Comparative Analysis: Construction Challenges in Australia & Scotland

This dissertation explores the significant challenges in construction project management, comparing case studies from Australia and Scotland. It begins with an introduction outlining the importance of project management in construction, followed by a literature review that examines the overview of construction project management, identifying challenges like cost escalation, schedule delays, safety issues, technological challenges, and skills shortages. The research methodology is then detailed, including the research approach, design, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. The data analysis chapter presents key themes and findings, leading to a conclusion and recommendations for improving construction project effectiveness and addressing identified challenges. The study emphasizes the need for effective management techniques to mitigate issues and enhance the success of construction projects in both regions, offering insights into dealing with these challenges through planning, effective cost and time management, and the involvement of advanced strategies to enhance the quality of construction projects.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................3
1.1 Background .................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Rationale of the study.................................................................................................................4
1.3 Research aim and objectives.......................................................................................................4
1.4 Significance of the study..............................................................................................................4
1.5 Structure of the dissertation .......................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Overview of construction project management..........................................................................6
2.3 Identifying the significant challenges in the construction projects of Australia and Scotland.....6
2.3.1 Cost escalation, schedule delays and local governmental pressure ....................................6
2.3.2 Safety issues in construction projects ..................................................................................7
2.3.3 Technological challenges......................................................................................................8
2.3.4 Skills shortage and labour issues..........................................................................................9
2.4 Different ways to deal with the construction project challenges................................................9
2.4.1 Planning and management of safety measures....................................................................9
2.4.2 Effective cost and time management techniques...............................................................10
2.4.3 Involvement of advance strategies to enhance the quality................................................10
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................12
3.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................12
3.2 Overreaching approach.............................................................................................................12
3.3 Research approach....................................................................................................................12
3.4 Research design.........................................................................................................................13
3.5 Data collection methods............................................................................................................13
3.6 Sampling design ........................................................................................................................14
3.7 Data analysis..............................................................................................................................14
3.8 Ethical consideration.................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................................16
4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................16
4.2 Key themes................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION..............................................................................32
5.1 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................32
5.2 Recommendations ....................................................................................................................33
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................35

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Project management has critical importance in construction; yet its execution possesses has major
challenges (Winch, 2010; Assaf and Al-Hejji, 2006). In this context, in order to keep a project on track,
the decisions often have to be taken on the basis of available information. Construction projects are
typical to manage globally because time management, inadequacy of financial and human resources,
ineffective leadership of project manager etc. causes delay in the completion of construction projects
(Winch, 2010; Hussin, Rahman and Memon, 2013). Further, developing countries face the critical
challenges in mega construction projects to achieve sustainable development of constructions (Othman
and Ahmed, 2013; Fellows and Liu, 2012). Furthermore, construction projects face a challenge in
adoption of modern technologies because construction managers are not remained confident to acquire
latest techniques in construction (Hewage, Ruwanpura and Jergeas, 2008). Additionally, construction
projects lag behind because unavailability of technical experts and least use of time frame strategies to
complete the projects. On the other hand, construction projects deal with the challenge of requirement
of remote areas for the construction (McAnulty and Baroudi, 2010). In this context, Australian
construction industry faces the issues related to large, remote and isolated areas for the effective
construction projects. In remote areas, project managers can easily manage all the resources, materials
and equipment on a single place to minimize the further transportation issues (Qi-hu, 2012). However,
remote construction projects deal with the issues related to communication and management of
resources reason that remoteness of construction sites (Arayici, Egbu and Coates, 2012, p.75). On the
other hand, Scotland, is engaged with large scale infrastructural projects but these countries are dealing
with the severe issue of shortage of skilled labour which hinder the growth of the construction sector
(Ho, 2016, p.533; Agapiou, 2002).
