scholarly journals Design Based Research in Doctoral Studies: Adding a New Dimension to Doctoral Research

10.28945/3761 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 107-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy M Goff ◽  
Seyum Getenet
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Principles Of Design ◽  
Doctoral Dissertations

Aim/Purpose: We show a new dimension to the process of using design-based research approach in doctoral dissertations. Background: Design-based research is a long-term and concentrated approach to educational inquiry. It is often a recommendation that doctoral students should not attempt to adopt this approach for their doctoral dissertations. In this paper, we document two doctoral dissertations that used a design-based research approach in two different contexts. Methodology : The study draws on a qualitative analysis of the methodological approaches of two doctoral dissertations through the lenses of Herrington, McKenney, Reeves and Oliver principles of design-based research approach. Contribution: The findings of this study add a new dimension to using design-based research approach in doctoral dissertations in shorter-term and less intensive contexts. Findings: The results of this study indicate that design-based research is not only an effective methodological approach in doctoral dissertations, but it also has the potential to guide future research direction beyond examination. Recommendations for Practitioners : The findings of this study demonstrate that the design based research approach could bring researchers and practitioners together regarding a common purpose to design context-based solutions to educational problems. Impact on Society: We show an alternative view and application of design-based research in doctoral dissertations. Also, we identify the benefits of this type of research for doctoral students after completing their dissertations.

scholarly journals A Theoretical Perspective on How Doctoral Supervisors Develop Supervision Skills

10.28945/4446 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 721-739
Author(s):  
Katherine Fulgence Swai
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Doctoral Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Contemporary World ◽  
Supervision Process ◽  
Doctoral Supervision

Aim/Purpose: The paper establishes how doctoral supervisors develop the supervision skills needed to handle the doctoral supervision process in the contemporary world. Background: While the existing literature confirms that PhD holders can supervise doctoral students, there is a need to provide supporting evidence that the skills they possess qualify them to do this. Methodology: Using the qualitative research approach, the study established the knowledge and skills that are needed to supervise doctoral students in the contemporary world. Through thematic analysis of 82 scholarly publications, the study established, in order of preference, five mechanisms through which doctoral supervisors develop supervision skills, i.e. the supervision process, doctoral education, institutional guidelines, institutional training courses and individualized learning. Contribution: The study contributes to the ongoing research on the supervision of doctoral studies in the 21st century. Findings: Findings show that a well-structured doctoral education, including the related processes, imparts the knowledge and skills needed for doctoral supervision. Likewise, a combination of the mechanisms and an individual’s commitment, in terms of time and engagement, develop the skills that are relevant for doctoral supervision. Recommendations for Practitioners: Higher Education Institutions need to make supervisors aware of the potential of these mechanisms for developing the skills necessary for doctoral supervision and encourage them to use them Recommendation for Researchers: Further research on the development of doctoral supervision skills should broadly consider the role of different programmes in developing doctoral supervision skills in different contexts. Impact on Society: The study has implications for doctoral supervisors and universities as regards the need to ensure that both mechanisms are instituted to enable doctoral supervisors to develop doctoral supervision skills. Future Research: Since the study was done theoretically, it might be important to conduct further research using mixed-methods research with a phenomenological design to establish the skills possessed by doctoral supervisors and the mechanism they used to develop the supervision skills in any context.

scholarly journals Starting Doctoral Dissertation Journey with a Solid Research Problem Statement – A Four Stage Framework

10.28945/4770 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azad Ali ◽  
Shardul Pandya
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Doctoral Program ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Adjustment ◽  
Problem Statement ◽  
Graduate Studies ◽  
Doctoral Studies

Aim/Purpose: Provide methodology suggesting steps to doctoral mentors to work with students in constructing their research problem statement in their dissertation. Background: Doctoral students face difficulties writing their dissertation and they begin by writing the research problem statement. Methodology: This paper uses a framework widely used to describe student adjustment to graduate studies in general and to doctoral program in particular. Contribution: This study provides a framework to mentors/advisors that is helpful in guiding the students to writing their research problem statement. Findings: Writing a research problem statement is difficult by itself. Following a methodological approach suggested in this study could help with writing it. Recommendations for Practitioners: A methodological approach in writing the dissertation is helpful to mitigate the difficulties of writing the dissertation. Our study tackles difficulties with writing the research problem statement. Recommendations for Researchers: More research needs to be done on methodological approach to writing the other sections in the dissertation. Impact on Society: Our findings in this research will help doctoral mentors/advisors as they guide students in completing the writing of their research problem statement Future Research: Intention for future research is to follow similar methodological approach in guiding students in writing the other sections of the dissertation. *** NOTE: This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 16, 469-485 Click DOWNLOAD PDF to download the published paper. ***

scholarly journals Motivational profiles and proactive career behaviors among the solo self-employed

