My dissertation’s revised problem space: enhancing employee well-being through flexible work arrangements in the modern workplace
Coaching for the first assignment
1. Articulate how recent studies (within the past five years) illustrate the existence of the problem and the need for additional research. For this one, I would like to see TWO studies between 2020-23 and each one to cover: citation, “conducted a (method/design) study with (# participants) to investigate (what) and found (what). The recommendation for further research was (what?).
2. Clearly articulate the problem framing your study. What is the size and scope of the problem? The answer to this comes from what you present in #1 from any of the items covered—could be you are using a different method than in previous studies, different population, or are relying in the recommendations/limitations from the study.
3. Present a strong argument for the significance and relevance of your potential study in addressing the problem. Consider how your potential study may contribute to existing empirical literature and/or inform practice. This is not about what you observe or know but MUST come from the literature (previous studies) –in the doctoral program, you are standing on previous research not opinion or experience.
4. Identify and define the variables (quantitative) or phenomenon (qualitative) that have emerged from your problem space. How are the variables or phenomenon supported via your problem space? For this you will need to visit the new Knowledge Base for your method, understand what a variable or phenomenon is—so have some fun here.
5. Provide and defend a concise and focused problem statement. How does the problem statement address your problem space? How are your variables or phenomenon represented in the problem statement? The official way to write a problem statement is: It is not known…. There is nothing before as an intro to the “it is not known…”
A push here: if you are thinking of using a qualitative method, you will need a theory, concept or model to support your study. Start looking on GoogleImages and explore through the Instructor Added Forum for topics.
If you are thinking of using a quantitative method, your instruments must come from a theory so you don’t get to choose the theory after you have selected your instrument. Ask questions in the Instructor Added Forum for topics
Directions
Write a paper (1,000-1,250 words) in which you use prior feedback received from instructors and peers as well as additional readings from the literature to revise your problem space, identify variables (quantitative) or a phenomenon (qualitative) from the problem space, and present a problem statement defining the scope and context of your potential research topic. Do the following in your paper:
Articulate how recent studies (within the past five years) illustrate the existence of the problem and the need for additional research.
Clearly articulate the problem framing your study. What is the size and scope of the problem?
Present a strong argument for the significance and relevance of your potential study in addressing the problem. Consider how your potential study may contribute to existing empirical literature and/or inform practice.
Identify and define the variables (quantitative) or phenomenon (qualitative) that have emerged from your problem space. How are the variables or phenomenon supported via your problem space?
Provide and defend a concise and focused problem statement. How does the problem statement address your problem space? How are your variables or phenomenon represented in the problem statement?
