Category: Unit 9

Learning activity 9.3-Unit 9

Unit 9 Learning Activities

 

The most important thing for me about the conclusions section of a high-quality research report is . . .

 

Interpreting and evaluating the results that answered research question are essential regarding conclusion section. However, the elements of conclusion section presented as follows

The summary of the significant results, Plano-Clerk & Creswell (2015) stated, “when reading a conclusion section, a good first step is to look for statements where the researchers summarize the major findings of the study. Theses summary statement provides a recap of the key results that the researcher found in response to each of research questions” (p.467).As a reader, I benefit reading conclusion first before results, so I have a focus on what to conclude then I learn about how they presented their results and samples, etc….  The summary of the results includes the interpretation of the results in relation to the extensive literature and personal reflection about the results in addition to bringing in prior literature (Plano-Clerk & Creswell, 2015, p.468). Also, the summary of findings is explicitly related to previous research as they compare to, contrast, or extend the prior study.

The implications for practice, that the researchers elicit in their conclusion for audiences based on the results obtained in the study, and how it provides the audiences with the possible outline of practices or expectations. “The researchers often elaborate on the implications of their study for audiences upon completion, the researchers are in a position to reflect and remark on how the different audiences may benefit from the use of results” (Plano-Clerk & Creswell, 2015, p.468).

Thoughtful critique of the study’s limitation is the study limitations focused on shortcomings in the extent of the reasons that researchers chose to use specific research approach at the beginning of their research study.

 Future research suggestion, it’s also another type of interpretation based on the results and limitations that have to consider when conducting further research. It gives directions to researchers for strategies could be used to further the research.

Question

I found one of the reviews included conflict of interest at the end, which it was no conflict of interest. However my question

Is it possible to have a conflict of interest after the completion of the study achieved? And how is it important to include it at the end of the of a research report?

Reference

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

Learning activity 9.2-Unit 9

Unit 9 Learning Activities

Coetzer, M. F., Bussin, M., & Geldenhuys, M. (2017). The functions of a servant leader. Administrative Sciences, 7(5),1-32. Retrieved from http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/7/1/5

 

• Are the major results identified and summarized?

The summary of the key results was organized logically by theme which in regards answer their research questions.  They didn’t introduce new results. The results highlighted the eight-servant leadership characteristics, competencies, the outcomes related to individual, team, and organization. Coetzer, Bussin, & Geldenhuys, (2017) stated, “The results were used to identify four general functions of a servant leader clustered into strategic servant leadership and operational servant leadership. The summary of results stated as following “On an individual level servant leadership positively influenced work engagement, organizational citizenship behavior, creativity and innovation, organizational commitment, trust, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, person-job fit or person-organizational fit, leader-member exchange, and work-life balance.” In addition, ” servant leadership was negatively related to burnout and turnover intention. On a team or group level, group organizational citizenship behavior, group identification, service culture or climate, and the procedural justice climate positively influenced by servant leadership.” Finally, “on an organizational level, servant leadership was positively related to customer service and sales performance.”  (Coetzer, et al., 2017, p.19). Each function supported by competencies and characteristics of a servant leader as defined in current literature” (p.19). A discussion relating the results to literature noted in the study.

Rate 3

• Are the results related to the literature?

Coetzer et al., (2017) acknowledged “The purpose of this study was to discover the characteristics, competencies, measures, and outcomes of servant leadership using a systematic literature review.” The results thoughtfully examined in relation to previous literature, and they were all based on quantitative, qualitative, and literature.  Personal reflection as excerpted; “this study made a theoretical and practical contribution to the body of knowledge related to servant leadership ( Coetzer et al.,2017, p.19).

Rate 3

• Are appropriate implications of the results for practice identified and justified?

Suggestion for practice that stems from the study, and the specific audiences that might benefit from the knowing the results of the study are noted. “The results of this study provide managers and practitioners with a possible outline to develop servant leaders within organizations” (Coetzer et al.,2017, p.19). They also indicated the importance of implication of this study also could be used to design curriculums for servant leadership development programmes and to cultivate a servant leadership culture within an organization. In return, management and other stakeholders could expect favorable individual, team, or organizational outcomes that servant leadership produces (Coetzer et al.,2017, p.19).

Rate 3

• Is there a thoughtful critique of the study’s limitations?

Thoughtful critique of the study’s limitations provided. Coetzer et al., (2017) mentioned, “Normally a systematic literature review is done by at least two researchers, especially the evaluation of the quality of articles. In this study, only one researcher evaluated the quality of studies.” Also, “the study excluded studies done before the year 2000 and after 2015 as well as research done in the quaternary sector,” and “it excluded grey literature, books, book reviews, magazine articles, conference presentations, and white papers” (p.19).

Rate 3

• Are suitable suggestions for future research provided?

Suggestion for future research that built from the study’s results and limitation are advanced. Coetzer et al., (2017) proposed “future study might be to design a leadership development programme based on functions and performance areas mentioned in this study and to test its effectiveness to enhance servant leadership attributes. Experimental type studies might be valuable in this regard.” Also, “The functions and performance areas of a servant leader may also help to create serving organizations, organizations that leave behind legacies in individuals and the community throughout its existence. Action research and case studies might validate this possibility” (p.19).

Rate 3

• Is the interpretation consistent with the study?

The researchers draw conclusions that logical extension of the results to address the study’s purpose and research questions

Rate 3

• Is the back mater appropriate for the study report?

Information included in the list of references, supplementary material, author contributions, and conflict of interest, and appendices. They all complete, and relevant to the study.

Rate 3

Quality rating: High quality

0=Poor

1= Fair

2= Good

3= Excellent

Overall quality

0-10= Low quality

11-16=Average quality

17-21= High quality

Total score=21

My overall assessment is 20

Resources

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

Learning Activity 9.1- Unit 9

Unit 9 Learning Activities

In response to Jami-Lee Keith’ podcast about her action research project

Criteria for evaluating the use of action research in research report

 

The researcher focuses on a real problem in practice or the local community

Jamie proposed her action research plan that I can feel the struggle she had at the tutoring center. She focused on one problem which is staff motivation been low due not being paid for extra time, not having feedback, and having few interactions with one another.

Rate 3

The researcher collaborates with staff at workplace/community members

She has a plan to conduct an action research study in the context of her own practice. She wants to start her project, working with the staff member and clients looking for improvement.

Rate 2

The research process includes careful reflection about the problem

The area of her focus mentioned, talking with others in the setting, reading available literature and gathered relevant information.

Rate 3

Multiple sources of good information are used

She is planning to collect quantitative data in the form of a survey from staff who are involved: how happy at work in the center, how their motivation can be improved, what is the important factor for job satisfaction. She has the intention to resolve the problem from the collected data.

Rate 2

A good action plane is advanced

comments from staff, meeting to discuss the results, discussing why these issues were occurring and what can be done to improve, there is an idea sharing the results with the staff and clients to gather more data needed for her action research plan.

Rate 2

The study used good action research process

The research process included thinking, looking and gathering information to act on them. The reflection added in the way she wants to collect feedback from the staff and clients.

Rate 3

The study results in meaningful actions to address the problem

Its based on research that will stimulate a workable solution at her workplace.

The action enhances individuals by improving practice, empowering the staff and solving the problem.

Rate 3

Quality rating: High quality

0=Poor

1= Fair

2= Good

3= Excellent

Overall quality

0-10= Low quality

11-16=Average quality

17-21= High quality

Resources

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.