Research topic help

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by John Spies, Sep 6, 2004.

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  1. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    Hi all,
    I am thinking about sending an application to Grenoble. Denver has been most helpful during this process but time is about to run out. Since I have only found out about the program a few days ago, I have not had much opportunity to think about a research proposal, necessary for the application.

    I now understand that it must be a topic involving technology and business. My field is golf & country club management and I had one idea for research, but not sure about the methodology needed. Can anyone help?!

    In a private club, the member is both the owner and the consumer. As a result, there is a mixed feeling when spending money on the club that does not directly impact their experience. Technology is a great example here. It is difficult to get the board to approve new technology in spite of its ability to improve operations because the member cannot 'see' it or 'feel' it.

    How do I go about proving this? Or, does anyone have a better idea? I had other ideas for this, but they did not involve tech, so I am back at square one.

    thanks everyone, I appreciate your input. John
     
  2. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    John,

    I'm not a golfer but a point that I consistently make in business cases involves placing a value on intrinsic activities related to accomplishing a task. If the technology will save time or effort allowing for more golfing or more efficient resource utilization then you can place a value on the areas, items, or tasks that have not been valued to this point. Again, I'm going to wing this thought but let's say that tallying up scores electronically and sending them wirelessly to a collective location (computer, whatever) cuts the time down for presentation of awards and makes the entire process more efficient. What value can you place on the morale of unstressed employees, golfers being able to move on to the clubhouse rather than waiting for the tallies, etc... You could use the same methodology for the folks who deliver drinks, etc... to the golfers. Use wireless PDAs to place orders, etc...

    I would agree that some stuff is gee whiz but my argument is that once the technology is in place folks become dependent on it for service/operations and it will become a part of the experience.

    Good luck.
     
  3. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    Thanks Fed,
    I am with you on this and frankly, can come up with dozens of scenarios where technology can expedite situations and add greater reliability. My problem is the methodology with this. My initial thought is to do questionnaires of club members where I present scenarios and gauge their reactions to the betterment of the situation. This would require an explanation of costs associated, gathering their opinion of cost/benefit. Off the top of my head, I think that it would require a likert-type response framework?

    thanks, keep it coming!
     
  4. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    I think you may have some issues with a survey/questionnaire response simply due to the variation in the members themselves and their particular personalities and priorities. If you could do a linkert type response survey to first isolate both the number of areas (issues) that currently are on the minds of the members and then pick from this list a few to tackle with a proposed technological fix you may have better interest and return rates on a survey/questionnaire. Unforyunately this effort would be two fold unless you already have data from which to formulate.

    The point you make of owner and consumer makes for a real challenge. Member buy-in is essential so if you can find the biggest issues/challenges they may work with you more readily.

    just in case you need it:

    www.questionbuilder.com

    Some additional thoughts. I have been successful at getting no cost or limited cost demonstrations of technology for a period of performance. Depending on how elaborate you want to get you might find an innovative contractor who will allow this type of usage and want to use your study results to improve their product (technology, etc..) in this manner you could mitigate the big stumbling block of costs. It would be hard for anyone to say no to a free (or limited cost) test.
     
  5. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    John, excellent choice applying to Grenoble Ecole de Management. I assume you're applying for their DBA program? I think that Grenoble will evolve into one of the top worldwide business schools in the next decade or so, they have a great business plan.

    On the research topic subject. I would not rack your brains too much about it since a lot can change in the first six months of the program. You may actually end up with a totally different topic than what your started with! Just give a general overview of the type of research you will be doing (i.e. qualitative or quantitative) and the research methodology (i.e. questionnaires, case study reviews, etc.).

    I think the program is 3 years in length, so as long as you consolidate your topic in the first 6 months of enrollment, you should have plenty of time to complete your thesis. Good luck!

    Great choice with Grenoble! I'm sure you'll enjoy your trips to France!
     
  6. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    Thanks Scott!
    I can certainly supply some ideas for the proposal and let it "shake out" later. Hopefully, they will accept it and let me in!
    Better start writing.
    John
     
  7. Han

    Han New Member

    John,

    I am in the Grenoble program, and yes, my topic completely changed after the first trip to France. It is open, especially due to getting an advisor.

    We have one student in my year with an emphasis in sports management. I am not sure of his topic though, you may want to ask Denver for his contact info. (I have it, but not sure it is proper to have me pass it to you).

    I think the main thing in the application process for the proposal is that you can work through the methodology, that you realize the bias and implications of the different methods, and it will add to the literature in that field. A few things I learned in the first meeting - they will encourage mos tto pick either qual or quant., not both, for a host of reasons you will find out about. especially important is that you are going to ADD to the literature out there, you are going to create something new for the area you study. it is not a validation of what is out there, but adding to it. It is difficult at this point to have a summary of the literature review, with the time constraints alone, so just have a good idea about what is out there, and if you can summarize what you agree, disagree, and where there are gaps, all the better.

    There is a big variety in the topics with the existing students. Are you trying to start this year?? I know time is ticking down, so wasn't sure of your time constraints.

    Good luck and will probably meet you soon!!!!!

    (If you have more questions, please feel free to e-mail or PM).
     

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