FORUM ARTICLE: REFLECTIONS ON MODELLING APPLICATIONS AND ‘BLACK BOXES’ IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH - AN OPINION PIECE.

Abstract

Black Box models are a common method of investigations across many knowledge domains including Construction Management. Grounded in Systems Theory the ‘black box is an indeterminate part of a process of identified inputs creating a set of outputs without necessarily understanding the process of inputs getting to outputs. Some researchers argue that it is better to understand what is going on inside the black box, others are less concerned. However, research is showing that investigating what is inside the black box can incrementally enable better understanding of process, albeit that such understanding is somewhat limited. This paper reviews a recent model developed by the author researching the capabilities needed in construction firms to take climate action in their projects. The analysis of that proposed model highlights the understandable set of limitations of the 3 ‘black boxes’ within the model and offers a rationale to investigate what is ‘inside’ those boxes, accepting the difficulties arising. These limitations to knowledge are discussed and their effect as barriers to more complete understanding is investigated. As researchers we constantly need to question what we do and how effective it is.