SAMPLE MGT575: CRITICAL EVALUATION OF RESEARCH AND THEORY

Transcription

1 MGT575: CRITICAL EVALUATION OF RESEARCH AND THEORY Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES Course Description: This course emphasizes the critical evaluation of research and theory in an applied management setting. The course focuses on the comprehension and evaluation of research related to managing organizations. Topics include the research process, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, and applied research design. The research project begun in this course is completed in MGT581. Emphasis is placed on identifying the research problem, purpose, research questions, audience, and theoretical framework of an applied research project. Course Overview: This course is designed to teach students the interconnectedness of research activities addressing concerns, issues, and challenges faced in the workplace today. Students will learn the fundamentals of research design, terminology, process, methodology, as well as, evaluation and interpretation skills for both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. This course emphasizes effective research practices resulting in a Portfolio Project that encompasses the first two sections of a research study. The research topics will be unique to each student and specifically related to management of organizational problems or opportunities. Students will identify an existing problem or opportunity in an organization or industry of their choosing and then develop Sections I and II of a research study. Following this course, students will complete the study as a Capstone Project in MGT581, the final course in their Master s program. Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Evaluate components associated with quality research process and design with emphasis on applied research. 2. Apply the concepts of strategy evaluation to formulate a research problem or opportunity on a management topic within the context of a specific organization or industry based on a root cause analysis. 3. Formulate research questions for the identified research problem or opportunity within the context of a specific organization or industry. 4. Evaluate human behavior/management theories, concepts, and processes to apply as the theoretical framework for the identified research problem or opportunity. 5. Analyze current management research sources and synthesize them into a literature review to support the importance of the identified research problem or opportunity.

2 6. Produce the first two sections of an applied research study that addresses a specific, substantiated organizational problem or opportunity within the field of management. PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. COURSE MATERIALS Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal. COURSE SCHEDULE Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points. Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT. WEEKLY READING AND ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Module 1 Chapters 1 & 2 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapters 1 & 2, PowerPoint slides, in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Fox, S., & Groesser, S. N. (2016). Reframing the relevance of research to practice. European Management Journal, 34(2016), Saunders, M. N. K., & Bezzina, F. (2015). Reflections on conceptions of research methodology among management academics. European Management Journal, 33(2015), Critical Thinking: Propose the Problem or Opportunity (50 points) 1. Describe the problem or opportunity that you plan to use for your Portfolio Project (please note, your problem or opportunity may change as you develop your project). Explain how you plan to find information related to your project. What professional publications, industry/trade associations, or government agencies are relevant to your search? What other resources are available? 2. Please note any issues you encountered in your search. What helpful hints could you share with your colleagues to assist in finding information?

3 List any articles, reports, studies, or other sources you found in your initial search. You should list at least three credible sources. Use APA reference style. (Please note, these sources do not have to be cited in your proposal.) Remember to address all above requirements thoroughly and thoughtfully. Your listed sources should be published within the last five years. The entire proposal should be well written, formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements, and be approximately two pages in length not including the required references page. Review the grading rubric in the Module 1 folder to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Module 2 Chapter 3 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapter 3 PowerPoint slides in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Barsalou, M. (2016). A better way. Quality Progress, 49(11), Schaefer, J. (2017). The root causes of low employee morale. Retrieved from Kinni, T. (2017, June 20). There s one question you must ask before solving any problem (it s also the most underrated management skill). Retrieved from Critical Thinking: Important Concepts in Business Research (80 points) Examine the most important concepts in business research (as opposed to traditional academic research) that would benefit your organization. Propose a qualitative or quantitative study to clearly define an organizational problem or opportunity. The Critical Thinking Assignment for Module 2 is based on the first two weeks required readings, videos, discussion forums, and your personal experience. Using what you have learned in Modules 1 and 2 from the required readings and the discussion forums, apply your experience, skills, and knowledge to prepare an essay addressing the five requirements listed below. Do not use question-and-answer format. This should be an academic essay. 1. Based on your Module 1 discussion response, explain what type of data would be the most beneficial to clearly define the organizational problem or opportunity you described. 2. Propose a qualitative or quantitative study within your organization to obtain additional data to further define the problem and to develop potential solutions. 3. Support your proposal with at least one qualitative and one quantitative research article (two articles total). 4. Explain why reading business research articles and studies related to your industry are important for you, as a manager. 5. Explain why business research is a valuable tool for any organization and specifically for managers. answers. Remember to address all five requirements thoroughly and thoughtfully. Discuss and cite at least three peer-reviewed references (published within the last five years) in addition to your textbook to support your