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sjanne Marie Elyse van den Groenendaal ◽  
Silvia Rossetti ◽  
Mattis van den Bergh ◽  
T.A.M. (Dorien) Kooij ◽  
Rob. F. Poell
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Motivational Profiles ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Person Centered Approach

PurposeAs the current “one size fits all” research approach is likely to be ineffective in identifying the conditions that promote the entrepreneurial career of the solo self-employed, this paper advances the current understanding of the heterogeneity among the solo self-employed.Design/methodology/approachA person-centered approach is used to identify groups among the solo self-employed based on their starting motives and to examine their engagement in proactive career behaviors.FindingsUsing Latent Class Analysis (LCA), six groups displaying distinct motivational profiles are identified: (1) the pushed by necessity, (2) entrepreneurs by heart, (3) control-seekers, (4) occupationally-driven, (5) challenge-seekers and (6) the family business-driven. In line with the argument that starting motives affect behavior because they reflect the future work selves that individuals aim for, results show that solo self-employed with distinct motivational profiles differ in their engagement in proactive career behaviors. For future research, it is recommended to examine the role of demographic characteristics in the engagement in proactive career behaviors.Originality/valueAlthough starting motives among self-employed people have been studied frequently, this research applies an innovative methodological approach by using LCA. Hereby, a potentially more advanced configuration of starting motives is explored. Additionally, this study applies a career perspective towards the domain of solo self-employment by exploring how solo self-employed with distinct motivational profiles differ in terms of managing their entrepreneurial careers.

scholarly journals My Doctoral Journey: An Autoethnography of Doing Sensitive Research in a Different Cultural Context

10.28945/4641 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 559-573
Author(s):  
Uditha Ramanayake
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Generation Process ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Cross Cultural Research

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to provide important learning insights for doctoral students, researchers and practitioners who wish to research on sensitive topics with research participants from a significantly different culture from their own. Background: Embarking on doctoral research in different cultural contexts presents challenges for doctoral students, especially when researching a sensitive topic. Methodology: This paper uses an autoethnography as its research methodology. Contribution: This paper extends the literature on doctoral researchers’ experiences of exploring the lived experiences of senior travellers who have faced major life events. Little of the previous literature on the experiences of PhD students has explored the experiences they had while researching on a sensitive topic in a different cultural context to their own. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents an autoethnography of my experiences. Findings: This paper presents some critical insights into undertaking research in another culture. Its findings are outlined under the following four themes: (a) Feeling vulnerable, (b) Building rapport, (c) Preparing for the unexpected, and (d) Exploring lived experiences. Recommendations for Practitioners: When conducting sensitive cross-cultural research, understanding researchers’ vulnerabilities, rapport-building and preparing for the unexpected are very important. The use of a visual element is beneficial for the participants in their idea generation process. Visual methods have the potential to capture the lived experiences of participants and enable them to reflect on those. Recommendation for Researchers: Doing cross-cultural sensitive doctoral research poses a number of methodological and practical challenges. It was very important to gain a wider cultural understanding of the country and its people in my cross-cultural doctoral research. To this end, this paper suggests that future doctoral researchers consider volunteering with the community as a way to gain understanding of the research context when preparing to undertake cross-cultural research. Impact on Society: The findings support the importance of cultural sensitivity when doing cross-cultural research. Future Research: Future research could be conducted in a different cultural setting to reveal whether the key themes identified here are universal.

scholarly journals Intertwined Journeys of a PhD Student and Unaccompanied Minors: Autoethnography of Research with Vulnerable Participants

10.28945/4114 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 347-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mervi Kaukko
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Subject Position ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Field Notes