Currently construction projects have entered into green construction projects for the sustainability of
environment; however, green projects require the adequate skilled, knowledgeable and professionals to
execute green constructions (Hwang, 2013; p.272). In this context, the project managers demand skilled
workers for the quality constructions. Similarly, delivery of Green Building (GB) projects are typical in
comparison to conventional construction projects because activities of GB are associated with hidden
cost and uncertainties which are not easily accepted by stakeholders (Qian, Chan and Khalid, 2015,
p.3615; Powmya and Abidin, 2014). However, construction industry is at boom and focuses on rapid
growth with assessment of new infrastructure projects. Nevertheless, countries face the issues related
to enhancement of sustainable built environment and emphasizes on better building practices (Hussin,
Rahman and Memon, 2013). Therefore, the current study has been done on the challenges of
construction industries which are faced in construction projects during construction. Hence, different
techniques and approaches has been identified and accordingly analysed to improve the effectiveness of
projects and resolve the challenges which occurs in construction projects.
1.2 Rationale of the study
Construction projects are important for the growth of the economy and infrastructural development of
the society (Song, Haas and Caldas, 2006). However, the issues related to failure in completing the
project on time and cost overruns affect the overall economic growth of the country (Acharya, Dai Lee
and Man, 2006;Ala-Risku and Kärkkäinen, 2006). These issues also have direct impact on the overall
growth of the construction sector since project management practices are not applied effectively
(Sambasivan and Soon, 2007). This makes it necessary for leading construction sectors to identify the
potential challenges and accordingly take the corrective step for the success of entire sector. Thus, it is
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crucial to study the challenges which are being faced by the construction sector of the specific countries
like Scotland and Australia as these are fast growing countries in terms of economic growth. For this
purpose, the current study is important to uncover the specific challenges which impede the growth of
the related sector and entire economy.
1.3 Research aim and objectives
Aim
To identify the significant challenges in construction project management; a comparative analysis of the
Scotland and Australian project cases.
Objectives
 To provide construction project management overview
 To identify the significant challenges in the construction projects of Australia and Scotland?
 To critically evaluate different ways to deal with the construction project challenges
1.4 Significance of the study
Different types of construction projects are helpful for the success of construction industry which is
characterised by quality delivery (Elattar, 2009, Shehu, Endut and Akintoye, 2014). However, the rate of
failure of construction projects become higher because several challenges leads to failure. Further, cost
over runs causes failure of most of the construction projects because maximization of cost is a major
challenge faced by construction industry in all over the world (Rahman et al., 2013, p.1963). Hence, this
needs to take serious attention and strategies to alleviate the causes of failures. In this context, the
current study is important to take in course because it identifies the several challenges and problems of
construction projects which harm the success of industry. Further, the study claims to apply different
adaptive ways to enhance the quality of construction and reduce the issues which are generally faced by
project managers.
1.5 Structure of the dissertation
A typical dissertation is normally classified in to specific chapters like introduction, literature review,
research methodologies and results and conclusions. In this context, the structure of current
dissertation is significantly bifurcated on the basis of notified chapters.
 Chapter 1: Introduction- This chapter includes a brief overview and background of the study,
objectives to conduct the study, rational, significance etc. This chapter helps to reader know
about the study in brief by knowing the aim and objectives.
 Chapter 2: Literature Review- The second chapter describes about overview, significant
challenges and strategies to deal with issue of construction projects in Australia and Scotland.
Further, literature review helps to know about previous studies which are done by different
scholars so that a new insight can be assessed on the basis of past studies.
 Chapter 3: Research methodology- The third chapter explains about philosophy, research
approach, design, data collection methods, sampling, data analysis and ethical consideration of
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the study. Collected data helps to analyse the entire study and provide the adequate results on
the study. Methodology helps the researcher to know about different tools and techniques for
the study.
 Chapter 4: Data analysis- Data analysis chapter describes about key themes for the analysis of
collected data. On the basis of themes, it is easy for the researcher to get the results of the
study along with proper justification.
 Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations- This chapter provides effective conclusion and
suitable recommendations for the effectiveness of construction projects. So, with the help of the
suggestions, construction industries implement the new ways to resolve the issues and
challenges.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The literature review section of the current study critically examines the management of construction
projects which focuses on the overview, challenges and ways to improve the construction project
management. The previous studies about construction projects would assist researcher to derive detail
data which further helps for the current study of specific context Australia and Scotland. In this context,
various themes have been constructed by considering the aim and objectives. For this purpose, effective
secondary sources like journals, books, annual reports, newspaper etc. has been used to complete the
study.
