CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.1
Research design
The research was carried out step by step and designed in such a way to know the
effectiveness of prefabrication in Tokha. The proper plan for collecting the primary data and
the secondary data and analyzing it with the methodological frame work was designed to
achieve goal of the proposed study is described in figure 3.1
Problem Identification
Research Questions
Research Objectives
Modes of Data
Collection
Secondary Data
Literature Review
Field Observations
Published Articles
In depth Interview
Published Reports
FGD
Published Journals
Questionnaire Survey
Published Thesis
Data Collection
Data Analysis &
Interpretation
Results & Discussions
Conclusion &
Recommendation
Figure 3.1: Methodological frame work for research
1
Supervisor Consultation
Primary Data
1.2
Study area:
The population for the study was taken from the construction sites of Municipality of
Kathmandu district in Nepal Tokha area. It covers an area of 16.9 km² and has a population
of 99032 as per 2011 National Population and Housing Census. Municipality of Kathmandu
district in Nepal Tokha area is located about 10 km from northern part of Kathmandu valley
at an elevation of 1500 masl approximately from the Ringroad. A simple random sampling
technique was adopted for taking sample from various construction sites at this study area.
About 10% of the total construction sites were selected for site survey. Randomly selected
sample was used for collecting data.
Tokha
Study Area
Figure 3.2: Study area of the research, Tokha (http://lgcdp.gov.np/)
1.3
Data Collection
The following methods/ techniques were implied for the collection of data for the study.
1.3.1 Nature of data
Based on characteristics of observation, quantitative as well as qualitative data were
collected for the study.
1.3.1.1
Qualitative data
The Qualitative Data describes about the qualities or characteristics. It was collected using
close ended questionnaire for respondent households and open-ended questionnaire for
Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interview.
1.3.1.2
Quantitative data
Quantitative data deal with quantities, opinion, behaviors and other defined variables. It was
used to quantify a problem or address the ‘what’ or ‘how many’ aspects of a research
question. They are usually expressed in numerical form, such as length, size, amount, price,
and even duration. The uses of statistic to generate and analyze this type of data add credence
or credibility to it, so that quantitative data is overall seen as more reliable and objective.
These types of data have been obtained from questionnaire survey.
1.3.2 Methods of Data Collection
The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The research data were collected
from the two types of sources i.e. primary data and secondary data. The primary data were
collected from field observation, in depth interview, focus group discussion, laboratory
experiment reports, cost analysis. The secondary data were collected from the different types
of journal, paper, book, thesis and also published by other organizations like in the form of
reports, publications of government reports, and publication, reports of NGOs, INGOs and
UN agencies, reports of FNCCI, Chamber of Commerce etc.
1.3.2.1
Primary data
The primary data was collected by semi structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews,
focus group discussion and field observation in construction sites.
In this study, primary data as questionnaires are collected from 102 respondents among 110
questionnaires distributed. The respondents are engineers, sub engineers, builders,
consultants and client. Total three professional experts gave interview for this study. Two
focus group discussions have been conducted at the construction sites.
1.3.2.2
Secondary data
The secondary data related to this study was collected from the literature review of the
similar studies of effectiveness of prefabrication in various countries.
1.4
Data collection techniques
The original and first hand data related to Prefabrication was collected from the primary
source i.e. public and private construction sites by following means:
3.4.1 Field observation
The selected construction sites in Kathmandu district of Nepal Tokha area were visited and
observed to collect the data directly for field observation. Some checklist was prepared for
the field observations. The field data so collected were fruitful for the proper identification
of the problems in construction sites.
3.4.2 In-depth interview
In- Depth Interview of three people were done to find the problems related to materials
management in construction sites. The interview was conducted to get clear and accurate
answers from the knowledgeable persons of this area. Three expert personnel gave in-depth
interview for this study.
Focus group discussion
Focus group discussions were organized by involving contractor, consultant, client and
others stakeholders to find out the answer of structured questionnaire. Structured
questionnaires were prepared for focus group discussion considering the related problems
in materials management in construction work. Two focus group discussions have been
conducted at construction sites of Municipality of Kathmandu district in Nepal Tokha area.
1.4.1 Questionnaire survey
The questionnaire of this study was designed to get the truthful information about local
practices in managing construction materials in construction projects.
A structured questionnaire was used to collect the massive information for the proposed
study. Total 110 questionnaires were distributed for data collection. Among them, 102
questionnaires were returned. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the questionnaire by
distributing the questionnaire to the selected respondents of different construction sites. The
purpose of this step was to find out the questions are well understandable or not and also to
find out any problem that may occur in filling up the questionnaire.
1.5
Data collection by secondary sources
Secondary data was abstracted from published thesis, research articles, manuals,
unpublished data and the research papers.
1.6
Study period
The study was conducted in the field from June 2020 to September 2020.
1.7
Sampling techniques and sample size
Random sampling technique was used for collecting data. Samples from various
construction sites of private and government project were selected to get more reliable data
for this study. Total 32 government construction projects, 19 residential buildings, 4 private
complexes and 2 commercial buildings were taken for data collection from different wards
of municipality. Questionnaire was preferred for this study work to ensure simplicity and
reliability.
