CHAPTER 3

3.1 METHODOLOGY
Methodology is a significant aspect of any research work because it gives the guideline on how
the research issue shall be solved, the data shall be collected and the evidence shall be
analyzed. Creswell (2014) states that methodology is the framework that is used to tie the
philosophical assumptions to the particular research methods, which makes the study
coherent, rigorous, and logically structured. On the same note, the researchers on the research
onion model by Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2019) state that the methodological decisions
should be made in a systematic way starting with the philosophical assumptions and then down
to the research approaches, the research strategies, the research choices and the research time
frames.
In this case, the methodology used was well formulated in order to examine the effects of
Microsoft Project on project efficiency and project success rates in the English construction
industry. Construction projects are complicated in terms of resources and time-consuming
projects that are normally characterized by challenges in terms of time, cost and quality. The
research methodology had to be able to capture these dimensions to enable the measurement
of software impact empirically and be able to ensure objectivity, replicability and
generalizability. The quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was thus chosen, as it
corresponds to a positivist epistemology- the view that the reality can be measured and
explained by observable and quantifiable data (Bryman, 2016).
Besides, methodology is a key factor when it comes to the validity and credibility of findings.
According to Cohen, Manion, and Morrison (2018), clear methods guarantee that readers are
able to determine the validity of a study and replicate its processes in case of the necessity. This
chapter provides transparency and scientific rigor by outlining study design, sampling approach,
tools and methods of analysis.
The methodological framework also solves the problems of ethical responsibility and quality of
research. The study had ethical considerations embedded to ensure the protection of
participants and preserve integrity, including informed consent and confidentiality. Moreover,
reliability and validity tests (pilot testing, statistical reliability tests, etc.) were also added to
enhance the strength of the data collection and analysis.
Overall, this chapter supports the application of quantitative approach and specifies the steps
taken to achieve credible, rigorous, and replicable results. It lays the groundwork towards
generation of significant evidence that directly answers the research aim, objectives and
questions, set in the previous chapters.
3.2 Philosophy and Method of the research.
A positivist philosophy of research is adopted in this study since the research is aimed at
exploring measurable and quantifiable relationships between the use of Microsoft Project and
project results like time, cost and quality. Positivism is based on the ideas of Auguste Comte
(1853), who said that the knowledge should be based on observable, empirical phenomena
instead of subjective interpretation. The field of social sciences and management research
positivism is characterized by the focus on gathering objective data by the means of structured
tools, statistical testing, and hypothesis verification (Bryman, 2016).
Positivism would be especially suitable in this research because the research questions require
evidences on whether or not Microsoft project enhances project efficiency. Positivism as the
research paradigm is most applicable to research when it is necessary to clarify causal
relationships, minimize bias in the study by creating detached results, and demonstrate findings
that can be applied to broader populations, as the researchers emphasize in their research
onion (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill 2019). Moreover, as the proposed study is based on
measuring observable project outcomes (e.g., schedule compliance, cost management, quality
performance), positivism gives the philosophical basis on how to quantify the aforementioned
variables in objective manner.
In consonance of this philosophical position, the research is a deductive research method.
Deduction is a process of proceeding to data: It starts with a known theory, formulates inquiries
or presumptions and examines them based on the facts (Creswell, 2014). Robson (2002)
suggests that deduction is especially handy when one seeks to test the validity of theoretical
propositions in the new context. In this instance, there is available literature on the
effectiveness of project management software (e.g., Ciric Lalic et al., 2022; Hamada, 2023) that
offers a theoretical foundation concerning efficiency, productivity, and project success.
Using deduction, the study will test the validity of these general principles in the English
construction industry where adoption of Microsoft project has received a lot of publicity but
lacked empirical research. This makes it necessary to make sure that the findings are not
speculative but are made based on the well-established project management theories, yet do
not ignore context-specific inputs.
In short, positivism is objectively and quantifiably founded by philosophy and the deductive
approach by philosophy assures that the research proceeds on the basis of an established
theory and methodically verifies it with empirical data. They jointly define a methodological
channel that increases rigor, replicability, and theoretical significance.
 Fig.1 Research Philosophy and Research Approach: Positivism and Deductive Reasoning.
3.3 Research Design
The selected research design of this study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey research
design. The cross-sectional approach is used to gather information at one point in time and is
therefore suitable in assessing the present adoption and effectiveness of Microsoft project in
the various construction projects in the English construction industry. Bryman (2016) claims
that cross-sectional surveys are especially appropriate to use when conducting social science
research in which a researcher wants to examine associations between variables and test some
hypotheses. In this analysis, the variables studied include project efficiency, success rates and
use of software to determine relationships simultaneously.
