Project Management Grad School Research Methods Class
Project Management Grad Schoolresearch Methods Classgrounded Theory Re
Project management graduate school research methods class focuses on grounded theory research as a methodology. The assignment requires creating 8-10 PowerPoint slides for a presentation lasting 20-25 minutes, excluding Q&A. Students should research scholarly articles, books, databases, websites, podcasts, TEDTalks, YouTube, and other credible sources to support the presentation. All bi-weekly presentations will be uploaded to Teach-Back for course-wide access and are an important component of course participation grades. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19, 2021, in a face-to-face session. Specific topics for the teach-back sections or PowerPoints will be provided in class.
Paper For Above instruction
Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories grounded in systematically gathered and analyzed data. It is particularly useful in fields like project management, where understanding complex processes and behaviors requires inductive insights rather than testing preconceived hypotheses (Charmaz, 2014). This paper explores the principles of grounded theory, its application in project management research, and effective strategies for developing a comprehensive presentation supported by scholarly sources.
Grounded theory was developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s as a means to generate theories directly from qualitative data (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Unlike other methodologies that start with a hypothesis, grounded theory begins with data collection and continues iteratively through coding, categorization, and constant comparison until substantive theories emerge. This approach allows researchers to explore complex phenomena without preconceived assumptions, making it well-suited for dynamic domains such as project management, where organizational behaviors, stakeholder interactions, and process efficiencies are often context-dependent (Corbin & Strauss, 2008).
In project management research, grounded theory helps uncover underlying patterns, develop new models of project success or failure, and understand stakeholder perspectives. For instance, a grounded theory study might examine how project teams adapt to unforeseen challenges, leading to the development of theories about resilience and adaptability in project execution (Charmaz, 2014). By emphasizing participant perspectives and real-world data, grounded theory fosters pragmatic insights that can inform practical project management strategies.
To effectively apply grounded theory in a presentation, students should first familiarize themselves with various sources of credible information. Scholarly articles from journals such as the International Journal of Project Management or Project Management Journal provide research cases and methodological discussions. Books like Strauss and Corbin's Basics of Qualitative Research offer foundational principles. Additionally, reputable online resources, podcasts on qualitative methods, TEDTalks discussing organizational change, and relevant YouTube videos can enrich understanding and provide contemporary examples of grounded theory applied in project management.
For the PowerPoint presentation, structure the content logically, beginning with an introduction to grounded theory, its historical development, and foundational principles. Subsequent slides should detail the methodological steps—open coding, axial coding, and selective coding—and illustrate these with examples pertinent to project management contexts. Incorporate visuals such as flowcharts or diagrams to clarify the coding process and data analysis stages. Conclude with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of grounded theory, emphasizing its relevance for capturing complex, real-world project phenomena.
Given that this assignment counts significantly toward participation, students should ensure their presentation demonstrates comprehensive research, critical analysis, and engagement with scholarly and multimedia sources. Proper citations, adherence to academic standards, and clarity in visuals and spoken delivery are vital for success.
In summary, grounding the presentation in well-supported scholarly research about grounded theory, tailored to the specificities of project management, will enable students to develop insightful, academically rigorous content suitable for a graduate-level class and a 20-25-minute presentation.
References
- Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing Grounded Theory. Sage Publications.
- Glaser, B., & Strauss, A. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine.
- Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2008). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. Sage Publications.
- Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. Sage.
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Sage Publications.
- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage Publications.
- Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2019). The SAGE Handbook of Grounded Theory. Sage Publications.
- Mills, A. J., Durepos, G., & Wiebe, E. (2010). Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Sage.
- Lindlof, T. R., & Taylor, B. C. (2011). Qualitative Communication Research Methods. Sage Publications.
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.