2.2 Overview of construction project management
Construction industry is bifurcated due to involvement of different stakeholders such as general public,
workers, investors etc. in construction projects (Nitithamyong and Skibniewski, 2004; Song, Haas and
Caldas, 2006). This fragmentation leads to several challenges like time, cost, quality, technical issues,
skill shortage etc. However, theses issues are resolved with the help of the effective management of
construction projects by time and cost management techniques, training to unskilled labours, proper
communication with parties etc. (Kanapeckiene et al., 2010). In this context, Rivard et al. (2004) stated
that information technologies are used in construction projects on regular basis to enhance the quality
and reduce the issues which arises due to competitiveness. Furthermore, El-Mashaleh, O’Brien and
Minchin (2006) asserted that involvement of advance technologies in project management helps to
manage material handling, workforce management, waste and environmental safety management etc.
Nevertheless, several studies notified that ineffective management of construction projects leads to
higher cost, time and impact on the productivity of labours (Aibinu and Jagboro, 2002; Sweis et al., 2008;
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Belout and Gauvreau, 2004). Further, Eriksson and Westerberg (2011) mentioned that involvement of
various tools and techniques helps to manage the entire construction project and improves the level of
competency. For instance, according to Australian case study of construction of forensic health hospital
and large tunnel infrastructure project got success by involvement of construction time performance
(CTP) and flexibility approaches to manage the entire construction project (Walker and Shen, 2002;
p.31). Therefore, it reflects that construction project management is helpful for the construction
industry; however, it required extra efforts to manage all the activities of material handling, labour
availability, time flexibility etc.
2.3 Identifying the significant challenges in the construction projects of
Australia and Scotland
Large construction projects are typical to manage globally because it faces several issues and challenges
in context of labour, cost, time etc. (Mahamid, 2013). Further, large as well as small projects also deals
with critical challenges such as safety and security, technical and skill shortage and labour etc.
2.3.1 Cost escalation, schedule delays and local governmental pressure
According to several studies, road construction projects are runs with large project contracts which
require volatile and extensive capital resources in order to timely accomplish process of construction
(Mahamid, Bruland and Dmaidi, 2011; Mahamid, 2011; Mahamid, 2013). In this context, Kaliba, Muya
and Mumba (2009, p.522) asserted that road constructions get delays in process due to weather
inclination such as heavy rains and flood which confirms the cost escalation and schedule delays.
However, Al-Momani (2000) stated that proper planning and time allocation in such a way helps to
complete the construction during seasons of clement weather. On a contrary, Sweis et al. (2008)
mentioned that it is not possible to run the construction projects only in fine weather; however, the
weather changes in any season and damage the planned construction project. Additionally,
inappropriate weather conditions lead the project to time delays and ultimately overruns the cost of
entire project. On the other hand, few studies claimed that highway construction projects get delays to
local governmental rules and polices disrupts the process and leads to excessive time to complete the
projects (Shen, Platten and Deng, 2006; Faridi and El Sayegh, 2006). For example, according to‐
Government Accountability Office, it has been found that 77% projects in USA experienced to cost
escalation due to mis-management of time frameworks and non-identification of governmental factors
(Flyvbjerg, Holm and Buhl, 2002). However, AlSanad (2015) asserted that governmental factors help to
strengthen the economic infrastructure of the country. Therefore, it shows that construction projects
face the challenges of time and cost overruns which lead to disruption of overall project. Further,
governmental accreditations also bother the time frame of constructions and higher the cost and delays
the projects.
