independent action learning project icp emba11

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RSM EMBA Research Project EMBA11 Arkadiusz Mironko Director MBA Programmes Academic Director Full-time, EMBA and Global Executive OneMBA Programmes Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University November 26, 2010

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Page 1: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

RSM EMBA Research ProjectEMBA11

Arkadiusz Mironko

Director MBA Programmes

Academic Director Full-time, EMBA and Global Executive OneMBA Programmes

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

November 26, 2010

Page 2: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

What is the EMBA Project?

The EMBA Project is an academic research project with a real-life practical application. In this sense, the Project is meant as an exercise that will help you to further develop your skills and management concepts learned during the program.

Furthermore, the Project should:Generate value (knowledge) from the academic point of view

Generate value (economic) to your organization

Generate value (professional and personal growth) to the author:

Broaden your horizons

Expand/strengthen your network

Page 3: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Writing process

How long does it take to write a 150 words of research?

How many drafts, on average, are needed to produce a final theses (essay)?

“Genius is 2% inspiration and 98% perspiration”Thomas Alba Edison

Page 4: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Action research at a glance

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ACTION PLANNING

Considering alternative courses

of action

TAKING ACTION

Selecting a course of action

EVALUATING

Studying the consequences of an

action

SPECIFYING LEARNING

Indentifying general findings

DIAGNOSING

Indentfying or defining a problem

Gerald I. Susman, "Action Research: A Sociotechnical Systems Perspective," ed. G. Morgan (London: Sage Publications, 1983) 102.

Page 5: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

What leads to a good project?

Careful thinking and selection of a good / clear topic:Assess the situational background for the intended topic/question

Identify causes of the symptoms

Clarify the symptoms

Assess types and adequacy of information available to specify the research objectives

Identify the variables to be taken into consideration for the study

Specify solutions to the causes

In short: What do I want to learn more about?

The topic must be specific enough to be investigated (i.e. what are my research questions?)

Business plans are not suitable for research projects

Page 6: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

ExpectationsWhat is expected of the Proposal?

Outline of research intention:Describe purpose and objectives

Define your research questions

Method & requirements (data collection, literature, access)

Fit (for you, for the company, for RSM)

Your timeline of research activities and writing following the RSM schedule

1600 words (7-8 pgs) (see Project Manual pg. 8-9)

What is expected of the Draft?Well-structured

Comprehensive

Well-presented

Inclusive of a description of expected reflective learning

Well-referenced

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A comprehensive independent document that articulates:Objectives: clear, operational, achievable

Academic grounding: choice of frameworks & reflection, references

Methodology: appropriate & well described, planned & executed, critiqued for strengths, weaknesses & possible changes or implications.

Analysis: thorough & supported by sound research, does it make sense?

Conclusions & reflection

Presentation & referencingStructure of the report: Concise but complete argumentation, “independence”, professional written academic format

Complete referencing: In the body of the text and as a reference list; sourceable

Reflective learningWhat has been learned with respect to: personal objectives, development needs, capacity for project work, information sourcing, potential further research

Draft should approximate final version:

Source: Page, M. (2007). RSM Executive MBA Project Preparation. Presentation delivered at RSM Erasmus University. November 13, 2007.

Page 8: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Key questions that must be answered

a. Were my research questions answered?

b. What are the implications of my findings for the

theory base, for the background assumptions, or

relevant literature?

c. What recommendations can I make for the

company I studied and for practitioners in this

area?

d. What suggestions can I make for further

research on this topic?

Page 9: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

For instance…2

1. Title page – includes researcher contact information2. Executive Summary – the most read section

a. Statement of purpose, key research questions & brief description of research design

b. Summary of statistical results & written answers to research questionsc. Practical business implications

3. Table of Contents4. Introduction – describes purpose5. Literature review6. Research methods and data used7. Results8. Recommendations and Conclusions – plus limitations9. Appendices – technical detail, etc

2 Page, M. (2007). RSM Executive MBA Project Preparation. Presentation delivered at RSM Erasmus University. November 13, 2007.

Page 10: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Examples

The following slides contain captions from actual reports submitted at RSM. Some parts have been edited in order to guarantee confidentiality.

Page 11: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Sample 1: Outline of a paper with clear structure

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Sample 2: Outline of a paper with clear structure

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Sample 3: Outline of a paper with vaguestructure

Page 14: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Key Performance Criteria 1(3)

OriginalityRelevant/applicable

Grounded in appropriate theory

Quality of primary and secondary sources and data

Efficient & effective

“Contained” inferences (i.e. don’t jump to conclusions!)

