Writing for Construction Research

Writing for Construction Research
National Centre for Learning and Teaching,
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CONTENTS
Lit review structure
Resources
Lit review style
Summarising
Review quiz
Flow
Referencing
Annotated bibliography

Advice, resources, and information
about events are available on Stream

March 14: Writing for confirmation
• introduction to key documents & guidelines
• analysis of structure & style of the required report
April 11: Setting and achieving PhD writing goals
• setting SMART writing goals
• strategies for evaluating and maintaining progress
May 9: Presenting your PhD research
• maximising the impact of slides
• using voice and gesture effectively
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August 8th: Responses to student queries
September 12th: Results & discussion chapters for quantitative research
October 10th: Results & discussion chapters for qualitative research
November 14th: Editing your thesis
December 12th: Responses to student queries
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An annotated bibliography is a set of individual
summaries and commentaries of more or less equal
length on literature related to a specific topic
An annotated bibliography is NOT a literature review
This is different from a literature review which is not
divided up into these individual summaries and
commentaries. Instead, a literature review is a unified
discussion of literature related to a single theme. Some
is discussed in detail; others much less so.
It is quite common for students to write an annotated
bibliography, sometimes in the form of a table, as a first
stage of preparation for writing a literature review.

Example annotated bibliography task

Example annotated bibliography entry
Summary
Cooper et al. (2014) investigated causes of failure of products with a high
proportion of steel. They adopted an existing framework of four basic
reasons for product failure (Skelton, 2013): degraded, inferior, unsuitable,
or worthless. They applied this to an existing dataset of causes of failure
of steel products (Cooper & Allwood, 2012). In construction, for example,
steel elements are generally destroyed because they are unsuitable or
worthless for consumers, even though they experience minimal corrosion
or fatigue. The authors also interviewed 12 industry and academic experts
to determine design strategies to address the four causes of product
failure. For instance, for products considered worthless, design strategies
of mobility and disassemble-ability could extend the useful life of steel
components. The authors conclude that knowledge of causes of product
failure should allow designers to use effective strategies to isolate steel
components and economically extend their lifespans. (145 words)
APA Reference
Cooper, D. R., Skelton, A. C., Moynihan, M. C., & Allwood, J. M. (2014).
Component level strategies for exploiting the lifespan of steel in products.
Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 84, 24-34.
doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.11.014

TIPS FOR SUMMARY
Don’t just copy or adapt the abstract of the article. That is
the NUMBER ONE weakness of annotated bibliographies.
Copying or adapting the abstract is plagiarism and, in any
case, your summary should be based on your area of
interest, which will not be the same as the writer of the
abstract.
For instance, as this summary is from a Construction
perspective, it focuses more on steel in buildings and less
on other parts of the article which are based on steel
components in domestic appliances.
Note how very different the summary above is from
the abstract of the article.

Abstract
Approximately 40% of annual demand for steel worldwide is used to replace
products that have failed. With this percentage set to rise, extending the
lifespan of steel in products presents a significant opportunity to reduce
demand and thus decrease carbon dioxide emissions from steel production.
This article presents a new, simplified framework with which to analyse
product failure. When applied to the products that dominate steel use, this
framework reveals that they are often replaced because a component/sub-
assembly becomes degraded, inferior, unsuitable or worthless. In light of
this, four products, which are representative of high steel content products in
general, are analysed at the component level, determining steel mass and
cost profiles over the lifespan of each product. The results show that the
majority of the steel components are underexploited – still functioning when
the product is discarded; in particular, the potential lifespan of the steel-rich
structure is typically much greater than its actual lifespan. Twelve case
studies, in which product or component life has been increased, are then
presented. The resulting evidence is used to tailor life-extension strategies to
each reason for product failure and to identify the economic motivations for
implementing these strategies. The results suggest that a product template
in which the long-lived structure accounts for a relatively high share of costs
while short-lived components can be easily replaced (offering profit to the
producer and enhanced utility to owners) encourages product life extension.
Cooper, Skelton, Moynihan, & Allwood, 2014, p. 24).

Explanation of relevance
I intend to apply the framework for product failure to wooden components
of buildings, which is the topic of the current study. As in Cooper et al.
(2013), I will first gather data on causes of failure, which can then be
mapped against the framework. Like Cooper et al., I also intend to gather
qualitative data on reasons for failure and strategies which could be used
to maximize useful lifespan. This data is especially valuable in a
construction context, since, as Cooper et al. point out, reasons for
destruction of construction components are mainly subjective. Therefore,
I plan to gather data from a broader range of stakeholders, including
architects, town planners and consumers. In line with the Action Research
approach of my study, I aim not only to suggest strategies for
sustainability of building components (as in Cooper et al.) but to
implement and evaluate strategies. (146 words)

TIPS FOR EXPLANATION OF RELEVANCE
Start off with the main way in which this article will inform
or guide your own research project.
Highlight a couple of similarities – e.g. if you will use a
similar approach, technology, measurement etc
Also highlight some differences – e.g. ways in which you
will adapt methods to your topic and context and, possibly,
ways you will build on (even improve on) this study

A literature review places your research in
context and explains why it needs to be done.
Therefore, it typically summarises and evaluates:
• theoretical models
• key concepts (e.g. determinants, strategies etc)
• seminal and recent studies
• relevant findings and their implications for knowledge
and practice
• gaps or problems in existing knowledge
In other words, the literature review creates
a research space which your study will
occupy.

Management of
construction projects
Project risk
Project risk management
Project risk management in
design-build vs design-bid-
build projects
Sociocultural context of
management of
construction projects in
Sweden
Project risk management in
design-build vs design-bid-
build projects in Sweden
Steel use in construction
Use of steel in beams and
connectors
Deconstruction and reuse of
materials
Deconstruction and reuse of
steel in beams and
connectors
Examples of general to specific lit review structure

Excellent rationale for your project.
Relevant links to field of practice.
Effective synthesis of research findings.
A brief explanation of ____ would be helpful. It is important that you
do not assume the reader already knows what you are writing about.
This whole section is very wordy and it’s not clear how it relates to
your research question.
How did the authors measure this? More detail needed on this
crucial point.
This section is purely descriptive. You need to be more critical.
Examples of feedback on literature reviews
from Massey supervisors

Specific elements found in literature reviews
Definitions / explanations
of terms
Discussion of relevant social or
ethical issues / shifts / trends
Summary and evaluation
of research studies
Explanations of relevant
models or theories
Key claims or arguments
Description and evaluation of
approaches / interventions /
techniques / tools / technologies

Examples of lit review style
Researchers have defined xxxx as ____ (Cummings & Gowings,
2002; Pype & Slipper, 2012).
The Z approach is a procurement process designed to …. (Noh-All,
2014)
X is an element of ______ characterised by ____ (Shortt & Sweet,
2009)
In the late 20th century, demographic changes led to a shift in
demand for housing …. . This prompted the development of
innovative, flexible and lower-cost methods ______
(Howse & Flatt, 2005)
Since the passing of the Resource Management Act (1991), there
has been a growing trend towards _____

In the literature, A and B approaches have been the most
influential in the assessment of X (Black & Decker, 2008). More
recently, D approaches have gained attention within the
construction industry in New Zealand (Toyle & Trubble, 2015).
Figure 1 illustrates the components (boxes) and connections
between components (arrows) involved in ____ (Cee & Billieve,
2016). Each component is ____
Models of ____ provide theoretically-grounded predictions of
____ For example, ____
Increasingly sophisticated models such as ___ have been
developed; however, they are typically confined to ____

Proponents of the use of design-build for major public infrastructure
projects acknowledge that ___
Bigg and Little (2004) argue that ___
To deliver cost-effective substructure construction projects, it has
been argued that there is a need for ___ (Lowd & Kleer, 2011).
There are a number of technological tools available to address ____
However, while these tools are effective, practical constraints such
as ____ mean that ____ Devising more economical and user-
friendly tools ______ should allow users to ___

