Professor Harri Haapasalo HOW TO GET A PH.D.: METHODS AND PRACTICAL HINTS

Transcription

Professor Harri Haapasalo
Department of
Industrial Engineering and Management
HOW TO GET A PH.D.:
METHODS AND PRACTICAL HINTS
Research Approaches
Outline of the lecture

Research in DIEM
Planning the research approach –
research design
Classification of Research
Approaches
Summary
Research in DIEM (Jokinen)
Research in DIEM (Jokinen)
Industrial Engineering and
Management combines
research of natural science,
economics and sociology
c
So
Sc
ien
ce
Environment
Management
Na
tur
al
Engineering Mathematics
Industrial
Engineering
IEM
y
og
iol
Organisations
and Management
Management
of Technology
Communication
Strategic
Management
Operations
Management
Quality
Management
Supply
Chain
Management
Human
Resource
Management
Project
Management
Finanacing
Accounting
Marketing
Economics
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Europe
Trondheim
Zurich
Twente
Linköping
Cambridge
Usa
Cornell
MIT
Northwestern
Stanford
Berkeley
Australia
Monash
Asia
Israel
Mumbai
Hong Kong
Africa
Pretoria
IEM Body Of Knowledge
Finland
Espoo
Tampere
Lappeenranta
Oulu
Turku
Vaasa
DIEM BOK
Quality Management
Information and Knowledge Management
Project Management
Communication
Environment Management
Organizations and Management
Industrial Engineering
Supply Chain Management
Strategic Management
Human Resource Management
Operations management
Management of Technology/ R&D Management
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Accounting
Law & Ethics
Science Methodology
Planning the research
approach – research
design
Research approach
how
Main approach,
new
scientific knowledge is created in
this study
Scientific Knowledge (Classic definition):
Argumented (Through published sources)
True (Truth like)
Belief (Believed by the researcher)
Progressive (aligned with earlier research)
Economical (ideal of generalization)
Exposed to critics (public)
Created trough scientific methods
Strategic planning of research
Philosophical
background
assumoptions :
ontology,
epistemology
and human nature
Metodology
Epistemology
Theoritical
origns
Phenomena
Research
approach
Ontology
Human
nature
R
Method:
material
collection
and analysis
A
R = Researcher
A = Actor
The hierarchy of subjectivists assumtions about the nature of social science.
(Pihlanto P (1994) The action oriented approach and case stydy method in
management studies. In Scandinavian jornal of management, Vol 10 No 4, 169-382.)
Basic positioning in research
The ontological
foundation (=the
essence of the research
object)
Philosophy Background
of science
The epistemological
foundation of knowledge i.e.
the science of knowledge
(=which, from where, how the
knowledge is acquired)
Competence of subject/field
(=understanding the substance
and object of research)
Paradigm
Methodology (= the
conception of a valid
method)
Theory and
concepts
RESEARCH
Research
approaches and
choices
Ontological foundation

In philosophy, ontology -- of being part of
is the study of the nature of being, existence or
reality in general as well as the basic categories of
being and their relations,
Traditionally listed as a part of the major branch of
philosophy known as metaphysics, ontology deals
with questions concerning what entities exist or can
be said to exist, and how such entities can be
grouped, related within a hierarchy, and subdivided
according to similarities and differences.
Some basic questions of
Ontology

The principal questions of ontology are "What can be said to exist?" and "Into
what categories, if any, can we sort existing things?" Different philosophers
have provided different answers to this question.
One common approach is to divide the extant entities into groups called
categories. However, such lists of categories also differ widely from one
another, and it is through the co-ordination of different categorial schemes
that ontology relates to such fields as theology, library science and artificial
intelligence.
Further examples of ontological questions include:
{
{
{
{
{
{
{
{
{
{
What is existence?
Is existence a property?
Which entities are fundamental?
How do the properties of an object relate to the object itself?
What features are the essential, as opposed to merely accidental, attributes of a
given object?
What is a physical object?
Can one give an account of what it means to say that a physical object exists?
What constitutes the identity of an object?
When does an object go out of existence, as opposed to merely changing?
Why does anything exist rather than nothing? (This overlaps with questions in
cosmology.)
Ontological approaches

