Evaluating Technologies for Construction Waste Reduction: A Report

This research report investigates the impact of technologies on reducing construction waste. It begins by outlining the aim to evaluate effective technologies for minimizing waste generation in the construction industry, driven by environmental concerns related to global warming and landfill waste. The report provides rationale, objectives, and a detailed plan of the research, including a comparison of inquiry systems (inductive, deductive, and abductive) and the chosen deductive approach. The methodology involves a mixed-methods primary research design, utilizing survey questionnaires and interviews to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Ethical considerations, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality, are carefully addressed. The report explores various waste management technologies, the benefits of their implementation, and the potential for improved health and safety standards within construction sites. The findings aim to contribute to the development of effective waste management strategies and provide insights into the practical application of technologies in the construction sector. The report includes the research aim, rationale, objectives, plan, methodology, and ethical considerations, concluding with a focus on the significance of waste management technologies.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Methodology
Name of the student
University name
Author’s note

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Table of Contents
Section 1:................................................................................................................................2
Research aim..............................................................................................................................2
Rationale....................................................................................................................................2
Objectives of the research..........................................................................................................3
Section 2:................................................................................................................................4
Plan of the research....................................................................................................................4
Comparison of inquiry systems..................................................................................................5
Method of the research...............................................................................................................6
Collection and analysis of the data.............................................................................................7
Ethical considerations................................................................................................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
Section 3:................................................................................................................................9
Research plan for 11 week research project...............................................................................9
Research plan for 11 week thesis...............................................................................................0
References..............................................................................................................................0

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Section 1:
Research aim
The aim of the current study is to evaluate the impact of technologies in reducing the
amount of construction wastes. Despite huge amount of efforts on the part of the government
to reduce the waste generated from construction sites, no significant changes have been
observed either due to lack of sufficient resources or technologies. Therefore, the research
aims at finding out the effective technologies which can contribute positively towards
reduction in construction waste generation.
Rationale
Environmental reports generated have shown that wastes generated out of
construction sites contributes significantly towards the development of global warming or
greenhouse effect. The Indian construction industry has signed a waste wise construction
agreement with the federal government in order to commit to the reduction of demolition and
construction waste generation (Dahlbo et al. 2015). However, the figures are alarming and
calls for immediate measures to be undertaken. As per the reports, 17.2 million tonnes of
construction wastes are generated annually. Out of which 9.5 million was disposed to landfill
a significant part of which returned back to the food chain through water bodies (Butera et al.
2015). As commented by Brunner and Rechberger (2015), excess deposition of the
construction waste in the water bodies could often lead to biomagnifications which possess
threat to the entire ecosystem. As mentioned by Butera et al. (2015), disposal of waste at
landfill is the least preferable option.
However, recent technological advancements have seen to contribute significantly
towards the reduction of waste material regeneration at the construction site. It acts by

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reducing the amount of waste generated at source. Instances of overdesigning leads to
excessive use of raw materials, which further enhances waste generation. Therefore, the raw
materials need to be used in coordinated sizes for prevention of excess waste generation. As
mentioned by Özdamar and Ertem (2015), the construction and demolition waste could be
reduced to less harmful end products. At the same time they could be recycled into more
usable forms. Therefore, the implementation of effective technology lies at the core of the
waste management process.
The concept of re-use enables using the same material in different processes without a
need to re-process them. The aspect of recycling differs slightly with re-using in that the
materials are re-processed rather than using them in original form (Hardin and McCool
2015). With the advent of technology the recycling options for waste product are increasing.
Additionally, improved segregation of wastes can help lower the rates of contamination
(Edjabou et al. 2015). However, a huge number of hindrances are offered to the successful
implementation of waste management technologies at the construction site. This could be
attributed to the lack of knowledge in the workers regarding the different methods of waste
management and redresser. Additionally, the lack of finances can also serve as a barrier to the
implementation of sophisticated technologies within the factor site.
The reductions in the amount of hazardous waste have been seen to enhance the safety
climate of an organization (Lombardi et al. 2015). As commented by Kucukvar et al. (2014),
greater employee engagement is seen in construction sites which have passed the safety
standards test.
Objectives of the research
The research study will be conducted by designing a number of research objectives.
These objectives help in breaking down the research into a number of components. The

