The implications of research methods mapping in theoretical framework level 1c (ALRA): a note

The implications of research methods mapping in theoretical framework level 1c, in the agile literature review approach (ALRA):

[In the theoretical framework level 1c, as in level 1a, the academic ideas should possess the one or more of the values for research project work: (i) explanatory, clarifying and evaluative power, (ii) useful research practice and problem solving advices, and (iii) empirically observed patterns in social reality with actionable value].

By mapping research methods onto theoretical framework level 1a to produce theoretical level 1c, the student indicates the following 3-points research methodological position:

1. the full set of research methods to be used in the dissertation project within an encompassing intellectual response scaffolding that is management-concerns driven (re: theoretical framework level 0);

2. the purpose of each of the research methods to be used: i.e. to conduct investigation on a specific research objective [or a number of research objectives]. Specifically, to use a specific research method to to gather and analyse data to produce knowledge so as to achieve a targeted research objective [or a number of research objectives];

3. an explicit recognition that certain chosen academic ideas [re: theoretical framework level 1a] are employed to inform the research method design, e.g. interview research questions formulation, and subsequently, the theory-driven analysis on the research method findings. In this regard, the research methods design is explicitly informed by the literature review findings [re: chapter 2 of the dissertation report].

With the research method architecture made explicit in the form of of a diagram, the student can then describe, evaluate and justify the research methodology of his/her dissertation project with a clear blueprint; this written work is done in chapter 3 of the dissertation report. At the same time, his/her dissertation project supervisor can more easily monitor and provide feedback on the dissertation project research methodology.