32 Chapter III Research Methodology III.1 Research Design The research design adopted for this study is grounded in a qualitative methodology, chosen for its strength in exploring the nuances of human behavior, organizational culture, and interpersonal dynamics. This approach is particularly suited to addressing the complex interplay of factors contributing to project delays identified in our hypothesis—specifically, the role of employee competencies and engagement, as well as the impact of cultural differences and communication barriers. To systematically answer the research questions and test the hypothesis, the study employs a case study strategy focusing on the Ballard Data Center Project. This strategy enables an in-depth examination of the project environment, processes, and stakeholder perspectives. Through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and participant observation, the research aims to uncover the root causes of delays, identify gaps in competencies and engagement, and understand the challenges posed by cultural and communication barriers. This design facilitates a comprehensive analysis that not only tests the hypothesis but also generates insights into effective strategies for mitigating delays, thereby contributing to the project's success and broader implications for similar projects in Indonesia and beyond. The research in this paper is conducted by following a framework as guidance. Once the business issues are identified, the next step is to formulate research questions and objectives. These research questions guide the study and provide a clear focus for the research. The research questions in this final project may include inquiries about the causes of delays, the impact of cultural differences on project performance, and the strategies to enhance employee competencies and engagement. As Johnson (1997) and Sedarmayanti (2009) suggest, competence is a key factor influencing job performance, and employees' technical and conceptual competencies play a significant role in project success. Additionally, employee engagement, as 33 defined by Kahn (1990) and Bakkar and Scheufeli (2008), is essential for commitment and involvement, leading to improved productivity and organizational success. These theories provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the importance of addressing competency and engagement issues in the context of the data center project. The research design determination involves selecting the appropriate research Figure 8 - Research Design Diagram 34 sample and designing the interview protocols. In this final project, the research sample consists of employees involved in the data center project. The selection of this sample is crucial as it allows for gathering insights and perspectives from individuals directly involved in the project. The interview protocols are designed to collect qualitative data on competencies, engagement, communication, and coordination. These protocols provide a structured framework for conducting interviews and ensure consistency in data collection. In other words, the research design is predominantly qualitative and involves in-depth interviews with key stakeholders directly engaged in the data center project's construction and commissioning phases. This approach is consistent with Creswell's (2013) assertion that qualitative research is appropriate for investigating complex phenomena and obtaining a deeper understanding of individuals' experiences and perceptions. In this case, the goal is to understand the challenges faced by employees and their perspectives on competencies, engagement, and stakeholder communication and coordination. The research sample, comprising employees from various departments and levels of the organization, is chosen purposefully to ensure a comprehensive representation of stakeholders involved in the project. Patton (2002) advocates for purposeful sampling in qualitative research to capture diverse perspectives and experiences, increasing the richness and depth of data collected. Additionally, the selection of participants with direct involvement in the project aligns with the study's focus on addressing project-related challenges. To facilitate data collection, interview protocols will be carefully crafted, drawing on the work of Fontana and Frey (2004), who emphasize the importance of designing open-ended questions that allow participants to share their experiences and insights freely. The interview protocols will cover topics related to technical competencies, project management skills, engagement factors, and stakeholder communication and coordination. Through these interviews, the study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to project delays and communication issues. In conjunction with primary data collection through interviews, secondary data will be collected through an extensive review of literature, including the PMBOK 6th Edition and academic journals. The integration of secondary data helps build a strong theoretical foundation for the study, as suggested by Denzin and Lincoln (2011). By 35 examining existing knowledge on employee competencies, engagement, and project management practices, the study can contextualize its findings and propose evidence- based strategies. The primary and secondary data will be subjected to rigorous data analysis, following the recommendations of Miles and Huberman (1994). Content analysis and thematic analysis will be used to identify recurring themes and patterns in the data. The comparison of interview findings with insights from the literature review will enable triangulation and validation of the results, enhancing the credibility and reliability of the study. The research design comes to a close when a business strategy suggestion is made. Based on the theories of competence and engagement we've talked about so far and the real-world data we've collected, the suggested strategy will include suggestions for how to improve employee skills, increase engagement, and solve problems with project management and communication. The group will be able to follow the steps in the implementation plan, which will focus on avoiding delays and making sure the project goes well. The final step in the research design is to develop an implementation plan. This plan outlines the recommendations and conclusions drawn from the research findings and provides a roadmap for implementing the proposed business solutions. The implementation plan may include specific actions, timelines, and responsible parties to ensure the successful execution of the proposed strategies. By integrating theoretical insights with empirical data, the study aims to propose an evidence-based business strategy that can pave the way for improved project performance and successful project delivery. The research design aligns with established theories and methodologies in qualitative research, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive investigation of the identified business issues. These recommendations will outline specific actions to enhance employee competencies, engagement, communication, and coordination. The final project will conclude with a summary of the research findings and the overall impact on data center project management practices. By following this research design, the final project aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving employee competencies and 36 engagement to effectively handle delays in data center project delivery. The qualitative research methods employed in this design allow for a comprehensive understanding of the contextual problem and provide a basis for developing practical and actionable solutions. III.2 Data Collection Methods In this final project, data collection is essential for gathering the necessary information to answer the research questions and achieve the objectives. The chosen data collection techniques are consistent with the qualitative character of the study and are intended to provide an in-depth understanding of the identified business issues in MS's data center project in West Java, Indonesia. The chosen methods of data acquisition include semi-structured interviews and an extensive review of secondary data from the PMBOK 6th Edition and pertinent academic journals. III.2.1 Semi-Structured Interviews In qualitative research, semi-structured interviews are considered a fundamental method of data collection because it is given the permit a flexible yet systematic exploration of participants' experiences and perspectives (Fontana & Frey, 2004). In this study, employees actively involved in the construction and commissioning phases of the data center project will participate in semi-structured interviews.