CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Research methodology and design is the one that is retained by questioning the aims and objectives of the thesis. It wholly covers one part after the literature review which generalise the research techniques and approaches for collecting first-hand information and secondary information to gain the results, conclusions and recommendations. It supports in determining the type of research to be attained as per the requirement. The research can be qualitative or quantitative research. Aims, objectives and hypothesis of the project is been used for deciding what type of research to be undertaken. It is the way of deciding which approaches are suitable for data collection from surveys, interviews, questionnaires and secondary data. Ascertained results and reports in the statistical or any other format from the research help us to analyse and come to conclusions and recommendations. In this chapter, data collection types are decides, approaches to data collection are confirmed and also confirming the way of designing the data collection approaches such as sampling the survey, whom to target and what areas should be focused (Naoum, 2009). 3.1 Collection of Data (Quantitative or Qualitative Data) From the chapters above we have determined the aims and objectives of the thesis and also the hypothesis that has provided us with some question that helped to carry out the literature review. After carrying out the literature review for the implementation of ERP in construction industry all over the world we got brief idea about what is ERP and how it can be procured by construction Industry. Now it is time to carry out research which would provide us the view of the individuals who are working on ERP software or the ones who have idea related to the ERP that will provide more support to the research in accordance with quantitative and qualitative information which is the most important part of study of the subject pursued for learning. The research will generally provide us with practical knowledge about the implementation of ERP over the world. The question aroused at the time of studying about the topic can be answered by carrying out Qualitative survey. This would assist us to determine the performance of the ERP in the market and the procurement of ERP by all types of industries and the problems actually faced by them. 3.2 Approaches to Data Collection As per Naoum (2009), approaches to data collections is to be undertaken after endorsing which type of research is required. The approaches are of two types such as fieldwork research and secondary data research. In fieldwork research surveys, case study and problem solving approaches are undertaken and in secondary data collection, statistical and documents are been found to support the research for analysing.

For the study regarding procurement of ERP in construction industry Fieldwork Research would be the most challenging and supportive data collection approach as it will provide us information from the individuals, companies and the contractors implementing ERP. It is undertaken by the help of survey and case study that can provide us first-hand information and gives us results depending on practical knowledge. As per the limitation of the thesis that very few books are available for this topic and as being the new technique and system in management department it is impossible to determine statistical data by the help of secondary data collection.

3.3 Techniques for Data Collection According to Naoum (2009) there are many techniques for data collection such as postal questionnaires, personal interview and sampling. It the selection of one or more which are best suited for your study and that provide sufficient and sustainable information. The techniques for data collection that will suit the study are Postal Questionnaires for interpretations and Personal Interviews that will act as a case study. It would be probably structured interview asked to only the ones whom are related to the topic such as all the works are concerned is with ERP. Questionnaire survey will be forwarded to more than 25 individuals such as engineers, project managers, contractors, clients, construction companies, students, accountants, consultants, etc. As per structured interview, same format of questionnaire will be forwarded to three to four engineers concerned with the topic. This type of data collection techniques is selected as per the above requirements. This is the best way to determine the performance and the problems related to procurement of ERP. As per Naoum (2009) the advantages of questionnaire are that it is economical, speedy and flexible method. The way chosen for survey and interview is via email. As we know in this technological era, internet is in boom and around 90 per cent of population is using this service for communication as being one of the fastest modes of communication. Qualtrics Software is being used to prepare questionnaires for the survey that provide option of selecting answer from many.

3.4 Questionnaire Construction After selection of proper research methods, approaches and the techniques, comes the time for preparation of Questionnaires for the survey and interview. The questionnaire should be related to the topic study such as the issues, problems, ideas, transformations if required etc. In this area we have to first identify the questions as much as possible. Shortlisting questions from the identified questions

as per the importance and formulating the final questions. The questions should be short and with all the details that are to be covered (Naoum, 2009). For the topic selected, the performance and problems faces are the main areas to be highlighted in the survey. The questionnaires for the survey are structured by taking into consideration these two regions on procurement of ERP. It mainly covers factual questions such as the functions of ERP, market awareness of ERP, requirements, success of ERP, training and education for ERP, ERP for SMEs, problem faced in procuring ERP, other management software, comparisons and performance. The questions structures for the survey are shown in Appendix 1. For the personal interview, the questions are generally there knowledge regarding the software, the module which they work, problems faced by them during implementation, resources required, advantages and disadvantages of ERP implementation to their company. And their personal view for ERP. The Question structured for interviews is mentions in Appendix 2.