Evaluating Perry’s structured approach for professional doctorate theses

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-230
Author(s):  
Michael Charles ◽  
Ben Farr-Wharton ◽  
Tania von der Heidt ◽  
Neroli Sheldon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Story Telling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Doctorate ◽  
Phd Thesis ◽  
Professional Doctorates ◽  
Structured Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate examiner reactions to doctorate of business administration (DBA) theses at an Australian university applying Perry’s structured approach to thesis presentation, which had its origin in the marketing discipline, but is now widely applied to other business disciplines. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines 49 DBA examiner reports relating to 19 DBA theses using the structured Perry approach, with emphasis paid to comments relating to thesis structure and presentation. Only those theses that acknowledged Perry or demonstrated Perry-like characteristics were interrogated. Findings The use of Perry’s structured approach can lead to DBA theses that place excessive emphasis on description rather than practical outcomes, as should occur with a professional doctorate, and also fosters excessive repetition and scaffolding that unduly interferes with the candidate’s “story telling”. Many examiners found theses using Perry’s structured approach problematic, particularly with respect to a lack of integration with the literature and reflection on the findings in relation to previous studies. Research limitations/implications The use of Perry’s structured approach potentially acts as a further barrier to DBA theses, and other professional doctorates by extension, sufficiently differentiating themselves from PhDs. This has implications for the examination of such theses, which are sometimes viewed as lower-quality PhDs instead of professional doctorates. Originality/value Applying a traditional PhD thesis structure, such as the model advocated by Perry with its use of five chapters, to DBA theses potentially exacerbates existing professional doctorate “image” issues, thereby leading to ambiguity for examiners and the candidates themselves.

Doctorateness and the DBA: what next?

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Poole
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Doctorate ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
The Status ◽  
Professional Doctorates ◽  
Business And Management ◽  
Current Provision

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes currently offered by UK universities are appropriate to the needs of all stakeholders, including those of the experienced business and management professionals who enrol on them. Design/methodology/approach The paper proceeds to its conclusions by scrutinising DBA programme descriptors on UK university websites, by critically reviewing the content of recent academic papers on doctorates in the fields of business and management, and by considering current provision in the light of ongoing debates about the nature of “doctorateness” taking place in the field of doctoral education as a whole. Findings On the basis of a detailed review of relevant scholarly literature and of UK university website material, the paper concludes by suggesting, among other things, three possible futures for the DBA: one in which essentially the status quo prevails; a second in which all doctorates carry the award title PhD (though with two variants); and a third in which, in response to views expressed elsewhere in Europe, the current “professional doctorate” in business administration is no longer referred to as a “doctorate” but takes on a new title. Originality/value This paper is an original contribution to the debate about the value and purpose of professional doctorates (and, in particular of the DBA) to the professional development of experienced managers and to their skills in research and workplace problem solving and decision making.

scholarly journals The professional and personal values and their revelation through professional doctorates

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Gibbs ◽  
Kate Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Professional Doctorate ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Professional Doctorates ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Original Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between individual practitioners’ personal values and their developing professional agentic values. It considers how the former might be in tension with the prescribed forms of practice held to be “professional” by professional bodies, warranting membership, and indeed, any licence to practice. Design/methodology/approach – The paper seeks an understanding of the different personal and collective ontological stances and tensions that practitioners may experience as they progress through their careers, attempting to align their own values with those of the collective values within their profession. It is a conceptual paper. Findings – The authors explore the ideas through a Heideggerian reading of transdisciplinarity which the authors find helpful. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual paper and my therefore may suffers from lack of empirical evidence which the authors would consider helpful as the next stage of development Practical implications – Through the lens of an “I” and “we” framework introduced in the paper and the use of a professional doctorate, the authors discuss how a practitioner and profession’s values may be in tension. Social implications – There may be issues of professional engagement which will impact on the development of the professions themselves. Originality/value – The authors believe this to be an original approach to understanding professional and personal values in professional doctorates

scholarly journals Discourse, knowledge and power: the continuing debate over the DBA

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Stoten
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Doctorates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is related to how students and academics in a business school perceive the doctor of business administration (DBA) in terms of its purpose and value compared to that of the conventional PhD. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology involved a two-stage approach in which a pilot questionnaire and short interviews with 37 students was followed by a second questionnaire to 21 academics employed at a business school at a post-1992 English university. Findings – The findings suggest that although the DBA is valued as means to develop professional knowledge and expertise, the PhD remains the premier choice for those who wish to embark on an academic career. The DBA does, however, also represents a development of work-based learning in higher education. Research limitations/implications – The research was undertaken at one post-1992 university business school, further research should look to expand the sample size and include a variety of business schools from both pre- and post-1992 universities in England. Originality/value – The paper does offer a justification for the continued development of the DBA and professional doctorates in general in terms of the development of work-based learning in higher education.

