BMGT-8028 Week 3 Discussion: Understanding the Role of Theory in Research

Introduction to Week 3 Discussion: Understanding the Role of Theory in Research

Welcome to the guide for BMGT-8028: Understanding the Role of Theory in Research. This BMGT-8028 guide is designed to assist you in identifying and applying theoretical frameworks to your research, particularly in the context of work-life balance and online learning. This segment is crucial for doctoral students to grasp as it underpins the basis of scholarly inquiry and shapes the entire research process.

Select one of the sources that you have found in your preparation for the assignment due in Week 5. The article should propose a theory that could be used as the framework for a study on work-life balance and online learning.

Selecting a Relevant Article

• Utilize academic databases to find recent articles, focusing on those published since 2020.
• Ensure the article is peer-reviewed, indicating credibility and scholarly approval.
• Select an article that offers a theoretical perspective on either work-life balance or online learning. 

Briefly summarize the article.

Summarizing the Article 

• Identify the main thesis or argument of the article.
• Highlight how the theory is applied within the research.
• Note any significant findings or conclusions that support the use of the theory.

Example

The article by Hackney et al. (2022) provides a systematic review of how work-from-home (WFH) arrangements affect personal and organizational performance and productivity. It discusses the mixed impacts of WFH, noting both positive aspects like increased job satisfaction and negative aspects such as the potential for reduced interaction and collaboration among employees.

describe why you believe the theory is useful for developing a theoretical framework that could be used for research on work-life balance and online learning.

Analyzing the Theory’s Utility 

• Explain how the theory can frame the research questions or hypotheses.
• Discuss the theory’s relevance to contemporary issues in work-life balance or online learning.
• Consider the theory’s ability to provide insightful contributions to the field.

Example

The theoretical framework utilized in this article is useful for research on work-life balance and online learning as it comprehensively examines the dynamics of remote work environments. This framework can help researchers understand how varying remote work conditions influence employee efficiency and engagement, which are critical factors in both work-life balance and the effectiveness of online learning environments (Hackney, 2022). The systematic approach to reviewing literature also provides a solid foundation for exploring how different variables in work-from-home setups could affect outcomes related to these fields.

Link to the article you used for this discussion.

Linking to the Article

• Provide a direct URL that leads to the full text of the article.
• Ensure the link is from a credible academic or library source.

Example

Hackney, A., Yung, M., Somasundram, K. G., Nowrouzi-Kia, B., Oakman, J., & Yazdani, A. (2022). Working in the digital economy: A systematic review of the impact of work from home arrangements on personal and organizational performance and productivity. Plos one,17(10),e0274728. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0274728 

Reply to at least two fellow learners with a question about their posts that would clarify their selection.

Peer Response

• Formulate questions that prompt deeper discussion and clarification.
• Acknowledge the contributions of peers in your own research, specifying what you have learned from their posts.
• Plan to include these acknowledgments in the credit section of your Week 5 assignment.

Peer Response 1

It’s intriguing to read about the theoretical framework you’ve discussed in your chosen article. I’m curious about how the author integrates this framework with practical strategies for enhancing work-life balance, especially in the context of remote learning. How do they propose to manage the challenges that typically arise with remote work settings? Your insights could be incredibly valuable for my own research on similar themes.

Peer Response 2

For your second response, continue engaging thoughtfully by adding new perspectives or examples to another peer’s post, enhancing the ongoing discussion.

Closing

Mastering the art of searching and reviewing scholarly literature is a fundamental skill for doctoral learners in business and IT. This Owlisdom guide not only facilitates your immediate assignment preparation but also enhances your long-term research capabilities. By carefully selecting, analyzing, and discussing scholarly articles, you develop a nuanced understanding of your chosen topics, contributing to your growth as a well-informed and critical researcher. You can also read BMGT 8028 next module Week 4 Discussion: Seminal Works: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations.