From the initial date of submission, the assignments should be a day apart. eg Case 2 on July 11 then Case 3 is July 12 and so on and so forth.
Case Assignment 02 Conducting the Case Study
In a 4- to 6-page paper, address the following task:
State a hypothetical conclusion that might emerge from a case study you might choose to do. Now work backward and identify the specific data or evidence that would have supported such a conclusion. Similarly, work backward and define the protocol question that in turn would have led to the design of the protocol question. Demonstrate that you understand how this chain of evidence has been formed and how one can move forward or backward in tracing the chain.
Assignment Expectations
Your 4- to 6-page paper must follow APA formatting and demonstrate clarity, depth, and critical thinking. As you answer the questions posed in this case, include supporting rationale and cited sources.
The assignment will be assessed using the Case Study Rubric.
Required Reading Material
To guide the collection of case student data, the researcher relies on a case study protocol. The protocol addresses the following issues (Rowley, 2002, p. 22):
Yin, R.K. (2009). Collecting case study evidence. In Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Fourth Ed.(pp. 99-126). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Inc.
Gagnon, Y. (2010). Stage 5: Collecting data. In The Case Study As Research Method : A Practical Handbook (pp. 55-68). Québec [Que.]: Les Presses de l’Université du Québec (EBSCO ebook Collection)
Farquhar, J. D. (2012). Data collection. In Case study research for business (pp. 65-83). London, : SAGE Publications Ltd (SAGE Research Methods Database)
Optional
Beverland, M. & Lindgreen, A. (2010). What makes a good case study? A positivist review of qualitative case research published in Industrial Marketing Management, 1971-2006. Industrial Marketing Management, 39(1), 59-63.
Easton, G. (2005). Critical realism in case study research. Industrial marketing Management, 39(1), 118-128. (Science Direct DataBase)
Johnson, P., Buehring, A., Cassell, C. & Symon, G. (2006). Evaluating qualitative management research: Toward a contingent criteriology. International Journal of Management Review, 8(3), 131-156. (EBSCO: Business Source Complete Database)
Case Assignment 03 Action Research Design
In a 4- to 6-page paper, address the following task:
State a hypothetical or actual business problem that might lend itself to action research. Provide a description of the problem and identify what questions need to be answered. Then, briefly outline a plan that includes the action that is proposed to be taken. Briefly identify what type of data would likely result from the proposed action. Describe how you might evaluate and reflect on the data and what action you may consider taking in the next iteration.
Assignment Expectations
Your 4- to 6-page paper must follow APA formatting and demonstrate clarity, depth, and critical thinking. As you answer the questions posed in this case, include supporting rationale and cited sources.
The plan
Successful action research begins with a plan. The plan outlines the overall strategy for how the research will be carried out. Further, since action research initiates action based on findings—the design of the overall research is closely linked and nearly synonymous with the action research plan. Finally, the plan may be iterative in nature, so the design of the research must take this into account.
Often, the difficulty for the researcher is knowing where to begin. A suggestion is to follow a checklist that helps clarify the nature of the problem within the research setting (typically an organization), initial assumptions going into the study, how the data might be collected (and in what form), and finally, any rough idea of what possible solutions may look like. Sample questions for the researcher to consider are:
Since the design of the research and the overall plan are essential elements of action research, the case assignment for Module 3 will provide an opportunity to conceive of and design a simply high-level action research plan.
Adams, J., Raeside, R., & Khan, H. (2014). Research methods for business and social science students (2nd ed.). New Delhi: SAGE Publications. Available on EBSCOhost database.
Coates, M. (2005). Action Research A Guide for Associate Lecturers. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from Center for Outcomes Based Education.
Dick, B. (2014, December 30). Action research and evaluation on line (web). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.aral.com.au/areol/areolind.html (Read “Session 1 and Session 2” links)
Ferrance, E. (n.d.). Action Research: Themes in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf
Harrison, R. L (2013). Using mixed methods designs in the Journal of Business Research, 1990–2010, Journal of Business Research, Volume 66, Issue 11. Obtained from Trident Online Library.