2.3.2 Safety issues in construction projects
Several studies revealed that large and underground construction projects face the issues related to
safety of labours and security of equipment (Kartam, Flood and Koushki, 2000; Koehn, Kothari and Pan,
1995; Tam, Zeng and Deng, 2004). In this context, Zhou, Goh and Li (2015) asserted that underground
construction projects required adequate safety and security of workers due to higher risk. However,
Wang, Dulaimi and Aguria (2004) mentioned that risks in construction projects reduces with the help of
effective design for safety, accidents statistics and safety competency in overall project. In this regard,
Aksorn and Hadikusumo (2008) identified that least enforcement on safety measures rise the chances of
higher number of accidents at construction sites. For example, according to census of 1997-2002,
accidents rate is higher in construction projects in Scotland in compare to Great Britain and still
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accidents are occurring in lack of safety measures. The accidental ratio of construction site is more than
50% than Britain (Cameron, Hare and Davies, 2008, p.692). Additionally, the higher ratio of accidents in
Scotland shows that there are more manual workers instead of professionals and technicians than rest
of Great Britain. On the other hand, Hinze and Godfrey (2003) examined that use of complete safety
measures and professional training to use technical equipment, machineries help to reduce the ratio of
accidents in construction which may be concerned with underground or over the land projects.
Nonetheless, Carter and Smith (2006) proposed that total safety design supports the construction
projects to reduce the rate of accidents and improves the level of hazardous factors in the construction
projects. In this context, Aminbakhsh, Gunduz and Sonmez (2013) notified that for the management of
health and safety related risk in construction projects, a theory of Cost of Safety (COS) model helps to
reduce the level of risk. It supports to set the rational budget as per the project and includes the realistic
goals by considering the safety measures which supports to reduce the injuries as well as cost of injury
(refer figure 1). Thus, it indicates that construction projects deal with the issues and challenges related
to safety of workers because insecurity measures increase the chances of accidents on construction
sites. However, complete safety measures, designing of safety plans and professional training helps to
reduce the ratio of risk in construction projects.
Figure : COS model to save the injury cost
(Source: Aminbakhsh, Gunduz and Sonmez, 2013)
2.3.3 Technological challenges
According to Tam (2009), modern construction projects are based on the use of technical instruments
and advance machineries, equipment to enhance the quality of construction. However, Porwal and
Hewage (2013) mentioned that organizational and workforce centred issues causes the greater
challenges for the implementation of technologies. On the other hand, Gann and Salter (2000) asserted
that involvement of technologies in construction resulted in least errors, improved quality and effective
coordination with parties etc. Nonetheless, Merschbrock and Munkvold (2015) notified that
construction companies lags behind in the implementation of new technologies due to lack of qualified
and professional labours. On the contrary, Goodrum et al. (2010) stated that use of technology in
current construction projects helps to reduce the time factor for the entire project but rise the overall
cost of the project. For instance, most of the construction projects uses the new technology as Building
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Information Modelling (BIM) with the specific design and effective construction procurement process.
Thus, 39% construction projects using the almost BIM technique to manage the quality and effective
processing of projects (Porwal and Hewage, 2013). However, several studies claimed that execution of
BIM technology in construction leads the project cost higher because labour force demands for training
to operate the particular system with safety and security (Khosrowshahi and Arayici, 2012; Becerik-
Gerber, Gerber and Ku, 2011; Hardin and McCool, 2015). Further, few studies experimented that use of
risk and project management techniques such as Critical Path Method (CRM), programme Evaluation
and Review Techniques (PERT), Simulation, game theory etc. (Tatum, 1986; Jessen, 2011). In this regard,
Merschbrock and Munkvold (2015) asserted that use of technology Highers the cost of project but
supports to improve the overall quality and rating of construction projects. It shows that use of
technology become a greater challenge for construction industries because it demands for professional
and skilled workforce to operate the systems. However, higher adoption rate of advance techniques
helps to improve the quality and ratings of construction projects.