1.8
Data analysis and presentation
In the analysis of data obtained on the research, descriptive statistics were adopted. Mean
score involves assigning numerical values to respondents’ ratings of factors like strongly
agrees 5, agree 4, partially agree 3, disagree 2, strongly disagree 1, the mean score for each
condition is determined as follows
Relative Importance Index =
∑𝐖
𝐀𝐍
=
𝟓𝒏𝟓+𝟒𝒏𝟒+𝟑𝒏𝟑+𝟐𝒏𝟐+𝟏𝒏𝟏
𝟓𝑵
Where, w= weightage given to each factor by the respondent, ranging from 1 to 5
n 1= number of respondents for little important
n 2= number of respondents for some important
n 3= number of respondents for quite important
n 4= number of respondents for important
n 5= number of respondents for very important
A= highest weight i.e. 5 in this study
N= total number of respondents
The relative importance index (RII) ranges from 0 to 1.
The appropriate computer application ie Ms Excel was used for coding numbers to the
respondents’ answers for data analysis. The returned questionnaires were numerically coded
to enter the data systematically and efficiently. In this study, the results were presented in
the forms of tabulation, bar charts and pie charts.
APPENDIX 1: Interview Questionnaire
Research Topic: “Prefabrication Materials And its Effectiveness: A Case Study of
Tokha Municipality Of Kathmandu District In Nepal”
Researcher: Bidushi Poudyal
(This questionnaire is developed for the completion of the thesis of M. Sc.in Construction
Engineering and Management. The information you give as a respondent will be treated
with utmost confidence in line with the ethical requirements of this kind of research. It’s my
request that you give responses honestly and without any prejudices to any opinion.)
Name of respondent: ……………………………………
1. Age
a) Under 18
b)18-45 years
c) 45-60 years
b) Female
c) Others
d) Over 60
2. Gender
a) Male
3. Ethnicity/ caste
a) Brahmin/chhetri b) Newar
c) Buddhist
d)Other
c) Below +2
d) Bachelors & above
4. Level of education
a) Illiterate
b) Literate
5. Current occupation
a) Engineer
b) Off-site Manufacture c) Business
d) Others
6. Current location/ address
Nagarpalika:
Ward no:
7. Marital status
a) Unmarried
b) Married
c) Divorced
d) Widowed
8. Total members in HH
a) Less than 2
b) 2-5 members
c) 5-8 members
d) More than 8
A. Information and Awareness Related Factor
1. What type of materials were used to construct your current house?
a) Concrete block
b) Steel
c) Prefabrication
d) Wood
2. Why do you think that these materials were selected for construction of house?
a) Economical
b) Aesthetic appeal
c) Easy to acquire
d) Durable/ strong
3. Did you consult anyone to use these materials to construct your house?
a) Engineer
b) Neighbors
c) Any organization
d) Media
4. How these materials were transported to your site?
a) Truck
b) Van
c) Crane
d) Produced nearby
5. How long time taken to acquire/ procure these materials?
a) ≤ 15 days
b) 15-30 days
c) 1-2 months
d) > 2 months
B. Technology and Performance Related Factor
1. How do you think about the production method & techniques of Prefabrication?
a) Simple & Easy b) Difficult
c) Not sure
2. In your opinion, how strong do you feel the material that is used to construct your
house?
a) Very Strong
b) Strong
c) Average
d) Weak
3. What do you think about the time duration to construct the house by using
Prefabrication compared to other conventional materials?
a) Less
b) Same as others
c) More
4. In your opinion, how is the method & approach of construction by using
Prefabrication?
a) Easy
b) Difficult
c) Not involved
5. Do you think the Prefabrication can withstand the earthquake and adverse weather
condition?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
6. How do you rate its performance with respect to Aesthetically?
a) Very good
b) Good
c) Average
d) Bad
7. How do you rate its performance with respect to durability?
a) Very High
b) High
c) Average
d) Low
8. How do you rate its performance with respect to Sustainable material?
a) Very High
b) High
c) Average
d) Low
C. Cost Related Factor
1. For which category of construction of housing do you think by using prefabrication?
a) High in cost
b) Medium in cost
c) Lower in cost
2. In your opinion, the production operation cost/investment for prefabrication
compared to other materials are?
a) High
b) Same or equal
c) Low
3. How you considered the transportation cost of prefabrication to your site with
respect to other conventional materials is?
a) High
b) Same or equal
c) Low
4. In your opinion, what is the difference between the cost required for the labor
payment for Prefabrication compared to others for construction?
a) High
b) Same or equal
c) Low
5. How do you rate the economic possibility of Prefabrication compared to other
construction materials?
a) Costlier
b) Less costly
c) Insignificant differ d) Uncertain/ unable
D. Perception Related Factor
1. Are you happy with your decision to use prefabrication in your house?
a) Yes
b) No
2. How do you feel while living inside the house?
a) Happy
b) Safe & comfort
c) Uncomfortable
d) Unhappy
3. Do you recommend the material to others for the construction of their houses?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
4. Do you forecast possibility of Prefabrication competing other materials in near
future?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
5. How do you rate the level of adaptation of Prefabrication by other consumers?
a) Very fast
b) Fast
c) Average
d) Slow
APPENDIX 2: Questionnaire Survey
Research Topic: “Prefabrication Materials And its Effectiveness: A Case Study of
Tokha Municipality Of Kathmandu District In Nepal”
Researcher: Bidushi Poudyal
(This questionnaire is developed for the completion of the thesis of M. Sc.in Construction
Engineering and Management. The information you give as a respondent will be treated
with utmost confidence in line with the ethical requirements of this kind of research. It’s my
request that you give responses honestly and without any prejudices to any opinion.)