4 Module 3 The essay should be well written, formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements, and be approximately three pages in length. Review the grading rubric in the module folder to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Chapter 5 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapter 5 PowerPoint slides in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Review Chapter 3 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide, pp : Note the audiences who will benefit from the knowledge generated by a study. Brooks, J. S., & Normore, A. H. (2015). Qualitative research and educational leadership. The International Journal of Educational Management, 29(7), Okpala, C. R. (2017). Reflecting in the woods: Can it help to enhance the formulation of (our) research questions? Bioresources, 12(3), Critical Thinking: Management Problem or Business Opportunity Initial Drafts (80 Points) With this assignment, you begin drafting your Portfolio Project for this course. In preparation for this assignment, please review the instructions for the Portfolio Project, which can be found in the Module 8 folder. Your Critical Thinking Assignment should clearly define your problem or opportunity in a concise and informative manner. Begin using the Portfolio Project Template (linked in the assignment). Note the introduction for Section 1 is not due in this module, but it is required for the Module 6 Critical Thinking Assignment. For this assignment: Draft the management problem or opportunity for your study subsection: This subsection should be 1-2 paragraphs to clearly describe the problem or opportunity. o Add appropriate subheadings related to your problem, if needed to clarify; these subheading sections should be limited to one paragraph. Draft the purpose of your Investigation subsection: This subsection should be 1-2 paragraphs to clearly describe the purpose of your investigation. What do you hope to learn from your research? Draft your management question and three research questions: Your questions should be clear and concise and do not require any further explanation in this subsection. Remember to use the specific format indicated in the Portfolio Project Template linked in this module folder. Identify your intended audience: This subsection should be 1-2 paragraphs to clearly describe the audience that will be interested in your study. Your intended audience should start with the internal and external groups of your target organization or industry. Add associates, professions, and/or individuals who may also benefit from this research. Remember to include academic researchers like yourself. Remember to support your subsections with appropriate citations from your references list. List at least four new credible references, other than course material, that support your research efforts. Concentrate on credible references published within the last five years. These can be academic sources, industry sources, government sources, or company-specific sources. At this point, your references list should have at least four credible sources listed other than course material.

5 Module 4 Your well-written assignment should be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements using the Portfolio Project Template linked in this module as your formatting tool. Review the grading rubric in the module folder to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Chapter 4 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapter 4 PowerPoint slides in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Ferrari, R. (2015). Writing narrative style literature reviews. Medical Writing, 24(4), doi: / z Critical Thinking: Describe the Management Dilemma and Identify the Relevant Theory (80 points) You will continue drafting your Portfolio Project for this course using the Portfolio Project Template (linked in the assignment). For this assignment: Draft the Management Dilemma subsection: Provide a discussion of the management question and why this problem/opportunity is important to research. This subsection should be 2-3 paragraphs that precedes and outlines the topics you will discuss in the current state of the organization. Draft the Relevant Theory subsection: You will identify a human or organizational behavior theory that applies to your topic. Remember to clearly relate your relevant theory to your problem or opportunity. This subsection should also be 2-3 paragraphs. List at least four new credible references, other than course material, that support your research efforts. Concentrate on credible references published within the last five years. These can be academic sources, industry sources, government sources, or company specific sources. At this point, your references list should have at least eight credible sources listed other than course material. Your well-written assignment should be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements using the Portfolio Project Template linked in the module folder as your formatting tool. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Module 5 Chapters 6 & 9 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapters 6 & 9, PowerPoint slides, in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Wotela, K. (2016). Towards a systematic approach to reviewing literature for interpreting public and business management research results. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 14(2), Critical Thinking: Current State of the Organization, Relevant Organizational Functions, and Definitions of Terms (80 points) With this assignment, continue drafting your Portfolio Project for this course using the Portfolio Project Template (linked in the assignment). For this assignment:

6 Draft the Current State of Your Organization subsection: This subsection should be 2-3 paragraphs to clearly describe the target organization or industry that is the focus of your study. Draft the Relevant Organizational Functions subsection: In relevant organizational functions, discuss in detail the areas of the organization that are directly affected by the problem/opportunity. This subsection should also be 2-3 paragraphs, however could be longer if additional detail is required. Draft the Definitions of Terms subsection: After writing these background subsections, identify any unique terms related to your organization, industry, or the specific problem that require definitions to help a reader clearly understand the issues. Please note: This element should be citation-supported definitions of specific terms that are unique, not general business terms. Also remember to use the specific format setup in the template. If there are no unique terms requiring definition, please indicate in the subsection no unique terms required definitions for this study. List at least four new credible references, other than course material, that support your research efforts. Concentrate on credible references published within the last five years. These can be academic sources, industry sources, government sources, or company specific sources. At this point, your references list should have at least twelve credible sources listed other than course material. Your well-written assignment should be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements using the Portfolio Project Template linked in this module folder as your formatting tool. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Module 6 Chapter 13 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapter 13 PowerPoint slides in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Nielsen, R. P. (2016). Action research as an ethics praxis method. Journal of Business Ethics, 135(3), Critical Thinking: Section Introductions and Summary of Section Highlights (80 points) With this assignment, you will continue drafting your Portfolio Project using the Portfolio Project Template (linked in the assignment). For this assignment: Draft the Introduction to Section I: The introduction should be 1-2 paragraphs to introduce your topic and capture the attention of a reader. Remember to support your facts with appropriate, credible citations. Also, remember to include a preview of Section I in one to three sentences. The preview briefly outlines the subsections presented in this section. The introduction also acts as a mapping tool to keep the section focused. Draft the Summary of Section I Highlights subsection: The summary should be one paragraph to highlight the most important points you presented in the preceding subsections. The last sentence introduces the purpose of Section II. Draft the Introduction to Section II: This introduction should also be 1-2 paragraphs to remind the reader of your topic and the purpose of your study. Remember to support your facts with appropriate, credible citations. Also remember to include a preview of Section II in one to three sentences. The preview briefly outlines the subsections present in this section. This introduction also acts as a mapping tool to keep the section focused.