2.3.4 Skills shortage and labour issues
Le-Hoai, Dai Lee and Lee (2008) studied that currently construction sector is moving towards the green
buildings and infrastructure to save the resources and environment safety. In this context, Hwang and
Ng (2013) stated that green construction projects require the skilled workforce to manage the process
and overall activities of construction. Further, Rahim et al. (2016) asserted that lack of skilled labour for
construction projects is one of the crucial risks which hinder the construction project in attainment of
sustainability. In this context, Yi and Chan (2013) notified that the problem of shortage skilled labour
reduces with the help of outsourcing of knowledgeable workforce. On the contrary, Chou and Chou
(2011) claimed that outsourced labour demands for higher cost and incentives to fulfil the requirements
of basic amenities. Similarly, Fisher et al. (2008) asserted that construction industry requires vast labours
and employees for full and part-time within industrial constructions. Further, industrial construction
contractors’ trains to unskilled labour force to face the challenge of skill shortage and timely completion
of project (Kikwasi, 2012). Nevertheless, Manley (2008) notified that introduction of new technology in
construction projects is difficult because lack of competent and skilled workforce. Moreover, shortage of
skilled workforce enhances the overall cost for the construction in context of operational training. Apart
from this, Agapiou (2002, p.697) stated that there is a difference between perception of gender towards
male and female workers in Scottish construction industry. Construction industry is a male dominant
sector which perceive the women as least competent in compare to men. However, Arditi, Gluch and
Holmdahl (2013) asserted that women are equally competent to men and finding new ways to enter
into different working environment. Thus, it reflects that skills shortage reduces the quality of
construction and higher the time for completion of projects. However, shortage of skill labour is
managed by outsourcing and gender biasness approach.
2.4 Different ways to deal with the construction project challenges
2.4.1 Planning and management of safety measures
Safety and security of labours in construction projects is necessary to enhance the productivity of
workers and quality of construction (Rechenthin, 2004). In this context, Hofmann and Stetzer (1996)
asserted that lack of safety and health precautions enhances the occupational injuries and wastage of
time which arises health issues. In this regard, Ringen, Seegal and England (1995) stated that effective
safety and health planning and management is helpful to reduce the health issues in construction
projects. However, Gambatese (2000, p.661) pointed out that it is not mere responsibility of labours to
follow the safety precautions on construction sites even contractors are also accountable to make
labours understand regarding safety measures. Further, Gambatese, Behm and Hinze (2005) explained
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that safety at construction site requires that all the parties like stakeholders, general public, investors,
labours etc. are remains attentive and committed towards safety policies. Nevertheless, Huang and
Hinze (2006) argued that involvement of owner is more essential for the safety of workers at
construction site. On the other hand, Zeng, Tam and Tam (2008) mentioned that construction design
and management regulations help to bring health and safety measurement on compulsory basis in to
the design of construction work. However, Lee, Mahendra and Alvarez (2010) stated that environmental
safety is supportive to reduce the accidents rate and health issues of labours at construction site like less
environmental pollution, awareness about health risk. Therefore, it indicates that involvement of
additional health and safety precautions helpful for the labours in context of health and safety. Further,
all parties are equally responsible to follow the health and safety policies at construction site to reduce
the accidents and injuries.
2.4.2 Effective cost and time management techniques
According to Olawale and Sun (2010), time management is one of the critical aspects for construction
projects to enhance the quality, productivity and reduce the cost factors. In this context, Okonkwo and
Mbachu (2015) asserted that cost benefit analysis is the method which is helpful to manage the overall
cost of the construction project. However, several studies mentioned that Six-sigma is more effective
technique to manage the cost in all small and large construction projects (Forbes and Ahmed, 2010;
Hanet al. 2008; Banawi and Bilec, 2014). Additionally, six-sigma approach is varied from one project to
another construction projects and supports to reduce cost, cycle-time management and waste as well as
error reduction (Kwak and Anbari, 2006). On a contrary, Ajiboye (2011) notified that CPM approach is
appropriate than six-sigma because CPM identifies a critical path for readily completion of construction
project which ultimately reduces the overall cost of projects. Nevertheless, Kenley and Seppänen (2009)
stated that CPM is only applicable for large and complex projects instead of regular or routine
construction projects because it creates higher uncertainty of completion time in less routine projects.
On a contrary, Yamin and Harmelink (2001) claimed that PERT is a useful technique to reduce the time
of the project because PERT distributes range of duration for each specified activity in mega projects and
save the cost and time. However, Tchidi, He and Li (2012) examined that Six-sigma is an effective
method than other specified approaches because it improves the quality of project and enhance the
competitive benefits among construction competitors. Hence, it reveals that time and cost management
techniques are adopted in construction projects as per the size medium, large or small which helps to
decide the nature of cost and time frame for the project. Further, it indicates that six-sigma is effective
approach which reduce the overall cost and time of the construction.
