BUSI 830, building upon the advanced concepts and techniques learned in the preceding courses, provides an advanced perspective on case study research and business consulting methods. Many are generally characterized as ‘qualitative research projects’ are, in fact, case studies for applied business consulting research projects that go well beyond the traditional ethnographic, phenomenological, interview-based, or grounded theory research. It is crucial that researchers understand most qualitative research projects, regardless of cognate, have at least a hint of mixed methodologies by way of some quantitative descriptive statistical data and associated tools for research triangulation. This course applies the DMAIC Approach to address such a challenge. It should provide the final piece of the major research methodologies, preparing the student for their Applied Research Concept (BUSI885) and subsequent Project courses (BUSI987-BUSI990).

The mission of the DBA program is to provide an opportunity for qualified students to attain academic, professional, and practical competence—within the Christian worldview—which prepares students for opportunities, and corresponding additional responsibilities beyond the master’s degree level. The DBA program emphasizes practical and real-world applications in both the coursework and the major applied doctoral research project requirements. The vision of the DBA program is to produce graduates with intellectual and professional competencies in the following areas:

• The ability to demonstrate the capacity for reflective and analytical business thinking;
• The ability to draw together relevant concepts and theories from different business disciplines to gain a better understanding of the organizational context in which particular problems or opportunities arise;
• The ability to analyze problems and issues arising in business and management contexts, utilizing relevant theories, concepts, and empirical findings;
• the ability to identify and analyze questions and issues in business; and
• The ability to design, implement, and successfully conclude empirical research

Each of the above will be considered in light of biblical principles and integrated within the Christian worldview.

The DBA program philosophy supports both the program’s mission and vision, and is as follows. Doctoral business programs focus intensively on preparing candidates for academic careers and conducting highly specialized scholarly research, i.e., the development of new theories in business and other related fields. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs focus on the application of theory rather than on the development of new theory. While also intended to prepare graduates for academic careers, the DBA, by its focus on the application of theory, has more practical application in managerial settings than the PhD.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, students will participate in four discussions throughout this course. The application of a business solution is as unique and varied as the business issues or challenges it addresses. Countless consulting agencies tout their ‘reputable/high quality…’, ‘several ranges’, ‘…rapid development methodologies’, ‘customized delivery models’, ‘rife with rich/rigorous research’, ‘forward-looking/future sustainment’, ‘cost-effective applications’, etc. all in the name of providing laser-focused, guaranteed solutions to your organization’s unique problems. In these discussion main threads, the student will serve as the consultant and discuss methodologies for applying each topic or type of case study to a specific issue. In the replies, the student will consider themselves another consultant and, while still searching for the best business solution, analyze and respond to their peer’s main thread.

Assignments (7)

Overview of Case Study Types Assignment

Each case study type and compositional structure is slightly different. These differences are essential for researchers to consider when selecting a case study type most appropriate for researching their business problem. The primary focus of this course is exploratory case study design; however, it is also essential to understand explanatory and descriptive case study designs and their corresponding formats.

Exploratory Research Case Study Assignment

In this assignment, you will share your knowledge of exploratory case studies. You discuss the components of case study design, case study tests/tactics, as well as bounding and dignity.

Defining the Case and Creating Problem Statements Assignment

Researchers describe the background of the problem to define the root problem and explain the organizational consequences. The problem statement is a foundational component of the research study. In this assignment, you will use the provided single case study scenario to determine the root problem. Then, you will research the root problem in the literature to determine its origins and the organizational consequences that result from it.

Creating Problem Statements and Applicable Research Questions Assignment

Once the problem statement is written, applicable research questions (RQs) are created. RQs are exploratory, not assumptive, and not specific to an organization. The background of the problem, problem statement, and research questions (RQs) must be aligned to ensure a reliable study is conducted.

Biblical Ethics in Research Assignment

In this assignment, you will research Biblical ethics in research. Establishing a firm ethical foundation based on Biblical principles can reduce the researcher’s bias as well as misrepresenting the literature and study findings. As Christians, we want to ensure we are being obedient to God in our research and study conduct.

LSS Tools Assignment

LSS tools are used in research to collect quantitative data. In a Liberty University ADRP Consulting project, LSS tools are used to frame, collect, and analyze data. In this assignment, you will describe LSS and the characteristics of LSS tools used in a research study.

DMAIC Case Study (FINAL) Assignment

In a Liberty University ADRP Consulting project, LSS tools are used to collect data and then triangulate it during the analysis phase to obtain a comprehensive perspective on the data, particularly for root cause analysis. In this assignment, you will synthesize the qualitative research methodology of Case Study research as well as the practical use of Lean Six Sigma and develop a business-facing DMAIC-based case study.

Quiz: Case Study Components

Based on the Measurable Learning Outcomes above, this course will have a quiz to ensure we are meeting the Program Learning Outcomes. This quiz will include 22 multiple-choice questions and will have a time limit of 2 hours.