For this assignment, you are asked to validate the use of theory and conceptual frameworks used in research.To complete this assignment, you will first describe what a conceptual and theoretical framework is. Once
you have defined and described, then using the NCU library, locate four DBA NCU dissertations, each with a different theoretical framework or conceptual framework (Attached). Dedicate about half a page synopsis on each. Then, explain what the theory or concept is and why you think the selected theory was appropriate for the research problem/dissertation.To complete the assignment, locate one theory or conceptual framework on your own outside of these sources on any business topic that interests you for potential research. You can find it through scholarly web searches, dissertations, journal articles, etc.
Explain the theory by indicating who came up with it, and how it has evolved. Being able to explain the seminal work and evolution of a theory is used in the theoretical framework and literature review at the dissertation phase.
Length: 4 pages
References: Include a minimum of 5 articles from peer-reviewed journals.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic.
Side note: my professional background: *I am a Franchise Business owner of a Tutoring Company *I am in the process of finishing my book that will be published in a couple of months ** Currently a Forbes Council Member and Forbes publishes my articles on a monthly basis on topics on business and education that I write about * Married with two small kids * a Board member for various organizations * looking to have my get my Doctoral degree to help my goals with my Business/Motivational Speaker business that I plan on launching in a couple of years and the doctoral degree will allow me to charge more for my consultation services.
Bus7102- Week 6: Validate the Use of Theory and Conceptual Framework in Research
At one point in the doctoral degree, students may be required to write a dissertation in their area of interest. Dissertation writing is a long and time-consuming process that requires dedication and practical organization skills. Dissertation writing also requires coherence of ideas and the various components of the research process to ensure that the final product covers the area of interest systematically and comprehensively. Among the most vital parts of a dissertation is a conceptual and theoretical framework. Often, students struggle with preparing theoretical and conceptual frameworks for their research, probably because of the scarce coursework covering these critical aspects of research. Based on this premise, and to help doctoral students better understand these key aspects, this essay describes the conceptual and theoretical framework and explains the theories and concepts used in prior dissertations, and assesses their appropriateness for the research.
Meaning of Conceptual and Theoretical Framework
Sometimes, conceptual and theoretical frameworks are used interchangeably; however, these concepts are different when used in research. Grant and Osanloo (2014) posit that a theoretical framework is a structure that guides a study, established from a coherent explanation of phenomena and relationships. In essence, the theoretical framework is a guide that supports scholarly research. The theoretical framework mainly constitutes theories relevant to and which helps a person’s understanding of a research topic. Therefore, students may view a theoretical framework as a guide that provides structure to research.
Conversely, a conceptual framework is a body of concepts and variables that guide a study. As the literature suggests, a conceptual framework is a system of concepts, beliefs, and assumptions that supports a research plan (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). In essence, the components of the conceptual framework display the relationship between ideas and the manner in which they coalesce to form the final output of research.
Synopsis of the Dissertations
Article 1
This dissertation explores the implications of entry mode preferences and advantages and collection of motivations on multinational enterprises (MNEs) and Emerging Market Organizations in alliances. The study is pillared on the existing literature gap regarding the reasons for EMO and MNE’s decisions to choose certain market entry modes when penetrating the defense industry. The dissertation is also based on the Emergent Alliance Adaptation Framework. The study’s literature review leads to the formulation of research questions, the study’s primary guide. Some of the research questions include an inquiry into the motivations that EMOs and MNEs hold while contemplating collaboration in the defense industry. Their perceived comparative advantages within the dyadic and business entry modes that are most favored (Bennett & Michaelides, 2015). These research questions lead to the actual study that shows that the primary comparative advantage to trade by MNEs is technology. The integration of market entry modes depends on the position of benefit and the partner’s motivation level.
Article 2
This paper explores the conceptions and misconceptions of theoretical frameworks in library and information science research based on Eastern and Southern African universities’ dissertations. The study begins with the premise that novice and established library and information science researchers lack adequate understanding of the interpretation and selection of theoretical frameworks (Ocholla & Roux, 2011). This premise helps the researchers build on the theoretical framework that guides their study and analysis of previous universities’ dissertations. After analyzing doctoral reports, the scholars conclude that there is a misconception of the theoretical framework and what it should entail (Ocholla & Roux, 2011). The researchers also find that not all doctoral studies have distinctive parts such as literature reviews and theoretical frameworks.
