Concept analysis and the building blocks of theory: misconceptions regarding theory development

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 2558-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Bergdahl ◽  
Carina M. Berterö
Keyword(s):  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Concept Analysis

scholarly journals Concept analysis: Some limitations and possible solutions

Curationis ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Botes
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Philosophical Inquiry ◽  
Validity Concept

Concepts are the basic building blocks of scientific knowledge or theoretical frameworks for any discipline. The strength of the theories that guide a discipline is dependent on the quality of the concept analysis. Thus, the utilisation of poorly understood concepts in research and theory development will result in questionable reliability and validity. Concept analysis is associated with the research design of philosophical inquiry. The purpose of philosophical inquiry is to perform research using intellectual analysis to clarify meaning. Traditionally, no empirical (qualitative or quantitative) investigations were used to clarify the meaning of concepts. The lack of empirical investigation to clarify concepts, results in certain limitations in the methodology of concept analysis.

Complementary theories to supply chain management revisited – from borrowing theories to theorizing

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Árni Halldórsson ◽  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Herbert Kotzab
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Scholarship ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Theory Application

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify ways by which the theorizing of supply chain management (SCM) takes place, with particular attention to complementary theories. SCM suffers as well as benefits from a “conceptual slack”. Design/methodology/approach – The nature of SCM is discussed, and the role and relevance of theorizing is addressed by using key characteristics of “academic scholarship” based on a literature review of SCM and evaluation of application of theory and theory development. Findings – The integrative and multi-layered nature of SCM sets the conditions for “theorizing SCM” that can take place through various forms: theory application, new theoretical combinations and sensitivity to managerial practice. It is pivotal that future research explore further the performative potential of SCM. Research limitations/implications – Research with focus on theory development or using complementary theories to advancing understanding of SCM can benefit from the five building blocks of theorizing SCM proposed in the paper. Practical implications – Theoretical principles in SCM are not only used to describe practical problems but also to “produce the world”; supply chains can be seen as organizational units that act or consummate an action that delivers a particular performance. Originality/value – This paper portrays SCM sensitivity to managerial challenges by moving from borrowing to a more bilateral view on theorizing of SCM, reflecting the nature of SCM.

scholarly journals A Phase Defect Framework for the Analysis of Cardiac Arrhythmia Patterns

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Arno ◽  
Jan Quan ◽  
Nhan T. Nguyen ◽  
Maarten Vanmarcke ◽  
Elena G. Tolkacheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conduction Block ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Heart Rhythm ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Local Activation ◽  
Heart Rhythm Disorders ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Phase Singularities ◽  
Local Activation Time

During cardiac arrhythmias, dynamical patterns of electrical activation form and evolve, which are of interest to understand and cure heart rhythm disorders. The analysis of these patterns is commonly performed by calculating the local activation phase and searching for phase singularities (PSs), i.e., points around which all phases are present. Here we propose an alternative framework, which focuses on phase defect lines (PDLs) and surfaces (PDSs) as more general mechanisms, which include PSs as a specific case. The proposed framework enables two conceptual unifications: between the local activation time and phase description, and between conduction block lines and the central regions of linear-core rotors. A simple PDL detection method is proposed and applied to data from simulations and optical mapping experiments. Our analysis of ventricular tachycardia in rabbit hearts (n = 6) shows that nearly all detected PSs were found on PDLs, but the PDLs had a significantly longer lifespan than the detected PSs. Since the proposed framework revisits basic building blocks of cardiac activation patterns, it can become a useful tool for further theory development and experimental analysis.

scholarly journals Some reflections on current invasion science and perspectives for an exciting future

NeoBiota ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 79-100
Author(s):  
Tina Heger ◽  
Jonathan M. Jeschke ◽  
Johannes Kollmann
Keyword(s):  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Species Invasions ◽  
Semantic Modelling ◽  
Number Of Publications

Species spreading beyond their native ranges are important study objects in ecology and environmental sciences and research on biological invasions is thriving. Along with an increase in the number of publications, the research field is experiencing an increase in the diversity of methods applied and questions asked. This development has facilitated an upsurge in information on invasions, but it also creates conceptual and practical challenges. To provide more transparency on which kind of research is actually done in the field, the distinction between invasion science, encompassing the full spectrum of studies on biological invasions and the sub-field of invasion biology, studying patterns and mechanisms of species invasions with a focus on biological research questions, can be useful. Although covering a smaller range of topics, invasion biology today still is the driving force in invasion science and we discuss challenges stemming from its embeddedness in the social context. Invasion biology consists of the building blocks ‘theory’, ‘case studies’ and ‘application’, where theory takes the form of conceptual frameworks, major hypotheses and statistical generalisations. Referencing recent work in philosophy of science, we argue that invasion biology, like other biological or ecological disciplines, does not rely on the development of an all-encompassing theory in order to be efficient. We suggest, however, that theory development is nonetheless necessary and propose improvements. Recent advances in data visualisation, machine learning and semantic modelling are providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge management and presentation and we suggest that invasion science should use these to transform its ways of publishing, archiving and visualising research. Along with a stronger focus on studies going beyond purely biological questions, this would facilitate the efficient prevention and management of biological invasions.

