Task 1: Problem Statement & Purpose

Research Concept Guide

Liberty University School of Business

V1

1971 University Boulevard

Lynchburg, VA 24515-2269 [email protected]

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Table of Contents

Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 3

General Guidance .................................................................................................................................. 5

Methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Concept Alignment in a Research Project ......................................................................................... 6

Where to Study & Sample Size ......................................................................................................... 6

Assignment Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 8

Task 1: Problem Statement & Purpose .............................................................................................. 8

Task 2: Research Questions & Methodology .................................................................................. 10

Task 3: Research Framework........................................................................................................... 13

Task 4: Final Research Concept ...................................................................................................... 15

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Overview

You have reached this point because you have passed all DSL or DBA core classes, and you are ready to develop a research concept for your Applied Doctoral Research Project (ADRP). As you work your way through this course, you will conduct research and develop the key elements of a viable doctoral- level research project, culminating in an approved Research Concept paper. While your final research concept will be approved by your Research Chair once you start your ADRP courses, the work you put in here will give you a solid starting point and help ensure that you are able to hit the ground running.

You are no longer a student - This course marks the start of your transition from student to doctoral candidate. This is a significant milestone that shifts the burden from an instructor in a course teaching you things you do not know to apply what you have already learned! Your instructor is here to evaluate your work and point out areas for improvement, not teach you how to accomplish each task. You are responsible for reviewing the guidelines provided and submitting work that is compliant with them. When you hit a roadblock or do not understand a particular aspect of your research project, you need to be able to work your way through the issue by studying the problem, conducting further research, and determining the best solution.

The Research Concept paper will be developed incrementally. Each task listed below allows you to focus on one aspect of the research concept and then use the approved tasks to build up to the completed document. It is important that you use approved tasks when you start combining them into a single document. If you do need to make changes to a previously approved document, you need to coordinate that with your instructor. Finally, do not move to the next task in the sequence until the current one is approved. As described, these build upon each other, so working ahead could result in significant revisions!

The following tasks will be completed in this course:

• Task 1: Problem Statement & Purpose • Task 2: Research Questions & Methodology • Task 3: Research Framework • Task 4: Final Research Concept

Submitting your work - This course is self-paced, and you must complete all tasks to pass and move on to the ADRP. Only work on one task at a time and do not move to the next task until the current one has been approved (Grade of ‘1’ Posted). You can submit your work as soon as you complete it, just be sure to email your instructor to let them know that you have submitted a task for review. Research Concept Paper Template All DBA and DSL candidates are required to use Research Concept Paper Template to complete their Research Concept paper.

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To use the template effectively, first open the template document and thoroughly read through any instructions or placeholder text provided. Next, carefully delete the instructional content, ensuring that you don’t accidentally remove any of the structural elements that maintain the template's formatting. Once the instructions are removed, replace them with your required content, making sure to follow the template's guidelines for font, spacing, and style to ensure consistency. After inputting your content, review the entire document for any formatting inconsistencies and make adjustments as needed to ensure a polished final product. When using the template, please focus only on the sections that have been assigned to you for the current task. Do not alter or work on any other parts of the template, as this could disrupt the overall structure or content flow. Your attention should be solely on the designated sections to ensure that each part is completed accurately and in accordance with the project requirements.

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General Guidance This section provides general guidance related to a research problem, research methodology, research framework, study location, and sample size. Please review this information carefully. Methodology The Methodology is how the researcher will study the problem at a very high level, and all research will be conducted using one of the following research approaches. The researcher will need to be able to explain the application and benefits of a Flexible Design using a Qualitative Method. Flexible designs are defined in a general sense as part of the research proposal and following the proposal, the researcher is free to adjust (flexible) the research as is necessary using qualitative tools as described. The choice of research approach is guided by the research problem, purpose, and research questions. An effective way to begin the discussion of Methodology is to start with the sentence: "This study will be conducted with an XXXXX design using XXXXX method(s); specifically, an XXXXX design will be used." The DSL and DBA Programs limit the Methodology to a Single Case Study, which means that your methodology section will begin with this sentence: This study will be conducted with a flexible design using qualitative methods specifically, a single case study design will be used. Research Framework: The researcher should think of the research framework as the 'word picture' for the specific problem statement. Once a person reads the framework and examines the diagram it should be very clear what the conditions surrounding the problem are as well as how the study is connected to the literature. Not all studies will have both concepts and theories and flexible designs, such as case studies, will typically rely more on concepts than theories. Diagram – The research framework diagram should allow the reader to ‘see’ the problem and its outcomes. The diagram should show 1) the inputs (constructs) and how they relate to the actors, 2) how action/information/influence flows between the actors, 3) how the actors are influenced by concepts, and 4) how the outputs (constructs) are determined. Additional research on Conceptual Frameworks will provide a better understanding of this important part of the research project. Concepts – These are commonly held views that are not as formally defined as theories that can be found in the literature that are central to your research problem. The researcher should be able to provide a short ‘descriptor’ for the concept. An example descriptor could be higher job satisfaction, which leads to higher productivity. Follow the descriptor with a discussion of the concept and how it relates to the problem supported by citations. Flexible studies will typically have concepts. Actors – These are the key people groups such as leaders, followers, or customers central to the research problem, as well as the organizations such as the specific business, government entity, or