A survey method has a number of benefits. Originally, it enables the researcher to access a
comparatively bigger and varied sample of project managers and professionals in an effective
manner. It is well known that survey is effective in capturing standardized responses, which can
be subject to statistical manipulation to test a hypothesis (Creswell and Creswell, 2018). This is
consistent with the positivist research philosophy that is embraced by this study where
objectivity, quantification and replicability are stressed.
The objectives of the study justify the selection of quantitative design, as opposed to qualitative
one. Whereas qualitative approaches give in-depth, contextual information about the
experiences of individuals, they are not always able to extrapolate the results to a wider
population (Denzin and Lincoln, 2017). On the other hand, quantitative research emphasizes
the measurement of variables and numerical trends and makes it possible to discover patterns,
correlations and even causal relationships (Neuman, 2014). This renders quantitative research
especially appropriate to measure the performance metrics of the project in terms of cost,
time, and quality which are the major measures of project success in construction projects.

Fig. 3
3.4 Population and Sampling
3.4.1 Target Population
The audience in this research study is project managers in the English construction industry.
These are the people who take center stage in the planning, scheduling, monitoring, and
controlling of projects, and they form the most pertinent group to evaluate the real-world
effect of Microsoft Project. Creswell and Creswell (2018) state that identifying a target
population will guarantee that the study results can be applied to the population studied and
increase the validity of the outcomes. The project managers are the main users of the project
management software in construction and therefore, their opinions are vital in the analysis of
the software-based enhancements in efficiency and success.
3.4.2 Inclusion Criteria
Inclusion criteria were defined to make sure that the data is gathered by informed and
experienced people:
At least two-years’ experience in project management within the construction industry.
Practical work with Microsoft Project in the management of at least one construction project.
These conditions are in line with Patton (2015) who emphasizes that purposive sampling
inclusion criteria must ensure that the participants are information-rich cases, who can offer
relevant, credible and context-specific information.
The research reduces bias that can be created by ignorant participants by means of limiting the
participants to active users of Microsoft Project and enhances internal validity.
3.4.3 Sampling Technique
The researcher used the purposive sampling strategy as a common type of non-probability
sampling strategy used in applied research in social sciences (Etikan, Musa, and Alkassim,
2016). The reason why purposive sampling was selected was that the objective of the study is
not to represent the whole population of construction professionals but instead narrow to the
selection of individuals with special knowledge in Microsoft Project. According to Saunders,
Lewis, and Thornhill (2019), purposive sampling is suitable in the event that the purposive
samples should also have specific knowledge or relevant experience that is vital in answering
the research questions. The random sample, although less biased in terms of selection, would
put a threat of including individuals who were not much familiar with Microsoft Project, thus,
undermining the validity of the results.
3.4.4 Sample Size
A sample size of 50 project managers was determined as the minimum, which would be both
practical and achievable as well as sufficient to provide statistical strength. Krejcie and Morgan
(1970) note that when the exact size of the population is not readily available, the sample
needed to make initial quantitative studies is usually about 50 respondents. In addition, such a
large sample size permits the application of parametric tests of statistical significance including
t-tests and ANOVA, which need to be sound in terms of statistical power to identify significant
differences (Field, 2018). Although bigger sample might enhance generalizability, the selected
size guarantees that the study has a manageable amount of data within a time frame and that
meaningful inferences could be made.
 Fig. 4
3.5 Data Collection
3.5.1 Instrument Design
The data were gathered through a structured, online questionnaire developed and
administered through the Google Forms platform, which is at present highly popular in
conducting academic research since it is free, fast, and offers inbuilt analytics. The
questionnaire has been created in accordance with the research objectives of the study and
was divided into the three main regions: Demographic Information - Demographic questions
were structured in such a way that they captured role, years of experience, organization type
and familiarity with Microsoft Project. The demographic variables are imperative in
comprehending sample characteristics and performing subgroup analysis (Fink, 2017). Influence
on Project Results- Items measured the perceived impact of Microsoft Project on quality of
deliverables, time management and cost efficiency. They were assessed on Likert (1 = strongly
disagree to 5 = strongly agree), multiple choice and ranking scales. This is a scaling technique
which enables a researcher to measure subjective perceptions and attitudes according to Likert
(1932). Problems with Adoption - Items examined technical, organizational, and cultural issues
to implementation, based on current literature about the issues to technology adoption (Davis,
1989; Venkatesh et al., 2003). The questionnaire was designed to be clear, neutral and concise
in accordance with the suggestions of Dillman, Smyth, and Christian (2014), thus limiting
ambiguity and preventing the potential of having response biasness.
