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Abdulrahman Yousef Al-Aali, PhD

Professor

Chair, Council of Graduate Business Programs & Director, PhD in Business Program

كلية إدارة الأعمال
Building 67, Office: S-001
مادة دراسية

BA 601 - Theory Development in Business Administration (PhD)

Catalog Description
 
BA 601 - Theory Development in Business Administration 3 (3+0)

The effective use of epistemology in generating, defending and clarifying logically rigorous arguments is explored. Students from the diverse business disciplines will examine the processes which have guided theory development and theory testing. Attention will focus on what criteria are used to assess the adequacy of explanations and useful theories. Topics include philosophy of science, finding and formulating research problems and questions, literature reviews and searches, basic concepts in measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs.  During the course, each student is expected to prepare a research proposal/literature review.  Prerequisite: BA 598.
 
Course Objectives

The course seeks to frame and discuss key issues which arise as social scientists conduct theoretically relevant empirical research, whether this be qualitative or quantitative in methods, concerned with testing or generating theory, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting or interpreting findings.  In the course of the assigned readings, discussions, and lectures, assorted specific methods and techniques will be introduced and discussed. Still, the focus is on issues which thoughtful and reflective professionals (scholars) should consider at least once in their preparation for future research work.

Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the theory building as well as the literature, tools and techniques associated with each phase of the research process. The student will also be able to identify and evaluate the major contingencies which influence the process or phases within the scientific investigation process (e.g., operating paradigms, scientific versus socio-technical methods, empirical vs. theoretical, etc.). Finally, the student will be introduced to some of the frontiers of knowledge in business research so that he/she can improve the ability to critically evaluate articles, develop an appropriate research design, and write a research proposal.
 
Conduct of the Course

The course will be conducted as a seminar. Each student is expected to participate in every class. The grade will be determined on the basis of (1) quality of the student's participation (10%), (2) seminar paper and presentation (50%), and one examination (40%).
 
Reading Assignment:

It is expected that students are prepared for discussion of the articles in the reading list. Each student will read all assigned reading materials before the class on which they are due.  Depending on the interest and knowledge levels of students in the class, modification to the reading list could be made. Additional reading materials may be added and/or the sequence of the coverage of the topics may be altered.
 
Seminar Research Proposal:

Each student will undertake an individual research project in a specific substantive area of his/her interest. The paper will be a research proposal involving an empirical study.

Pre-Proposal Presentation:

Students will select a research topic that is related to any business discipline of his/her choice. Each student wil make a five-minute presentation along with a one-page written report on the topic of the research proposal. The pre-proposal presentation would include a brief summary of the selected research topic, problem statements, identification of relevant theory, and an intial research model.

Written Proposal Paper and Formal Presentation:

Students will further develop and modify the pre-proposal presentation based on the feedback of the class and instructor. A written seminar proposal paper is required in this course. Each student is also expected to make a formal presentation of his/her paper. The paper should include the following topical areas.

Introduction

  • Identification of key research issues.
  • Development of research questions and problem statements.

Theoretical Framework and Research Model

  • Review of the relevant literature.
  • Identify all relevant theory, theoretical models, and constructs in the literature.
  • Develop a proposed theoretical model and define key constructs.

Hypothesis

  • Develop and list the research hypotheses and provide the rationale for each hypothesis

Method

  • Overview of the research design of the proposed study.
  • Data collection method and source of data.
  • Operationalization of the key constructs, measurement instruments developed to meet the purpose of the study, and validity and reliability of the questionnaire items.
  • Description of sampling plan, unit of analysis, and the source of information for selecting the sample.
  • Anticipated analyses and their justification for providing the intended outcome of the study (optional).

Discussion

  • Expected theoretical contribution and managerial implication.

Tables and Figure

Reference

  • Reference list.

Appendix

  • Measurement instrument (questionnaire).

There will be some flexibility in the organization and format of the paper, but students are expected to follow logical and accepted format of the paper (e.g., Journal of Marketing manuscript guidelines). The anticipated length of the paper is approximately 15 to 20 double spaced pages (Times New Roman 12 points with one inch margin) excluding reference list and appendices. The objective of this seminar paper is two folds. First, this paper writing will prepare you for working on your actual dissertation proposal. Second, this part of the course requirement will help you write a conceptual paper that can be published in a journal or conference proceedings.
 
Exam:

One comprehensive in-class exam will be given. The exam will cover all topical areas and test students’ understanding of the basic concepts, research process and related techniues needed to perform an independent research project.
 
Evaluation:
 
Grades will be assigned based on total points at the end of the semester. Your grade is a function of the following: 
 

Exam 40 Percent
 Seminar Research Proposal
 o Pre-Proposal Presentation
 o Formal Proposal Presentation
 o Written Proposal Paper
     50 Percent
 Participation      10 Percent
 Total     100 Percent

 
The following grading scheme will be used for this course.
 

A+ :  95 - 100% B+  :  85 - 89 C+  :  75 - 79 D  :  60 - 69
A   :  90 – 94 B    :  84 - 80 C    :  74 – 70 F   :  0 – 59

 
COURSE OVERVIEW

Topic 1:   Overview of the Philosophy of Science

  • Introduction to the Seminar / Administrative Details
  • Overview of the Philosophy of Science and Perspectives of Knowledge

Topic 2: Research Paradigm and Theory Building

  • Introduction to Theory Building
  • Scientific Revolution, Operating Paradigms, and the Development of Theory
  • Validation of Theory

Topic 3: Development of Theoretical Models

  • Developing a Theoretical Model / Defining Key Constructs in Theory
  • Formulating Hypothesis and Adequate Theoretical Relationships
  • Major Theoretical Constructs in Business Research

Topic 4: Research Process and Research Design

  • Overview of the Research Process
  • Understanding Various Types of Research Design
  • Alternative Research Methods

Topic 5: Non-Experimental Research

  • Overview of the Non-experimental Research
  • Survey Research
  • Critical Issues in Survey Research

Topic 6: Experimental Research

  • Types of Experimental Designs
  • Critical Issues in Experimental Research

Topic 7: Sampling

  • Sampling Methods
  • Sampling vs. Non-Sampling Errors

Topic 8: Measurement Theory

  • Review of the Philosophy and Theory of Measurement
  • Questionnaire Design and Attitude Scaling

Topic 9: Reliability and Validity Assessment

  • Reliability Theory
  • Type of Validity
  • The Multitrait-Multimethod Approach / Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Topic 10: Scale Development and Critical Issues in Business Research

  • Scale Development and Validation in Business Research
  • Issues and Controversies in Research in Organizations
  • Illustrative Examples of Business Research (Survey Research and/or Experimental Research)

READING LIST

Given in the Course syllabus

ملحقات المادة الدراسية