Dual cycle action research: a professional doctorate case study
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 12 September 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with an example of how a dual cycle action research (AR) model can be used to both conduct research and solve a real‐life problem situation.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides a brief introduction to the research idea and question and the research strategy defined to address them, including the review of a small number of AR models, which resulted in the choice of a dual cycle AR model that addresses problem solving and research in parallel. The remainder of the paper describes how the selected AR model was applied to a series of five AR cycles to satisfy both the problem solving and research interests.
Findings
A dual cycle AR model provides academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with an effective and efficient means of addressing the dual imperatives of research and problem solving.
Research limitations/implications
All five problem‐solving projects were from the public sector and of similar complexity and pace, with a focus on expected positive intangible outcomes during the planning stage only, with the groups of problem solving project stakeholders comprising only people responsible for delivering outcomes, not receiving them.
Practical implications
Based on a doctoral research study, the paper provides both academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with a practical guide to applying dual cycle AR to both conduct research and solve a real‐life problem situation.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates how a dual cycle AR model led to the development of an original and highly practical method for defining and aligning project outcomes and associated benefits and outputs; in particular the alignment of intangible outcomes with tangible outputs – helping to make the intangible tangible.
Keywords
Citation
Nogeste, K. (2008), "Dual cycle action research: a professional doctorate case study", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 566-585. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370810906264
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited