I need your ideas in coming up with a research topic and research approach. I am very good at studying other people work, but I have zero creativity in coming up with anything unique I recently completed a master degree in accounting. It was supposed to be the end of being a student. After a few weeks of suffering from withdrawal, I gave in to my addiction. My research idea is investigating the link between the traditional budget and Strategic Planning (6 Sigma/Balance Scorecard). The traditional budget is in the accounting area but Strategic Planning, especially in larger companies, is not only separate but also usually part of the senior executive team. As an example, a colleague (strategic planner) reports directly to the president, while the budget person was several layers down in the accounting hierarchy. In almost every position I worked, I had to master the budget. I am currently developing and interest in 6 Sigma and the Balance Scorecard. I am studying for the 6 Sigma Black Belt with ASQ. Because I want to keep my research very practical, I want to structure my research in a way so I can apply the knowledge in my career. I have no interest in academia. I truly appreciate your feedback. Thanks
My personal experience--along with observing the experiences of many others--points away from this. Seriously, your dilemma should be about choosing from among many possible topics. If you're struggling to come up with one, this might not be the time to take on doctoral learning. You might not have an interest in academia, but you'll need to cultivate an interest in the scholarship of your field. And not just a passing one, but a deep appreciation for it, because you will be steeped in it for several years if you choose to pursue the doctorate. You conflate 6 Sigma and Balanced Scorecard into "strategic planning," but only one is strategic. The other is extremely tactical ("small ball"). Applied research is certainly possible within a doctorate. But be prepare to launch it from and couch it in the scholarship of your field. Otherwise, you can just do your research and publish your results (in trade magazines, not scholarly journals).
Agreed. Motivation is really key, and most people struggle with choice of topic. If your apprehension is 'I don't know where to begin' you are probably in better shape than 'I don't want to begin.' Also in the area you're talking, availability of data is everything. Will you be able to access enough data to pull off your study? An in-depth case study (single site) is a possibility but will you have access to meeting minutes, reports, interviews? Quantitatively it may be more difficult given that strategic planning may not create a large volume of observations on its own. Survey research is a possibility here though in that every company will probably have done SP in some fashion. I think you could get some good qualitative data sufficient to write some research (even a thesis) but you'd need to ensure you'll have deep access to the organization.
Thanks Rich. Your feedback is right is on target. Five years ago, I started a PHD-Accounting at a for-profits institution but I dropped it. I did not feel the passion then because I could not figure out what I wanted to do. I did a cheaper master of accounting instead. I was a bit inspire but the “beyond budgeting” movement whose mission is to get rid of the tradition budget. I work with budgets every day and it looks like for the rest of my career I will be involve in budgeting either from the development or from the application perspective. Thus, I am not looking for a topic, I am seeking ideas in shaping the topic from the information provided. I am using the wealth of knowledge of degreeinfo as my academic advisor.
Thanks Phdorbust for your feedback. Motivation is not an issue. I have 3 undergraduate degrees, 2 masters degrees, 1 religion doctorate, and 5 world-class professional designations; almost everything by distance learning. I have the time; my commute is only 5 minutes; so I have 3 hours every day to dedicate to the research. Although money is not problem, I will still be looking outside of North America for cost effective option. I have discard many research topics because others already did the work. I just need to put together a temporary working topic form the information I've provided.
I am avoiding the phd route. I promised my spouse that I will not engage in anymore courses with weekly assignments and regular exams. Improving my practical skillset is more important to me than adding new knowledge to the field of management accounting. The degree is more like a trophy to help focus me on the end game.
Avoiding the PhD route? Okay, now I am confused. I thought you were searching for a dissertation topic. If you aren't looking for a degree but just want to research and write an article for publication, I suppose the place to start is to read as deeply and thoroughly in your area as you can. This may take a couple of years though.
Thanks, I was responding to your question of phd or DBA. My plan is the reseach only professional doctorate. Anyway, I do want to get to far off from the op, the fine tuning of a topic with BSC and the tradition budget. I have taken six sigma out of it.