Plugg and Sockitt (2009) found that approach Z can reduce project
time, particularly during procurement and design, and therefore ___
Cobley et al. (2010) investigated the risks of this lack of clarity
regarding the changing roles of owner and contractor during the
design-build process. They conducted interviews with participants at
critical stages during the process and collected quantitative data on
time and costs. They found that ___
Wille and Aweigh (2003) compared the use of design-build and
design-bid-build in small scale infrastructure projects in a developing
country. They found that _____
Leizee-Buoy (2000) found that nearly half of the engineers she
surveyed reported ___; however, the survey did not ask for
information about ___ Therefore, it is difficult to determine ___
To sum up, research about the use of approach Z has reported
positive outcomes for _____; however, further research is required to
explore _____

Create a research space for your study by referring
to gaps or limitations in current knowledge
throughout the literature review
Summarise these gaps / limitations in conclusion
paragraphs at the end of each section
“Build an argument, not a library”
(Rudestam & Newton, as cited in Punch, 2006)
Punch, K. F. (2006). Developing Effective Research Proposals. London: Sage Publications.

Moynihan, M. (2014). Material efficiency in construction (Unpublished doctoral dissertation).
University of Cambridge, England. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.14082
(Moynihan, 2014, p. 29)
Example of a summary paragraph, at the end of a section,
highlighting the gap in existing literature on this specific
issue

Owing to the limited empirical data on the relative advantages and
disadvantages of risk management procedures in major infrastructure
projects, professional bodies have been unable to issue any evidence-
based guidelines for project managers. To date, only one research study
has examined the impact of different risk management procedures on
project outcomes in major infrastructure projects. This study found a
statistically significant difference in costs and stakeholder satisfaction
between projects which used BLAH and those which used the traditional
YADDA YADDA process. However, the sample size was small and restricted
to the aviation industry. More evidence is therefore required to evaluate
risk management procedures in relation to a wider range of major
infrastructure projects, such as those typically undertaken by project
managers at national and regional levels in New Zealand / Aotearoa.
Importance
of the gap in
the literature
shown in the
review
This gap is
the logical
basis for
the current
study
Example of concluding a literature review with
a clear rationale for the current study

Step 1. Find
Step 2. Highlight
Step 3. Reduce
Step 4: Expand

Step 1: Find relevant literature

Subtopic: Communication during design-build projects
(Bo, Qing, Yelin, Mei, & Xiaohua, 2015)
(Brierley, Corkum, & Hatem, 2010, p. 189)

(Anumba, & Evbuomwan, 1997, p. 272)
(Del Puerto, Gransberg, & Shane, 2008,
p. 38)

(Tran, Nguyen, & Faught, 2017, p. 1333)

Step 2: Highlight the key
points

Step 3: Reduce to note form –
and put away the original

(Tran, Nguyen, & Faught, 2017, p. 1333)
Make your notes as much as possible from memory,
so that you can separate the ideas you want from the
original language that you don’t.
Value of regular meetings, timely sharing of user-friendly
data. Need for a communication plan.
My note

(Anumba, & Evbuomwan, 1997, p. 272)
D-B offers potential for improved internal communication
and decision-making among an integrated design and
construction team working to a single contract
My note

Need for clear scope from the outset and communication of
expectations among stakeholders at each stage
(Brierley, Corkum, & Hatem, 2010)
among an integrated project team
(Bo, Qing, Yelin, Mei, & Xiaohua, 2015)
and decision-making among an integrated design and
construction team working to a single contract
(Anumba, & Evbuomwan, 1997)
Risk of miscommunication if the project team relies on the
initial weighting given to evaluation criteria by the owner –
this may not be consistent with the owner’s real priorities or
with the requirements of the project
(Del Puerto, Gransberg, & Shane, 2008)
Value of regular meetings, timely sharing of user-friendly
data. Need for a communication plan.
(Tran, Nguyen, & Faught, 2017)

