task 3

Applied Doctoral Research Project – Concept Paper

(Single Case Study)

Liberty University, School of Business

Date

Table of Contents Foundation of the Study 1 Problem Statement 1 Purpose Statement 2 Research Question and Sub-questions 3 Methodology 4 Discussion of Research Design 4 Discussion of Research Method 4 Summary 5 Research Framework 5 Research Framework Diagram 5 Concepts 5 Actors 6 Constructs 6 Relationships Between Concepts, Actors, and Constructs 6 Summary of the Research Framework 7 Potential Research Location 7 Summary of Potential Research Locations 7 Biblical Perspective on Research 7 Conducting Business Research from a Biblical Perspective 7 Personal Perspective 7 Summary of Biblical Perspectives on Research 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 Appendix A: Annotated Bibliography 10

The problem statement should be clear and concise and presented in a single paragraph with less than 250 words. Only primary scholarly sources published within 5 years of your anticipated graduation date may be used in this section. The first sentence must begin with, “The general problem to be addressed is... (insert problem)”, and include consequences that arise from the problem, “... resulting in... (insert the consequences of the problem)”. The general problem sentence must be an overarching problem clearly related to the candidate’s degree/cognate that can be proven to exist based on multiple current (within five years) sources from the literature. The consequences should provide a broad but clear statement regarding the negative outcomes that result from the existence of the general problem. (i.e., The general problem to be addressed is the challenges leaders face gaining employee support for new initiatives resulting in the inability of organizations to make critical changes.) Next, the researcher will provide current literature support for the assertions made in the general problem sentence from primary scholarly sources published within five years of your anticipated graduation date. The candidate must demonstrate that the problem does exist supported by scholarly sources. Refrain from providing background on the problem, solving the problem, or providing recommendations on how to solve the problem. The goal of the problem statement is to demonstrate that the problem exists and because of the problem, consequences are happening. (i.e., Smith (2024) stated that many high-level leaders struggle with effectively projecting an engaging vision for a new initiative which makes it difficult to gain employee buy-in.) The problem statement must end with, “The specific problem to be addressed is the potential (insert narrowly focused problem) ... within the selected single case study organization possibly resulting in… (insert potential consequences of the problem)”. The specific problem sentence must be a narrowly focused subset of the general problem that is practical to study within the constraints of the program. It is important to note that the specific problem might not have been demonstrated to exist in the narrowly focused area. Using words like possible or potential in the specific problem sentence helps avoid bias. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): The general problem sentence must be an overarching problem clearly related to the candidate’s degree/cognate. Here is some additional guidance on specific problem statement development. The specific problem sentence must mirror the general problem statement with the following exceptions: It must be a narrowly focused subset of the general problem that is practical to study within the constraints of the program. It is important to note that the specific problem might not have been demonstrated to exist in the narrowly focused area. Using words like possible or potential in the specific problem sentence helps avoid bias. General Problem Statement Example: The general problem to be addressed is the challenges leaders face gaining employee support for new initiatives resulting in the inability of organizations to make critical changes Specific Problem Statement Example: The specific problem to be addressed is the potential challenges leaders in the retail industry within the selected single case organization face gaining employee support for new product development initiatives resulting in the possible inability of the organization to carry out critical product line changes. The verbiage "within the selected single case organization" must be included. *Words bolded for emphasis only. Identify the specific organization (if known) or industry, i.e., financial sector. If you do not have an organization in mind at this time, what industry sector are you targeting, i.e., finance, manufacturing, or service? *The results of not addressing the problem should be the same in both problem statements.

Specific Problem Statement Example: The specific problem to be addressed is the possible challenges leaders in the retail industry within the selected single case organization face gaining employee support for new product development initiatives resulting in the possible inability of the organization to carry out critical product line changes. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Do not use this instructional text in your paper. It was used as instructional text to show you how to develop your specific problem statement.

