Computer aided analysis of qualitative data in construction management research

Historically, most published research in construction management topics has been based on quantitative methods. Recent debate within the construction management research community has focused concerns on the appropriateness of quantitative methods for investigation into social aspects of the subject. In this paper, two contributory factors behind the historical reliance on quantitative or positivist methods are addressed: the practical difficulties in analysing large amounts of unstructured data within sensible time-scales; and wider issues concerning the perceived rigour, depth of understanding, consistency and methodological transparency of qualitative analytical techniques. An interesting new dimension to qualitative research methodologies is the use of computer software to aid the textual analysis of ethnographic data. This paper is a reflexive example of the use of a computer-aided method in the analysis of a 'Grounded Theory' study, within industrial organizations with commercial objectives. It is concluded that, whilst computer aided analysis does not provide a definitive solution to the wider acceptance of qualitative research methods in the field, it offers considerable potential for construction management research projects which are undertaken within defined time and resource constraints.