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school that are central to the research problem. The researcher should be able to provide a short ‘descriptor’ for the actor, followed by a description and a discussion of how it relates to the problem. An example descriptor could be Executive Leaders, Project Team Members, or even ABC University. Follow the descriptor with a discussion of the actor supported by citations. Constructs – These are the constructs found in the research study. Constructs are the broad concepts or topics in a study. The researcher should be able to provide a short ‘descriptor’ for the construct, followed by a description and a discussion of how it relates to the problem. An example descriptor could be Leadership Effectiveness or Leadership Style. Follow the descriptor with a discussion of the construct supported by citations. Concept Alignment in a Research Project The reader must be able to visualize a straight line connecting the general problem, the specific problem, the purpose statement, the research questions, and the nature of the study: General Problem - Overarching organizational leadership (DSL) or cognate-related business (DBA) problem with the existence of the problem supported by current literature (less than five years from your anticipated graduation date). Specific Problem - Problem that is narrowly focused on a specific, selected organization being studied to provide insight into the general problem. Specific wording required (see Concept Paper Template). Purpose Statement - To study the specific problem, thereby giving insight into the general problem. In a flexible design, the goal is generally to explore or to understand. Research Question(s) - The questions that need to be answered to provide meaningful insight into the specific problem. These are not interview questions; they are questions that guide the overall study. In a flexible design, these questions will seek to explain or understand and will typically include words such as how, why, and what. In the ADRP, the candidate is limited to one main research question and no more than three sub-questions. Specific wording is required (see Concept Paper Template). Nature of the Study – The nature of the study describes, the research design, and the research method. The researcher will need to be able to describe why the chosen design and method are the best choice for the research being conducted. Alignment exists when:

• The specific problem is a subset of the general problem • The purpose statement describes a research goal that addresses the specific problem • The research question and sub-questions address the specific problem and its consequences • The nature of the study identifies a design and method that is consistent with the action word

choices in the purpose statement and the word choices in the research questions. Where to Study & Sample Size The Applied Doctoral Research Project exclusively employs a Flexible Design using Qualitative Methods, specifically a Single Case study design. Since the results are not intended to generalize

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(relatedness) to the entire population, a single organization must be used. However, the size of the organization will need to allow the researcher to interview a minimum of 12 participants.

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Assignment Instructions Task 1: Problem Statement & Purpose Using the guide and the Concept Paper Template, develop a problem statement and purpose statement according to the directions provided in the approved template. Each sentence should be supported with scholarly support. Following the specific problem sentence, include a short sentence describing how this problem is related to your degree and applicable cognate. Finally, APA-formatted references should be added for the supporting reference sentences. In Appendix A, you will provide an annotated bibliography for each Reference provided in the problem statement. Your submission will include the following: Title Block

• Last Name, First Name • Proposed Topic

Introduction

• Provide a one or two paragraph introduction to the concept paper.

Problem Statement • General Problem Sentence

o Reference Sentence with Current Citation that demonstrates that the problem exists (< 5 years from your anticipated graduation date)

o Reference Sentence with Current Citation that demonstrates that the problem exists (< 5 years from your anticipated graduation date)

o Reference Sentence with Current Citation that demonstrates that the problem exists (< 5 years from your anticipated graduation date)

• Specific Problem Sentence • Relationship to Leadership (DSL) or Degree Related Cognate (DBA) (Not part of the

problem statement.) • References

Use Appendix A in the Approved Template to provide an Annotated Bibliography for each Reference used in the problem statement.