Johnson, B. & Christensen, L. (2012). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Obtained from Trident Online Library.
Sankaran, S. and Hou, T.B. (N.D.) Action Research Models in Business Research pp8-12
Perry, C., & Zuber-Skerritt, O. (1992). Action Research in Graduate Management Research Programs. Higher Education, 23(2), 195-208. Obtained from Trident Online Library.
Centre for Lifelong Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/courses/professionaldevelopment/wmcett/
Ferrance, E. (n.d.). Action Research: Themes in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf
Action research readings
The following readings are required for module three. Optional readings can be found at the end of each section and while not required, may help you understand the material better and be useful to you if you choose to conduct the action research method for your doctoral study. All readings can be accessed in the Trident Online library, unless linked to another source.
Coates, M. (2005). Action Research A Guide for Associate Lecturers. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.open.ac.uk/cobe/docs/AR-Guide-final.pdf . Center for Outcomes Based Education
Dick, B. (2014, December 30). Action research and evaluation on line (web). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.aral.com.au/areol/areolind.html (Read “Session 1 and Session 2” links)
Sankaran, S. and Hou, T.B. (N.D.) Action Research Models in Business Research pp8-12 http://anzsys.org/anzsys03/ran3000072_3.pdf
Perry, C., & Zuber-Skerritt, O. (1992). Action Research in Graduate Management Research Programs. Higher Education, 23(2), 195-208. Obtained from Trident Online Library.
Centre for Lifelong Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/courses/professionaldevelopment/wmcett/
Ferrance, E. (n.d.). Action Research: Themes in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf
Case Assignment 04 Action Research Implementation and Data Collection
The case in Module 4 builds upon your work in Module 3. Referring back to Module 3:
In a 4- to 6-page paper, address the following task:
State a hypothetical or actual business problem that might lend itself to action research. Provide a description of the problem and identify what questions need to be answered. Then, briefly outline a plan that includes the action that is proposed to be taken. Briefly identify what type of data would likely result from the proposed action. Describe how you might evaluate and reflect on the data and what action you may consider taking in the next iteration.
In Module 4, select three different methods of data collection that you intend to use in your action research. Briefly discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Explain your rationale for the method selection, including a discussion of why the data collection method is suitable for addressing the problem or issue under consideration. Further, explain how you would organize and carry out the data collection. Finally, describe specifics regarding how you might reflect upon the data and use it to prepare for taking action with resulting solutions. (4-6 pages added to your case paper in Module 3.
Assignment Expectations
Your 4- to 6-page paper must follow APA formatting and demonstrate clarity, depth, and critical thinking. As you answer the questions posed in this case, include supporting rationale and cited sources.
Methods of Data Collection in Action Research
Action research, in the same manner as case study research, is fundamentally an inductive undertaking that makes use of an array of qualitative research and data collection techniques. Since the objective of action research is to answer questions, reflect, and to take steps to solve problems—it is essential to build a holistic view of the situation and context. Multiple sources of evidence are brought together, compared and contrasted, and assessed in such a way that the specific nature of the problem and required action becomes clear. The specific categories of the data collection effort will depend upon the specific context under study, but will likely include at least several of the following:
Ethics in data collection
A common thread observed throughout Action Research is the involvement of and interaction with people. Researchers therefore have a responsibility to maintain the highest levels of ethics and integrity when interacting with research subjects. A researcher who is using human subjects in research is expected to use the following guiding principles:
These principles are a few of many that are considered by the University Institutional Research Board (IRB). The function of the IRB is to examine all proposed research methodologies for validity as well as acceptable ethical practice. Finally, at no time may research proceed without IRB approval.
