Forum #1[footnoteRef:1] [1: Main Forum Question: In general, what problems and successes are you having as you conduct the review of the literature for your project? What web sites and other sources are you finding helpful for your topic? What is your key learning in this module?]
I am having to turn in my second written paper early, as I am traveling overseas for the next 2 ½ weeks and will have limited online access. I revised the title of my research and narrowed the focus based on the feedback that I received from Dr. Wang. With the new focus, I must say that I have not had too much difficulties in finding relevant sources for my literature review.
The new title is: Relationship Between Workforce Diversity and Organization’s Performance and Other Outcomes
I utilized the UT Tyler online journal database for almost all my sources for the paper. I was determined to limit my use of internet sources.
Forum #2[footnoteRef:2] [2: Main Forum Question: In general, what problems and successes are you having as you conduct the review of the literature for your project? What web sites and other sources are you finding helpful for your topic? What is your key learning in this module?]
In general, I have been able to identify the research gap for my topic. I have also been able to find significant amounts of previous research on my topic. The only problem I am encountering is I am not sure I will be able to provide new contributions to the knowledge base, although I see that haptic technology is such a game changer for amputees. I wish it was possible to bring my passion to the research as a contribution because this technology is so important and can save so many lives. I do believe I have been able to find sources that validate new ideas that the other researchers have not considered. I have also been able to make my case on how vital this type of technology is, therefore, building confidence in the importance and significance of the study. In addition, in the research, I have been able to see many of my sources in other journal studies as well. Since there is a small community of these researchers, they build on one another’s engineer findings.
I have found that IEEE Xplore is very helpful for my study. There are so many different journals, conference papers, etc., available at the site that is offering a variety of quality references. I have also found that many engineering magazines and such also have provided much help with my topic as well.
The key learning I am gaining from this module is that a literature review is extremely time-consuming and you can easily get off topic if you do not dial in and focus on a specific area of interest regarding the topic. I am also, learning very valuable and intriguing studies within the scope of my topic.
Forum #3[footnoteRef:3] [3: Main forum asked: The required discussion is related to the peer-review exercise. It is designed as learning-from-peers experence. You need to revise your second assignment based on my feedback first, and 1. Post your revised paper here and identify a peer in the class to perform peer review for each other Peer review need to focus on research topic, literature coverage and analysis and other details more than general comments. Please offer constructive feedback and make suggestions for improvement. You may also challenge the authors by asking constructive questions.]
There are many different variables when dealing with your topic “SME Retention and Organizational Profitability”. I would suggest you determine if you are talking about small businesses or global organizations. Depending on which one you are talking about would have totally different analogy.
Really great job on describing high performing employees.
Any manager or business owner should have the knowledge and fortitude not to paint themselves in a corner. Most larger organizations have a mentoring and coaching program for this reason. To absorb the next level person knowledge. PIJ (Placed In Position) techniques allows for all SME’s to have someone shadow them.
In my experience, if we lose an SME, there will be a temporary loss of production from that position. Everyone is replaceable. Usually, that level of expertise can be found somewhere in the world. Contingency plans are in place for personnel that quit on the spot, or unfortunately die unexpectedly. It happens all the time. Have IT involved so no one can keep a password safe, have an aggressive training, mentoring, and coaching program.
If you set the OE Operational Excellence bar high, most companies can avoid the monetary loss of SME employees.
I look forward to reading your final paper.
Kind regards
Forum #4[footnoteRef:4] [4: Main forum asked: The required discussion is related to the peer-review exercise. It is designed as learning-from-peers experence. You need to revise your second assignment based on my feedback first, and 1. Post your revised paper here and identify a peer in the class to perform peer review for each other Peer review need to focus on research topic, literature coverage and analysis and other details more than general comments. Please offer constructive feedback and make suggestions for improvement. You may also challenge the authors by asking constructive questions.]
Peer Review General Feedback
Haptic Technology
I found your topic on haptic technology very interesting. I like how you provided details of the root word and details of the history of the technology in the proposal. The details of how the technology is utilized was very helpful in giving the reader a better understanding of the technology. The research problem was well written and provided the reader an understanding on where the research gap is located. The research questions are well written and I didn't notice any concern to revise this area. The answers to each research questions was very thorough and provided a lot of substance. I felt "The real iron man" paragraph was a nice touch and fascinating towards the conclusion of your paper. The only question i have is will the amount of history you provided in the literature be applicable to your research paper? Thanks for allowing me to review your well written assignment.
Forum #5[footnoteRef:5] [5: Main forum asked: While you are working on the final paper, this discussion provide you an opportunity to reflect back on what you have learned on research techniques covered in the course.]
Forum #6[footnoteRef:6] [6: Main forum asked: While you are working on the final paper, this discussion provide you an opportunity to reflect back on what you have learned on research techniques covered in the course.]
This course has taught me so much more about research and what is a sound research paper. At first I was apprehensive about writing this paper because I did not think I would have much to say, especially since the syllabus said a good research study consisted on 30 pages. However, after reading the book, I was able to write on my topic and the words kept flowing.
I did a quantitative case study and learned of the pros and the cons of such study. Furthermore, I learned that interviewing is a great way to gain valuable information about a study because it is putting personal responses toward the study and not just statistical data. I feel that this course has taught me how to be a better researcher and know that research source can get outdated and relevant research should be no more than 10 years old from the year in which one is doing their study. I was also learned that it is ok to put the limitations that occurred in your study, and what could be done differently if those limitations did not exist. I was always taught never to show your weakness, but through this class that was disproven and showing limitations actually gives more research to the study.
Although challenging at times, I really enjoyed this class, as it help me expand my knowledge of alternative work schedules and help my explore my passion of employee satisfaction, , morale and productivity. Research takes time and dedication to the topic of study. I have gained more admiration for those who do research for the PHD program. One has to committed to the study in order to take the time to do the appropriate research.