Step 4: Expand those notes
into coherent sentences that
make them relevant to YOUR
subtopic and developing
argument

In addition to improved cost control, the integration of design and
construction project teams working to a single design-build contract
facilitates internal communication and decision-making (Bo, Qing,
Yelin, Mei, & Xiaohua, 2015; Anumba & Evbuomwan, 1997). However,
there remain significant risks of miscommunication between this team
and other stakeholders, in particular, the project owner. One study, for
instance, found that the initial weighting given to project evaluation
criteria by the owner was not necessarily representative of the
owner’s actual priorities or aligned with the requirements of the
project (Del Puerto, Gransberg, & Shane, 2008). In order to mitigate
the risk of miscommunication among project stakeholders, a recent
study recommends the inclusion of a communication plan, in which
the regular and timely sharing of clear and relevant information
becomes a core element of project design and implementation (Tran,
Nguyen, & Faught, 2017). In other words, effective communication
among stakeholders in design-build projects cannot be left up to
chance; rather, it is grounded in a clear and explicit statement of the
scope of the project at the outset and comprises proactive sharing of
expectations as they emerge and evolve during the course of the
project (Brierley, Corkum, & Hatem, 2010). (198 words)

Unlike classical leadership theories, Situational
Leadership Theory is based on the notion that there is no
single best leadership style; rather, effective leadership is
dynamic and adaptive. Leaders need to adapt constantly
both to environmental changes and the developing needs
of their diverse followers (Brown, 2014). The starting
point for situational leadership is needs analysis. One
approach to needs analysis is to categorise team
members according to their performance readiness levels
(R1, R2, R3, R4). This analysis needs to take account
both of individuals’ ability (relevant knowledge, skill, and
experience) and willingness (confidence, commitment,
and motivation towards the tasks). It is also essential
for leaders to analyse their own leadership behaviours;
in particular, how they tell their team members their
duties and responsibilities, provide guidance,
communicate (listening and explaining) and provide
supportive behaviors. This should allow them to identify
examples of four major styles: telling, selling,
participating and delegating. Their task is then to use the
style which is best suited to the needs of each individual
in their team, according to their performance readiness
(Ronaldson, 2010).
A paragraph that flows
Opening
sentence is like a
bridge between
previous and
new topics
Most sentences
start with
previous topic
and then add
something new
Concluding
sentence

Leaders can categorise team members according
to their performance readiness levels (R1, R2,
R3, R4) to carry out a needs analysis leaders
need to analyse their leadership behaviours
(Ronaldson, 2010). The ability (relevant
knowledge, skill, and experience) and willingness
(confidence, commitment, and motivation
towards the tasks) of team members both need
to be considered. How they tell team members
their duties and responsibilities, provide
guidance, communicate (listening and explaining)
and provide supportive behaviors. In Situational
Leadership Theory there is no single best
leadership style; it is dynamic and adaptive
(Brown, 2014). The four major leadership
behaviours are telling, selling, participating and
delegating. They need to identify the needs of
team members. Leaders should try to use a style
which is best suited to their needs. The
performance readiness of team members is the
key thing leaders need to know about team
members (Ronaldson, 2010).
An information dump
Dives straight
into details
Run-on
sentences and
sentence
fragments
Vague pronouns
Most sentences
are strangers to
what came
before
Random ending

