Qualitative and Quantitative Perspectives in Conducting Research Essay

Qualitative and Quantitative Perspectives in Conducting Research - Essay Example There is a relevant connection that exists between qualitative and quantitative approaches as far as research in social science is concerned and the relationship has been empirically and theoretically demonstrated by many researchers that have dealt with different issues(Ragin, 2008). The recent years have been saturated with widespread debate within the social sciences that is associated with the relative advantages in respect to qualitative and quantitative strategies for research, and the opinions different researchers have vary significantly. There is a section that considers the two methods to be totally independent and in relation to the unconventionalideas, there is a section that prefers to blend both approaches in their research activities. Bryman (1998) advocated an approach that would entail the best parts of both approaches and was therefore of the opinion that both qualitative as well as quantitative approaches should be combined.`According to Niglas (2000), none of the variations that are in existence between quantitative and qualitative methodologies are the form of diametric contradictory practices but instead constitute a continuous scale which qualitative and quantitative research are not arranged in a manner that is basic. Secondly, there still exists quite a good number of researchers that are inclined towards the qualitative approach who take a realist ontological position and quantitative researchers whose ontological position is associated with idealism and relativism that associated with realism.

Oriented Programming and Software Engineering Essay

Oriented Programming and Software Engineering - Essay Example According to Lock (2007), excusable delays are delays that are beyond control of both the owner and the contractors. Excusable delays are caused by natural and man-made calamities such as severe weather, fires and floods as well as transport delays and labour strikes that are beyond control of both the project owner and the contractor. Concurrent delays are project delays arising from delaying two or more projects within a specified time frame and are caused by contractor or owners events. The aggrieved party can claim damages from the other. Compensable delays are project delays that require one party to the contract to demand damages from the party that caused the delays. Damages are paid due to increased project costs caused by increased crew size and cost of raw materials as well as loss of productivity as a result of interrupted work sequence. The effects of projects delays include increased cost of the projects; deny owner and contractors other business opportunities and cause tempers (Assaf and Al-Hejji 2009). Time management techniques that this research will address include critical path method, non-delay approach, precedence requirement, optimal timing and project crashing (Mishra and Soota 2006). 4.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT Assaf and Al-Hejji (2006) ascertained that 70 percent of construction projects in Saudi Arabia experience time overruns. According to Levy (2009), project delays result in increased cost of the project, dissatisfaction, lost opportunities and escalated tempers. It also dampens reputation of the contractor and may negatively influence future awards of projects. The cost of delays is significant to both the contractor and the owner. Increased in cost of delayed project is attributed to escalating cost of construction materials, equipment and office rental, and labour because project cost are time related. Therefore, there is need to minimise construction projects delays 4.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH First, the research will provide insight into the causes and effects of project delays and recommends how project delays can be reduced. Therefore, it will be helpful to experts in construction industry. Secondly, findings of the research will form the basis of literature review for scholars who will find it useful in their future study of the industry. Thirdly, it will increase my understanding and insight in construction projects. 5.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS What are critical factors that delay projects? What are the effects of activity delays in project management? Which time management techniques promote time execution of project tasks? 6.0 DATA COLLECTION 6.1 DATA COLLECTION METHODOLOGY Primary data will be collected to identify factors and assess effects of time delays in construction projects as well as assess various time management techniques. Three research assistants will be engaged in distribution and collection of data. Data will be collected from project locations. The whole research will take a hundred and twent y days. 6.2 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT (QUESTIONNAIRE) 6.2.1 QUESTIONNAIRE CONSTRUCTION The questionnaire will be developed to obtain