[“Skills shortage in PFI (project Finance Initiative) contract in UK”]

By

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

PFI project demand would increase over the coming year, but there would not be adequate requirements to meet it. This report shows that there are still problems exist in PFI scheme as many authors have identified the challenging problems in PFI. The purpose of this study is to conduct a theoretical review of literature relating the challenging problems in PFI procurement route. It aimed to examine the observations of those working in the built environment on the current status of problems in the industry and it also looked at the key areas to overcome those problems. The research method is investigative throughout the objective of understanding the knowledge about related area. This result in to evaluate and analyse the data of the literature to investigate the problems in PFI.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGYVI

Overview of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approachesvi

Research Designviii

Research Paradigmix

Philosophical Framework or Paradigmx

Research Strategy: Secondary Dataxiv

Qualitative designxiv

Search Techniquexv

Quality and Verificationxv

Reliability/Dependabilityxvi

Informed Consentxvi

Confidentialityxvii

Validityxvii

Authentication and Credibilityxix

REFERENCESXXI

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

The literature review revealed that the study of skills shortage in PFI contracts has been in-depth. Limited studies, however, pertain to UK region. Research is focused on PFI contracts. The purpose of this mixed method exploratory study is to examine the construction industry in relation with PFI.

Chapter 3 provides a detailed outline of the research design of the proposed study. This chapter also expands on the elements of the research design, in particular, the research approach of the proposed study. In considering methodology for the proposed study, the researcher considered three approaches. This chapter will expand on these three approaches, including the qualitative approach, quantitative approach, and mixed methods approach.

Overview of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches

The most popular research approaches used to make informed scientific decisions include qualitative and quantitative methods (Neuman, 2007; Polit & Beck, 2007). Differences between quantitative and qualitative research lie in their approach to identification of the research problems and reviews of the literature. The two approaches have different strategies in specifying the purpose, data collection, data analysis, reporting, and evaluating research (Burns & Grove, 2007; Hudacek, 2008; Polit & Beck, 2007). In identifying a research problem, Creswell (2007) claimed that it is descriptive and explanatory for quantitative but exploratory for qualitative research.

Quantitative research uses scientific methods to investigate phenomena and address issues and problems (Davies, 2007; Sanchez, 2007). These methods utilize an objective manner that enhances the reliability of the information and reduces biases (Davies, 2007; Sanchez, 2007). Qualitative research answers questions and explores new knowledge in a natural environment (Creswell, 2007; ...