A critique of the methodology of building economics: trust the theories

Runeson, Goran; Valence, Gerard de

doi:10.1080/01446193.2015.1028955

Cited by 9 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…However, such use depends largely upon the purpose of an experiment. In addition, the sample selections and analytical methods are important in order to give credibility to reported results (Runeson and de Valence 2015).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is evidenced in his most recent review (Runeson and de Valence 2015) in the Construction Management and Economics journal with comments on poor standard of current research in construction or building economics research. In their review that focused on research on tendering theory and innovations in construction, they cannot emphasize enough the importance of using tried and tested theories and methodologies in progressing science in the discipline, with one of the key advantages being that appropriate research methods would have been established.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In answering the question, this study proposes a direct replication of the bidding experiment in Oo (2007) by replacing its nonstudent construction executives (professionals) subjects with student subjects. Replication, despite its unpopularity in construction management and economics research, has been seen as a key self-correcting force (together with peer review) towards ensuring a high standard in research in the discipline (Runeson and de Valence 2015). Here, the findings are important for two reasons: (i) because they may validate the use of an experimental approach in testing theory, and (ii) because they test the applicability of the use of students as experimental subjects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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On the external validity of construction bidding experiment

2016

CEB

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The external validity of experimental studies and in particular, the subject pool effects have been much debated among researchers. The common objections are that the use of student as experimental subjects is invalid as they are likely to be unrepresentative. This paper addresses this methodological aspect in building economics research. It compares the bidding behavioural patterns of experienced construction executives (professionals) and student subjects through replication of a bidding experiment that aimed at testing theories. The results show that the student subjects’ bidding behavourial patterns, in terms of decision to bid and mark-up decision, are sufficiently similar to that of the professionals. This suggests that the subject pool per se is not a threat to the external validity of the bidding experiment. In addition, the demonstrated practicality of an experimental approach in testing theories should lead to more use of experimental studies with student subjects in building economics research. It is suggested that experimental and field findings should be seen as complementary in building economics research, as advocated in social sciences.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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On the external validity of construction bidding experiment

2016

CEB

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“…Runeson and Skitmore (2008) state that a theory is progressive, i.e., useful, if it generates scientific progress. It is important to use tried and tested theories and methodologies in progressing science in the construction management and economics research (Runeson and de Valence 2015). This paper aims to test the Milgrom and Weber's theory using experimental data.…”

Section: Field and Experimental Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Release of Construction Clients’ Pre-tender Cost Estimates: An Experimental Study

Oo¹

2017

CEB

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Clients engage consultant quantity surveyors or cost engineers to perform project cost estimates before calling for tender submissions. This experimental study examines the impact of releasing the clients’ pre-tender cost estimates prior to bidding on student subjects’ bidding behavioural patterns, and the extents to which their bidding tends to agree with the behavioural patterns proposed by Milgrom and Weber’s theory. The results show that the provision of clients’ pre-tender cost estimates prior to bidding does affect bidders’ bidding behaviour. Bidders with access to the clients’ pre-tender cost estimates prior to bidding, on average, recorded lower bids than those with no access to the estimate. However, the lower average bids do not result in statistically significant lower winning bids. These findings provide evidence in support of Milgrom and Weber’s theory, demonstrating the practicality of an experimental approach using student subjects for testing theories in building economics research. The practical implication is that construction clients would need to consider their information policy on releasing pre-tender cost estimates to enhance efficiency in their procurement for construction services.

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“…Shmueli (2010) points out that 'explaining' and 'prediction' are two distinct terms in statistical modelling. Further, it has been argued that predictive modelling is essential for testing theories which leads to generation of new knowledge (Shumeli, 2010;Runeson, 2011). In addition, Coleman (2007) asserted that prediction is a valid approach to test the validity of a theory against alternative theories.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting the academic success of architecture students by pre-enrolment requirement: using machine-learning techniques

Aluko

Adenuga

Kukoyi

et al. 2016

CEB

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In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of applicants seeking admission into architecture programmes. As expected, prior academic performance (also referred to as pre-enrolment requirement) is a major factor considered during the process of selecting applicants. In the present study, machine learning models were used to predict academic success of architecture students based on information provided in prior academic performance. Two modeling techniques, namely K-nearest neighbour (k-NN) and linear discriminant analysis were applied in the study. It was found that K-nearest neighbour (k-NN) outperforms the linear discriminant analysis model in terms of accuracy. In addition, grades obtained in mathematics (at ordinary level examinations) had a significant impact on the academic success of undergraduate architecture students. This paper makes a modest contribution to the ongoing discussion on the relationship between prior academic performance and academic success of undergraduate students by evaluating this proposition. One of the issues that emerges from these findings is that prior academic performance can be used as a predictor of academic success in undergraduate architecture programmes. Overall, the developed k-NN model can serve as a valuable tool during the process of selecting new intakes into undergraduate architecture programmes in Nigeria.

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A critique of the methodology of building economics: trust the theories

Cited by 9 publications

References 24 publications

On the external validity of construction bidding experiment

On the external validity of construction bidding experiment

Release of Construction Clients’ Pre-tender Cost Estimates: An Experimental Study

Predicting the academic success of architecture students by pre-enrolment requirement: using machine-learning techniques

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