CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
AND DATA COLLECTION
3.1 Introduction
This chapter introduces deeply the research paradigm as well as the research methods,
approaches and strategies. In addition, it describes briefly data collection and analysis
process, sampling method, validity of research and ethical considerations. It starts by
description of each classification of research onion at figure 3.1 moreover selecting the
suitable method for this research.
3.2 Research Paradigm
Pring (2004) defines that, the research paradigm or philosophy as the process of up growth of
knowledge and information of chosen title based on researcher thinks and hypothesis. These
hypothesis or assumptions are created in three styles; one is Epistemological hypothesis that
depends on the knowledge, in other side Ontological hypothesis that totally depends on the
real view for researcher, and the Axiological hypothesis that depends on Values found by a
researcher (Crotty, 1998). Figure 3.1 show the process of research onion which includes the
outer circle category research paradigm into several classifies (Saunders et al., 2007).
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Figure 3.1: The Research Onion (Source: Saunders et al., 2007)
The research is shown; the researcher selects two methods of Epistemology. Whereas
Positivism is regarding to datum of huge samples, thus is properly depend on
qualitative research (Bryman, 2008), the research supervises to study the real of the
assessment of sustainability of road in some sample vision. However it used
pragmatism to create an approach in assessment of sustainability of road in Oman
during design and construction stages. While interpretivism helps to learned new
culture in assessing sustainability of road in Oman projects. Subjectivism used to learn
the impact of sustainability phenomena in Oman road design and construction.
3.3 Research Methods
The research method includes the primary purpose of the research. According to Bernard
(2000) views that, the research method has classified into three methods of study such as;
Descriptive method, exploratory method and Explanatory method as shown in fig3.2.
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Figure 3.2: Research Methods (Source: Varjas et al., 2005)
This research applies the exploratory method mentioned in Figure 3.2 in order to study the
general situation of assessment of road sustainability, then the explanatory method is used to
explore and study criteria for assessing road sustainability with clarification of unsustainable
practices in design and construction activities, sustainability assessment tools, difficulties
encountered during design and construction Roads in a sustainable manner, the foundations of
road sustainability and the development of approaches to assess road sustainability, all with
conceptual frameworks.
3.4 Research Designs
As Ketokivi and Mantere (2010) defined that research designs as research methods as they
consist of two important groups. The first is deductive and this group focuses on existing
theories, buildings, scientific and practical facts. While the second inductive group focuses on
developing and creating new phenomena and extracting the notes of his speech. Therefore,
Figure 3.3 shows that the induction always begins with a hypothesis, test, forecast,
confirmation theory and observation (Pring, 2004). An example of this is laboratory
experiments to improve concrete performance. As for the inductive, it starts with putting
questions, observation, and then understanding and studying, and then generalizations. Finally,
it creates a stable and correct theory, as is the case in the current research.
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Figure 3.3: Inductive vs. Deductive Approach (Source:
[Link]
approach-Adapted-from-Burney-20086_fig2_243457733)
In fact, the current research relies on data collected through used of qualitative method and
then form a conceptual framework ( Pring ,2004).
3.5 Research Techniques and Strategies
Research strategy and technology is defined as the research methodology as it includes many
data collection tools as like as onion research which already mentioned in figure3.1. However,
the types of methodology tools can be summarized as a case study, survey, ethnography,
grounded theory, archival research experiment and action research (Bernard, 2000) like as
mentioned in figure3.4.
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Testing of scientific
Experiment hypotheses
Measure large sample
Survey observations
Measure small sample
Interviews
Research Strategies
opinions
Investigate the mental
Case study process or behavior of
situation or person
Collaborative strategy that
Action research focus on changes
management
Observation of natural
Ethnography human behavior
Series observations and
Grounded theory testing to investigate
phenomena
Extracting original data or
Archival Research records
Figure 3.4: Research Strategies (Source: Wiseman, 1999)
Especially the data collection is classified using the above mentioned research strategy
categories into two types as follows:
Primary data collation: means data collected from research strategy tools and broken
down into qualitative and quantitative or merging qualitative and quantitative
(Bernard, 2000). Like as table 3.1 represent.
Table3.1: Difference between Qualitative, Quantitative and Conjunction of them
Primary Means Tools for Question help Existing Entrant
Data collecting forms numbers or
Collection data size
Qualitative Non Interviews The question More Limited,
manipulative and and case include why information specific and
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non-controlling study (Miles and how and data more accurate
like ordinal or & Huberman, (Creswell, (Braun and (Kiess, 1996).
percentage of 1984). 1994). Clarke,
measurement 2006).
(Boyatzis, 1998).
Quantitative Involves number Questionnaire The question Usually take Unlimited
from different and survey include where, it from chart, (Kiess, 1996).
rates (Kiess, (Kiess, who, how table and
1996). 1996). many, much graphs
and variables (Kiess,
relationships 1996).
(Creswell,
1994).