2.4.3 Involvement of advance strategies to enhance the quality
According to few studies, skill shortage is a critical issue for the construction projects because new
techniques and approaches not easily adapts by workers (Chan and Dainty, 2007; McGrath-Champ,
Rosewarne and Rittau, 2011). In this context, Gann and Salter (2000) asserted that project-based
training is helpful to enhance the skills and knowledge of available workforce. Further, Tabassi and Bakar
(2009) stated that to conduct project-based training programs in construction projects leads to higher
cost and requirement of extensive time to complete the project. On the contrary, Frimpong, Oluwoye
and Crawford (2003) notified that training programs leads to higher cost and time but enhances the
quality and productivity of workers. For example, Australian construction industry focuses on the
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technique to enhance the quality in construction (Brewer,
Gajendran and Le Goff, 2012; Azhar, 2011). However, Australia has an issue of skill shortage at
construction sites; hence, training at construction site helps to resolve the issue of skill shortage which is
found more competitive in all kind of projects such as green projects, road construction etc. (Khalfan
and Maqsood, 2014). In this manner, Walker and Keniger (2002) pointed that modern projects helps to
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construction industry to move towards competitive practices for the growth. However, Arif and Egbu
(2010) mentioned that off-site manufacturing (OSM) is one of the emerging strategies in construction
industry to enhance the quality, reduce time and cost of residential construction. In this context, Wong,
San Chan and Wadu (2016) asserted that traditional construction industry is moving to modern
construction like modular construction and green buildings. Additionally, this requires knowledge-based
environment, rapid change in technology and changing the demand of workers. However, few studies
stated that skill shortage, quality, time and cost certainty issues are resolved by OSM techniques (Pan,
Gibb and Dainty, 2007; Kamar et al., 2010). It indicates that project-based training, BIM approaches
helps to reduce the cost of project and supports to enhance the productivity of least competitive
workers. Further, labour force demands for training to deal with advance construction projects like
green buildings, modular construction etc.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The chapter of research methodology includes the essential methods to collect the data and analyse to
complete the whole research in specific time period. The chapter is associated with a research design,
type of investigation, approach, sampling, philosophy, data collection and data analysis etc. The research
methodology chapter bestow detail information related to methods which are applied for the research
along with complete justification. Thus, the research explains that current study uses appropriate
methods to collect data easily and achievement of aim and objectives. In this context, for the purpose of
current study, the research methodology is as follows-
3.2 Overreaching approach
Research philosophy is a set of beliefs which are related to investigation and researcher uses those
philosophies in the light of research to collect the data (Stern, 2004). Two types of research philosophies
such as interpretivist and positivism which are used in the research on the basis of purpose of the study.
In positivism approach, researcher is limited to use the available information and figures for the study
because the researcher is not allowed to use own experiences for the data analysis. However, in
interpretivist philosophy, researcher is allowed to use own knowledge and experience to complete the
study (Leitch, Hill and Harrison, 2010). In this regard, extensive data and detail information can be
collected with the help of the interpretivist philosophy by involving the external knowledge. Further,
interpretivist philosophy is based on the qualitative analysis whereas positivism philosophy is used on
the quantitative approach which is associated with statistical tools and techniques to derive optimum
results (Ponterotto, 2005). Owing to this, interpretivist philosophy is appropriate for the current study
because the study is based on the in-depth analysis; therefore, interpretivist approach provides the
detail information regarding challenges face by construction industries in construction projects in
Australia and Scotland. Further, it is not possible to apply quantitative approach to analyse the collected
data from both countries because it creates higher complexities in the process. Nevertheless, positivism
philosophy proves the actual and relevant information without involvement of own knowledge
(Rosenberg, 1996). By considering this, current study demanded for detail analysis and in-depth study
regarding issues and challenges of construction industry. Hence, use of interpretivist approach is
justifiable for the current study.