Developing the research questionGrounded in your organizational experience and needs

Contained focus & scopeFormulate a researchable question

Clarity in definitions

Answering the questionGathering appropriate data

InterpretationNeed for an a’priori framework

Issue of confirmation

Distinguishing between “Identifying & describing” and “explaining & prescribing”

Page 15: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Key Performance Criteria 2 (3)

Answering the Question (2):Quantitative versus qualitative approaches

Description, categorization and causation

Example:Symptom = Low customer service ratings

Question = What factors influence customer service ratings?

1. If you know or think you know them, then develop hypotheses:

“Inadequate training of service staff is associated with low customer service ratings.”

“Customer service ratings differ by geographic region, bank branch, or part-time vs. full-time employees.”

2. If you don’t know them, a thorough literature review should suggest factors associated with customer service ratings. If not found, or if outdated, then exploratory research (primary data!) could be conducted.

Never forget the….

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…iceberg principle!3

Obvious Measurable Symptoms

Real Business/Decision Problems and/or Opportunities

Decision Maker

Researcher

What is causing symptoms? How

can they be eliminated?

3. Page, M. (2007). RSM Executive MBA Project Preparation. Presentation delivered at RSM Erasmus University. November 13, 2007.

Page 17: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Key Performance Criteria 3 (3)

Following the academic rules of the game

Critical use of concepts & data (don’t just present them, analyze and evaluate)

Argument (logic) and evidence

Transparency in process (replication)

Modesty in findings

Critical review

Page 18: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Grading Criteria

The project is graded on the basis of a number of criteria. The following gives an overview of the weight of each criterion in determining the project grade:

10% Project Proposal – focus, structure and content quality

30% Introduction, statement of the objective(s), articulation of

the theoretical framework(s) and academic reflection (relating

back to materials / subjects covered in the courses to date)

30% Research method details, analysis and conclusions

10% Referencing

10% Presentation

10% Personal development and reflective learning

RSM, EUR. Project Manual 2011, p. 19.

Page 19: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

The ReaderAssigning a reader

Project registrationNot necessarily an expert in the field of your research but knowledgeable about method and subject area

Project remains an independent “in-company” experienceReader assesses your independent efforts and may advise, but is not a “supervisor” Reader’s main focus is to provide constructive critique on the project

Feedback pointsPhase 1: The proposal

Strengths, limitations and indication of challenges to completionRelationship between learning thus far and needs of the project

Phase 2: Completion of a substantive section of the project (report)Proposed framework and justificationFactual material & critique/analysis thereofArgumentation and referencing

Phase 3: Submission of comprehensive draftQuality comments concern the written work rather than the intentionFeedback on strengths and deficiencies (not absolute level)

Requirements of readerAssess the quality of contained interim submission and provide feedbackGrade final report

Page 20: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Pitfalls to avoid!!

Procrastination

Not getting or requesting secondary information

Insufficient contingency planningIs your success contingent on one specific effort?

Time mismanagementTime needed to collect data must be contained

Too much time “organizing” data

Insufficient time spent on higher level analysis and inference

Not building in sufficient buffer time (set your own deadlines!)

Insufficient progress check points

Inadequate referencing

1

2

Page 21: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Further reading on Research Methods

1. RSM Executive MBA Programme Project Manual (2011)

2. Remenyi, D., Williams, B., Money, A. & Swartz, E. 1998. Doing Research in Business and Management. London: Sage.

3. Hair, J.F., Money, A.H., Samouel, P. & Page, M.J. 2007. Research Methods for Business. England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

4. Strunk, W. & White, E.B. 2000. The Elements of Style. Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon.

Page 22: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

http://www.eur.nl/ub/english

On campus access is http://www.eur.nl/ub/english/search/online_resources/e_journals/

Click on “Online resources” in listClick on “E-journals” for all databasesSelect in “Search for discipline”Select “Economics / Business administration”or, in the “Search for title” box enter the title of the particular journal

Do not forget to reference

Further reading on Research Methods

Page 23: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

In-company Project Time-line

January 31, 2011 Project registration due

February (week 3), 2011 Project reader notification

April 4, 2011 Project proposal due

July 18, 2011 Complete project draft due (no later than – specific date to be agreed with project reader)

August 22, 2011 Final Project Report submission on Blackboard

(deposit printed and collated document at the MBA office no later than September 2nd , 2011)

Page 24: Independent Action Learning Project ICP EMBA11

Thank you for your attention!

Questions?