DB FPX 8620 Assessment 4 Business Project Idea: Developing a Business Study

Name

Capella university

DB-FPX 8620 High-Performance Leadership

Prof. Name

Date

Preliminary Project Frameworks

Godfrey (2019) states that a research project framework provides the underlying structure or model to support collective research efforts. A research project framework helps identify different scenarios and tailor approaches and methods accordingly. The project framework is descriptive; it should not explain any concepts that could influence an outcome. The project framework could be instrumental in helping a business overcome a problem and shrink the gap in practice.

Methodology Framework

According to Dew (2007), the methodology framework refers to the principles underlying research approaches distinct from methods that collect data. Methodology determines the method for researchers to produce data for analysis. McMeekin et al. (2020) suggest that the benefits of using methodological frameworks are increasingly recognized, but there is no formal definition of a methodological framework. This would not be the preferred method because, to date, there is no published guidance on how to develop one.

Image Credit: A Preliminary Analysis Modeling of the Relationship between Quality Management Practices and Sustainable Performance (2020)

Conceptual Framework

Farhat (2022) states that the conceptual framework comprises a primary objective and fundamental concepts. This framework ties to the project of how leaders implement the change associated with digital transformation and the changes that stakeholders must embrace to continue business operations in a digital marketplace effectively. The conceptual framework focuses on three guiding constructs: inquiry, action, and advocacy. The benefit of a conceptual framework is that it should be easier to issue a coherent set of standards and rules. The problem is practical, so the conceptual framework will allow the problem to be solved quickly.

Conceptual Framework Image Example: Image Credit: Southeastern University. Conceptual Framework. Southeastern University

Theoretical Framework

Grant and Osanloo (2014) describe the theoretical framework as the foundation for which all knowledge is constructed metaphorically and literally for a research study. The theoretical framework is the structure and support rationale for the study, problem statement, purpose, significance, and the research question. This framework ties to the project of how leaders implement the change associated with digital transformation and the changes that stakeholders must embrace to continue business operations in a digital marketplace effectively. The theoretical framework provides a grouping base or anchor for the literature review and the analysis method. Essentially, a theoretical framework is derived from an existing theory. Because this framework is based on an existing theory, it is not the preferred framework for the proposed project.

The theoretical framework addresses the following questions:

What do we think or feel about the phenomenon being studied? Do we seek to explain, describe, interpret, critique, support, or read? What might be the consequences of doing such work?

Theoretical Framework Example Image Credit: A. (2022, February 4). Examples of Theoretical Framework in Qualitative Research. Tutorsploit. Tutorsploit

Selected Framework

The framework that best fits the proposed project is the conceptual framework. This framework ties to the project of how leaders implement the change associated with digital transformation and the changes that stakeholders must embrace to continue business operations in a digital marketplace effectively. The conceptual framework focuses on three guiding constructs: inquiry, action, and advocacy. The benefit of a conceptual framework is that it should be easier to issue a coherent set of standards and rules. The problem is practical, so the conceptual framework will allow the problem to be solved quickly.

Three Potential Frameworks

Effective Change Management Framework

Image Credit: Wudaru, S. R. (2020, September 20). Change Management Framework – The PHD Diaries. Medium. Medium

Key Concepts: This framework is built on five concepts. Concept 1 is balance change; why does the company want to make the change? The second concept is leverage, which focuses on what areas need to be changed. The third concept is process and pace, focusing on where the energy comes from for change. The fourth concept is communication, specifically how to communicate the strategy. The fifth concept is leadership, specifically who should oversee the change.

Framework Alignment: In the proposed project, the general business problem is that leaders are not adequately trained to deal with resistance to change, resulting in staff not being properly guided and navigated through operational changes. The practice gap is that leadership does not know how to deal with employees impacted by change properly. This framework aligns directly with the proposed project because each concept is required to address the problem of leaders not knowing how to deal with change. By using this concept, it will assist in providing viable answers and resources to assist leaders in dealing with change, specifically with addressing each of the concepts in the framework.

Cavendish Wood Change Management Framework

Image Credit: Whitehurst, M. (2020, March 16). Change Management Process & Frameworks For Driving Real Value From Digital Investments. Cavendish Wood. Cavendish Wood

Key Concepts: This framework is built on six concepts. The first concept is to identify what needs to change. The second concept is to assess how this change will take place. The third concept is to prepare the organization for change. The fourth concept is to communicate the change. The fifth concept is to implement the change. The final concept is to evaluate the change.

Framework Alignment: In the proposed project, the general business problem is that leaders are not adequately trained to deal with resistance to change, resulting in staff not being properly guided and navigated through operational changes. The practice gap is that leadership does not know how to deal with employees impacted by change properly. This framework aligns directly with the proposed project because each concept is required to address the problem of leaders not knowing how to deal with change. By using this concept, it will assist in providing viable answers and resources to assist leaders in dealing with change, specifically with addressing each of the concepts in the framework. This framework is very similar to the Effective Change Management Framework except that it includes an evaluation.

Prosci ADKAR Framework

Image Credit: Mullen, C. (2020, August 13). A 5-Step Framework for Managing Organizational Change. The Workforce Institute at UKG. The Workforce Institute

Key Concept: This framework has five concepts. The first concept is awareness, which requires the company to acknowledge that change is necessary. The second concept is the desire to participate in and support the change. The third concept is knowledge of what is changing. The fourth concept is the ability to implement required skills and behaviors. The final concept is the reinforcement to sustain the change.