Results, reflection, and intention
The qualitative results that are developed from the applied methodology provide significant data upon which to consider and reflect. This is the time to ask again, “What problem is it that I am trying to solve?”, “Have I gotten to the bottom of the issues?”, and “What steps do I need to take as a result of my analysis?” These are questions that require significant thought—hence the focus on reflection within action research. Eventually though it is time to put your findings in action. Principles of project management provide tools to aid in acting upon findings. For example, proposed actions arising from action research data collection may be thought of as a project. They may be scoped out (i.e., deciding what specifically must be done or delivered), planned (who performs the actions, and how and when they are performed), executed or carried out, monitored and controlled through completion, and then closed. It should be remembered however that action research is iterative in nature. When an action is completed—data is once again collected for reflection in order to determine if further action is required. It may well take more than one cycle of data collection, reflection, action plan, and implementation in order to complete the action research activity.
Is action research for you?
Problem-solving is an important skill required of senior managers and consultants. A traditional difficulty of problem-solving is the tendency for management to fail to grasp the totality of the issues under study and as a result, devise a plan that “solves the wrong problem”. Action research is both a research as well as a management technique that has the potential to equip managers with the ability to work with stakeholders within organizations to identify, analyze, and reflect upon problems or known systemic issues—and devise and refine sophisticated solutions. Action research therefore has the potential for the manager to demonstrate both research as well as management and leadership skills in a concrete manner. If you are ready to “get your hands dirty” and demonstrate your intellectual and management capacities—action research may well be for you.
Dick, B. (2014, December 30). Action research and evaluation on line (web). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.aral.com.au/areol/areolind.html (Read “Sessions 3 through Session 9” links)
Ferrance, E. (n.d.). Action Research: Themes in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf
Perry, C., & Zuber-Skerritt, O. (1992). Action Research in Graduate Management Research Programs. Higher Education, 23(2), 195-208.
Centre for Lifelong Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/courses/professionaldevelopment/wmcett/
Ferrance, E. (n.d.). Action Research: Themes in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf
Glossary to Accompany, A Short Guide to Action Research, 3e. Retrieved August 28, 2018, from http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/3853/3946147/glossary.pdf
Zentis, N., (2015, August 23). Implementing the Action Research Model. Institute of Organizational Development. Retreieved August 26, 2018, from https://instituteod.com/implementing-action-research-model/
Case Assignment 05 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH RESULTS
Select one of the interview or speech transcripts created from videos of speeches or interviews from successful leaders in our nation’s armed forces. You are free to select the interview or speech transcript of your choice. Upload the transcript into Dedoose using the upload feature. Take the transcript through the process described in this module making use of the coding capabilities of Dedoose. Summarize your findings including any codes, themes, your rationale, and finally, any resulting conclusions in the form of a conceptual framework. Think of this exercise as a “mini-results” section of your doctoral study in terms of how you conduct and present your findings. Your paper should be 4–6 pages in length.
Admiral McRaven, University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement
Brigadier General Stanley McChrystal: Leadership Is a Choice
Captain Roger Herbert: Courage—Can We Teach It? Can We Learn It?
General Colin Powell: Our Youth Must Be Ready to Lead
General Colin Powell at Santa Clara Convention Center
Taking Charge: 7 Leadership Stories
Lt. General Charles Krulak: The Importance of Integrity
The United States Marine Corps in the 21st Century
Assignment Expectations
Your 4- to 6-page paper must follow APA formatting and demonstrate clarity, depth, and critical thinking. As you answer the questions posed in this case, include supporting rationale and cited sources.
The assignment will be assessed using the Case Study Rubric.
Getting started with analysis
The basic goal of qualitative data analysis is to be able to see patterns in the data that may not be immediately obvious from surface inspection. Getting to this level of insight requires the application of a systematic approach. Such an approach ensures that the data is analyzed at the appropriate level of depth and that the process may be repeated by other researchers. Suggested steps include the following:
Steps 1-4 bring to mind the analogy of the building of a brick wall. At the most fundamental analysis, a brick wall consists of bricks. Likewise, in qualitative data analysis, we have “codes”. When we put bricks together in a certain way—we may see a pattern in the brick. Likewise, we see patterns emerge from qualitative data in the form of themes. Finally, once all bricks are put together, we end up with a wall. In qualitative research, we arrive at a unique combination of themes, built from codes, with “mortar” (in the form of our rationale for expressing the relationships between themes) cementing the themes together in a resulting conceptual framework. In the same way that a brick wall—and the patterns made by the brick—are tangible and visible—researchers typically create a graphical depiction of the conceptual framework. This may be as simple as presenting several text boxes with themes and descriptions linked together using lines or arrows to indicate observed relationships between the themes.