Free Food at Work: A Concept Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992199732
Author(s):  
Cynthia Horton Dias ◽  
Robin M. Dawson ◽  
Demetrius A. Abshire ◽  
Diane Harris ◽  
Michael D. Wirth
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Free Food ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Health Promoting

Background: Employees who spend substantial amounts of time in a workplace away from home are likely to acquire and consume food during work hours. Reportedly, free food at work is a common occurrence in various workplace settings such as business offices and hospitals. Little is known about the nutritional quality, prevalence, or health impact of free food at work. Furthermore, free food at work as a theoretical concept has not been previously analyzed or defined, but it is necessary to differentiate free food from other food sources in the workplace. Methods: A concept analysis of free food at work was conducted using the 8-step Walker and Avant framework. A literature review in June and July 2020 provided the basis to delineate the concept and identify its defining attributes including antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Findings: Free food at work is defined as food that is available for consumption in the workplace at no financial cost to employees. Critical attributes of free food at work include nutritional value, quantity, frequency, and location within the workplace. Antecedents are sources and reasons for free food provision. Consequences include influence on consumption, behaviors, attitudes, emotions, and health outcomes. Additional measurable aspects of the concept and implications are discussed. Conclusion/Application to Professional Practice: The concept of free food at work was analyzed; defining attributes and empirical referents were discussed and presented in a conceptual model to encourage further study and theory development. Identifying the health impact of free food at work is an issue requiring consideration for workplace health-promoting programs.

scholarly journals Concept Analysis of Empowerment From Survivor and Nurse Perspectives Within the Context of Cancer Survivorship

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa A. Jerofke
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Analysis ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Definition Of

The liberal usage of the concept of empowerment has led to the development of a broad and ambiguous term. In health care, empowerment is a core principle of patient-centered care that promotes patient engagement in health management. This is an analysis of the concept of empowerment within the context of cancer survivorship using both Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis and Caron and Bower’s dimensional analysis. The dimensional analysis followed the evolutionary concept analysis as the perspectives of patients and nurse providers emerged in the analysis. Data sources included a sample of 249 papers from multiple disciplines covering the period 2000–2013. Empowerment is defined as power-with that is actualized through a beneficial relationship of mutual trust and respect for autonomy that develops within a dynamic and patient-centered process. The attributes, along with the antecedents and consequences, provide a foundation for future theory development of empowerment in the context of cancer survivorship. This analysis demonstrated that although nurses and survivors may have a similar definition of the concept of empowerment, the uses and assumptions of that definition may differ. Future studies should be conducted measuring the effectiveness of an intervention that uses the components of the process of empowerment from survivors’ perspectives.

The assessment of professional competence: building blocks for theory development

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.P.M. van der Vleuten ◽  
L.W.T. Schuwirth ◽  
F. Scheele ◽  
E.W. Driessen ◽  
B. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Professional Competence ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks

scholarly journals Environmental Entrepreneurship and ECO-Innovation Outputs : A Pathway to Sustainable Development

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-35
Author(s):  
Aminatou Kemajou Pofoura ◽  
Huaping Sun ◽  
Maxwell Opuni Antwi ◽  
Charles Kwarteng Antwi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Growth Path ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Policy Goal ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Transition Pathways

Ensuring sustainability in the long-run necessitates devoting strategic solutions to the rising environmental problems. Unless nations move to a sustainable growth path characterized by economic development and human development that conserve natural resources better, the increased environmental pollution will have negative effects on population well-being. Sustainability has been seen as an entrepreneurial imperative and policy goal (Washington, 2015). However, some building blocks of theory development regarding this process of structural change remain elusive (Savona and Ciarli, 2019). The substantive for sustainable development in which transition pathways are still lacking (Dosi et al., 2017).

scholarly journals Trust is the engine of change: A conceptual model for trust building in health systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary B. Adam ◽  
Angela Joy Donelson
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Community Health Volunteers ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Community Health Systems ◽  
Building Process

Abstract Background: Physicians, health care organizations, governments and communities are increasingly interested in how trust is built throughout the health system. Current science on building trust draws on diverse literature from business and consumer science to healthcare, and theory development has predominately focused on factor based models. We propose a process based theoretical model for trust building which may better reflect the complex and dynamic nature of trust itself. In doing so, we propose a new measurable dimension of the trust building process: reciprocity cycles. Cooperative reciprocal relationships are its building blocks, enabling stakeholders to “try out” their interactions with less risk, and to calibrate their level of effort, time and emotional investment. Reciprocity cycles includes three measurable elements: common goals, self-interests and gratitude/indebtedness.Methods: We applied the model, developing outcomes and measures in close-to-community health partnerships in Kenya. A 3-day workshop designed to stimulate problem solving and collaborative teamwork using human centered design principles was offered in 2 community health units in diverse contexts (rural agrarian and peri-urban flower farm slum), each with about 30 community health volunteers (CHVs) serving a population of approximately 5,000. Each unit formed separate teams representing specific villages; we followed these 9 teams between 18 to 24 months.Results: All 9 volunteer CHV teams delivered on self-directed public health outcomes across the spectrum of social determinants of health over the follow up period, with no funding, only using their own locally available resources. Projects were diverse, including immunization, composting toilets, hygiene, neonatal and reproductive health and public gardening. All 9 teams demonstrated trust building reciprocity cycles with articulation of common goal, self-interest, and gratitude/indebtedness. Conclusion: A process model of trust building, defined by reciprocity cycles, can be stimulated with a short intervention (illustrated here in close-to-community health systems) resulting in trusting relationships that drive agency and co-production of positive outcomes for health systems. In addition, it offers a simpler, more useful framework for trust building and measurement than traditional models of trust in health systems research. Early findings illustrate reciprocity cycles are scalable and adaptable, with potential utility at multiple levels of health systems.

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