Conjunction Mixed of both All tools Qualitative More Unlimited,
of both data collection available in and information specific and
(Sechrest & both (Kiess, quantitative and also from more accurate
Sidani, 1995, 1996). questions with charts, graphs (Kiess, 1996).
p.315). rates, and tables
relationship (Smith,
and 2013).
examinations
(Creswell,
1994).
Given that the research topic is confined within the assessment of the sustainability of road
during design and construction in Oman, three case studies are being conducted for
different roads in different regions of Oman to extract more specific data. In addition,
interviews are held for various positions in the industrial and construction sector in Oman.
Consequently, the research methodology is classified as multi-method and shown at a
specific time (cross-sectional) as shown in the onion research Figure 3.1.
Secondary data collection: This commonly refers to chapter 2 literatures
reviews. However, it means the case studies (Creswell, 1994) which are
mentioned from Texas, Malaysia and United States which all are assessed the
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green road in design and construction stage. Moreover, the journals explain the
sustainable road drivers and challenges. In addition, the conference paper which
gives views about assessment sustainable tools is used in assessing green road
which was published in UK.
3.6- Sampling
Research design focuses on sampling although less important compared to collection
and analysis (Mason, 2002). Therefore, sampling is important in order to obtain
accurate and reliable data as it depends on the selection of a specific group of the
population according to their practical and scientific experiences. The samples are
classified into probability and non-probability. However, the current research focuses
on probability samples during the interview survey (Bernard, 2000).
3.6.1- Qualitative Method Sampling (Size, Frame and Strategy)
Often random samples are randomly selected for the target, confining the effect of a
particular behaviour or technique. However, the non-random sample targets a specific
group of society based on specific criteria. This is to ensure accurate and high-quality
information is obtained. Usually, the sample is chosen through specific criteria set by
the researcher (Robinson, 2014, p.25). Undoubtedly, the current research strategy
focuses on a specific category in the industrial and construction sector in Oman. The
target group is in forms of project managers and sites, designers (consultant), planning
engineers, supervising engineers, quantities surveying as well as supportive
sustainability engineers, green procurement engineers.
Besides the case studies qualitative method (Robinson, 2014, p.30), the research focuses
on three projects that were conducted by the first and only company in road
construction in Oman until 2013. However, the researcher chose projects according to
specific criteria and requirements of the research [Link] part of them include Al
Batinah Highway project that was completed in 2019, the Daba-Lima-Khasab Road
project at the design stage, as well as the internal road located in khazaen Economic
City project, it is under construction implementation. The previous projects were
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chosen based on their incoming as well as the Sultanate’s keenness to take into account
sustainability aspects during its design and construction.
3.7 Tool of Data Collection and Analysis Processes
Refers to above, interviews surveys and case studies was selected to collect the information
and data. Based on the following the method of information collection is shown starting from
the interviews survey design.
3.7.1 Interviews
The interviews in the current research aim to answer some of the major questions research in
the first chapter to obtain accurately information from professionals in the industrial and
construction environment in Oman.
[Link] The Design of Interview
Interview questions focused in detail on the assessment of road sustainability in Oman during
the design and construction phases. Where the interviews were conducted to answer all
questions asked in the introduction chapter. Where the focus was on the concept of aspects of
the sustainability of Omani roads for professionals in the construction environment in Oman,
and then summarized the unsustainable activities and sustainable practices used during the
road design and construction phase. Based on previous studies the two types of questioning
methods have been used: open-ended questions and open-ended closed questions (Ivis [Link],
1977). This is to obtain accurate information from more than one project and project manager
in Oman. Where the questions were asked as follows:
1- From your experience, what are the aspects of sustainability of Omani roads?
2- From your opinion, what do you think the consultant role in considering
sustainability aspects when they design road projects?
3- What are the potential for contractors to apply sustainability aspects of road
constructions?
4- What are the challenges facing the Omani environment for industry and construction
in activating road sustainability?
5- What is the role of Omani strategies in supporting road sustainability?
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6- Who is responsible for activating the sustainability assessment of road projects during
design stage? (Owner, consultant, standard contract for building construction or road
building laws)
7- Who is responsible for activating the sustainability assessment of road projects during
construction stage? (Owner, contractors, project manager, consultant, site manager
or from design specification)
8- How usually they should assess the sustainability?
9- What is the percentage of activating the sustainability of road projects in Oman at the
present time and from your future plan what will be in 2040?
10- From your experience, what is suitable approach for assessing Sustainability in
Oman road projects?
[Link] Protocol for Interviews
In fact, the interviews followed a face-to-face approach to summarize and record accurate
information. Each interview was also conducted within a time not exceeding 30 minutes, as
shown in the table3.2 as well as selects them from various types of organisations (consultant,
contractors, Academic and clients) to understand various opinions of project parties and also
to take advance.
