Method
This study employed a Qualitative exploratory Case Study design to
investigate the factors underlying the continued use of conventional
materials over green alternatives in public works projects within the Province
of Laguna. The exploratory method was selected, given the limited research
that examines this study explicitly in the local context of public works.
According to Cervantes et al. (2022), exploratory designs also enable
researchers to identify underlying patterns and relationships when the
subject is still in its early stages of development. This makes the design
suitable for researching the factors that influence the selection of materials
for public works projects.
The exploratory nature of the study seeks to uncover the underlying reasons
behind the observed phenomenon. According to Abdullah and Dziadosz
(2021), employing this method in construction research enables the
determination of behavioral patterns and managerial trends in sustainability-
related decisions. Therefore, the researchers employed this design to gather
and interpret insights from engineers, contractors, and project managers,
aiming to understand why conventional materials remain dominant despite
the availability of green alternatives.
The primary method of data collection was face-to-face and online interviews
with procurement officers, engineers, and contractors directly involved in
public works projects. The length of each interview varied from 30 to 45
minutes, based on the respondent's willingness and availability. Before
gathering data, the researchers ensured that every subject provided
informed consent.
The researchers employed thematic analysis to examine the interview data,
which involved coding, classifying, and identifying recurring themes and
patterns. To address the study's goals, the researchers categorized the
replies into three main categories: perceptual, institutional, and economic.
The researchers were able to interpret how these elements collectively affect
the choice for conventional materials through this procedure.
Instrument
The study primarily used a semi-structured interview guide designed to
collect data directly from respondents involved in public work projects within
Laguna. The guide contained the questionnaires focusing on three main
areas:
1. Economic Factors
2. Institutional Factors
3. Perceptual Factors
Economic factors, including cost considerations, budget allocations, and
market preferences, influence the continued use of conventional construction
materials. Institutional factors, such as the effects of organizational rules,
government standards, and procurement legislation, also influence the
selection of materials for public works projects. Perceptual factors include
respondents' knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to use environmentally
friendly building materials in future infrastructure projects. Semi-structured
interviews offer flexibility and depth in responses, making them a valuable
research tool for examining behaviors and motivations associated with
construction (Ebohon et al., 2021).
Tools
The researchers used several tools in this study to guarantee the accuracy
and efficiency of data collection. With respondents' permission, the
researchers used a smartphone and a voice recorder to ensure that all
information provided during the conversations was accurately recorded. The
researchers also utilized their questionnaires. The researchers were able to
maintain accuracy and dependability throughout the research process by
effectively managing, organizing, and analyzing qualitative data using these
tools.
Digital recording and qualitative analysis techniques enhance the accuracy
and reliability of data in studies on sustainability, according to Villanueva and
Santos (2023). Similarly, Creswell & Creswell (2020) emphasized that
utilizing the appropriate data management systems in qualitative research
enhances the consistency, transparency, and reliability of the results.
Method
This study employed a Qualitative exploratory Case Study design to
determine the factors underlying the continued use of conventional materials
over green alternatives in public works projects within the Province of
Laguna. The exploratory method was selected, given the limited research
that examines this study explicitly in the local context of public works.
Exploratory designs enable researchers to find patterns and relationships at
the initial stages of the development process (Cervantes et al., 2022). The
factors that influence the selection of materials in public works projects are
well-suited for investigation using this design. The exploratory design of the
study aims to identify the fundamental causes of the observed phenomenon.
The exploratory method aims to identify the fundamental causes of the
observed phenomenon. Abdullah and Dziadosz (2021) assert that utilizing
this methodology in research enables the recognition of managerial trends
and behavioral patterns in sustainability-related decision-
making. Consequently, to comprehend the factors of conventional materials
to remain dominant despite the existence of green alternatives, the
researchers employed this design to gather and evaluate insights from
engineers, contractors, and project managers.
The primary method of data collection was face-to-face and online interviews
with procurement officers, engineers, and contractors directly involved in
public works projects. The length of each interview varied from 30 to 45
minutes, based on the respondent's willingness and availability. Before
gathering data, the researchers ensured that every subject provided
informed consent.
The researchers utilized thematic analysis to examine the interview data,
which involved coding, classifying, and identifying recurring themes and
patterns. To address the study's goals, the researchers categorized the
replies into three main categories: perceptual, institutional, and economic.
The researchers were able to interpret how these elements collectively affect
the choice for conventional materials through this procedure. Villanueva and
Santos (2023) assert that employing both questionnaires and interviews
enables researchers to obtain extensive data that encompasses quantifiable
patterns and subjective perspectives.
Instrument
The study primarily used a semi-structured interview guide designed to
collect data directly from respondents involved in public work projects within
Laguna. The guide contained the questionnaires focusing on three main
areas:
1. Economic Factors
2. Institutional Factors
3. Perceptual Factors
Economic factors, including cost considerations, market preferences, and
budgetary constraints, influence the continuous utilization of conventional
building materials. Institutional factors, such as organizational rules,
procurement regulations, and governmental requirements, influence the
selection of materials for public works projects. Perceptual factors include the
knowledge, opinions, and willingness of respondents to incorporate eco-
friendly building materials into forthcoming infrastructure initiatives.
According to Ebohon et al. (2021), semi-structured interviews are a valuable
research method for investigating construction-related behaviors and
motivations because they permit flexible and in-depth responses.
Tools
The researchers employed several tools in this study to ensure the accuracy
and effectiveness of data collection. With respondents' permission, the
researchers used a smartphone and a voice recorder to ensure that all
information provided during the conversations was accurately recorded. The
researchers also utilized their questionnaires. The researchers were able to
maintain accuracy and dependability throughout the research process by
effectively managing, organizing, and analyzing qualitative data using these
tools.
Digital recording and qualitative analysis techniques enhance the accuracy
and reliability of data in sustainability studies, according to Villanueva and
Santos (2023). Similarly, Creswell & Creswell (2020) emphasized that
utilizing the appropriate data management systems in qualitative research
enhances the consistency, transparency, and reliability of the results