A conceptual framework and research method for analysing the performance of construction firms in Hong Kong

This paper reports on an on-going project examining the performance of construction firms in Hong Kong. The discussion will cover three main aspects: The first shows that the conceptual framework developed in this study is an attempt to apply concepts of competitive advantage to the Hong Kong construction industry. The framework is developed based on the integration of market-based and resource-based approaches to competitive advantage. The second part discusses the factors that have been considered in the strategic selection of methodology in the analysis of competitive advantage in Hong Kong construction industry. It is concluded that qualitative data generates from fieldwork based research provides a better understanding on the sources of competitive advantage than the use of quantitative analysis. The third and the last part details the process by which qualitative data obtained from fieldwork is analysed and how the construction firms can benefit from the findings of this study.