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analysis across individual components helps in arriving at a comprehensive result. The
research primarily aims at exploring the use of technologies in waste management in
construction sites.
The objectives of the research have been enlisted as below:
 To implement waste reduction technologies at construction and demolition sites to
reduce the amount of waste generated
 To educate the construction site workers regarding handling and management of
innovative waste reduction methods
 To access the improvement in health and safety standards of the factory workers due
to implementation of waste reduction process
Section 2:
Plan of the research
The research methodology will follow the literature review which will evaluate the
concept of waste management at construction sites through use of effective technologies. The
literature review will be based upon a number of literature sources. Some of the selected
sources will be critically evaluated by the researcher in order to arrive at a suitable
conclusion. The study will be further conducted by the researcher in order to remove the gap
in the cited literature sources. The researcher will further employ a number of data collection
methods for the representation of the results in statistically significant form. The outcomes of
the data collection process will be further linked with the objectives of the research for
generating a future action plan.

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Comparison of inquiry systems
The systems of inquiry which will be used by the researcher could be divided into
different types of research approaches such as – inductive, abductive and deductive approach.
In inductive reasoning the theories will be developed through observation of similar patterns
or resemblances of the data sets. In inductive approach the theory will be deduced from a
range of observations proposed at the end of the research (Hartas 2015). It involves working
from observations towards an inference. However as argued by Spector (2015), there are a
number of limitations of the inductive reasoning, as it is based upon a set of observations
which are not complete. Additionally, the perception regarding the observed data varies from
individuals to individuals (Akhtar-Danesh and Mirza 2017). Therefore, discrepancies may
result in the reporting of the final result.
The deductive theory is based upon inferring from a number of propositions. It states
that if an inference A and B is true then inference C is also taken to be true. However, the
deductive approach is a powerful assessment tool as the hypothesis here will be developed
based upon a number of existing theories. Here, the research approach shifts from a particular
aspect to a more general aspect. As commented by Pearl (2014), the deductive approach is
supported by abundant resources. The adoption of the deductive approach helps in measuring
the results qualitatively along with establishment of relationship between the concept and the
variables. This particular mode of approach is not just based upon mere observations and
data. Therefore, the chances of erroneous presentation of results are less over here.
The abductive reasoning helps in overcoming the gaps associated with both inductive
and deductive approaches. The inductive approach is based upon mere observations which
may vary with individual perceptions. The difference of opinions further develops into
research biases (Meyers et al. 2016). The deductive approach on the other hand lacks clarity
regrading the procedure for selection of particular theories over other. The abductive

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reasoning will be done on the other hand following a pragmatist perception. Here, the
researcher will combine a cognitive and numerical approach for arriving at an acceptable
solution. However, incomplete data sets can challenge the authenticity of the results.
In the current study, the researcher will use a deductive approach over the inductive
or abductive approaches. The deductive approach will help in establishing a relationship
between different variables of the assessment and the relevant theories. The adoption of the
deductive approach helps in presentation of the results on a quantitative basis (Padgett 2016).
Some of these will be used by the researcher for arriving at statistically significant results.
Here, a positivist research philosophy will be used by the researcher for gaining factual
knowledge based upon data and observations.
The research design could be further divided into-descriptive, exploratory and
explanatory. Undertaking the explanatory research helps in understanding the cause and
effect relationship. The descriptive research design sheds light upon the current problem
situation through data collection (Norris et al. 2015). The exploratory research merely
navigates around the research question without offering a suitable outcome to the problem
situation (Bryman 2015). In the current study, the researcher will use the descriptive research
design where numerical data will be used by the researcher for arriving at significant results.
The theories selected through the deductive approach further helps in understanding the
loopholes of the study design (Pearl 2014).
Method of the research
In the current study, a primary research design will be followed by the researcher
where mixed data collection methods will be used. The primary research design can be
divided into both qualitative and quantitative methods. The tool which will be used over here
for collection of quantitative data is a survey questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used by

