Construction management research at the interface of design and explanatory science

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize construction management research at the interface of explanatory science and design science.

Design/methodology/approach

The dual nature of construction management research is analyzed by relating this field of research to natural science, design science and its interface. Research at the interface of explanatory science and design science is characterized by identifying studies published on this interface in high quality construction management journals.

Findings

Research at this interface should focus on technological rules developed through testing in practical contexts as in design science as well as grounding in the explanatory sciences. The nature of testing technological rules is highly similar to the replication logic recommended for comparative case studies.

Research limitations/implications

Developing and testing technological rules combines the design science and the explanatory science mode of knowledge production in construction management research, while it also respects some of the methodological differences between the two modes.

Originality/value

Developing and testing technological rules is the common ground on which research in construction management practice and research can meet and reduce the relevance gap between science and the world of practice.

Citation

Voordijk, H. (2011), "Construction management research at the interface of design and explanatory science", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 334-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981111145790