Name
:
Gender
:
Organization/Designation:
Signature
1. Which of the following best explains about you and your organization?
a) Engineer/Architect
b) Producer/Contractor
c) Sub Engineer/ Supervisors
d) Another professional category
2. Have you ever heard or known about Prefabrication as a method or materials
for construction of house through any means?
a) Yes
b) No
3. Have you ever used of Prefabrication as construction material in any of your
design or construction?
a) Yes
b) No
Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements with respect to
various factors about Prefabrication as the construction material for offsite location. Please
also indicate the extent of agreement or disagreement on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 indicate
strongly disagree and 5 indicates strongly agree.
A. Information and Awareness Related Factors.
SN
Description (Statements related to
Information & awareness)
1.
Lack of building codes and polices that
allows or promotes use of Prefabrication
2.
Lack of promotion and advertisement of the
Prefabrication as construction material in
the market
3.
With minimum guidance, architect/
engineers and other construction workers
can easily incorporate Prefabrication in
projects in a site
4.
Lack of knowledge, skill and understanding
relating to Prefabrication by professionals,
gov., donors
5.
Lack of courses syllabus related to
Prefabrication in academic institutions &
research
6.
Less information and awareness among the
community regarding use of Prefabrication
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
agree
1
2
3
4
5
B. Technology and Performance Related Factors.
SN
Description (Statements related to
Technology & performance)
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
agree
1
2
3
4
5
Simple & easy in production unit, methods
and techniques using Prefabrication in
1.
construction faster & easier than other
materials.
Can be increase in the strength and durability
2. of Prefabrication since it produces in factory
with full guidance.
Provide comfort Environment with
3. minimization of waste and noise control in
onsite location.
4.
Prefabrication can be used at both interior and
exterior walling in various climatic condition
5.
Prefabrication does not need additional
finishing works
6.
Prefabrication has high water resistance
capacity than other conventional materials
C. Cost Related Factors.
SN
Description (Statements related to Cost)
1.
Technology and methods for production of Initial
production cost in factory is high but in site
Prefabrication is simple, easy and can easily fit
with low cost.
2.
Overall cost saving using Prefabrication is
significantly higher as compared to other
conventional materials
3.
Simple & easy to work with fewer labor in site
4.
Less time duration and minimum labor are
enough for construction of Prefabrication
compared to other conventional materials
5.
Less carbon emission during Prefabrication
production, so it is sustainable material compared
to other materials
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
agree
1
2
3
4
5
D. Perception Related Factor
SN
Description (Statements related to
Perception)
1.
Prefabrication is fruitful to lower budget
people in society
2.
Prefabrication is seen as safety product as
compare to conventional method.
3.
Prefabrication manufacture is a source of
job creation/ employment in the
community
4.
Promotion of Prefabrication in the
vulnerable community by donor spreads
wrong signal in the market
5.
Aesthetically appealing appearance of
building using Prefabrication with respect
to other
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
agree
1
2
3
4
5
APPENDIX 2: Questionnaire Survey
Research Topic: “Prefabrication Materials And its Effectiveness: A Case Study of
Tokha Municipality Of Kathmandu District In Nepal”
Researcher: Bidushi Poudyal
(This questionnaire is developed for the completion of the thesis of M. Sc.in Construction
Engineering and Management. The information you give as a respondent will be treated
with utmost confidence in line with the ethical requirements of this kind of research. It’s my
request that you give responses honestly and without any prejudices to any opinion.)
Checklist for In Depth Interview
1. What do you think about the government approval, building code and polices related
to Prefabrication?
2. What do you think about the information and awareness level of the user or
community toward the Prefabrication as material?
3. What is your opinion about approaches and technology to produce Prefabrication
and use of Prefabrication as interior and exterior material?
4. How do you consider the technical characteristics like strength, density, durability,
thermal conductivity etc. of Prefabrication?
5.
What is your opinion about the investment for the establishment of production unit
of Prefabrication and overall cost for the construction of house?
6. How much time duration will take for the construction of house and availability of
resources like labor, skill, knowledge for the construction in community?
7. What do you think about the perception, recognition and adaptability of
Prefabrication by the government, construction parties, users?
8. In your opinion which of the following aspects need to improve for Prefabrication
to gain widespread acceptance?
9. Any comments and recommendation related to Prefabrication……
Name of interviewer:
Designation & organization:
Signature
2
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