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this article is to discuss a PhD student’s experience of working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors, amidst a rapidly changing global situation. The focus is on how the research process influenced the novice PhD student, and how the student’s subject position influenced the research. Background: The incentive for this article comes from an examiner’s comment, which argued that the student’s thesis did not clarify her subject position, or allow her voice to be heard. Paulo Freire’s (2005) concept of “pedagogical love” is used in unpacking these dimensions. Methodology: The paper adopts an autoethnographic approach. The data, consisting of 48 pages of field notes written during the doctoral study, are analyzed abductively (Timmermans & Tavory, 2012), in dialogue with theory. Contribution: The paper brings to the fore the ways in which the doctoral research processes may influence students, especially those working closely and intensively with participants in emotionally challenging situations and within a research field in flux. This knowledge is rarely included in doctoral training, but is relevant in today’s world where migration and refugees have become a popular theme. Secondly, the paper contributes to the already well-established body of literature about how doctoral student’s positionality influences the research. Findings: The article utilises the ideas of storytelling (Weir & Clarke, 2018) and communicates findings in the form of three intertwined journeys: that of the author through her PhD process; the journey of her research participants from their countries of origin to Finland; and the journey of the PhD research within the historical turbulence of 2015 in global refugee situation. The findings show that acknowledging and reflecting one’s own emotional stance is required for the wellbeing of the student, as well as for an ethical research process resulting in a trustworthy outcome. The findings also suggest that although the love-rhetoric may sit awkwardly within our current academic perspectives, a focus on emotions does not diminish rigor in research. Instead, it enables ethical relationships and processes that are meaningful for all participants. Recommendations for Practitioners: The paper recommends that practitioners in academia (including doctoral supervisors) encourage doctoral students to “know with [their] entire body, with feelings, with passion and also with reason” (Freire 1997, p. 30), and to reflect on their positionality, as well as map their doctoral journeys in the intersection of others. Recommendation for Researchers: The paper highlights that researchers working with people in challenging situations must continuously question their biases, show interest in the research participants as individuals, and create trust through long involvement in the research field. Impact on Society: By highlighting the complexities encountered in this research project, the paper aims to disrupt the simplistic, often deficit-focused assumptions about people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Future Research: The scope of the findings leaves open a discussion on critical moments during the shared journeys: how to enter the research field ethically, and how to exit after creating trust and building relationships?

scholarly journals Anthropology and sociology in tourism doctoral research

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Canosa ◽  
Brent D Moyle ◽  
Char-lee Moyle ◽  
Betty Weiler
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
Primary Location ◽  
Doctoral Dissertations ◽  
The University ◽  
Scholarly Inquiry

Tourism doctoral dissertations have grown exponentially in recent years. Despite this, there have been limited studies which examine the contribution of specific disciplines to tourism doctoral research over time. Subsequently, this article explores the theories, concepts and methods employed in tourism doctoral dissertations informed by the foundation disciplines of anthropology and sociology. Drawing on a database of 2155 dissertations from four countries, findings revealed exponential growth in doctoral theses grounded in anthropology and sociology between 1969 and 2013. The United States is the primary location for tourism doctoral theses informed by anthropology and sociology, with the University of California as the leading institution. Analysis revealed identity theory was the predominant theory, with socio-cultural change, ethnicity and culture core concepts. Results also showed an increase in qualitative and mixed-methods research. Future research should examine tourism doctoral theses housed in other disciplines, drawing inferences for future scholarly inquiry.

scholarly journals Big data and connectivity in long-linked supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1201-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Engelseth ◽  
Hao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to consider the developing of strategic use of big data in association with long-linked physical goods supply focusing on risk management. Design/methodology/approach Analysis is grounded on a case study of organizing the import of machine parts from Shanghai, China, to Norway. An analytical framework is developed through a literature review on long linked supply chains, big data and risk management. Findings Analysis reveals that big data use in this scenario encompasses mainly around handling risks associated with transformations in the supply chain, a data-driven approach. Complexity is founded in transformation – the flows of goods and information. Supply chain dynamics represent an important source for data acquisition for big data analytics. Research limitations/implications The qualitative nature of the study limits the aim of generalization. An alternative view of big data as process is discussed and proposed, adapted to supply chain management and industrial marketing functionality. Originality/value This is the first part in an ongoing research project aimed at developing a research approach to study information technology use in the inherently complex setting and scope of a long linked supply network. This scope of investigation enhances big data associated with operations dynamics providing foundation for future research on how to use big data to mitigate risk in long linked supply chains.

scholarly journals Grounded Theory: A Guide for a New Generation of Researchers

10.28945/4836 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 553-568
Author(s):  
Mengye Yu ◽  
Simon M Smith
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Career Research ◽  
New Generation