Table 3.2: The interviewee’s Profile
Distinguishing Interview Job Position Institution
Years of
ee Name Experience s
Contractor Mony Manager of Road and Galfar company 14
M.V Bridge Planning for engineering
and contract
Chandra Head of Contract Galfar company 25
nC department for engineering
and contract
Moham Planning engineer Tasnim 13
med Company
Fasiuddi
n
Consultant Essam Al Designer engineer Ibn Khaldoun 20
Mo'meni and Al Madain
Engineering
Consultants
14
Mathew Manger of road Galfar company 24
Philip design for engineering
and contract
Client Khalfan Director of Projects Ministry of 12
Al Department Transport
Busaidi
Waleed Director of Roads Municipality 16
Al - Department in North Director in
Mamari Batinah Governorate North
ALBatinah
Hafiz Al- Executive director of Officer civil 10
Academic Alawi the internal roads engineer of
Defence
Hila Al Director of design Directorate 11
Abdul department general of roads
Salam and land
transport
Muscat
Royal Oman Nawaf Project engineer
Traffic 8
Police ALNahdi department and
construction
equipment
management
Quality Control Mohamm Director of Quantity Quality Control 6
Group ed Al - Survey Department and Road
Maamari Construction
Department
3.7.2 Case Study
The fact that Oman has a fixed standard in the construction of highways or internal roads, as
well as the fact that Oman relies mainly on Galfar Contracting and Engineering Company for
road construction. A case study was conducted on three projects design and constructed by
Galfar to verify main goals in assessing road sustainability in Oman, including criteria for
assessing road sustainability during the design phase, as well as criteria for assessing road
sustainability during the construction phase and the suitable approach for sustainable road
assessment.
[Link] Case Study Design
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The three projects were chosen based on the project's status and it is potential feeding for
research. Where they were chosen based on the advice of project managers during the survey
interviews. As well as the project data is classified as follows in table 3.3:
Table 3.3: The Case Studies Profile
Projects Name Project Project Project Stage Research goal
Code classification and
Location
Al Batinah BEW Highway Road in Completed at To identify the
Expressway North ALBatinah December 2018 suitable
project (North West) of sustainable
Oman assessment
approach for
road in Oman,
To identify
sustainable
criteria and
Daba-Lima- DLK Duplication Road in Design unsustainable
Khasab Road Musandam practise occur in
Governorate ( north Oman design of
of Oman) Road,
To identify
sustainable
criteria and
khazaen KEC Interior Road in Constriction unsustainable
Economic City Barka (North waste practise occur in
Oman) Oman
construction of
Road.
[Link] Case Study Design
Especially with the help of Galfar Company a copy of the bid and contract was obtained for
the project Al Batinah Expressway which used the traditional method of contracts. Also, a
feasibility plan was obtained on the PDF format with construction activities for the road (Daily
progress report -DPR). A document was also obtained distributing and operating construction
equipment and tools (Weekly Utilization report), in addition to the document of economic
impacts that occurred for workers and the project (Commodity summary). Moreover the
project environment impacts to social and surrounding environment document. In addition,
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copies of the road design were reviewed before and after the amendment. Because of the
confidentiality of documents, the research had interface difficulty in obtaining permission.
Therefore, a copy of the design of the Dibba-Lima-Khasab Road project was viewed from
Galfar, and no changes were made to the design, as it is still awaiting the start-up letter from
Ministry of transport. In addition, a certificate of safety sensitivity of design for Dibba-Lima-
Khasab Road project was found.
Also, a list of activities for khazaen Economic City project was obtained, as well as documents
for operating equipment and workers with documents for quality and work efficiency at the
site. Also provide as-built document for construction details.
3.8 The Research validity
This item includes accuracy of results and data. However the success of the research is related
to the health, accuracy and reliability of the information obtained to (Bernard, 2000). Clear
and understandable questions in the research prove the validity and quality of the information
obtained (Lincoln and Guba, 1985). Therefore, the interview questions were designed with
precision and clarity, and the information in the case study was taken in a detailed and correct
way to assess the reality of sustainability in road projects in Oman. While the reliability of the
data is tested through the consistency of the information obtained from the interviews where
the answers tend to be similar. The sensitivity of the data obtained from the case study is also
measured by the consistent sequence between the data and their similarity (Varjas et al., 2005,
p.241).
3.9- Ethical considerations
There are no specific criteria to be followed in the ethical rules of research. However, it can
be defined as the core of errors (Sieber, 2004, p.410). However, ethics can be summed up in
the protection of academic research, especially that research conducted by a survey client,
interviews, case study or focus that requires interactions by participants by providing a
preliminary understanding of ethical issues (Munford & Sanders 2003, p.95).
In the current research, participants in the interviews should be respected by taking permission
before beginning the audio recording, as well as providing protection for their personal
information, privacy and rights. As well as not to switch, affiliation or distortion in the results
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obtained. Ethics also exist when collecting information from the case study. A permit must be
obtained from the relevant authorities and documented using the Citation and Source.
3.10 Feasibility Study of Methodology:
Actually the following figure3.5 explains the feasibility study of research methodology plan:
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Figure 3.5: Plan for Research Methodology
3.11 Chapter Summary
This chapter provides the methodology chosen as Research Onion clarify. However, the
research used multi qualitative methods to gain data during sampling of probability and
nonprobability. Thus is presented with full respect to research validity and follow the ethical
self-regulation in obtain data through both interviews and case studies.
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