BUS7380 WEEK 1 TO WEEK 8 NCU

Lesson 1 – Assignment: Apply the Qualitative Method and the Research Problem

The focus of this week’s assignment is on applying the qualitative method to the research problem.

Begin with a one-page introduction about the circumstances that led to the development of the problem; do not state the problem in this section. Establish the existence of your research problem using three to four scholarly articles published within the last 3 years. Remember that the problem must have a business administration focus and must relate to your degree specialization. Keep your research focus and problem simple for this assignment.

Next, using the guide for developing a problem statement found in the Dissertation Center, construct a qualitative problem statement. The problem statement must be defined as a specific, evidence-based, real-life issue faced by certain people or organizations with significant negative implications for the involved parties. Your problem statement must (a) frame the problem, (b) validate that it exists with verifiable data, and (c) identify why and for whom the problem matters. Also, see Chapter 5 in Bloomberg and Volpe (2018).

Next, rationalize the use of the qualitative method for your research inquiry. Explain the features. Give examples of the intended research outcomes. Formulate a purpose statement using the framework. NOTE: This is the recommended script for framing your purpose statement.

The purpose of this qualitative study is _________________ [content aim of the study]. A qualitative study design will be used in which narrative data will be collected and analyzed to _________. These data will represent ____________ [the bounding or description of the study]. Qualitative data will be gathered exploring ____________ [the central phenomenon] from _________ [participants] at _________ [the research site]. The reasons for using this form of data to ________ [support or generate] data, is to develop an in-depth understanding of ____________________. [Include scholarly sources to support these research decisions.]

Source:

Create two qualitative research questions that could generate information for later analysis. Tip: Remember that this is qualitative research, therefore your business research question is about how and why something is happening.

Length: 3-4 pages

References: Include scholarly resources to support the existence of the problem and for any information which explains the breadth, depth, or challenges associated with the problem.

Your written submission should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect graduate-level writing and APA standards. Be sure to adhere to National University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Upload your document and click the Submit to Dropbox button.

Reference:

Read Chapter 5:

Bloomberg, L. D. & Volpe, M. (2018). Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Road Map From Beginning to End. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Lesson 2 – Assignment: Appraise the Merits of Using the Qualitative Method

Lesson 3 – Assignment: Justify the Use of Qualitative Designs: Case Study or Phenomenology

Lesson 5 – Assignment: Formulate a Strategy for Data Collection

During Lessons 3 and 4, you learned about various qualitative research designs. This week, you will build on this knowledge. Select two of the five research designs. Define and explain the features of each design using the resources provided and three other quality resources. Next, develop data collection processes for each of the selected designs, including discussions of sample size, sampling technique, data collection materials, and instrumentation. You can include diagrams if you would like.

You are already familiar with the instruments used in quantitative data collection, but these differ distinctly from what is useful in qualitative studies. Qualitative instruments must be structured so that you are collecting deep and broad data to understand the research question fully. In most cases, you must design an instrument to extract specific experiential information from your participants. Data collection can occur through face-to-face interviews, focus groups, or observation; there are other ways to select qualitative data.

When constructing your data collection plan, it must be clear and contain all the steps you will take when collecting information from your participants. You will have to include any secondary data that you will collect. Secondary data can include documents or other evidence that can contribute to understanding the central phenomenon under study. How will you ensure a data saturation? Remember, qualitative researchers use practices like member checking, follow-up interviews, or transcript review to ensure data saturation.

Writing this section of your study must be logical, repeatable, and reproducible. Every research decision must be based on accepted research practices; remember to include sources in your research plan to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and the support of the academic community.

Length: 4-5 pages, not including cover and references pages.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Upload your document and click the Submit to Dropbox button.

Lesson 6 – Assignment: Analyze Qualitative Data

Lesson 7 – Assignment: Signature Assignment: Design a Qualitative Study

Lesson 8 – Assignment 1: Research Ethics and Article Critique

Visit the NU Library. Locate a qualitative peer-reviewed article that relates to your research interest. Then, write a critique of the article incorporating the concepts learned in this course.

Using complete paragraphs and APA formatting, identify and explain the following:

• Introduction– Write an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement and background information about the problem.
• Problem statement –Use the scripted statement from Week 1 to identify and analyze the stated problem for completeness.
• Purpose of the study – Use the purpose statement to identify possible weaknesses in the stated purpose.
• Research question– Remember that qualitative research questions are how or why queries.
• Methodology and design – Explain why the qualitative method was best for this investigation and rationalize why other designs would not be appropriate. Identify the chosen design and why other designs would not work.
• Research ethics– Based on your progress with the CITI modules and assigned readings, identify ethical considerations associated with qualitative research and proffer solutions or processes to minimize risk to participants that the article does not address.
• Analysis – Comprehensively analyze the research data collection and analysis procedures. Be sure to support each element of your analysis with scholarly sources that explain these procedures were the most appropriate for each study.
• Other procedures – Discuss other data collection and analysis procedures that could have also worked for the study based on research regarding data collection and analysis procedures.
• Conclusion– Conclude with an assessment of the overall quality of the article.

Length: 3-5 pages

Your critique should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to National University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Upload your document and click the Submit to Dropbox button.

Lesson 8 Resources