Discussion Post: An Assessment Of The Doctoral Research Proc

Discussionpostan Assessment Of The Doctoral Research Process Within T

Discussion: Post an assessment of the doctoral research process within the context of the scholar-practitioner model. In your assessment, do the following: · Describe how your particular Doctoral Study might bring about improvement on management or business practice. · Reflect on the most important components of the doctoral research process from your perspective as an independent scholar.

Paper For Above instruction

The doctoral research process, especially within the scholar-practitioner model, plays a vital role in bridging academic inquiry with practical application in business environments. This model emphasizes the dual identity of the scholar-practitioner, who not only generates theoretical insights but also applies these insights directly to problem-solving within professional contexts. Evaluating this process provides insights into how doctoral studies can effectively contribute to management and business practice, while also highlighting critical components essential for independent scholars engaging in rigorous research.

My particular doctoral study aims to enhance management practices within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria by exploring leadership strategies that foster shared value creation and ensure business sustainability during the critical first five years of operation. This research holds the potential to significantly impact business practice by providing actionable insights for SME leaders who seek sustainable growth amidst challenging economic conditions. Specifically, the findings could offer strategic frameworks or best practices that managers can tailor to their unique contexts, potentially leading to more effective decision-making, improved organizational resilience, and longevity.

The influence of this research on management practice aligns with the scholar-practitioner philosophy that emphasizes producing solutions that are directly applicable to current business issues. Executives and entrepreneurs can adopt or modify strategies based on empirical evidence derived from the study, thereby closing the gap between academic research and managerial decision-making. While the study does not promise a one-size-fits-all solution, it aims to deepen understanding of effective leadership approaches, fuel innovation, and contribute to more informed policy and strategic choices within SMEs. This cycle of knowledge transfer embodies the essence of the scholar-practitioner model—producing research that informs practice and, in turn, is refined through practical application.

From a fundamental perspective, the most crucial components of the doctoral research process, especially for an independent scholar, include comprehensive literature review, rigorous data collection, and meticulous data analysis. The literature review establishes the theoretical foundation necessary for framing research questions and validates the relevance of the study. As Suss (2015) notes, developing critical thinking skills through literature review enhances scholars' ability to contextualize their research within existing knowledge, which is essential for producing meaningful and credible findings.

Data collection is a pivotal phase where the researcher gathers relevant empirical evidence. Its quality depends on the researcher’s ability to design appropriate tools, choose suitable methodologies, and consider variables that may influence data integrity (Yin, 2018). For instance, in my study, interviews, surveys, or case studies may be employed to capture the nuanced perspectives of SME leaders in Nigeria. The validity and reliability of these data directly impact the robustness of the conclusions drawn. Yin (2018) emphasizes that careful planning and execution in this phase are critical to ensure findings are credible and applicable.

Data analysis, as an equally critical component, involves interpreting and making sense of the collected data. Employing established analytical frameworks and methodologies ensures the validity of the results. As Yin (2018) highlights, the choice of analytical methods varies depending on the research questions and data type; qualitative approaches might involve thematic analysis, while quantitative approaches may employ statistical testing. For an independent scholar, mastering these analytical techniques is essential to uphold scholarly rigor and contribute valuable insights. Moreover, transparency in analysis promotes trustworthiness and facilitates peer review, which is central to scholarly credibility.

Throughout this process, unwavering adherence to ethical standards, transparency, and reflexivity are imperative. Engaging with established theoretical frameworks and methodological guidelines, such as those outlined by Saunders et al. (2015), enhances the quality and credibility of the research. Serving as a bridge between theory and practice, the scholar-practitioner must demonstrate diligence, critical thinking, and adaptability, to effectively translate research findings into actionable management strategies. These components collectively underpin the integrity of the doctoral research journey, aligning with the overarching goal of contributing meaningful knowledge to the field of business management.

References

  • Bartunek, J. M. (2008). You're an organization development practitioner-scholar: Can you contribute to organizational theory? Organization Management Journal, 5(1), 6-16. https://doi.org/10.1057/omj.2008.3
  • Carton, G., & Ungureanu, P. (2018). Bridging the research–practice divide: A study of scholar-practitioners’ multiple role management strategies and knowledge spillovers across roles. Journal of Management Inquiry, 27(4), 403-417. https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492618775457
  • Klocko, B. A., Marshall, S. M., & Davidson, J. F. (2015). Developing practitioner-scholar doctoral candidates as critical writers. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 15(4), 21-31.
  • Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
  • Suss, D. (2015). T4 MAP™: A scholar-practitioner model for performance improvement. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(4), 49-75. https://doi.org/10.1002/piq.21179
  • Walden University. (2019). DBA doctoral study rubric and research handbook. Available from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/research-aims
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage.

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