Article 3
This dissertation focuses on exploring the soundness of survey instruments in evaluating the effectiveness of online teaching presence. The dissertation begins with a brief overview of academic research that supports the efficacy of teacher presence in promoting student satisfaction, engagement, sense of community, and perceived learning. This prior academic work acts as a structure for the dissertation and a guide for the planned research to examine the tool of focus’s effectiveness. The theoretical framework surrounding the topic leads to the development of research questions and actual research to study the effectiveness of instruments used in measuring effective teaching presence and how well the tool’s construct validity fits the ICAP framework of observable student engagement behaviors (McNeill, 2019). The study results reveal a lack of construct validity and failure of the teaching presence instrument to fit the ICAP framework.
Article 4
This study focuses on describing the theories that academicians can use to improve pharmacy-based research. The study is built on the theoretical framework that each researcher ought to consider the theoretical basis of their research during the early planning stage (Stewart & Klein, 2016). This theory guides the researcher’s study, which delves into the pharmacy-based study’s practical ideas and the various stages of qualitative, mixed, and quantitative study that scholars can apply these theories. Some of the theoretical frameworks and concepts discussed in this study include the theoretical domains framework in behavioral change studies and normalize process theory. The authors perceive the use of these theoretical frameworks at the various stages of research as the basis for enhancing the robustness, relevance, and rigor of scholarly work.
Theories Used in the Dissertations
The academician in article 1 uses the internationalization theory to explore the topic of interest. This theory supports the existence of multinational firms and builds on an understanding of the design and interface of the MNEs with the external environment. This theory is appropriate for the research problem because it supports the functioning of MNEs and explains the preferences of the entry modes and motivations used by such enterprises when dealing with the defense sector.
Furthermore, the third article uses three theories to inform the study; the engagement, Astin’s student engagement, and Community of Inquiry theories. The engagement theory explores technology-based teaching and is based on the idea that all learners should engage in meaningful learning activities. Astin’s student engagement theory posits that students’ positive change results from the latter’s involvement in co-curricular activities. Moreover, the community of inquiry theories states that cognitive, social, and teaching presence can create meaningful and profound learning experiences among students. The three theories are appropriate for the research problem because they align with the study’s problem and significance- to evaluate the validity of the instruments used in measuring the effectiveness of teaching presence.
Theory for Potential Research
Among the theories that would be applicable for business research is theory X and Y of management. Douglas McGregor developed this theory and argued that managers’ beliefs about factors motivating employees could influence their management style. McGregor argued that managers who perceive their employees as lazy and lacking motivation might use a hands-on management style known as theory X, which is authoritarian. Conversely, managers who perceive their employees as highly motivated may use a participative management style, or theory Y. Over the years, theory X and Y have evolved following the organizational changes in a majority of firms. Notably, today, firms value their employees and are more inclined to motivate them to become creative. Such creativity may be inhibited by theory X type of management, which involves micromanaging employees. Therefore, with time, theory X is becoming less effective while theory Y remains relevant in the 21st century.
References
Bennett, M.E., & Michaelides, R. (2015). Advantages, motivations and business entry mode preferences in international defense industrial collaborations. In British Academy of Management, Portsmouth. Retrieved from https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3009902/1/H00017764_May2017.pdf
Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your “house”. Administrative Issues Journal: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research, 4(2), 12-26. doi: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9
McNeill, L. (2019). Teaching presence and engagement behaviors in an online computer applications course: A theoretical framework and empirical analysis. Theses. Retrieved from https://ir.ua.edu/bitstream/handle/123456789/6482/file_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Ocholla, D., & Roux, J.L. (2011). Conceptions and misconceptions of theoretical frameworks in library and information science research: A case study of selected theses and dissertations from Eastern and Southern African Universities. Mousaion, 29(2), 61-74. Retrieved from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Conceptions-and-misconceptions-of-theoretical-in-%3A-Ocholla-Roux/91d3c375a42ce9527d41583c7859715c255af697
Stewart, D., & Klein, S. (2016). The use of theory in research. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 38(1), 615-619. doi: 10.1007/s11096-015-0216-y