APA formatted reference (200 words for each Reference) • Description of why this is a credible source (author(s), publication, date) • Summary of the article • Discussion of how this Reference supports the existence of the general problem and the

consequences of the problem identified in the general problem sentence. Purpose Statement

• The purpose statement clearly describes the intent/focus of the study. Submitting your Document:

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You will post your submission using the assignment link as a Word document. Title your Word document as follows: LastName_Task 1 Problem Statement and Purpose_DDMMMYY.docx Send an email to your instructor indicating that the submission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 1 Submitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Once your document is reviewed by your instructor, any comments received will be collected by you in a Change Matrix document. As the comments are addressed, a brief description of the changes made will be added to the Change Matrix document for review by the instructor. A grade of a “0” indicates that updates are needed. Once you have made the necessary revisions, resubmit the document using the same format described above, along with the Change Matrix. Send an email to your instructor indicating that the resubmission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 1 Resubmitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Your instructor will post a ‘1’ in Canvas once the document is approved. That will be your signal to submit the next task.

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Task 2: Research Questions & Methodology Research Questions: Research questions form the basis of inquiry for the study and are used to guide the researcher in addressing the problem statement. Research questions guide in the choice of Methodology for the study. Qualitative research questions are those that seek to understand or explain while quantitative research questions seek to relate or measure. Please use the provided Concept Paper template for additional instructions. Begin with a paragraph of less than 250 words that introduces the research question and relates it in general to the problem being studied. The research question may have sub-questions to be explored (limited to 3 sub- questions). The questions should be designed to solicit in-depth answers rather than a yes/no. For the purposes of the ADRP, the central research question must follow one of the two formats:

o How can the problem of (identify the problem) be solved? o How can (practice or issue) be improved?

The research question is well-developed when it satisfies the following criteria:

o The research question is derived from the problem and purpose statements. o The research question follows one of the two formats provided above.

RQ (Main Question) RQa. (Sub-question) Optional RQb. (Sub-question) Optional RQc. (Sub-question) Optional

Following the list of research questions, provide a detailed discussion of how each question directly addresses an element of the problem being studied. Methodology: The DSL and DBA Programs limit the Methodology to a Qualitative Single Case Study, which means that your methodology section will begin with this sentence: This study will be conducted with a flexible design using qualitative methods specifically, a single case study design will be used. Provide multiple citations from multiple authors to support factual assertions about the function of the design. Reference your problem statement and research questions in demonstrating why this is the correct Methodology. Start by providing a thorough discussion of the research design followed by a detailed discussion of the research method. Your submission will include the following: Title Block

• Last Name, First Name • Proposed Topic

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Approved Problem Statement from Task 1 (Use the approved Concept Paper Template). • General Problem Sentence

o Supporting Reference Sentence with Current Citation o Supporting Reference Sentence with Current Citation o Supporting Reference Sentence with Current Citation

• Specific Problem Sentence Research Question and optional Sub-questions, use labels RQ, RQa., RQb., RQc., etc.

• Introductory paragraph • RQ (Main Question)

RQa. (Sub-question) Optional RQb. (Sub-question) Optional RQc. (Sub-question) Optional

• Discussion of how the RQ and any sub-questions relate to the problem Methodology

• Introductory paragraph • Discussion of Research Design • Discussion of Research Method • Summary • Update the working reference section

Submitting your Document: You will post your submission in the assignment tab as a Word document using the concept paper template. Title your Word document as follows: LastName_Task 2 Research Questions & Methodology_DDMMMYY.docx Send an email to your instructor indicating that the submission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 2 Submitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Once your document is reviewed by your instructor, any comments received will be collected by you in a Change Matrix document. As the comments are addressed, a brief description of the changes made will be added to the Change Matrix document for review by the instructor. A grade of a “0” indicates that updates are needed. Once you have made the necessary revisions, resubmit the document using the same format described above, along with the Change Matrix. Send an email to your instructor indicating that the resubmission was made. Include the following in your email:

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Last Name, First Name Task 2 Resubmitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Your instructor will post a ‘1’ in Canvas once the document is approved. That will be your signal to submit the next task.

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Task 3: Research Framework You will submit the required components for this task using the approved Concept Paper Template. Please use the provided Concept Paper Template for additional instructions. Your submission will include the following: Title Block

• Last Name, First Name • Proposed Topic

The body of the document will include:

• Introductory paragraph • Framework Diagram – The diagram must include all the elements found in the framework

listed below. The diagram should show the flow of information, action, and ideas that lead to outcomes.

