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Diffusion Dynamics of Energy-Efficient Renovations pp 27–48Cite as

Research Design and Methods

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Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Energy ((LNEN,volume 14))

Abstract

This chapter describes the general research design of the study, which might best be described as “computer-assisted theory-building with System Dynamics.” In addition, this chapter describes the specific methods used to develop a quantitative, dynamic simulation model of the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations. The methods used are systematic literature review, expert interviews, causal loop diagramming, and quantitative modeling and simulation. Finally, this chapter provides a critical discussion of the research design.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In a recent article, Schwaninger and Groesser (2008) describe System Dynamics as model-based theory building. The research design of this study was strongly influenced by that article. However, in order to stress the theory building aspect rather than the simulation tools used to implement it, I here consciously use this term to describe the research design employed.

  2. 2.

    Seminal publications on SSM are Checkland (1993, 2005) or Checkland and Scholes (1998).

  3. 3.

    See Jackson (1991, 2000, 2003) for introductions into the broad field of Systems Thinking.

  4. 4.

    See for example Lane and Oliva (1998), Rodriguez-Ulloal and Paucar-Caceres (2005) or Paucar-Caceres and Rodriguez-Ulloal (2006).

  5. 5.

    The following discussion of grounded theory is highly stylized towards its usefulness for this study. See Strübing (2004) or Flick (2005, Chap. 15) and the literature quoted therein for a more comprehensive discussion of Grounded Theory as a standalone research methodology.

  6. 6.

    It reads as follows: How can the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations of (residential multifamily) buildings be accelerated in order to reduce Switzerland’s emission of CO\(_{2}\)? (also see page 4).

  7. 7.

    I am deeply indebted to Dr. H. Gugerli for supporting me in this phase.

  8. 8.

    In fact, I am not aware of any empirical research in decision making of tenants. Discrete choice experiments over a statistically representative sample might yield conclusive insights regarding tenants’ willingness to pay for energy-efficiency in rented apartments.

  9. 9.

    Swiss German consists of several distinct dialects which however are generally not written. Instead, standard german (“high german”) is used for all written purposes.

  10. 10.

    See http://www.maxqda.com for further information on the software.

  11. 11.

    This whole subsection is based on Sterman (2000, 137ff., p. 141).

  12. 12.

    In the System Dynamics literature there is an interesting strain of research investigating system archetypes that aims to find the combinations of reinforcing and balancing feedback loops and delays that constitute the most fundamental (generic) building blocks that make up a larger system. See for example Senge (2006, pp. 389–400), Wolstenholme (2004) and the literature quoted therein.

  13. 13.

    Specifically, VENSIM®DSS for Windows Version 5.9 was used, running on current versions of Windows XP, emulated by Parallels®Desktop 5 for Apple Macintosh, executed on current versions of Mac OS X 10.6 (Processor: 2.3 GhZ Intel Core i5). See http://www.vensim.com, http://www.parallels.com and http://www.apple.com for further information on the software used.

  14. 14.

    PowerSim (http://www.powersim.com), Stella/iThink (http://www.iseesystems.com) and similar software might be just as adequate.

  15. 15.

    See http://www.vensim.com/subscript.html, accessed 28 June 2011, for a more detailed explanation.

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  1. Greenwood Strategic Advisors AG, Zugerstr. 40, 6314, Unterägeri, Switzerland

    Matthias Otto Müller

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  1. Matthias Otto Müller
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Müller, M. (2013). Research Design and Methods. In: Diffusion Dynamics of Energy-Efficient Renovations. Lecture Notes in Energy, vol 14. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37175-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37175-2_2

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