Week one assignment entails selecting a senior project topic that stem from a workplace issue that you are familiar with. Categorizing the most common workplace issues will depend on the type of business and overall office environment, but in general problem areas fall into four broad categories: communication, harassment and bullying, gossip, and overall morale.
The following is an outline to assist with selecting a topic process:
Begin by generating a series of possible topics that involves workplace issues. You should think realistically about the practical implications of your choice, in practically in terms of the time requirement to complete the research.
- Do you know enough about the topic to conduct a research project?
- Will you have access to the topic population or data sources.
- Do your topic fall within the broad field of organization management?
Let us take a closer look at what is involved in conducting a problem analysis. Remember, you are not looking for solutions yet; but are interested in zeroing in on the problem area so that a clearer and more accurate picture may emerge.
Appendix A: Problem Analysis Worksheet is designed to assist you with the selecting of a research project that meet the above criterias. The problem analysis worksheet will assist you with recording of your thought process. You may wish to make copies of the form and complete one for each general topic being considered as a project. For example: The initial questions could be —
- Why are other departments producing better results than this one?
- Why are sales not higher in this department?
- Why is absenteeism higher in this department than in any other department of the office complex?
Roughly delineate the problem area, including;
- What is being discussed about it and why is it a problem?
- Where is the problem located and who is involved?
You should also accumulate your personal observations that is related to the workplace issue. Remember to identify the outward manifestations of the problem (current status) as well as possible underlying causes (desire status). Obtain these initial observations from the organization in which you propose implementing the Senior Project.
To add to these possible causes, brainstorm (with fellow adult learners and others in the organization) other possible causes. Some of these additional possible causes will suggest other symptoms that should be observed. Further observations and discussions with others in the organization will verify whether these symptoms exist. Finally, there should be a complete list of the symptoms and possible causes.
- Consolidate the list of symptoms and causes and translate them into a set of explanations of the problem. It is important at this stage to be aware of personal biases, so do not ignore other equally possible explanations. Start to think objectively.
- Based on all the observations, select the explanations that appear to be most relevant to the problem under study.
- Analyze the relationships between the various explanations that may provide additional insight into the problem. Are they getting at the same thing? If so, you may be able to consolidate them into a more general statement. Does your explanation have implications for another one?
All of the above information is placed on the Appendix A: Problem Analysis Worksheet and discussed with the other adult learners and the Project Facilitator. Record each step of the analysis. You may wish to make copies of the form and complete one for each general topic being considered as a Project.
You may find it helpful to view the Problem Analysis Worksheet in terms of a “funnel” analogy. The top of the funnel represents the broad or vague area of interest. As observations are made, facts accumulated, descriptions clarified, and relationships discerned, the problem becomes progressively focused, defined, and manageable.
You are now ready to write the Appendix B: Senior Project Topic Proposal. The problem statement, which will become the topic proposal, should be a brief and clear statement. Keep in mind that this proposal needs to be written in such a way that someone who knows nothing about the area of study will understand it. Define all specialized terms clearly and concisely.
The Topic Proposal must be approved and signed by the Professor. I choose Diversity and Inclusion
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