Some neglected variables in construction management research contributing to a competitive advantage research approach
Date
2007
Authors
Ireland, V.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
CME25
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
CME25: Construction, Management and Economics: past, present and future (16-18 July, 2007 : Reading UK)
Abstract
The purpose of the research was to identify variables or concepts which have had inadequate attention by construction researchers and practitioners, these being: CMMI, Enterprise architecture, Entrepreneurship, Operational Excellence rather than sustained competitive advantage, PMBOK, Portfolio, PRINCE2, Requirements and Vision. All appear to have relevance in construction. A second purpose was to examine the relationship between the three types or levels of variables or concepts: external competitive strategy of a firm, the business environment in which the firm operates and the internal strategies chosen by the firm to achieve the external competitive strategy. Case studies were conducted on a group of mostly non-construction firms operating in a technology environment. The methodology used included a major survey questionnaire and the use of principal components analysis to clarify variables. Correlations were then demonstrated between the three groups of variables. Minimising cost within a niche and minimising time of delivery, segmenting the market and fit, were shown to be key competitive strategies. All internal strategies examined supported at least one external objective.