Social scientists adopt one of four main ontological
approaches:
realism
{

empiricism
{

the idea that we can observe the world and evaluate those
observations in relation to facts,
positivism
{

the idea that facts are out there just waiting to be discovered,
which focuses on the observations themselves, attentive more to
claims about facts than to facts themselves, and
post-modernism
{
which holds that facts are fluid and elusive, so we should focus
only on our observational claims.
Epistemological foundation

theory of knowledge is a branch of philosophy concerned
with the nature and scope (limitations) of knowledge.
Much of the debate in this field has focused on analyzing
the nature of knowledge and how it relates to similar
notions such as truth, belief, and justification.
It also deals with the means of production of knowledge,
as well as skepticism about different knowledge claims.
In other words, epistemology primarily addresses the
following questions:
{
{
{
{
"What is knowledge?",
"How is knowledge acquired?",
"What do people know?",
"How do we know what we know?”
A priori and a posteriori
knowledge

The nature of this distinction has been
disputed by various philosophers; however,
the terms may be roughly defined as
follows:
{
{
A priori knowledge is knowledge that is known
independently of experience (that is, it is nonempirical).
A posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is
known by experience (that is, it is empirical).
Specific theories of knowledge
acquisition

Empiricism
{
{

Rationalism
{
{
{
{

In philosophy, empiricism is generally a theory of knowledge emphasizing the role of
experience, especially experience based on perceptual observations by the five
senses.
Certain forms treat all knowledge as empirical, while some regard disciplines such as
mathematics and logic as exceptions.
Rationalists believe that knowledge is primarily (at least in some areas) acquired by a
priori processes or is innate—for example, in the form of concepts not derived from
experience.
The relevant theoretical processes often go by the name "intuition".
The extent to which this innate human knowledge is emphasized over experience as
a means to acquire knowledge varies from rationalist to rationalist.
Some hold that knowledge of any kind can only be gained a priori, while others claim
that some knowledge can also be gained a posteriori. Consequently, the borderline
between rationalist epistemologies and others can be vague.
Constructivism
{
{
{
Constructivism is a view in philosophy according to which all knowledge is
"constructed" in as much as it is contingent on convention, human perception, and
social experience.
Constructivism proposes new definitions for knowledge and truth that forms a new
paradigm, based on inter-subjectivity instead of the classical objectivity and viability
instead of truth.
Piagetian constructivism, however, believes in objectivity as constructs can be
validated through experimentation.
Classification of Research
Approaches
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approach
Conceptual Approach
Nomothetical Approach
Decision-oriented Approach
Action-oriented Approach
Constructive Approach
Positivism vs. Hermeneutics
TARGET
POSITIVISM
HERMENEUTICS
Information
Facts
Contains meanings
Information
system
Technical
Organizational/
social
Human
Part of
mechanism
Free and able to
think
Technology
Inevitable
Human’s choice
Society/
organization
Structure,
where
human is only a part
Interaction between
humans
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH APPROACHES

Finnish business economics classification
(Neilimo & Näsi 1980)
{

International classification
{
{
{

conceptual, nomothetical, decision-oriented and
action-oriented approaches
qualitative vs. quantitative
positivist vs. interpretive/critical
research based on large vs. small empirical
samples
Classification by Arbnor & Bjerke
{
analytical approach, systems approach and
actor approach
RESEARCH APPROACHES:
Qualitative Approach

sometimes called ethnographic research
involves the use of qualitative data
usually answers the questions
{
{

what the phenomenon is like
what kind of qualities the phenomenon has
can be positivist, interpretive or critical
Quantitative Approach

is used when it is possible to specify
variables which can be measured or tested
as numbers
usually answers the questions
{
{

how to determine the factors that are measured
what factors are the ones, which will help
explain a phenomenon
often associated with positivist
basic view of research is analytic
RESEARCH APPROACHES
Theoretical
Descriptive
Normative
Conceptual
research
approach
Decision-oriented
research
approach
Empirical
Nomothetical
research
Action-oriented
research
approach
Constructive
research
approach
Conceptual Approach

uses the ”method of reasoning”
aims to create theoretical concepts,
concept entities and hypotheses
the work is based on the already
existing conceptual analysis
Nomothetical Approach