Relationship to Leadership (DSL) or Degree Related Cognate (DBA) (Not part of the problem statement.) Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Explain how your study is related to your cognate and degree in one sentence <40 words. Begin with “This proposed research concept is related to the [identify cognate here] cognate because it focuses on…..” Do not forget to identify your cognate, i.e., leadership, supply chain management, logistics, healthcare management, etc. Do not use a heading here. This is exempt from the following guidance: paragraphs should be at least four to seven sentences in length.

The purpose statement clearly describes the intent/focus of the study. Simply put, the purpose of the study is to extend the current body of knowledge to a specific context identified in the general and specific problems through answering the research question and sub-questions. The research project will essentially fill a gap where knowledge is missing. The study must rest solidly on the foundation provided by the existing body of knowledge and be clearly connected to it.

The purpose statement should be a single paragraph with less than 250 words and should include the specific design of study (i.e., qualitative single case study) being conducted. The purpose statement should include descriptive words such as “explore” or “understand.” The purpose statement must begin with, “The purpose of this qualitative single case study is to...”.

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.

Begin with a paragraph of less than 250 words that introduces the research question and sub-questions and relates them in general to the problem being studied. There is only one main research question. The research question may have sub-questions to be explored (no more than 3). 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:

· How can the problem of (identify the problem) be solved?

· How can (practice or issue) be improved?

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

· The research question is derived from the problem and purpose statements.

· The research question follows one of the two formats provided above.

RQ (Main Question)

RQa. (Sub-question)

RQb. (Sub-question)

RQc. (Sub-question)

Following the list of research questions, provide a detailed discussion of how each question directly addresses an element of the problem being studied. Then, discuss how, taken together, they completely address the specific problem being studied. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Provide a detailed discussion of how each question directly addresses an element of the problem being studied in no less than 250 words for the entire section, not for each RQ. The total word count can be longer if required, not it is not necessary. Please ensure you differentiate the discussion between each question, e.g., "The first sub-question explores...," "The second sub-question examines..." *Sub-questions are optional. Ensure each RQ and sub-RQ includes peer-reviewed support <5 years. Include at least two different citations for each RQ and sub-RQ discussion. Provide multiple, diverse sources for your supporting narrative <5 years. The following only applies if there are sub-questions. You can use a separate paragraph for each RQ (main and sub-RQs) or write a single paragraph as long as it is at least 250 words. If you choose to write separate paragraphs, each one should be a minimum of 4-7 sentences in length. Lastly, in a short paragraph (4-7 sentences), discuss how taken together, each research question addresses the specific problem being studied. Include at least one citation <5 years. “Taken together, the research questions and sub-questions address the specific problem of …..by….”

Research Question Related to the Specific Problem Statement Example : Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Delete this text. The example used in the paper template was for demonstration purposes only to show how the candidate should align each RQ and sub-RQ to the problem statements.

Specific Problem Statement Example: The specific problem to be addressed is the possible challenges leaders in the retail industry within the selected single-case organization face, gaining employee support for new product development initiatives resulting in the possible inability of the organization to carry out critical product line changes.

Research Question Example: How can the problem of lacking employee support be improved?

Discuss flexible designs using scholarly research and what types of research flexible designs are best suited to study. Please note that textbooks are not considered scholarly sources. Discuss the appropriateness of a flexible design for your study.

The ADRP is limited to a flexible qualitative single case study design only. Discuss the appropriateness of using a qualitative single case study and what types of research are best suited for this style of study.

The summary is a brief overview of what was discussed in the section. New information should not be provided.

Include an introductory paragraph to the research framework section. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): You will use constructs, not independent or dependent variables. Qualitative studies will utilize nominal and ordinal variables in descriptive statistics for triangulation purposes only.

The diagram must include all the elements found in the framework listed below. Provide a diagram showing all elements of the framework and flow of information, action, and ideas that lead to outcomes.

