Figure 1: confirmatory sequential research design
In confirmatory sequential research design, the research begins with a conceptual model (a preconceived explanation of or suppositions about the phenomena of interest generally got from conceptualizing, decisive reasoning, and applied reasoning) or a theoretical model (clarifications or assumptions about the phenomena of interest as gotten from systematic literature review or existing theories). The final activity in stage 1 is to break down the model into question-like statements. Stage 2 commences with qualitative data collection in view of the formulated questions in stage 1. The main activity in stage 2 is GT. A GT analysis should be performed on the collected data to produce theories that clarify what’s going on. The theories from GT will provide insights to address the proposed connections and factors in the conceptual or theoretical model. This progression will empower a controlled and centered exploration. It will likewise empower the perception of a particular populace or phenomenon in their natural setting.
The detailed experiences gathered from the interviewees during these long durations provide researchers a rich comprehension of mind-boggling peculiarities that happen inside that particular social climate so analysts can foster comprehension of something other than the unequivocal importance of words, activities, and antiques. This is particularly significant in the construction sector where knowledge is tacit and not explicit. Furthermore, GT gives a huge chance to approve the researcher’s understanding of observations and implications as postulated in the conceptual or theoretical model. The new bits of knowledge that GT gives will approve the researcher’s understanding of the phenomenon of present irregularities that challenge it. If the GT validates the proposed model, then the researcher can move to the next stage; but theory amendment or alteration of the model is fundamental assuming the GT challenges the model.
Validation with theory or hypothesis testing is the next step (that is, stage 3). The hypotheses should be formed as articulations of realities from the changed or approved model in stage 2. Where the model is validated by the GT analysis, the question-like statements in stage 1 are transformed into hypotheses. New hypothesized relationships that conform to the revised model are to be formulated assuming changes were made to the proposed model. The normal techniques for testing hypothesis and theory are Chi-square, linear regression, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, multiple regression, Structural Equation Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence. These methods have been utilized for theory and hypothesis testing in construction management research (Olugboyega and Windapo, 2021a, b; Olarenwaju et al., 2021; Windapo et al., 2019). Validation of the theory or model is fundamental to guarantee that theory being developed is exact, important, significant, solid, generalizable, and has more extensive application. Validity necessitates that the researcher gives sufficient detail to persuade others that the populace has been adequately perceived. The unwavering quality cycles that accompany hypothesis or theory testing give security and consistency to the model under comparative conditions. Reliability additionally gives sufficient setting and subtlety that others will get what parts of the remarkable circumstance are generalizable to comparable circumstances. In the last stage (that is, stage 4), the outcomes acquired in stage 3 are employed to finalize the model or theory. Only the validated hypotheses with empirical backings are included in the model or taken as the established theory.
Confirmatory sequential research design is a method that makes qualitative and quantitative methods complementary through a staggered and hearty interaction. It is a technique that is vital for the future and dependability of construction management studies. According to Dainty (2007), the future development of construction management research will rely on the readiness of its research community to consider qualitative and quantitative research to be integral rather than cutthroat and totally unrelated. Love et al., (2002) noticed that post-modernity and multi-level research methods are fundamental to broadening the extent of construction management. Love et al., (2002) likewise noticed that a powerful research method is needed to successfully address the intricacy and various difficulties in the construction sector. This suggests that understanding the phenomenon that impacts hierarchical, project, individuals, innovation, and interaction performance in the construction sector requires a vigorous research method.
The utilization of qualitative or quantitative methods is regularly not satisfactory to empower comprehension of the perplexing connections that lead to a significant number of the construction industry’s inescapable social and specialized issues. A definite method for tending to these impediments is for the construction research community to supplement prevalent quantitative and case study methodologies with qualitative theory-building methodologies (Phelps et al., 2010). Construction management is a sociotechnical science that requires the use of empirical methods to quantifiably improve on reality to show and foresee its cycles and peculiarities. In any case, without an equivalent accentuation on social, behavioral, and cultural factors to fabricate a thorough comprehension of these peculiarities, the outcomes from experimental and quantitative examinations alone will be constantly lacking (Phelps et al., 2010; Zou et al., 2014). Puddicombe and Johnson (2011) exhibited that a cycle that expands on theory and that utilizes approaches from management research holds a critical guarantee for research in construction management. This large number of contentions make confirmatory sequential research design applicable in problematic situations which require the successful connecting of judgment and investigation. Likewise, confirmatory sequential research design will fill in as research methods for theory-focused research in construction management.