Aim/Purpose: Grounded Theory (GT) has grown and developed into several strands making its application all the more problematic, argumentative and remaining potentially as a research methodology to avoid when it comes to doctoral research, early-career research. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to revisit GT as a general approach and present an evolved and more considered step-by-step guide to conduct research using this methodology. A leadership development context is applied in this paper to examine how this methodology could work for a new generation of researchers, i.e., new to doctoral research or an early career researcher. Background: Since its academic inception in the seminal text in 1967 (Glaser & Strauss, 1967), GT has emerged and developed to become a popular choice for researchers contemplating qualitative data approaches amongst a variety of subject backgrounds. However, the divergent development and criticized approaches within GT families can lead researchers to avoid such a research methodology. This can especially be the case within doctoral research or other early-career research. Indeed, a specific/explicit GT guideline or framework to assist doctoral students in conducting GT research does not currently exist. Methodology: There is a general review of GT approaches followed by theoretical development of a framework and an applied doctoral example. Contribution: The three evolved methods in GT research and the developed supporting author-designed three-phase research framework will contribute to two aspects. Firstly, the step-by-step guideline can reduce the sense of confusion within an area where criticisms and conflicting approaches exist. This will hopefully assist the next generation of GT researchers in conducting their research through detailed processes and applications. Secondly, there is arguably a need for more GT applications and evolvements to further enrich the body of knowledge that exists in this area and further support a diversity of subject research. Findings: The authors outline numerous differences and similarities within divergent GT practices. By integrating Glaser’s four core principles and three evolved methods, the authors design a three-phase research framework that presents a transparent step-by-step guide. This framework attempts to mitigate criticisms within GT approaches whilst maintaining clarity, flexibility, depth, and rigour within a study. Recommendations for Practitioners: Three GT evolvements (the two-step literature review method, two-step open-coding method, and two-step theory-constitute method) provides greater clarity within a rigorous author-designed three-phase research framework that demonstrates a transparent step-by-step guide. These techniques can encourage a new generation of GT researcher through confident and structured analytical techniques. Recommendation for Researchers: We hope the presented framework and concise view of GT in action will inspire other doctoral students and new GT researchers to conduct GT research following an evolved GT framework. Impact on Society: The debates and innovations around GT, like in this paper, are needed within a methodological society to keep the area contemporary and constantly evolving. Future Research: The framework presented will need further testing beyond the parameters set out here. We hope future research can adopt the evolved GT techniques and procedures to enforce research quality overall and inspire further GT methodological developments.

scholarly journals A Four Stage Framework for the Development of a Research Problem Statement in Doctoral Dissertations

10.28945/4839 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 469-485
Author(s):  
Azad Ali ◽  
Shardul Pandya
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Programs ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Adjustment ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Problem Statement ◽  
Graduate Studies ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Doctoral Dissertations

Aim/Purpose: Provide methodology suggesting steps to doctoral mentors to work with students in constructing their research problem statement in their dissertation. Background: Writing a doctoral dissertation is a long journey, and it typically starts with writing the research problem statement. Students face challenges in articulating the research problem statement. Clearly articulating the research problems statement influences the success of the entire dissertation. Methodology: This paper uses a widely used framework to describe student adjustment to graduate studies in general and to doctoral programs in particular. Contribution: This study provides a framework for mentors and advisors to assist them in guiding students in writing their research problem statement. Findings: Writing a research problem statement is difficult by itself. Following the methodological approach suggested in this study will help students with the task of writing their own. Recommendations for Practitioners: A methodological approach to writing a research problem statement is helpful in mitigating the difficulties of writing the dissertation. This study tackles the difficulties with writing the research problem statement. Recommendation for Researchers: More research needs to be done to expand the use of a methodological approach to writing in other sections of the dissertation. Impact on Society: The findings of this research will help doctoral mentors/advisors as they guide students in completing the writing of their research problem statement Future Research: Future research should follow a similar methodological approach in guiding students in writing the other sections of the dissertation

Investigating the ways prior experience informs the research approaches of returning and direct-pathway students in engineering PhD programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-213
Author(s):  
Erika A. Mosyjowski ◽  
Shanna R. Daly
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Prior Experience ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Pathway Engineering ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Direct Pathway

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways engineering doctoral students draw on prior experiences to inform their doctoral research. This study includes the experiences of “returners” – those who have worked as practitioners for five or more years before entering a PhD program – who have distinct experiences from “direct-pathway students,” which may inform how they engage in doctoral research. This study also explores the traits that distinguish varying levels of sophistication in the ways PhD students think about the research process and how prior experience may contribute. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on interview data from 52 returning and direct-pathway engineering doctoral students. A thematic analysis of this interview data highlights the primary ways participants’ prior professional, academic and life experiences inform their doctoral research. In addition, the authors conducted an iterative analysis process to sort participants’ responses about their management of a hypothetical research scenario into emergent categories of research thinking sophistication to understand what characterizes varying levels of sophistication in research thinking and explore how experience may contribute. Findings Participants identified past experiences as shaping their research, related to how they identify a research problem, considering what needs to and can be done to address the problem, identifying an appropriate research approach, managing unexpected challenges, responding to critical feedback, determining their comfort taking risks and using intuition to lead a project. Originality/value Outcomes of this research can inform how graduate education supports students throughout their degree by identifying key experiences that may contribute to students’ research approaches.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document