Content of Questionnaire (Survey Items)
Title of the Form: Effects of Microsoft Project on Construction Project Success.
Form Description: This survey explores the application of Microsoft project in English
construction industry. The information will be kept confidential and will not be shared unless in
terms of academic research.
Consent
Will you consent to respond to this survey? (Required)
Yes
No
Demographics
Position in the construction industry at present:
Project Manager
Site Engineer
Consultant
Other
Project management experience:
2–5 years
6–10 years
11–15 years
15+ years
Have you worked with Microsoft Project?
Yes
No
Influence on Project Outcomes (Likert scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree 5= Strongly Agree)
Microsoft Project assists in the enhancement of time management.
Microsoft Project enhances efficiency in costs.
The quality of deliverables is enhanced by Microsoft Project.
Project success is enhanced when Microsoft project is used.
Adoption Problems (Multiple Choice Grid).
Technical problems (skills/training deficiency).
Resistance to the use of software in an organization.
Licensing and implementation cost.
Failure to be integrated with other systems.
Do you strongly disagree or disagree with the following statement: FDI allows nations to
develop economically?<|human|>Are you in strong or disagree with the statement below: FDI
lets countries build up economically?
Open-Ended Feedback
What do you consider as the greatest challenges of using the Microsoft Project? (Paragraph
response)
How can Microsoft Project be enhanced to be more useful to your projects? (Paragraph
response)
3.5.2 Pilot Testing
Five participants satisfied the inclusion criteria and were conducted in a pilot test. This pilot was
intended to achieve the following:
Determine wording to ensure that survey questions were well comprehended and not
ambiguous.
Statistically assess the consistency and reliability of items.
The pilot responses were exported into Excel and analyzed in MATLAB.
The script calculated Cronbach alpha, that is, a standard reliability coefficient, of the Likert-scale
items used to measure the effects of Microsoft project (time management, cost efficiency,
quality of deliverables and overall project success). Look at the time of completion and the user
experience, so that the questionnaire was not annoying to the respondents.
Analysis in MATLAB assumed that the Likert responses are numeric values (1 = Strongly
Disagree … 5 = Strongly Agree) and calculated Cronbachs alpha.
The internal consistency was determined using a benchmark of 0.70 and above (Nunnally and
Bernstein,1994).
The pilot dataset obtained a satisfactory alpha value, which means that the items were always
able to measure the desired construct, which is Impact on Project Outcomes.
According to the feedback of the participants and a check of reliability, a number of
refinements could be made.
Unclear technical terms were reworded into readable form and the order of some questions
changed so that they will make sense better.
Before the actual administration of the survey, pilot testing, in accordance with the best-
practice suggestions (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill, 2019), therefore, improved both the
validity and reliability of the survey.
3.5.3 Administration
The questionnaire was provided over the Internet via Google Forms, which is a popular tool to
conduct academic and professional research because of the ease of use and adaptability, as
well as embedded analytics. Online mode of administration has been chosen on both practical
and theoretical aspects.
Firstly, online format allowed reaching many channels, among which were email invitations,
and professional networks like LinkedIn as well as construction industry associations. Bryman
(2016) also notes that by using digital platforms, there are more chances of accessing a varied
and widely spread population, which is specifically applicable to professionals who work
throughout England.
Second, online administration was cost-effective and aided in saving a large portion of funds
incurred in printing, mailing, and manual data entry. According to Wright (2005) online surveys
offer low-cost option without affecting the quality of data gathered hence it is especially most
appropriate in research undertaken under resource and time constraints.
Third, online survey provided convenience to the respondents who could answer at a time and
location that suited them. This is consistent with the Tailored Design Method (Dillman, Smyth,
and Christian, 2014) that focuses on the respondent-friendly design as a key to maximizing the
response rates and reliability of the data.
Fourth, Google Forms was also used to easily and automatically collect responses. The
information was inputted in Google Sheets real-time and subsequently exported to SPSS,
Microsoft excel and MATLAB to analyze the data statistically and reliably. Automated collection
reduces human error in the transcription of data and provides correct datasets to further
analyze (Sue and Ritter, 2012).