Figure 3 shows the conceptual framework developed for this research. As mentioned in the introduction section (Section 1.4), the aim of this research is to investigate the resilience of construction SMEs to EWEs. Accordingly, a conceptual framework was developed to represent the theoretical concepts behind what resilience is envisaged in a construction SME context.
In this PhD research, resilience to EWEs is viewed as a combination of the vulnerability, coping mechanisms and coping capacity of a certain SME. It is thought that the level of vulnerability, presence or absence of coping mechanisms, and coping capacity of a certain SME will determine what level of resilience it can achieve against EWE impacts. It became evident following the discussions on resilience and related terminology that these issues are not mutually exclusive, but overlap and are interrelated.
The conceptual framework incorporates the views of organisational resilience as put forward by the likes of McManus et al (2007) and Linnenluecke and Griffiths (2010) and general resilience as put forward by Cutter et al (2008). Cutter et al (2008) viewed the impact of an EWE on a certain entity as a cumulative effect of several key issues in addition to the characteristics of the EWE itself. The level of impact and, thereby, the level of resilience required of the SME will depend on a number of complex and interrelated issues. Accordingly, in this research resilience is seen as a collective effect of
86 vulnerability, coping strategies and coping capacity (see Section 2.7 for definitions of these terms).
The conceptual framework specifically acknowledges the broader nature of EWE impacts that extend beyond the physical boundaries of an SME, throughout its supply chain. As discussed in the Section 2.5.2, SMEs may experience negative impacts of EWEs due to their supply chain partners being affected by EWEs and vice versa. This interconnected business environment is considered important if SMEs are to enhance their resilience to EWEs.
Figure 3 - Conceptual framework of the research
A somewhat similar framework for assessing and improving organisational resilience has been proposed by McManus et al (2007), in which the resilience is identified as “a function of an organisation’s situation awareness, management of key vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacity in a complex, dynamic and interconnected environment”. Their
87 framework for organisational resilience focuses on organisations in general and their resilience to disasters in general. However, since this research is primarily focusing on SMEs and their resilience to EWEs, a somewhat different framework is proposed, especially considering the characteristics of SMEs in comparison to larger businesses as well as the aim and objectives of the research. As mentioned above, the framework addresses the aim and the objectives of the PhD research. This framework will be revisited and further developed as the evidence emerges from the primary research. Further, the theoretical viewpoints behind the conceptual framework will form the basis for the decision making framework that will be developed to enable construction SMEs to assess the risk of EWEs on their business activities and thus provide a source of reference to which they can refer when making business decisions in regard to EWEs.
As mentioned above, the framework presents the theoretical concepts behind how resilience is envisaged in a construction SME context. Accordingly, the conceptual framework seeks to represent how resilience to EWEs can be achieved from a construction SME perspective as opposed to representing how decisions are made in relation to resilience. Whilst the framework is influenced by the findings of studies reporting on the behaviour of organisations with regard to EWEs; such as the studies by Berkhout et al (2004) and Lindell and Perry (2012), it has to be noted that the objective of the framework is different to that of models / frameworks representing the decision making process relating to EWEs.
2.10
Summary and link
This chapter reviewed the literature on SMEs, construction SMEs, EWEs and their impacts on SMEs, the concept of resilience and related terminology as well as resilience of
88 construction SMEs to EWEs. How EWEs can impact on SMEs was discussed, including potential business closure. Evidence suggested that EWEs seem to have a more elongate affect on construction SMEs than on SMEs in other industry sectors. However, construction SMEs was also identified as a sector that can derive positive impacts from being resilient to EWEs. Yet resilience to EWEs was not identified as a business issue that is given due consideration in business decision making within construction SMEs. This was partly attributed to lack of research in the area. On this premise, this study can be identified as a valuable addition to the construction management body of knowledge. Following the establishment of the need for in-depth research on construction SME resilience to EWEs and the need for a novel approach to assessing their resilience, a conceptual framework was developed to represent what are seen as key factors influencing the extreme weather resilience of construction SMEs. Having established the “what” components about the study the next stage is to address the “how” component, by discussing the research methodology adopted in the study. Accordingly, the next chapter discusses the research methodological structure of the study.
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3
CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
Introduction
Literature related to key knowledge domains pertaining to the study were reviewed in the previous chapter and a conceptual framework for the study was developed. This chapter seeks to discuss the research methodological design of the study in detail. The “research onion” model as suggested by Saunders et al (2009) is adapted therein, as the model offers clarity over different aspects that have to be considered in designing a research study. Accordingly, research philosophy, approach, strategy and techniques applicable to the study are detailed in this chapter.