MAM/MBA Final Research Project

1. MAM/MBA Final Research Project • Purpose • Ideas • Advising • Options • Ethics But wait, that’s not all…

2. Purpose of the Project • increase marketability • network professionally • increase visibility in job • return skills to company • indulge a special interest • built expertise in a specific area • integrate areas of study into final project

3. Where to get research ideas... • pet interest • course readings • what could be improved • deciding among options • problems & needs at work • how effective is something • how do two things compare • keep a file • discuss with others • check feasibility & payoff

4. Advising Resources • Sponsor • Shop around for style, interest, & expertise • Collaboration • “Naïve expert” role • Craft of revision • Living document • Second Reader • Additional expertise • Check blind spots Other resources-- network with experts, authors, etc.

5. Final Project Options Traditional Thesis: Experimental study, hypotheses, data gathering, and statistical analysis Conceptual model: with discussion of application & evaluation Global Studies Seminar Topical paper: Industry or topical analysis and discussion Applied Project: Marketing plan, strategic plan, industry analysis, etc.

6. Abstract Conceptual Model Thesis Literature- based Data- Based Capstone Abroad Applied Project Topical Paper Practical

7. Project Components Cover page Abstract Acknowledgements Table of Contents • Introduction (purpose, need, • importance, background, overview) • Literature review (support for idea, • building argument, identification of • key ideas, etc.) • Thesis/Experimental • Methods • Participants • Procedures • Design • Instrumentation • Data analysis • Results • Conceptual Model &Topical paper • Presentation & explanation of model • Applied Project • Presentation & explanation of case or plan • Discussion • Application • Evaluation • Implications • Further research References

8. 3 B 2 A C 1 4 Conceptual Model Building A conceptual model is a representation of some managerial phenomenon that identifies key components, shows relationships, and has greater utility than its parts taken in isolation. • Models can be • verbal descriptions • mathematical formulae • graphic representations D(f)= A x B x C For example: Combining Tuckman’s 4 stages of team development with Lippit & White’s 3 leadership styles provides greater utility and explanatory power than either theory alone.

9. Topical Paper • A topical paper can focus on most key topics of management theory and practice. • It typically covers extensive literature review, detailed analysis of literature trends and evidence, sound argument for conclusions. • Usually involves history/background, current status, and rationale for future development • Examples: • Analysis of your industry: history, current status, future developments • Trends in HR: history and change drivers of change, current conventions, future developments • Emergence of systems thinking in management

10. Applied Project • These projects involve application of principles and practices of management planning. They follow the typical outline for such plans in the workplace. • Strategic plans • Business plans • Marketing plans • Operational design plans • Decisional models • Etc.

11. The Thesis is a traditional scholarly project that involves detailed literature review and analysis, data collection and statistical treatment. • Theses— • are not designed to “prove” anything, but to test and “discover” • require more rigorous methods of research • are desirable if you are considering further graduate work (e.g., doctorate) • are useful if you want more research experience and skills

12. Institutional Review Board for research involving human participants Federal guidelines for ethical research (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45 Public Welfare, Part 46 Protection of Human Subjects) This regulation covers data obtained through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information, or involves vulnerable subjects. • Exempt: • Commonly accepted educational research & practices • Research involving educational tests, interviews, surveys, or observation of public behavior (unless they can be identified or disclosure would involve risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects' financial standing, employability, or reputation. • Existing data, documents, records, specimens (if not identifiable) • Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies

13. FAP Proposal • Short, descriptive title using key terms • Statement of purpose and overview • Need, relevance, importance • Define key terms & variables (& pose hypotheses) • Lit Review: outline your argument 2 levels • Methodology: how you plan to do it • References: 15-25 citations from journals & high authority sources • APA format & style

14. Perils & Pitfalls • I’ll get to it eventually– I work better under pressure • Since I don’t know exactly what I want to do, I shouldn’t write anything yet • I’m a good writer and I should be able to write a final draft the first time • I don’t understand anything about statistics so I better avoid anything with data or numbers • I want this to be my opus magnum! • I can learn APA style after I have it all written • If I just start writing stuff down it will eventually organize itself • I want to write about my present situation that I’m immersed in and is just driving me crazy! • I’ll write the whole thing up and then give it to my advisor to clean up

15. Capstone Seminar Abroad • This capstone emphasizes integration of the many courses covered in the curriculum applied to an international setting • The international field trip (e.g., Russia, China) will consist of a two-week experience during of the 12-week capstone seminar • Travel to the country will include meeting with businesses leaders, observing business practices, possible consulting experiences, and discussions of cultural aspects of business • Writing assignments include a focus on the economic and business development of the country visited: Doing business in [country] report, trend/topic of interest paper & presentation, international business seminar, reflection and assessment paper, and personal journaling.

16. Q&A