techniques that may
not be eco-friendly. Weighing the financial benefits against environmental benefits is
a challenge. There is need to control the release of toxic substances to the
environment. Sustainable construction is a major research agenda for the 21st
Century (Boons & Ldeke-Freund, 2013) Effective management of energy supplies is
also essential. The maximization of sustainable energy through biological and
renewable resources considers an impact on planned projects. The life cycle,
internal, external and financial mechanisms determine the use of ecofriendly
features in the local structure. The limited resources means a complex lifecycle for
the energy, water and space resources. This calls for careful planning and
implementation of performance projects. Project management professions from a
multiple stakeholder team come together to draft solutions for the construction
industry. In the construction industry, support comes from builders, engineers,
government departments, architects, and land surveyors. Environmental factors
affect the project impact (NSW Government, 2018).
Current problems in the construction industry includes lack of standard methods that
encourage accountability and professional practice. In Australia, changes in
professional practice within the construction industry adhere to the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Regulation, which advocates for regular updates, social
impact and consultation with stakeholders (Ali, 2013). That is why policies in the
construction industry integrate resource factors and the environmental concerns.
For example, a policy framework on the Australian industry features innovation and
(Department of Industry and Science, 2014). In this framework, collaboration
encourages innovation and improved solutions. Achievements in the Australian
building and construction industry include annual savings in the industry, improved
safety and streamlined management systems. Environmental approval under the
department of industry is keen on efficiency with energy resources, strategic
petroleum and greenhouse gas storage. Streamlining the process calls for approval
of the decision making process based on compliance, competitiveness and
economic entrepreneurship.
Challenges in the implementation of sustainability in the construction industry
includes lack of commitment from the stakeholders. Lack of political goodwill
hinders sustainability efforts. Although stakeholders cooperate in the identification
of barriers, successful implementation is a challenge (Boons & Ldeke-Freund, 2013,
p. 10). The building and construction fact sheet featuring operational, business and
legal elements prioritizes building structures, engineering works (heavy and civil),
land and sites. Professional service providers in the construction industry follow
environmental conditions and take precaution on soil contamination, biodiversity,
flood management, bushfire and waste management among others. Lack of
motivation and commitment from business organizations hinders the
implementation of effective solutions such as guiding principles (Akadiri, et al.,
2012).

C. Aim & Objectives
This research has an aim of analyzing the effectiveness of implementation
strategies in the construction industry. It considers a stakeholder approach to
sustainability within the research question, “How effective is the implementation
strategy for sustainability in the construction industry?”
The research proposal features around the following objectives:
 To discover the major environmental concerns of the construction
industry?
 To analyze the social, economic and environmental aspects of
sustainability?
 To check the implementation strategy for effectiveness in
sustainability practices for the construction industry
 To discover which firms are willing to adopt sustainability practices for
the industry
 To understand the cost implications in the implementation of
sustainability in the construction industry
 To view the focus for implementation strategies in the construction
industry?
The study gives a summary of the implementation agenda for sustainability within
an industry specific setting. It considers the failure of the traditional approaches in
order to design modern implementation strategies with an integrated
multidisciplinary approach. Tackling the social, economic and environmental
solutions, this proposal looks at the significance of sustainability. The study uses
theories of sustainability such as recycling, energy efficiency, green practices and
environmental protection in order to manage the environmental effects. These are
industry specific objectives on sustainability through implementation strategies.
D. Methods
The research collects quantitative data in order to check the relationship between
sustainability and implementation strategies in the construction industry. Using
statistical methods, this research picks methods according to relevancy and within
the right area of analysis. It considers sustainable development as a complex issue
that continues to advance across generation (Murtagh, et al., 2016). The research
design is systematic and investigates issues based on the impact of a specific
problem. In this case, it measures the practical approach that implementation
strategies have on the construction industry. By using objectivity, this method proves
that sustainability is a real problem with a cause and effect. It analyses the success
of strategies used in developing its solutions through an experiment.
Inferential data from qualitative research provides an opportunity for data collection
from literature. Part of the solutions includes an inquiry into the logical concepts of
sustainability. This includes the guiding principles, techniques and standards of data
collected (Ormston, et al., 2014). This is a logical approach to understanding the
connection between philosophical notions and proven analysis of elements. This
study collects data from 20 journals, and dissertations, drawing conclusion from the
measurements, drawings and photographs. Analysis includes a study of government
documents, policy documents and calculations. The integration of literature,
empirical analysis and statistics is important in an industry-based research and
comprises of a multivariate analysis (Jobson, 2012). The regression analysis
features an independent variable in this case sustainability in the construction

industry and dependent variables such as waste management, environmental
protection and efficiency.
The study looks at the relationships between the varibles in order to make
conclusions. This methodolgy establishes the causal relationships when forecasting
about then implimentation strategies. Cataloguing presents an appropriate approach
to do a background search through an anonatated bibliography (Terrill, 2016). A
artlist of article reviews gives a framework for the research. Designed as an
interpretative research the study looks for meaning through critical analysis of
ideologies and social construction. The identification of change involves a
progressive process featuring systematic decisions in order to make conclusions. An
analysis of data with secondary and primary research findings is applicable followed
by a presentation of graphics, diagrams documentation and sources for evidence
research.
A theoretical analysis of the environment and construction activity brings out
strategies in the implimentation process. Stakeholder roles support the theoretical
interpretation and its contexts to give the research a concrete meaning. Through a
reflection of the critical views the research shapes and develops an understanding
on the essence of strategic implimentation of sustainability with reference to the
construction industry (Lewis, 2015). In order to produce certainity in the issues of
sustainability the methodologies revolve aroud multiple objectives, processess,
knowledge and investigations.The theory testing process generates a conceptual
framework for research with the existing literature. Using a comparative analysis the
research takes up sustainable development as a theme with a focus on confirming
and critiquing various sources of data.
The research technique is a blend of descriptive data, evaluation of numerical trends
and a summary of the integrated process. A synthesis of primary and secondary
data gives insights on the on sustainable elements in the construction industry
(Thomson, 2014). The validity of data depends on the interpretation as well as the
data collection tools. The study looks at data collection from face-to-face interviews,
observations, instrumentation and other measures. Investigations on the
environmental management strategies highlights a combination of data to clarify
assumptions and measures. This validation of data through consistency points out
the case studies on the implementation of environment friendly approaches.
Credibility is mandatory in the data collection process and it captures the interaction
between elements of sustainability. The data highlights sustainability from the
product perspective, construction industry and property management sectors
(Sekaran & Bougie, 2016). The private and public sectors have similar strategies. An
integrated project delivery system identifies projects in the construction within the
national, regional and international setting.
Land development and redevelopment strategies in the industry incorporate
innovative strategies. Data collection on the rural and urban construction identifies
the use of technology in the eco-friendly facilities, building designs and maintenance.
Sustainability in the construction industry incorporates the interior implementation as
well as the exterior environment. Green cities today encourage the creation of a
green roof with a biosphere. Local authorities invest in creative parks and public
space development (Santamouris, 2014). Smart cities are an initiative of ecofriendly
initiatives and sustainable development. The system thinking approach connects the
philosophical with the researched elements in order to support actions. A reliable
solution devised through this process highlights the bigger picture through a network
of knowledge. Action based research is important because it focuses on the

contribution or impact (Bell, 2014). Environmental research seeks solutions to an
impending crisis in for of climate change and its effects call for urgent solutions.
Sustainability is an integration of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental
matters. Different fields of knowledge participate in trying to find scientific solutions
to lessons. This research is a bridge between different systems of knowledge (Getz
& Page, 2016). Among the platforms in this research includes policy, management
initiatives and scientific research. This study is an integration between social and
natural science. It explores the practical solutions of sustainability in an
interdisciplinary system for application in the construction industry. Sustainability
models used improve learning by providing technical information for different
solutions and situations. Stakeholders in the decision-making process expect
interpretative solutions for policymaking and analyses.
Finally, the presentation of the data summarizes the content into how to reduce
sustainability challenges in the construction industry. The paper delves deeper into
what needs to be done as a solution against these challenges. A final report with
findings is tabled with diagrams, charts and multi criteria decision tools. These are
essential for the management of ideas, data, classification and comparative analysis.
In addition, a PowerPoint presentation is used for a final outline of the research. A
summary focusing on the variables includes natural resources in the construction
industry, sustainable approaches and policy changes. In focus are measuring units
featuring the energy use, equipment, reduced costs, reduced emissions, use of
renewable resources and construction techniques that support environmental
protection.
E. Conclusion
Expectation from the research, indicate that an outcome shall provide effective
solutions to addresses the implementation of sustainability. This is critical as
support for the construction industry. However, it is evident that the solutions
emanate from a multidisciplinary level. Insights provided have concrete solutions
designed for the stakeholder’s application. Through theoretical inferences, the
study seeks to confirm and analyze previous research on the strategies that
industries put forth when implementing sustainability. This method of analysis and
findings will highlight the industry specific issues of sustainability without neglecting
the general perspective. This research proposal gives a promise of an industry
specific ability to manage environmental concerns through sustainability. Using
research methodology this problem solving approach looks at different approaches
using a multivariate approach. Sticking to its objectives, the research has an aim of
measuring the effectiveness of sustainability in the construction industry. The
analysis tries to answer a thesis through supporting ideas. From the analysis, it is
arguable that sustainability is an industry based solution as well as an integrated
approach for the present and future solutions. Institutions, individuals, and group
networks in the industry engage in policy development networks in order to find
innovative solutions from sustainability as a science. This method has advantages
and challenges.

F. Bibliography
Akadiri, P. O., Chinyio, E. A. & Olomolaiye, P. O., 2012. Design of a sustainable
buiding : A conceptual framework for implimenting sustainability in the building
sector. Buildings, 2(2), pp. 126-152.
Ali, M., 2013. Components of Sustainability Assessment. In: Sustainability
Assesssment: Context of Resource and Environmental Policy. s.l.:Academic Press,
pp. 73-87.
Bell, J., 2014. Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers.
s.l.:McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Beradi, U., 2012. Sustainability assessment in the contrucion sector: rating systems
and rated buildings. Sustainable Development, 20(6), pp. 411-424.
Boons, F. & Ldeke-Freund, F., 2013. Business models for sustainable innovation:
state of the art and stpes towards research agenda. Journal of Cleaner Production,
Volume 45, pp. 9-19.
Bringezu, S., 2015. Possible target corridorfor sustainable use of global material
resources. Resources, 4(1), pp. 25-54.
Department of Industry and Science, 2014. Industry and Science Portfolio: Annual
Deregulation Report 2014, s.l.: Australian Government.
Getz, D. & Page, S., 2016. Event studies: Theory, research and policy for planned
events. s.l.:Routledge.
Hussin, J., Rahman, I. A. & Memon, A., 2013. The way forward in sustainable
construction: Issues and challenges. International Journal of Advances in Applied
Sciences, 2(1), pp. 15-24.
Jobson, J. D., 2012. Applied multivariate data analysis: volume II: Categorical and
multivariate methods. s.l.:Springer Science & Business Media.
Labrincha, J. A. & Pachero- Torgal, F., 2013. The future of construction materials
research and the seventh UN Millenium Development Goal; A few insights.
s.l.:Construction and Building Materials.
Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Health promotion practice, 16(4), pp. 473-475.
Ludwig, C., Hellweg, S. & Stucki, S., 2012. Municipal solid waste management
strategies and technologies for sustainable solutions. s.l.:Springer Science &
Business Media.
Murtagh, N., Roberts, A. & Hind, R., 2016. The relationship between motivations of
architectural designers and environmentally sustainable construction design.
Construction Management and Economics, 34(1), pp. 61-75.
NSW Government, 2018. Environmental Impact Assessment Improvement Project.
[Online]
Available at: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Under-review-
and-new-Policy-and-Legislation/Environmental-Impact-Assessment-Improvement-
Project
Ormston, r., Spencer, L., Barnard, M. & Snape, D., 2014. The foundations of
qualitative research. Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science
students and researchers, pp. 1-26.
Robichaud, L. B. & Anantatmula, V. S., 2008. The greening of project management:
adapting project management practices to deliver cost efficient green building
construction. [Online]
Available at: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/sustainability-construction-
industry-7099
Santamouris, M., 2014. Cooling the cities-a review of reflective and green roof
mitigation technologies tto fight heat island and improve comfort in urban
environments. Solar Energy, Volume 103, pp. 682-703.
Scurrah, M. et al., 2014. Conflict translates environmental and social risk into
business costs. PNAS , 111(21), pp. 7576-7581.

Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R., 2016. Research methods for business: A skill buiding
approach. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons.
Terrill, L. J., 2016. The state of cataloguing research: An analysis of peer-reviewed
Journal Literature, 2010-2014. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, Volume 8, pp.
593-611.
Thomson, R. E., 2014. Data analysis methods in physical oceanography.
s.l.:Newness.

B. THESIS OUTLINE:
A. Introduction: Implementation of Sustainable Practices in the Construction
Industry
B. Problem Statement: What factors influence sustainability in the
construction industry?
C. Research Aims and Objectives: This research has an aim of analyzing
the effectiveness of implementation strategies in the construction
industry.
Its research question is “How effective is the implementation strategy for
sustainability in the construction industry?”
The research proposal has the following objectives:
 To discover the major environmental concerns of the construction
industry?
 To analyze the social, economic and environmental aspects of
sustainability?
 To check the implementation strategy for effectiveness in
sustainability practices for the construction industry
 To discover which firms are willing to adopt sustainability practices
for the industry
 To understand the cost implications in the implementation of
sustainability in the construction industry
 To view the focus for implementation strategies in the construction
industry?
D. Background, History or/and Literature Review: Significance and Scope
of Sustainability
1. Continuous climate change effects and the construction industry
2. Effectiveness of policy as a change element in the construction industry
3. Resource and climate change conflict areas as policy influencers
4. Cost as a factor of sustainability
5. Business actors as stakeholders in implementation processes
6. Planned projects roles
7. Current constraints and challenges in implementation
8. Summary
C. Method, Discovery, or Contributions to subject: Research method
1. Quantitative and qualitative data collection
2. Development of logical concepts and inferential data
2. Evaluation Method (Theoretical analysis)
3. Research technique (Inferential data)
4. Strategic analysis
5. Data presentation

D. Discussion or Resolution or Outcomes or Findings: Industry specific
implementation strategies for sustainable construction works
1. Sustainability in the construction industry comes from resource
management concerns
2. Stakeholder involvement is necessary for effective processes
3. Effective implementation involves strategies such as cost and change
management
4. Challenges in implementation process include stakeholder commitment
and cost factors
E. Conclusion: Sustainability is an industry specific problem address by
stakeholders