Do focus groups contribute anything to the contingent valuation process?

The qualitative aspects of the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) are largely ignored by (environmental) economists. This paper aims to instigate a discussion on (a) the usefulness of qualitative data to the contingent valuation process in general; and (b) the use and applicability of the focus group method in particular. We consider the range and uses of focus groups within the CVM and highlight problems with their analysis that have, to date, largely been ignored. A potential solution to circumvent the problem of non-independence of group data is suggested. While there are several distinct and worthwhile uses for qualitative data, focus groups should not automatically be taken as the only or best method to produce these insights even though they are the major one considered in this article. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Change in UK construction: Moving towards supply chain collaboration

There has been an increasing highlight of supply chain collaboration in UK construction. However, few studies have provided evidence for the current status. Based on the analysis of over 100 questionnaire responses in this research, it is found that the UK construction industry as a whole is experiencing an important change and moving towards supply chain collaboration. On the other hand, an unbalance is found for the change movement. In addition to the questionnaire survey, a series of expert interviews help to explore the specific characteristics of supply chain collaboration in construction and provide practical implications for collaboration strategy implementation.