7 Draft the Summary of Section II Highlights subsection: Draft the Summary of Section II Highlights subsection: The summary should be one paragraph to highlight the most important points you presented in the preceding subsections. The last sentence introduces the purpose of Section III. Remember to support factual statements in your introductions; however, citations are not required in your section summaries. List at least three new credible references, other than course material, that support your research efforts. Concentrate on credible references published within the last five years. These can be academic sources, industry sources, government sources, or company specific sources. At this point, your references list should have at least fifteen credible sources listed other than course material. Your well-written assignment should be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing & APA Requirements using the template as your formatting tool. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Module 7 Chapters 8, 11, & 12 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapters 8, 11, & 12, PowerPoint slides, in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Career Development Criteria: Building Your Brand and Identifying Your Next Career Move (50 points) In preparation to create your Career Development Assignment: 1. View this YouTube video: Building a Brand Bennie Covington Please note, this video is available in the CSU- Global Career Center under Career Videos. 2. Complete the Value Rating Worksheet at 3. Complete the Skill Set Worksheet at 4. Complete the Career Preference Questionnaire at After viewing the video and completing the worksheets and the questionnaire, prepare a draft of your brand image, to include the following: Describe the important elements that create the best image of your values, skills, and career preferences. Identify and explain the steps you will take to identify and obtain your next career move. What objectives will help you achieve your vision? What time frame will you set for yourself to complete your objectives? What changes do you anticipate in your career area and how can you position yourself for alignment with these changes? Choose among the following multiple options for presentation of your Career Development Assignment. written reflective essay approximately two pages in length PowerPoint presentation (click the link in the assignment for help in creating a PowerPoint presentation) Google presentation (click the link in the assignment for help in creating a Google presentation) SlideRocket presentation (click the link in the assignment for help in creating a SlideRocket presentation) Prezi presentation (click the link in the assignment for help in creating a Prezi presentation)

8 Empressr presentation (click the link in the assignment for help in creating an Empressr presentation) podcast video website Your well-developed submission should meet the following requirements, regardless of the presentation format you choose: include an introduction, a conclusion, and a references list; address all five components listed above; include proper citation of any graphs or figures that you do not create yourself; and format the entire submission according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment. Module 8 Chapter 14 in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Chapter 14 PowerPoint slides in Understanding Research: A Consumer s Guide Hales, A. (2016). Does the conclusion follow from the evidence? Recommendations for improving research. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 66, 39. Mihiotis, A., & Argirou, N. (2016). Coaching: From challenge to opportunity. Journal of Management Development, 35(4), doi: Portfolio Project (300 points) For your Portfolio Project, you will develop the following: 1. Section I Organizational Problem or Opportunity 2. Section II Organizational Problem or Opportunity Background Please use the Portfolio Project Template linked in the assignment as the primary guide in formatting your project. Section I: Organizational Problem or Opportunity Introduction Description of the problem or opportunity Purpose of the investigation Management/business questions Intended audience Summary of section highlights Section II: Problem or Opportunity Background Introduction Definition of terms Management question or management dilemma related topics o Current state of the target organization o Relevant organizational processes or systems or functions o Relevant theory Summary of section highlights

9 Remember to edit your critical thinking assignment drafts with the feedback provided throughout the course. Remember to include a minimum of 15 credible sources on your project references list. Your final portfolio project should be 6-10 pages not including your cover page, table of contents, or references page. Remember to spellcheck, edit, and grammar check your document before submitting. Consider submitting your project for final review in our excellent Writing Center. Your project should employ formatting and a writing style in line with the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements, including but not limited to title page, table of contents, headings, subheadings, formatting, references and citations. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment.

10 COURSE POLICIES Grading Scale Course Grading A A B B B C C D F 59.9 or below 20% Discussion Participation 50% Critical Thinking Assignments 30% Final Portfolio Project

11 IN-CLASSROOM POLICIES For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies. Academic Integrity Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources. Citing Sources with APA Style All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the APA Guide & Resources link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions in your course. Disability Services Statement CSU Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at and/or ada@csuglobal.edu for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Netiquette Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by , or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.