The concept conveys the relationship that is central to the problem. The concept should be discovered through researching peer-reviewed literature regarding your specific problem. After researching the literature, describe how the concept is related to the specific problem using peer-reviewed scholarly sources. 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. Include scholarly support for each assertion. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Please ensure each discussion is one paragraph, three to four sentences in length with two citations <5 years. Please keep it concise. Ensure you relate how each element in the concepts, actors, and constructs category is related to the problem and the consequence if not addressed. *Focus on the problem, not the solution. The last supporting sentence (third or fourth) for each framework element in each category, i.e., concepts, actors, and constructs, should discuss the possible consequences of not addressing the problem. Use words like “possible,” “potential”, “might,” “could,” “can,” etc. to align with your specific problem statement. Comment by Havrilko, Vincent R (School of Business): Format your element discussion paragraphs as shown in this first example.

Concept Name. Discuss how the concept is related to the crux of the problem using multiple scholarly sources.

Concept Name. Discuss how the concept is related to the crux of the problem using multiple scholarly sources.

Concept Name. Discuss how the concept is related to the crux of the problem using multiple scholarly sources.

The actors will be your participants. Research the actors in the peer-reviewed literature regarding your specific problem. After reviewing the literature, describe how the actor is related to the specific problem using peer-reviewed scholarly sources. Lead with a descriptor and then three to four sentences that describe how the actor is related to the specific problem.

Actor Name. Discuss how the actor is related to the crux of the problem using scholarly sources.

Actor Name. Discuss how the actor is related to the crux of the problem using scholarly sources.

The constructs should be discovered by researching peer-reviewed literature regarding your specific problem. After reviewing the literature, describe how the construct is related to the specific problem using peer-reviewed scholarly sources. Lead with a descriptor and then three to four sentences that describe how each construct is related to the specific problem.

Construct Name. Discuss how the construct is related to the crux of the problem using scholarly sources.

Construct Name. Discuss how the construct is related to the crux of the problem using scholarly sources.

Construct Name. Discuss how the construct is related to the crux of the problem using scholarly sources.

Provide a detailed discussion of the interaction and flow of information and action between the elements of the research framework.

Begin this section with an introductory paragraph of less than 250 words that provides an overview of the section. Provide appropriate sub-headings. Develop a list of potential industries, markets, regions, or organizations where your qualitative single case study could be conducted. Explain how and why this is a good choice. Include appropriate citations for all factual assertions.

The summary is a brief overview of what was discussed in the section. New information should not be provided.

Provide an introductory paragraph explaining what will be discussed in this section.

In a minimum of 300 words, provide a clear connection between Biblical principles and the concepts chosen for your study. Include specific examples and references from Scripture. Support all assertions, including those about the Bible, with scholarly sources from within five years of your anticipated graduation year.

In a minimum of 300 words, provide a detailed discussion of how your research, in particular, will fulfill this requirement and integrate a Christian worldview. Be sure to include specific scripture references that illustrate the relationships.

Provide a summary paragraph highlighting key information in this section.

Provide a 300-to-500-word summary of the research concepts, location, and biblical perspective.

References will be formatted using the current APA style. Ensure all DOIs or journal URLs are active hyperlinks.

ALL CAPS, NO MORE THAN 50 CHARACTERS 20

An annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition includes two main components for each source: the reference citation and the annotation (200 words for each reference). Below are the guidelines on how to properly format an annotated bibliography in APA style. Make sure to put your references in alphabetical order.

· Start your entries on the left margin. Properly cite the source in APA format.

· Use a hanging indent for each reference entry (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches)

· The annotation should be indented 0.5 inches from the left margin (same as a block quote.

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Name of the Periodical, volume(issue), #-#, https://doi.org/xxxx

This is where you summarize and evaluate the source. Discuss the main points, relevance to your research, and any strengths or weaknesses of the work. Provide a description of why this is a credible source. Discuss how this reference supports the existence of the general problem, and the consequences of the problem identified in the general problem sentence.