Knowledge management research within the built environment: Research methodological perspectives

As built environment is of major importance to all societies and economies, it
is essential that the discipline advances as rapidly and rigorously as possible. Only by use of
appropriate methodologies and methods of research, the body of knowledge for construction
can be established and advanced with confidence. Research is always executed in context and
it is vital to give careful consideration to the research methodology at the outset of the
research. This paper discusses available research philosophies and methodologies, while
highlighting the main facets of the arguments on their relative characteristics. Issues that need
to be considered when selecting the most appropriate approach and research methods when
undertaking research in built environment context are outlined. In highlighting above, the
paper explains and justifies the selected research strategy for a performance oriented
knowledge management research in built environment context. Social constructionism stance
in terms of epistemological undertakings and idealistic approach under the ontological
assumptions with value laden purposes are suggested together with the deployment of
multiple exploratory case studies approach and triangulation techniques.