Design science research in lean construction : process and outcomes

Design science (or constructive) research is a mode of producing scientific
knowledge. It differs from explanatory research whose goal is to describe, understand
and eventually predict phenomenon of a particular field. Alternatively, the goal of
design science research is to develop scientifically grounded solutions that are able to
solve real-world problems. In this way, it establishes an appropriate link between
theory and practice, strengthening the relevance of academic research. This paper
discusses the design science approach and illustrates through the analysis of two Ph.D
investigations how it can be adopted in construction management research. The
outcomes and the research process adopted in these investigations are presented. At
the end, some conclusions concerning the outcomes achieved in these investigations
and the activities involved in conducting design science are discussed.