Framework Alignment: In the proposed project, the general business problem is that leaders are not adequately trained to deal with resistance to change, resulting in staff not being properly guided and navigated through operational changes. The practice gap is that leadership does not know how to deal with employees impacted by change properly. This framework aligns directly with the proposed project because each concept is required to address the problem of leaders not knowing how to deal with change. By using this concept, it will assist in providing viable answers and resources to assist leaders in dealing with change, specifically with addressing each of the concepts in the framework. This framework is very similar to the Effective Change Management and the Cavendish Wood Change Management Frameworks except that it includes the desire for the company to answer the “why” through change.

Selected Framework

The framework that best aligns with the proposed project is the Prosci ADKAR Framework. This framework has the concepts required to address the gap and offer solutions for leaders not knowing how to deal with resistance to change. This framework is preferred because all stakeholders must have the desire for change. The knowledge concepts identify all of the changes and keep all stakeholders well-informed on the process. Lastly, it includes the concept of reinforcement. Through reinforcement, what is going well and what can we do differently will be addressed, allowing the organization to refine the change effort and look for signs of success.

Preliminary Project Plan

Technique 1: Qualitative inquiry to explore the attitudes, perceptions, or motivations of leaders as to dealing with resistance to change.

Alternative Technique: An alternative technique for this project is the critical path method. Slate (2022) defines the critical path method as a resource utilization algorithm for scheduling a set of project activities. The critical path method will include all tasks required to complete the project, the dependencies between the tasks, and an estimate of time for each activity to be completed. This project technique would fit the proposed project and allow the researcher to thoroughly answer the project question and would be reinforced by tasks in this technique that cannot be finished until others are finished.

Reflection on Project Alignment

In researching potential organizations that aligned with the proposed project, the following search terms were used: “research organizations for leading digital transformation.” The first organization found was the Institute for Management Development. IMD’s Global research center was established in 2015 and is the pioneer in best practice research on digital transformation (IMD, 2022). IMD is directly aligned with the proposed project because it offers resources directly related to digital transformation. The second organization identified is the Center for Leadership (CCL).

CCL is an ideal partner to align with the proposed project because they specifically focus on leadership individually, within a team, and in an organization’s development. The final organization identified was Gartner. Gartner is the leading provider of research solutions that target actionable, objective insight to executives and teams. Gartner would be an ideal partner for the proposed project because they have over 40 years of experience in the areas of rigorous proprietary research, expert guidance, tools, and peer networks (Gartner, 2022). The Institute for Management Development, Center for Leadership, and Gartner would be ideal organizations to support the proposed project because each of the three organizations offers research, tools, and resources directly related to leadership development and digital transformation.

Organization Agenda Relevant Alignment

Institute for Management Development: An independent academic institution. Faculty and research teams publish articles, case studies, books, and reports on a wide range of topics including digital transformation. The Global Center for Digital Business Transformation provides fresh insights and evidence-based advice to help organizations successfully navigate their digital transformation journeys. Strong focus on management and contemporary practices. Collaborative opportunities with industry leaders focusing on innovation and new growth (IRI, 2022).

Center for Leadership:A non-profit organization focusing on leadership development across multiple industries. They offer a range of services including coaching, leadership training, and organizational development consulting. Expertise in organizational change and development. Strong emphasis on creating adaptive leaders capable of driving transformation. Extensive network of leadership professionals and organizations. Strong focus on equipping leaders with the necessary skills for leading through transformation and change (CCL, 2022).

Gartner: A leading research and advisory company. Provides insights and tools to help executives and their teams succeed. Over 40 years of experience providing expert guidance. Extensive library of research articles, case studies, and tools for leaders and managers. Focus on technology-related insights which align with digital transformation. Offers specific services on leadership and organizational change (Gartner, 2022).

References

Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). (2022). About the Center for Creative Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.ccl.org

Dew, K. (2007). A qualitative inquiry into public health ethics: Why researchers need to rethink their methodologies. Public Health, 121(11), 817-823.

Farhat, S. (2022). Conceptual framework: Definition, importance, and examples. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net

Godfrey, R. (2019). Research frameworks and methodologies. In Advanced Research Methods (pp. 45-66). Springer.

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your house. Administrative Issues Journal: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research, 4(2), 12-26.

Gartner. (2022). About Gartner. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com

DB FPX 8620 Assessment 4 Business Project Idea: Developing a Business Study

Institute for Management Development (IMD). (2022). Global Center for Digital Business Transformation. Retrieved from https://www.imd.org/dbt

McMeekin, D. A., Bohman, J., von Schomberg, R., & Stahl, B. C. (2020). The need for a methodological framework for interdisciplinary research in responsible research and innovation. Journal of Responsible Innovation, 7(3), 309-330.

Slate, J. R. (2022). Critical path method: Definition, examples, and advantages. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com

Whitehurst, M. (2020). Change Management Process & Frameworks For Driving Real Value From Digital Investments. Cavendish Wood. Retrieved from https://www.cavendishwood.com

Wudaru, S. R. (2020). Change Management Framework – The PHD Diaries. Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com