Dedoose
Dedoose (http://www.dedoose.com) is an inexpensive subscription-based software package that provides support for qualitative and mixed-method research. You will use Dedoose in your DBA program. Visit the Dedoose site and sign up for a trial subscription in order to use it for the data analysis conducted in the Case Assignment for this module.
What is going on? The conceptual framework
At the end of our qualitative data analysis, we can expect to examine how the themes come together, how they are related, and what the big picture looks like. In short, the resulting conceptual framework is our view, grounded in the data, of “What is going on here.” This is an essential step in theory building as conceptual frameworks may be refined into theory and then tested. For example, in quantitative research, we take a theory and test it. This is similar to stating, “This is what I think is going on here—and now I am going to test it.” Qualitative research—including case studies and action research—may benefit from a “pre” and “post” data analysis conceptual framework. For example, the researcher may state explicitly how the researcher views the problem or context under consideration prior to the data collection and analysis. The conceptual framework that results from the analysis may then be compared to the initial conceptual framework to clearly identify changes in understanding that have emerged from the qualitative data collection and analysis (Miles, Huberman, & Saldaña, 2014).
How do you know? A word on validity…
It could be argued—and often is argued—that deciding what to code, what to call a theme, and the building of a conceptual framework is a series of activities that are subjective in nature. What then should the researcher do in order to minimize subjectivity and to build validity? One answer is to use multiple sources of data. If multiple sources tend to align in a similar direction, this argues for validity. Also, one suggestion is to begin first with the most tangible data such as pre-existing written records or documents to ground the analysis in realism. Finally, it is always a good idea to use a focus group of stakeholders as a validation step to review the work that you have done in the thematic analysis and provide feedback and revision suggestions.
What does the end product look like?
Research based on qualitative data analysis not only presents findings in the form of a conceptual framework, but also walks the reader through the data itself. For example, the researcher should identify the most common themes, and discuss the thematic findings. Further, it is a good validation step to use one or more direct quotes from transcript analysis to give the reader a “taste” of the type of data found in the analysis. It is also a good idea, in addition to presenting the themes, to describe to the reader how relationships between themes were determined. For example, if a frequency analysis of themes and their appearance was performed, then present it in the final results. Finally, remember that qualitative data is characterized by rich description, graphical depiction, and in-depth discussion. The strength of the paper is not only in the data collection process, but how well the emergent themes and ideas are described and presented.
Gibbs, G. R., & Taylor, C. (2010, February 19). NEW. Retrieved December 03, 2016, from http://onlineqda.hud.ac.uk/Intro_QDA/how_what_to_code.php
Can be located within the TUI Library Sage Research Database:
Yin, R.K. (2009). Analyzing case study evidence. In Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Fourth Ed. (pp. 126-163). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Inc. Retrieved from Trident Online Library.
Gagnon, Y. (2010). Stage 6: Analyzing data . In The Case Study As Research Method : A Practical Handbook (pp. 69-82). Québec [Que.]: Les Presses de l’Université du Québec (EBSCO ebook Collection). Retrieved from Trident Online Library.
Gagnon, Y. (2010). Stage 7: Interpreting data. In The Case Study As Research Method: A Practical Handbook. (pp.83-92). Québec [Que.]: Les Presses de l’Université du Québec (EBSCO ebook Collection). Retrieved from Trident Online Library. Retrieved from Trident Online Library.
Farquhar, J. D. (2012). Managing and analysing data. In Case study research for business (pp. 84-99). London : SAGE Publications Ltd (SAGE Research Methods Database). Retrieved from Trident Online Library.
INTEGRATION AND REFLECTION
Reflective Essay 2 Pages
Prepare a Reflective Essay in which you address each of the following items:
This Reflective Essay is a required course component
Module 6 Home page
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