Confirmatory sequential research design

The present methodology represents a variant of the exploratory sequential research design. The method was formulated by integrating the principles of exploratory sequential research design with the practical considerations of the construction industry. This approach aimed to enhance our understanding of construction management practices from the perspective of industry experts. The exploratory sequential research design differs significantly from the confirmatory sequential design, as the latter offers a comprehensive approach to integrating the results obtained from qualitative and quantitative analyses. During the interpretation phase, discoveries are not amalgamated; rather, they are systematically blended through the process of theory formulation. The present discourse highlights the necessity of incorporating grounded theory (GT) within the framework of confirmatory sequential research design. The temporal orientation of the design is sequential rather than concurrent, wherein the collection and analysis of qualitative data precede the quantitative phase. In this particular design, the consideration of the status or level of priority between qualitative and quantitative methods does not pose a concern. Neither method exhibits dominance over the other, as they both receive equal status and fulfil comparable requirements. The optimal paradigm for this method is pragmatism. This is due to the fact that the aforementioned approach represents a research design methodology employed within the framework of mixed methods. The confirmatory sequential research design being proposed encompasses a series of five consecutive stages: (i) the establishment of theoretical foundations; (ii) the initial validation of the theoretical framework; (iii) the subsequent validation of the theoretical framework; and (iv) the refinement of the theoretical framework. The sequential procedures are visually represented in the Figure. The figure exhibits a series of arrows originating from step 1 and extending towards steps 2, 3, and 4, thereby illustrating the presence of a cyclical and interactive procedure within the research design, wherein theories are constructed and subsequently validated. The proposed research plan demonstrates a remarkable integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, effectively amalgamating their respective findings. Each of the stages must be conducted within a singular research endeavour. In the confirmatory sequential research design, the investigation commences by establishing a conceptual model, which is a preexisting explanation or set of suppositions regarding the phenomena of interest. This conceptual model is typically derived from conceptualising, deductive reasoning, and applied reasoning. Alternatively, a theoretical model can be employed, which consists of explanations or assumptions about the phenomena of interest that are derived from a systematic literature review or existing theories. The ultimate task within the initial stage involves the disassembly of the model into a series of interrogative statements. Stage 2 is initiated by engaging in the process of qualitative data collection, which is undertaken with the purpose of addressing the research questions that were established in Stage 1. The primary undertaking during stage 2 is the process of GT. The collected data necessitates the execution of a GT analysis to generate theories that elucidate the underlying phenomena. The theories derived from GT will offer valuable insights to effectively tackle the proposed interconnections and variables within the conceptual or theoretical framework. This sequence of events will facilitate a methodical and focused investigation. It will also facilitate the observation of a specific population or phenomenon within its natural environment. The comprehensive accounts obtained from the interviewees over extended periods of time afford researchers a profound understanding of perplexing idiosyncrasies that occur within that specific social environment, enabling analysts to cultivate comprehension beyond the explicit significance of words, actions, and artefacts. This phenomenon holds particular significance within the realm of the construction industry, as the knowledge present is predominantly tacit in nature rather than explicit. Moreover, the utilisation of grounded theory (GT) presents a significant opportunity to validate the researcher's comprehension of observations and the potential consequences as proposed within the conceptual or theoretical framework. The acquisition of novel information from GT will enhance the researcher's comprehension of the phenomenon of current irregularities that pose a challenge to it. If the proposed model is validated by the grounded theory (GT), the researcher can proceed to the next stage. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that a theory amendment or modification of the model becomes necessary in the event that the GT poses challenges to the model. The subsequent stage, denoted as stage 3, involves the process of validation through theory or hypothesis testing. The hypotheses ought to be formulated as expressions of phenomena derived from the modified or validated framework in phase 2. In instances where the model is verified through GT analysis, the interrogative statements in stage 1 are converted into hypotheses. Newly postulated associations that adhere to the modified framework are to be formulated under the assumption that alterations have been made to the initially proposed model. The conventional methodologies employed for evaluating hypotheses and theories encompass Chi-square analysis, linear regression, confirmatory factor analysis, multiple regression, structural equation modelling, and artificial Intelligence.? The validation of a theory or model is a crucial aspect of ensuring the accuracy, relevance, significance, robustness, generalizability, and broader applicability of the theory under development. In order to establish validity, it is imperative for the researcher to provide a comprehensive level of detail that effectively convinces others that the population under study has been sufficiently observed and understood. The consistent and reliable processes associated with hypothesis or theory testing provide assurance and consistency to the model under similar conditions. The concept of reliability, in addition, provides ample context and nuance, enabling others to discern which aspects of the exceptional situation can be generalised to similar circumstances. In the fourth stage, the outcomes obtained in stage three are used to conclude the model or theory. The model or established theory, only incorporates hypotheses that have been validated and supported by empirical evidence. The confirmatory sequential research design is a scientific approach that effectively integrates qualitative and quantitative methods by employing a sequential and robust interaction between them. The aforementioned technique holds significant importance for the future and reliability of studies pertaining to construction management. The future advancement of construction management research will depend on the preparedness of its research community to view qualitative and quantitative research as interconnected rather than antagonistic and completely disconnected. Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge that the effective resolution of the intricacies and diverse challenges encountered in the construction industry necessitates the utilisation of a robust research methodology. This implies that comprehending the phenomenon that influences hierarchical structures, project execution, individual behaviour, innovation, and interaction performance within the construction industry necessitates the utilisation of a robust research methodology. The utilisation of qualitative or quantitative methods often falls short of enabling a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships that underlie many of the social and technical challenges prevalent in the construction industry. One potential approach to addressing these obstacles is for the scientific community to focus on construction research to augment existing quantitative and case study methodologies with qualitative theory-building methodologies. Construction management is a discipline that encompasses both social and technical aspects, employing empirical methodologies to systematically enhance the understanding and prediction of the intricacies and patterns inherent in reality. In any event, in the absence of an equivalent emphasis on social, behavioural, and cultural factors to construct a comprehensive understanding of these peculiarities, the outcomes derived solely from experimental and quantitative investigations will invariably be insufficient. A cyclical process that encompasses theoretical expansion and incorporates methodologies from the field of management research presents a pivotal assurance for advancing research in the domain of construction management. The abundance of contentions present in this scenario necessitates the utilisation of a confirmatory sequential research design, as it enables the effective integration of judgement and investigation in complex and challenging situations. Similarly, the utilisation of confirmatory sequential research design is proposed as a suitable research methodology for conducting theory-focused investigations in the field of construction management.

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