sometimes called positivistic approach
the most common approach field of
economic research
aim to show the causal interdependencies
between different phenomena of the
economic life
deduction, hypothesis, models and empirical
testing play a key role
Decision-oriented Approach

normative by its nature
aim is to develop problem-solving
methods
theoretical analysis and thinking are
important
the principles of logics and
mathematics are often followed
Action-oriented Approach

also known as subjectivistic research
hermeneutic and understanding by its
nature
aim is to gain profound understanding and
relevant descriptions of human phenomena
in real-world settings
brings the human being into the focus
Action research
1 DIAGNOSING
Identifying or defining a problem
2 ACTION PLANNING
Considering alternative courses of action
for solving a problem
3 ACTION TAKING
Selecting a course of action
4 EVALUATING
Studying consequences of an action
5 SPECIFYING LEARNING
Identifying general findings
Susman & Evered (1978)

solving a problem through constructing a
model, plan, organization, diagram, etc.
normative by its nature, applies typically
case method
the problem and solution have to be tied with
theoretical framework
functionality of the solution in practice and
solution’s novelty have to be demonstrated
Constructive research approach
Design Science
The practical
relevance of
the problem
Linkage to the
theory
Construct,
the solution of
the problem
The practical
functionality of
the solution
The scientific
novelty value
of the solution
The elements of constructive research. (Kasanen et al. 1991)
The stages ofconstructive research approach. (Kasanenet al. 1991)
Phase
1
2
3
4
5
6
Description
Searching of a relevant and interesting researchproblem
Gaining preliminary understandingover the research area
Innovation phase, constructing the solution model
Testing solution– proving the correctness of the construction
Showing the scientific contribution and theoretical connections
Consideration of the solution generalisation

solving a problem through constructing a
model, plan, organization, diagram, etc.
normative by its nature, applies typically
case method
the problem and solution have to be tied
with theoretical framework
functionality of the solution in practice and
solution’s novelty have to be demonstrated
Eisenhardt (1989) Building theories from case
study research. Academy of management review,
vol 14 (4), 532-550.
Step
Getting
Activity
started
Defining
Reason
of research
questions
Neither theory nor
hypotheses
Selecting
Crafting
cases
instruments
and protocols
Focuses
Retains
efforts
theoretical
flexibility
Specified
population
Theoretical, not
random, sampling
Focuses
Multiple
Triangulation
data
collecting methods
(qualitative and
quantitative methods,
multiple investigators)
efforts on
theoretically useful
cases
evidence
Divergent
perspectives
of
Step
Activity
Reason
Entering
Overlapping
Speeds
the field
Analyzing
data
Shaping
data
collection and analysis
Flexible and opportunistic
data collection methods
analysis and reveals helpful
adjustments to data collection
Allows to take advantage of emergent
themes and unique case features
Within-case
analysis
Gains familiarity with data and
Cross-case pattern search preliminary theory generation
using divergent techniques Forces to look beyond initial
impressions and see evidence thru
multiple lenses
Search
Sharpens
hypotheses
evidence for “why”
behind relationships
Enfolding
Comparison
Raises
literature
with
conflicting literature
Comparison with similar
literature
construct definition, validity
and measurability
Confirms, extends and sharpens
theory
theoretical level
Sharpens generalizability
The three methodological metaapproaches
(Arbnor & Bjerke 1997)
1
Reality as
concrete
and
comfortable
to law from
a structure
independent
of the
observer
2
Reality as
concrete
determining
process
3
4
5
Reality as
mutually
dependent
fields of
information
Reality as a
world of
symbolic
discourse
Reality as a
social
construction
6
Reality as a
manifestation
of human
intentionality
The analytical approach
The systems approach
The actors approach
Case study “quality
assurance”

Construct validity; establishing correct operational measures for the
concepts being studied.
{
{
{

Internal validity; establishing a causal relationship whereby certain
conditions are shown to lead to other conditions, as distinguished from
a spurious relationship.
{
{
{

pattern matching
explanation building
Data analysis phase
External validity; establishing the domain to which the finding can be
generalized.
{
{

multiple sources of evidence
have key informants review of case study report
Data collection and composition phase
replication logic in multiple case studies
Research design phase
Reliability; demonstrating that the research operations, such as data
collection, can be repeated with the same results.
{
{
{
follow case study protocol
develop case study data base
Data collection phase
Summary

