Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

Dawn

Development of Hook Statement

            The development of the hook statement is critical in the overall structure of the problem statement.  The hook statement is meant to grab the reader’s attention while simultaneously introducing and informing the reader of a specific topic or theme throughout the paper (Walden Writing Center, 2018).   The hook statement should be clear, concise and to the point.  In applying concepts that aided in the development of the hook statement, this is an area I am steadily working on because I tend to be too wordy.  Being concise does not necessarily mean sacrificing quality or information.  It is simply choosing what is essential.  According to the DBA Rubric, one is discouraged from using superfluous wording in the problem statement in general (Walden University, 2016).  Furthermore, understanding that the hook must be a statement supported by a scholarly reference was also imperative in the construction.  Where I was corrected at during Residency is that the hook is not an opinion, but should be based on facts that can be supported in the literature.     

Grounding the Anchor Statement

            The anchor statement does just that, it anchors the concept of the paper with the hook and establishes the direction of the report.  It too must be supported by literature and be directly applicable to the research (Walden University, 2016).  Ensuring adequate data is retrievable for the study plays an integral role in deciding whether or not to pursues a specific research topic.  As discussed during residency, before putting all your eggs in one basket, one must ensure that the problem is researchable and that there are enough data and information available to pursue the research topic.  The process of gathering supportive information helps scholars determine whether the research problem is actually ‘researchable.’  Often, too much time is wasted trying to make the shoe fit when it is the wrong size   (Ok, you guys, I literally, JUST came up with that, LOL!  It’s been a long day and I need a laugh).  I actually had to change my research topic, and have now been able to find substantial dat to support my business problem.  In concentrating on effective strategies used to reduce employee turnover in the retail environment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been a phenomenal resource, along with literature found throughout the Walden Library database.  What I have to keep in the forefront of my mind is what the anchor is designed to do.  It anchors to the hook, keeps both the writer and the reader from drifting, and ensures the use of a credible source (University of Maryland, 2018), not to mention, ensuring credibility provides reliability and prevents bias.   

Application of Learning Outcomes to General Business Problem

            In reflecting on the learning outcomes of this course, I identified with three of the objectives specifically which aided in the refinement of my business problem:

· Evaluating strategic planning approaches

· Synthesizing the use of business models, and

· Analyzing stakeholder influence on strategic planning

(Walden University, 2018).

The listed course objectives enabled me to strategically work through the development of the statement by identifying relevant information and asking the right questions.  Wilburn and Wilburn (2015) suggest asking ‘what else’ to identify anything that may negatively impact the research or strategic process.  Additionally, synthesizing the use of business models is extremely beneficial within the nature of my research by providing structured models business leaders can implement within the organizations.  The case studies documented in Dyer, Godfrey, Jensen, and Bryce, 2016),  reflect a versatility in the types of models applied to specific businesses and industries.  Lastly, incorporating stakeholder influence helped guide my thought process towards those who are directly affected by business problems, as well as those who [themselves] impact the effectiveness of strategic business processes.     

Using Course Content to Refine Specific Business Problem

            Through interactive discussions, assignments, course readings and research, I gained valuable insight into applying strategy not only to the writing process but the thought processes as well.  Moreover, reading and studying scholarly literature has further aided in helping me understand the nature of scholarly writing and therefore assisting in the refinement process.  Having a plan has been a central theme throughout this course, and staying focused on the central idea is a reflection of having a well-identified research and writing plan in place.  I will certainly continue to apply the valuable tools and resources from this course as I continue progressing within my Doctoral studies.          

References

Dyer, J. H., Godfrey, P., Jensen, R., & Bryce, D. (2016). Strategic management:

            Concepts and tools for creating real-world strategy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

University of Maryland. (2018). Evaluating Sources. Retrieved from

https://www.umuc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/writingresources/evaluating-sources.cfm 

Walden University. (2016). Doctoral study rubric and research handbook. Retrieved from 

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/doctoralcapstoneresources/dba 

Walden University. (2018). Business strategy and innovation for competitive advantage.

Available at https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201920_04/DR_DDBA/DDBA_8161/USW1_DDBA_8161_syllabus.html?course_uid=USW1.51256.201920&service_url=https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/bbgs-deep-links-BBLEARN/app/wslinks&b2Uri=https%3A%2F%2Fclass.waldenu.edu%2Fwebapps%2Fbbgs-deep-links-BBLEARN 

Walden Writing Center. (2018). Doctor of business administration: Walden writing center. 

Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/about/search?cx=%27016856322755214088439%3Aoisi5frbu-a&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=dba 

Wilburn, K. M., and Wilburn, H. R. (2015). Asking “what else”? to identify unintended negative 

consequences. Business Horizons, 59, 213-221. doi: 10.1016/j.bushor.2015.11.006