In addition to improved cost control, an integrated design
and construction project team working to a single design-
build contract facilitates internal communication and
decision-making (Bo, Qing, Yelin, Mei, & Xiaohua, 2015;
Anumba & Evbuomwan, 1997). However, there remain
significant risks of miscommunication between this team
and other stakeholders, in particular, the project owner.
One study, for instance, found that the initial weighting
given to project evaluation criteria by the owner was not
necessarily representative of the owner’s actual priorities
or aligned with the requirements of the project (Del
Puerto, Gransberg, & Shane, 2008). In order to mitigate
the risk of miscommunication among project
stakeholders, a recent study recommends the inclusion of
a communication plan, in which the regular and timely
sharing of clear and relevant information becomes a core
element of project design and implementation (Tran,
Nguyen, & Faught, 2017). In other words, effective
communication among stakeholders in design-build
projects cannot be left up to chance; rather, it is grounded
in a clear and explicit statement of the scope of the
project at the outset and comprises proactive sharing of
expectations as they emerge and evolve during the
course of the project (Brierley, Corkum, & Hatem, 2010).
Opening
sentence is like a
bridge between
previous and
new topics
Most sentences
start with
previous topic
and then add
something new
Concluding
sentence

One study found that over half of New Zealand
building projects were still using traditional
procurement approaches (Radley, 2016).
The most common way to do this is to put the author’s
surname and the date of publication in brackets AFTER
you’ve used the information.
In-text citations
Full details of each source referred to in the lit
review appear in the reference list at the end of
the work as a whole.

Allburn, D. (2013, January 24). RMA: Fit for purpose? Retrieved from
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/1004213.htm
Broom, T. P. (2018). Resource management. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Brown, P. (2012). Resource management: New perspectives. Australasian
Journal of Construction, 41(3), 46-68.
Davids, C., & Tomkins, M. (2009). Construction management in New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson Education.
Khan, I., & Chen, T. (2010). Cutting corners: How buildings actually get built. In J.
Johnson & T. Peterson (Eds.), Critical perspectives on construction in the age of
regulation (pp. 102-131). San Francisco, CA: Pilot Press.
Smith, P., & Davidoff, R. (2017). From the ground up: Smart management of
construction in the information age. Central Islip, NY: Progressive Press.
Statistics New Zealand. (2018). Demographic Trends – 2001-2006. Retrieved from
http://stats.govt.nz/demotrends-2018.pdf
References

Smith, P., & Davidoff, R. (2003). From the ground up: Smart management
of construction in the information age. Central Islip, NY: Progressive Press.
(year) title of book
city publisher
In academic writing, most references are to books and
journal articles (See ‘resources’ for links to tools, videos
and presentations on referencing)
surname(s),
initial(s)
Brown, P. (2012). Resource management: New perspectives. Australasian
Journal of Construction, 41(3), 46-68. doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225
(year) title of article
surname,
initial
volume / issue number
page numbers
name of journal
doi number

Imported references need editing

Reference produced by system (by clicking ‘cite’ or ‘export’)
Search result 1
Needs to be corrected to:
Godwin, W. (2013). International construction contracts:
A handbook. Chichester, England: Wiley-Blackwell.

Search result 2
Needs to be corrected to:
Brierley, G. S., Corkum, D. H., & Hatem, D. (Eds.). (2010).
Design-build subsurface contracts (2nd ed.).
Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and
Exploration.

Each chapter of an edited book has its own authors,
who need to be referenced. For example, this is the
beginning of chapter 4:
The actual reference you need for this bears little resemblance to
the one generated by the system:
Peyton, T. F., & Harrison, J. A. (2010). Team structures and
relationships. In G. S. Brierley, D. H. Corkum & D. Hatem
(Eds.), Design-build subsurface contracts (2nd ed.; pp. 45-
58). Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and
Exploration.

Search result 3
No correction needed - except to delete the unnecessary
(09699988)

You’ll see questions on the screen – e.g.
After a few seconds, you’ll be given four
possible answers – e.g.

You need to select the correct answer
by pressing the appropriate square on your
smartphone or tablet.
You’ll receive points not only for correct answers
but also according to the speed of your selection.

• Open kahoot.it
in your browser
• Enter the game pin
which I will show you
in a minute
• Enter your nickname
(and you will see it
appear on the public
screen)
To join the quiz you need to:

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Writing for Construction Research

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