Every research is unique ”project”
Researcher has to be in top of the
research
Each research has to be defined on its
own standings
Literature

Case study research
{
{
{

Constructive research
{

Eisenhardt K. (1989) Building Theories From Case Study
Research. Academy of Management Review, 14 (4), 532-550.
Robson, C. (1993) Designing case studies. In: C. Robinson:
Real world research. A resource for social scientists and
practitioners-researcher. Oxford: Blackwell, pp. 146-166.
Yin, R.K. (1994) Case study research. Designs and methods.
Second edition. London: Sage Publications.
Kasanen E., Lukka K. & Siitonen A. (1993) The Constructive
Approach in Management Accounting research. Journal of
Management Accounting Research, Fall, 243-264.
Action Research
{
{
Argyris, C. (1970) Intervention Theory and Method. A Behavioral
Science View. Reading: Addison-Wesley.
Argyris, C., Putnam, R. & Smith, D.M. (1985) Action science.
San Fransisco/London: Jossey-Bass.
Industrial Management
Faculty of Technology
Department of
Industrial Engineering
and Management
Work Sciences
Quality and
Project Management
MORE DIEM - Department of Industrial
Engineering and Management
- Industry is Our Laboratory Research areas and research groups
In Industrial Management
(1) Business and Strategic Management,
(2) New Product Development and Innovation Management,
(3) Operations Management, and
(4) Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
(1) Business and Strategic
Management

The research of this area is focusing on problems
and development of small and medium sized
companies, as well as organisations in the public
sector.

In the recent years extensive research work has
been carried out in utilising the ICT in business
processes along with research on Knowledge
Management.

Business management oriented research studies
specific features in different fields of industry, ending
on developing co-operation models and networking
between organisations.
Management - Dissertations
Published:

Yliherva, Jukka, 2004. Management model of an organisation's
innovation capabilities – Development of innovation capabilities
as part of the management system

Torkko, Margit, 2005. Additional business lines in farms. A
qualitative research on resources, development and advice needs

Suikki, Raija, 2007. Changing business environment—effects of
continuous innovations and disruptive technologies

Pikka Vesa. 2007. A Business Enabling Network. A case study of a
high-tech network; its concepts, elements and actors.
Becoming:

Teräs, Jukka. 2008. Technology cluster life cycle model comparative case study of three European technology clusters.

Saari, Seppo. 2008. Knowledge transfer in innovation system Multiple case-study in technology parks in Northern Finland and
Sweden
Management - Publications

Haapasalo, Harri & Hyvönen, J.
Simulating business and operations
management - a learning environment for the electronics industry. International Journal of Production Economics, 2001, number 73, pp. 261-272.
Haapasalo, Harri; Pikka, Vesa & Kess, Pekka Competence requirements in
managing project business. - Project Management Journal, 2002, vol. 8,
number 1, pp. 48-55.
Haapasalo, Harri & Ekholm, T.
Profile of European incubators - a
framework for commercialising innovations. - International Journal of
Entrepreneurship an Innovation Management, 2004, vol. 4, number 2-3, pp.
248-270.
Haapasalo, Harri; Ingalsuo, K. & Lenkkeri, T.
Linking Strategy into
Operational Management - A Survey of BSC Implementation in Finnish
Energy Sector. Benchmarking: An International Journal. vol. 13, number 6.
2006.
Suikki, R.; Goman, A. & Haapasalo, Harri Framework for creating business
models - a challenge in convergence of high clockspeed industry.
International Journal of Business Environment. vol. 1, number 2. 2006.
Suikki, R.; Tromstedt, R. & Haapasalo, Harri
Project management
competence development framework in turbulent business environment.Technovation, 2006, vol. 26, pp. 732-738.
(1) Business and Strategic Management
- Recommended forums for researchers
Journals:

Industrial Management & Data Systems

The Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory

International Journal of Business Information Systems (IJBIS)

International Journal of Management and Enterprise
Development (IJMED)

Benchmarking: An International Journal (BIJ)
Conferences:

ECSB
{

GBID
{

Nordic Conference on Small Business Research
International Conference on Global Business Innovation and
Development
MIC
{
Management International Conference