Journal Entries and Final Reflections 1

Running head: JOURNAL ENTRIES AND FINAL REFLECTIONS

Journal Entries and Final Reflections

Argosy University

R7103 Solutions Orientated Business Research Methods

Professor: Dr. Alfredo Herrera

August 19, 2009

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Abstract

An abbreviated overview of thoughts and considerations contemplated by the author during

attendance of R7103 Solutions Orientated Business Research Methods as each relates to course
work, and journaling activities.
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Journal Entries and Final Reflections

Final Observations

Solutions Orientated Business Research Methods is responsible for a methodology

change in this author’s thinking pattern related to examination of the management dilemma. As

stated several times in journal entries “Understanding the management dilemma from the

audience perspective is critical.” Lessons learned: theory to application- the objectives of the

research project need to be understood in order to construct a study that will measure the

dilemma correctly. It is helpful to understand the objective and possibly reverse engineer

solutions through the use of study on the feasibility of each. Also stated before, “Selection of the

right variables is critical to measure correlative effects if one or more is altered to create a

predicted “what if” result. Additive to this, validity tests may be helpful but not conclusive to the

test outcome. In other words a researcher may expect a distribution pattern or a range of results

but may experience outlying indicators if the test constructs are in error or the subject matter

study may produce unexpected results. To revisit: the constructs used in the study, selection of

the right variables, very important to understanding the best way to analyzing the results. The

professional obligations of this researcher are related to expenditure of money to purchase large

ticket items. Studies can be constructed to indicate what risk the expense reduces. In other words

the amount of money to spend to purchase a new piece of equipment may reduce the probability

of damage or production stoppage from failure of the replaced piece of equipment.

Professional efforts continue, the approach of “dollarizing” the possible impact to man

hours from production delays and use a , often self-defined, parametric from historical data that

contains damage to equipment / product and injury dollars paid. This author is departing from

traditional methodology, the mindset of Return on Investment (ROI), to produce / evaluate

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business cases to substantiate the expenditure of funds to reduce risk. It is this researchers

personal opinion that careful consideration and selection of the right dilemma to study is the best

way to focus your abilities and resources. BUT departure from the traditional may be necessary

in blue water situations and proper research methodology will provide the confidence to share

the results obtained. Proper research methodology and documentation, journaling is one, are

critical to reproducibility and explaining what you have discovered to others.

Relevance and Journaling

In future academic efforts, such as the preparation of a dissertation this lesson will be

remembered. The question that comes to mind: “Are researchers collecting data for a research

project aware of the possibility of the importance of how it is to be presented-the audience?” If

this is given too much thought, could it interfere with objective collection of data to provide a

balanced conclusion? This researcher initially considered qualitative methodology for the

preparation of the doctoral dissertation. But quantitative methodology provides numerical data to

substantiate the researcher’s conclusions. Numerical valuation, after much thought, seems the

clearer path. As this researcher’s dissertation approaches one thing is clear, the expense of hiring

a satiation to evaluate the study construct, the variables selected, and the best format to provide

the study results will be money well spent.

Balance of study methodology and an understanding of the audience is necessary for

effective research. As further academic classes are taken, further evaluation to mixed-method

will be considered and evaluated. Additionally daily journal entries, even a quick note, have

helped this researcher capture thoughts, sometimes at random. Review of the journal entries have
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proven invaluable and fascinating. It seems the mind can work on several items at the same time

and often produce a conscious stream that may make no sense at the time but later the relevance

is striking. Journaling is a practice that this researcher will continue as an aid to evaluating and

identifying the correct management dilemma, variables, study constructs, thoughts, patterns, and

observations in an effort to become more effective personally and professionally with the

management of the most precious of resources-TIME.

This researcher has extensive professional and academic obligations that leave very little

time for even sleep. It is critical the right dilemma is solved without over allocation of time

devoted to evaluating the wrong parameters-an exceptional class, thank you all.

Eric Punt