• Concepts – The concepts (i.e. higher productivity is related to higher job satisfaction) that are related to your research study and are found in the literature. Use a separate sub-heading for each concept. Lead with a descriptor (short name for the concept), and then three to four sentences that describe how the concept is related to the specific problem.

• Actors – The people groups (i.e. leaders, followers, accountants, etc.) or organizations that are related to your research study. Lead with a descriptor and then three to four sentences that describe how the actor is related to the specific problem.

• Constructs – The constructs found in your research study (i.e. leadership style, intrinsic motivation, etc.). Lead with a descriptor and then three to four sentences that describe how each construct is related to the specific problem.

• Discussion of the Relationship Between Concepts, Actors, and Constructs • Summary of the Research Framework – Provide a brief overview of what was discussed in

this section. • References – Update the working reference section for citations supporting all factual

assertions. Provide citations for each factual assertion in each category. Submitting your Document: You will post your submission using the assignment link as a Word document using the approved concept paper template. Title the word document as follows: Last Name_Task 3_Research Framework_DDMMMYY.docx Send an email to your instructor indicating that the submission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 3 Submitted

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Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Once your document is reviewed by your instructor, any comments received will be collected by you in a Change Matrix document. As the comments are addressed, a brief description of the changes made will be added to the Change Matrix document for review by the instructor. A grade of a “0” indicates that updates are needed. Once you have made the necessary revisions, resubmit the document using the same format described above, along with the Change Matrix. Send an email to your instructor indicating that the resubmission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 3 Resubmitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Your instructor will post a ‘1’ in Canvas once the document is approved. That will be your signal to submit the next task.

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Task 4: Final Research Concept This is a narrative assignment. You will post your submission as a Word document using the approved Concept Paper Template. Use APA formatting for the Word document. Your submission will include the following: Title Page

• Last Name, First Name • Proposed Topic

Table of Contents Research Concept

• Start a new page • Introductory paragraph for the research concept

Problem Statement

• Include the approved problem statement in a single paragraph with less than 250 words. • Citations to support all factual assertions

Purpose Statement

• Include the purpose statement that clearly describes the intent/focus of the study.

Research Question and Sub-questions • Introductory paragraph • Provide appropriate sub-headings • List the approved research question and sub-questions (if used). Use labels RQ, RQa.,

RQb., RQc., etc. • Citations to support all factual assertions

Methodology

• Introductory paragraph • Provide appropriate sub-headings • Include the approved discussion of the Methodology and why it is appropriate for the

study • Update the approved summary paragraph • Citations to support all factual assertions

Research Framework

• Create an introductory paragraph • Provide appropriate sub-headings for each category in the framework • Include the approved framework diagram

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• Insert the approved framework discussion. Use the approved descriptors. • Create a summary paragraph • Citations to support all factual assertions

Potential Research Location(s)

• Introductory paragraph • Develop a list of potential industries, markets, regions, or organizations where your single

case study could be conducted. Explain how and why this is a good choice. Include appropriate citations for all factual assertions.

• Summary paragraph • Citations to support all factual assertions

Biblical Perspective on Research

• Introductory paragraph • Provide appropriate sub-headings • A minimum 300-word narrative discussing the process of conducting business research

from a Biblical perspective. • A minimum 300-word narrative discussing how your research, in particular, will fulfill

this requirement. • Summary paragraph • Citations to support all factual assertions

Conclusion

• Summary of research concept, location, and biblical perspective • Key points of research concept

References

• APA formatted reference for all citations in the research concept Appendix A

• Annotated Bibliography Update your table of contents, introductory paragraph, conclusion, and reference section as required. Submitting your Document: You will post your submission using the assignment link as a Word document. Title your Word document as follows: Last Name_Task 4_Final Research Concept_DDMMMYY.docx Send an email to your instructor indicating that the submission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 4 Submitted

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Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your narrative will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Once your document is reviewed by your instructor, any comments received will be collected by you in a Change Matrix document. As the comments are addressed, a brief description of the changes made will be added to the Change Matrix document for review by the instructor. A grade of a “0” indicates that updates are needed. Once you have made the necessary revisions, resubmit the document using the same format described above, along with the Change Matrix. Send an email to your instructor indicating that the resubmission was made. Include the following in your email: Last Name, First Name Task 4 Resubmitted Course and Section (i.e. BMAL 785-B01, BUSI 885-B01) Your instructor will provide comments in Canvas within six days of receiving your email. Your instructor will post a ‘1’ in Canvas once the document is approved. That will be your signal to submit the next task.