3.3 Research approach
As per the research approach for present project, which is used as per the objective of the study to
gather the data (Saunders et al., 2007). There are two types of research approaches like inductive and
deductive approach which are adopted by the researcher on the basis of nature of the study (Soiferman,
2010). In this regard, deductive approach starts with the specific information and ends with
generalization whereas inductive approach is based on the general data and ends at specifications
(Fereday and Muir-Cochrane, 2006). Further, inductive approach is depended on the secondary data of
the study which helps to find out the extensive outcomes with the help of different sources. In this
regard, inductive approach is appropriate for the current study because it provides general information
about challenges of construction projects in Australia and Scotland on prior basis then consider the
specific information regarding issues. However, deductive approach cannot be applicable for the current
study because it is narrowed to available data and specific information which is not sufficient. Apart
from this, deductive approach is effective for the quantitative study which uses statistical tools to derive
the optimum outcomes (Hyde, 2000). By considering this, inductive approach has been used in the
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current study because it is based on the qualitative analysis in which specific emphasis has been given
on detail analysis of the study. Hence, the use of inductive approach is appropriate for the current study
because it offers higher level of flexibility to researcher to derive the in-depth information regarding
challenges of construction industry.
3.4 Research design
Research design is a blueprint which is used by the researchers to get the overview of the methods
applied in the study to gather the data which helps to easy resolution of the problem (Cooper, Schindler
and Sun, 2006). Several types of research designs are used by the investigators such as exploratory,
explanatory and descriptive which are selected according to the objectives of the study (Lambert and
Lambert, 2012; Williams, 2007). Explanatory research design is used to establish cause and effects
relationship between several variables whereas exploratory design is helpful to elaborate the topic and
find new insights for effectiveness of the study (Harrison and Reilly, 2011). Besides this, descriptive
designs provide the comprehensive information regarding the selected population for the study
(Lambert and Lambert, 2012). Further, exploratory design can be appropriate for the current study
because it delivers something new information which can be helpful to resolve the issues related to
study; however, exploratory design requires the framing of hypothesis for systematic analysis which is
not possible in current study. Nonetheless, the present study requires to analyse the entire study in
detail to derive the optimum results regarding challenges faces by construction industry in Australia and
Scotland. Hence, application of exploratory design is not appropriate for the current study because the
study does not demand to search for new things. Thus, descriptive design has been used for the current
research which is justifiable.
3.5 Data collection methods
There are two types of data collection methods such as primary and secondary which are adopted by
the researchers as per the aim and objectives of the study to achieve better results (Cooper, Schindler
and Sun, 2006). Primary data are those which are collected first time by the researchers for the specific
purpose of the study whereas secondary data are those which are already available in the records (Hox
and Boeije, 2005). Further, on the basis of available data, new data has been identified are considers as
secondary data. In this regard, interview, questionnaire, observation, survey etc. are included in primary
methods whereas literature review, annual reports, journals, books, newspapers, magazines etc. lies
under secondary sources of data collection which are selected by the investigator according to nature of
the study (Harrell and Bradley, 2009; Terrell, 2012). By considering this, the researcher is not obliged to
use data collection methods on single basis even both types of methods like mixed methods can be used
in the research as per the requirements of the study. In this regard, mixed methods have been used in
the current study to gather the adequate data like questionnaire and interview has been conducted to
collect primary and fresh data regarding construction industry. Further, literature review has also been
done to collect past data for the purpose of the current study. Furthermore, actual and relevant
information can be gathered with the help of the primary data; however, secondary data may be wrong
and unreliable for the further research (Cooper, Schindler and Sun, 2006). Hence, to meet the objectives
of the current study, mixed methods has been used because interview has been conducted with
experienced project managers and questionnaire has been filled up by parties involves in the
construction projects. The appropriate data merely could not be collected by only interview and
questionnaire; hence, literature has also been done for the purpose of the current study. Therefore, use
of mixed approach is appropriate for the current study to analyse the challenges of construction
industries. Further, by keeping the reliability of data, both approaches have been used for the study.
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