Principio de integridad

The first step in conducting this research involved the selection of the appropriate methodology in order to gather information about the project management techniques used by small and medium sized building firms. Because of the vast geographical area of South Africa such firms were not easily accessible. It was therefore decided to conduct the research in Gauteng. It was also decided to employ a descriptive survey method to gather data. A pilot survey was conducted based on semi-structured and open-ended interviews (see appendix B) with two small contractors to ascertain how accurate and adequate the data collected would be. The pilot survey revealed the need for the research to incorporate a structured interview questionnaire in order to refine the research instrument to assist with the in-depth collection of all the relevant project management techniques and tools that may be utilized by small and medium construction enterprises. These techniques were obtained from relevant literature.

According to Kothari (1995), the major purpose of descriptive research is to describe the state of affairs as they currently exist, including fact-finding and surveys of different kinds. The researcher utilizing this method has no control over the variables as one can only report what has happened or what is happening. Descriptive research is also ideal to investigate causes even when variables can not be controlled. The methods of descriptive research include comparative and correctional methods.

Leedy (1993) further describes the rationale underlying this method as allowing the researcher to judge based on what has happened and what may happen again in future since there is, within limits, conformity and uniformity in life process. Drawing conclusions from one transitory collection of data allows one to extrapolate what is likely to happen again under similar circumstances. Although this is conjecture which can be hazardous it is one way in which to generalize what we see.

On the basis of this, it was decided that a sample of small and medium sized building construction firms undertaking projects related to either civil or building works or both would be selected. Data would be gathered from senior managers of these companies which would allow the researcher to formulate some general views about these firms relevant to the research questions formulated in chapter one. Leedy (1993) supports this methodology by arguing that when one selects from a large sample a well chosen few and then observe with insight, they will tell you more than all the multitudes together. This is the way we must learn, by sampling judiciously, by looking intently with the inward eye. Then from the few that you have, tell us what you see to be the truth.

3.2.1 Data collection method

There are two types of data that can be collected viz: − Primary data; and

− Secondary data.

Primary data are those data which are collected for the first time, hence they have to be original in character, while secondary data are those data which have already been collected by someone else and have already been passed through the statistical process (Kothari, 1995).

3.2.2 Methods of collecting primary data

From the many methods of collecting primary data available, this research used the following types of interview questionnaires:

− Semi-structured interview questionnaires; − Structured interview questionnaires; and

− Open-ended interview questionnaires.

The decision to use the above methods was reached for the following reasons: − As much as interviewing is suitable for quantitative data collection, it is also

very useful when collecting qualitative data; and

− The flexibility of the tool when interviewing the selected sample i.e. interviewing the respondents either by:

− Telephone or

− Face-to-face (Kothari, 1995). Open-ended interview

This method was decided upon because of the need to explore the situation and obtain information which cannot be predicted (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachimas, 1994).

Semi-structured interview

This method falls between the structured and the open-ended interview. The aim of choosing this method is to achieve defined answers to defined questions, while allowing for the further development of the answers provided.

Structured interview questionnaire

Litkowski (1991) states that the structured interview can be conducted either through face-to-face or by telephone. The researcher asks the same questions of numerous individuals representing numerous organizations in a precise manner, offering the interviewees the same set of possible responses.

3.2.3 Research approach to the structured interview

It was decided to incorporate a model of project management phases, distilled from the relevant literature reviewed into the structured interview. This allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the application of project management techniques based on the responses provided.

It was stated in the literature review that project management techniques differ from one project to the next depending upon the nature, complexity and cost of the project. Detailed information on project management techniques was provided in the literature review and will be used in the model below (Healy, 1997):

− Initiation phase is when the project is identified and its feasibility tested; − Design or planning phase is when the drawings and specifications for the

project are prepared;

− Implementation or construction phase is when the building is physically being constructed; and

− Handover or close out phase is when the completed structure is handed back to the client.