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the researcher for the assessment of a number of workplace standards such as safety and
employee satisfaction ratios.
Similarly, an interview will be conducted by the researcher which will help the
researcher in focus upon various benefits and hindrances faced due to the implementation of
waste management technologies in the construction and demotion sites. In this respect, the
participants will be selected from various designations of the company for which prior
consent will have to be taken. The participants selected may comprise of the manager, line
manager and the site workers. The mixed method used will help the researcher in
understanding the difference between the collective responses of the survey and the interview
questions. The common opinions which emerge as an outcome of the data collection process
will be used by the researcher for the development of a future action plan.
Collection and analysis of the data
In this respect, a survey questionnaire will be framed by the researcher pertaining to
installation of waste management technologies and benefits of the same within a construction
site. In this respect, semi-structured close ended questionnaire will be used by the researcher
for the collection of responses. The responses will be represented in the form of graphs and
charts.
In the qualitative research design a number of interview questions will be prepared by
the researcher. In this respect, an open-ended questionnaire will be used by the researcher for
the collection of interview responses. The responses to the interview questions could be
analysed for similar dissimilar results. The similar responses will be grouped together by the
researcher for reflection and analysis.

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Ethical considerations
The ethical considerations forms a critical part of primary research design. In this
respect, the researcher will need to take prior approval of the participants. However, as
argued by Morse (2016), being at an arm’s length from the organization can be a
disadvantage for the researcher. Therefore, an effective collaboration will be established by
the researcher with the participating organizations. In this respect, the consent forms for the
interview process will be distributed by the researcher before conducting the interview or the
survey process. Here, the consent forms via by e-mail or personal invitation through phone
messages will be sent to the participants.
The researcher will be careful not to force the participants to participate in the data
collection process. Additionally, the survey and interview process will be organised on a free
entry or exit basis. Therefore, the participants can feel free to leave the interview process at
any point of time. The researcher will also need to be careful to respect the cultural faith and
beliefs of the participants while conducting the interview process. That is the researcher will
ensure that the participants will not be asked questions which can make them feel upset.
Additionally, confidentiality is one of the important objectives of the interview process and
will be maintained by the researcher.
Conclusion
The aim of the research is to understand the benefits of the use of waste management
technologies in construction and demolition sites. The research further focuses upon the
discovery of cost –effective waste management technologies and their implementation at the
construction sites. However, the lack of sufficient knowledge regarding innovative
technologies has made waste management an issue for the Indian construction industry.

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Therefore, a research methodology had been designed which will help in understanding the
different steps and measures which needs to be taken for conducting the study.
The researcher will take a deductive approach over here which will help him
streamline towards a general approach for solving the problem situation. Additionally, the
mixed methods used by the researcher will help in comparative analysis.
Section 3:
Research plan for 11 week research project
In the current study mixed methods of data collection have been used where both
survey and interview questionnaires will be used by the researcher for the collection of data.
The time limit for conducting the research study will be fixed at 11 weeks. However, the
results obtained as a result of the survey and interview process are further subject to biases.
This is because the responses of the interview may be guided by basic perceptions and values
rather than focussing upon the problem situation. However, the success of the implementation
of the research project lies by and large at the hands of the participatory organizations. That is
the lack of effective cooperation can affect the end results of the research process.
The different steps of the thesis planning will be conducted across the 11 weeks which
will be further explained with the help of a research timeline. The first two weeks will be
used by the researcher for analysis of the literature. The concepts or the theories will be
further used for the development of a thesis, research aim and objectives. This process will be
executed over the 3rd and 4th weeks. The proposal will be then submitted to the supervisor for
further approval. The gap in the literature is found out by the end which is used for
developing the scope of the research. By the end of the 5th week the consent forms for
undertaking the survey and the interview are dispatched to the concerned organization. The

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entire survey takes 14 days time to be conducted. Following the survey the interview will be
undertaken for which prior approval will be taken by the researcher. By the end of the 9th
week the draft will be submitted to the accessor for feedback. The accessor takes sufficient
amount of time to go through the rough draft. The final compilation will be submitted by the
researcher at the end of the 11th week.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research plan for 11 week thesis
Timeline/research plan
Activities Week
1
Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11
Literature
analysis
  
Development
of research
aim,
objectives and
rationale
 
Finalising of
the proposal
with the
supervisor

Analysis of
the literature
gap
 
Consent
taking from
the
participants of
the survey
and interview
process
 
Collection of
quantitative
data through
close –ended
semi-
structured
questionnaire
(survey)
 
Conducting of
interview
through open
 

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ended
questionnaire
Receiving
feedback from
the accessor
on submission
of rough draft
 
Submission of
the final draft
after full
approval

Gantt chart
(Source: Author)

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
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