If they will have me, I think I will stay a while: compassion and containment illustrated by the Ingrebourne Therapeutic Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Tom Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Therapeutic Communities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Approach ◽  
Phd Thesis ◽  
Structured Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the evolution of discerning compassion and how it was used in the Ingrebourne Therapeutic Community. Design/methodology/approach This paper is derived from a PhD thesis which was researched through interviews and archival research. The fundamental finding was that the therapeutic community approach was almost unique in providing a structured approach to implementing discerning compassion. Practical implication The therapeutic community approach for discerning compassion, in which the response to distress aims to promote flourishing. Social implications This paper offers a model that has implications on how care is delivered in other settings. Originality/value There is little literature that explores the role of compassion in therapeutic communities or in care environments of any form. The approach taken here places compassion in a historical and philosophical setting and contrasts it with the kindness expressed in traditional psychiatric care that promoted “tranquility”.

Managing a short international study trip: the case of China

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-396
Author(s):  
Fengli Mu ◽  
James Hatch
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Students ◽  
International Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Term Study ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Structured Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the major planning and implementation practices that should be followed in a short term international study trip (IST). The focus throughout is on how to utilize experiential learning to establish cultural competence. Design/methodology/approach The paper shows how to plan and manage an international MBA study trip to China using a specific case to illustrate the methods employed. Findings The use of a highly structured approach to an experiential learning exercise combined with a focus on key elements of cultural competencies creates a positive environment and leads to significant focused learning. Originality/value This paper fills three key gaps in the literature. First it uniquely focuses on the implementation of a conceptual framework that incorporates the types of cultural competency related learning that are to take place. Second, it illustrates how to design and implement an IST highlighting two key aspects of experiential learning: providing challenging experiences and encouraging reflection. Third, it focuses on a trip to China which, although one of the most popular destinations for business students, is lightly reviewed in the literature. This study fills a significant gap in the literature dealing with the management of short term study trips.

BIM for client organisations: a continuous improvement approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubarak Al Ahbabi ◽  
Mustafa Alshawi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a continuous improvement approach for clients to improve their performance and to maximise the benefits gained from building information modelling (BIM) over time. The role of client organisations is considered to be very important to accelerate the implementation of BIM. To do this, they need to clearly understand the implementation mechanisms; determine the level of change required within their organisations; and evaluate how best they can achieve this change. The paper’s concept is based on identifying BIM requirements and documenting them in an Employer Information Requirements (EIR) document based on their capability and maturity to deliver and manage BIM. Design/methodology/approach – The continuous improvement approach is based on introducing gradual details to the client’s EIR, depending on the capability and maturity of the client organisation and their supply chain. The approach uses BSI B/555 maturity levels as a baseline for improvement. Findings – A structured approach for client organisations is presented. This helps them to gradually improve their performance towards BIM implementation, taking into consideration their capability and maturity level. Originality/value – The proposed approach is new to industry and could contribute to the efforts of the industry in reaching higher BSI B/555 maturity levels with minimal risks.

Diversity management as a strategic human resource agenda: critique and roadmap

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-29
Author(s):  
Roshni Das
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Resource Function

Purpose The paper’s premise is based upon the finding that organisations have not been able to optimally harvest the diversity dividend in the absence of proper integration with strategy. The paper aims to address this gap in practice by proposing a framework. Design/methodology/approach A critical analysis of the diversity literature is conducted. Findings Multi-level, conceptual linkages with employee performance are derived and a five-point implementable agenda is outlined for the strategic human resource function. Originality/value This paper highlights for the practitioner, the value of having a structured approach to diversity management.

Therapy with exonerated clients: review and recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk Heilbrun ◽  
Sarah Fishel ◽  
Claire Lankford ◽  
Mina Ratkalkar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Treatment Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The conviction of innocent individuals has emerged as an international concern, resulting in substantial attention to the legal needs that stem from exoneration. However, many other challenges can also arise in the aftermath of an exoneration, including financial, psychosocial and mental health needs. Relatively little has been written about the particular reentry needs of individuals who are exonerated of their charges, and even fewer studies have considered the effectiveness of various treatment approaches. The purpose of this paper is to reviews the available literature, identifies gaps and provides clinical recommendations for the development of treatment interventions for exonerees. Design/methodology/approach The research addressing the needs and challenges that arise in the aftermath of exoneration is reviewed and analysed for implications that can guide treatment-planning in this area. Findings This paper reviews key finds from the literature and provides recommendations for developing a semi-structured approach to treating exonerees. Practical implications Practical applications for the development of effective therapeutic interventions for exonerated individuals are identified and discussed. Originality/value Currently, there is very limited literature addressing the specific reentry needs and effective therapeutic interventions for exonerated individuals.

Dubious or decisive? Digging deeper into the unchartered path of academic ghostwriting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Svirina ◽  
Amitabh Anand
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thesis Writing ◽  
Phd Thesis

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the journey of academic professors who have engaged in ghostwriting.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts qualitative exploratory methods to investigate the ghostwriters' journey into academic ghostwriting. To achieve the goal, the authors interviewed academic ghostwriters, who were working for a diploma mill company, specifically focused on PhD thesis writing in the NIS setting.FindingsThis study revealed several interesting insights from ghostwriter perspective such as the origins and motivation of ghostwriters, ghostwriters life, ghostwriters' careers and impediments faced by them.Originality/valueGiven the dispersed and sensitive nature of the topic, this is one of the few studies to investigate ghostwriting and offer implications.

Leaders, strugglers and strivers

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Three distinct groups emerged: Leaders, Strivers and Strugglers. Leaders are markedly different as a group: they innovate using big data and analytics within a structured approach, and they focus in particular on collaboration. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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