Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework Order Instructions: please reply on this post:
Introduction: Merriam – Webster (2016) defines theory as: ‘An idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events
An idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true but that is not known or proven to be true
The general principles or ideas that relate to a particular subject’
As an engineer, I use theories every day. For example, when fault finding on a piece of equipment or system that does not operate as it should, I theorize what is causing the fault. The theories that I exercise are based on knowledge and experience. In theorizing, I am actively narrowing the field of research. For example, if the ‘power on’ indicator lamp is not on, then my knowledge and experience tell me that:
The indicator lamp has blown or,
The power to the equipment has tripped.
So, these areas will dictate the start of my investigation when fault finding. It may sound obvious that if a lamp is not ‘on’ then, check the lamp or the power but, you would be surprised how much common sense is missing within engineering!
Similarly, for my dissertation, the research will be initially focussed on one or two aspects of the issues as I see them but, as with all research and investigation, it will inevitably branch out to encompass further areas of influence on the initial issue. This, I believe is where the discipline of a framework will assist with my research providing a focussed approach that will yield positive results.
Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework
So, what is a theoretical framework? In short, ‘It is, perhaps, easier to understand the nature and function of a theoretical framework if it is viewed as the answer to two basic questions:
1. What is the problem or question?
2. Why is your approach to solving the problem or answering the question feasible? Lederman & Lederman (2015)
‘Frameworks have been described as the map for a study, giving a rationale for the development of research questions or hypotheses’ Green (2014)
My research will center on poor management and planning within the oil industry in respect of work programmes such as new build drilling rigs, shipyard recertification periods and refurbishment programmes of equipment including between good maintenance of blowout preventers (BOP’s). This inability to deliver cost-effective projects that complete on time, on budget and produce a quality product costs the industry and in particular the oil companies, millions of dollars.
Oil companies (the client) do not embark on this type of project as a solo venture, there is a drilling contractor involved (the vessel owner), a shipyard, and the equipment manufacturers who can number 20-30 on a large project.
The framework will or ‘approach to solving the problem or answering the question’, will encompass elements of the following:
The overarching framework theory will concern project management; The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) identifies project management activities into five key project management process groups. These five elements are Initiating processes, Planning processes, Executing processes, Monitoring and Controlling processes and Closing processes. Parker et al. (2015) Research will be tailored to this framework; I do not believe that the projects I have noted above have ever been subjected to this framework or approach.
Stakeholder Theory
Freeman (1984) and Freeman, Harrison, and Wicks (2007), cited in Harrison et al. (2015) state that, ‘stakeholder theory promotes a practical, efficient, effective, and ethical way to manage organizations in a highly complex and turbulent environment.’ With so many potential stakeholders involved in each project, stakeholder management is paramount to a satisfactory outcome of the project. Traditionally, each stakeholder has adopted ‘survival’ techniques so as not to expose themselves to risk, however, with an integrated project operated under accepted theories the potential for a true partnership can be investigated. This will entail contractual issues which is another potential line of inquiry for my research project.
Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework Conclusion
The manner in which I conduct your research will be critical to arriving at a successful outcome, all of the stakeholders involved in the type of projects mentioned above will protect their interests, will not expose their companies to undue risk and are not open to new ideas.
The research line of questioning will have to reflect this. When projects such as the ones being researched fail, there is a tendency within the oil and gas industry to blame the other parties.
The aim of my research is to highlight the potential savings for each stakeholder based on sound theories. The research will require looking into the reasons why past projects have failed then, looking at the same projects through a project management lens, re-evaluating the project and investigating any potential for improvement.
Best Regards
Andy Toman
Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework References
Merriam-Webster (2016) ‘Definition of Theory’ Merriam-Webster’s Lerner’s Dictionary Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theory [Accessed: 4 June 2016]
Norman G. Lederman, N.G. Lederman, J.S. (2015) ‘What Is A Theoretical Framework? A Practical Answer’ Journal of Science Teacher Education 26:593–597 Available at: http://download.springer.com.liverpool.idm.oclc.org/static/pdf/801/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10972-015-9443-2.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10972-015-9443-2&token2=exp=1465043038~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F801%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10972-015-9443-2.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10972-015-9443-2*~hmac=4a9571aeacf4e593337fe5995ec43ccd7a13370c88886904f7046b99c22cb738 [Accessed: 4 June 2016]
Harrison, J.S. Freeman, R.E. Cavalcanti Sá de Abreu, M. (2015) ‘Stakeholder Theory As an Ethical Approach to Effective Management: applying the theory to multiple contexts’ Review of Business Management Vol. 17, No. 55, pp. 858-869 Available at:
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.liverpool.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=28&sid=5d5598c6-7c48-4272-9524-2d7bb2f53c15%40sessionmgr4004&hid=4113 [Accessed: 4 June 2016]
Parker, D.W. Parsons, N. Isharyanto, F. (2015) ‘Inclusion of strategic management theories to project management’ International Journal of Managing Projects in Business Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 552-573 Available at: http://www.emeraldinsight.com.liverpool.idm.oclc.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/IJMPB-11-2014-0079 [Accessed: 4 June 2016]
Green H (2014) ‘Use of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in qualitative research’ Nurse Researcher 21, 6, 34-38 Available at: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.liverpool.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=5d5598c6-7c48-4272-9524-2d7bb2f53c15%40sessionmgr4004&vid=10&hid=4113 [Accessed: 4 June 2016]
Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework Sample A
Reply to student post
In this post, the student has correctly provided a definition of theory using the definition of the term theory as given by Merriam Webster and citing appropriately. As per the definition, a theory refers to an idea which is presented or proposed as potentially factual that is not known or is not confirmed as factual. To add on this, a theory is typically developed for the purpose of explaining, predicting, and/or understanding a given phenomena (Lynham 2013). Additionally, theories are also developed with the goal of challenging or extending existing knowledge within the limits of bounding suppositions (Weick 2014).
With regard to the theoretical framework, the student proposes to use the Stakeholder Theory which, as the student pointed out, fosters an ethical, effective, and efficient way of managing businesses in a very turbulent and complex environment. To add on this point made by the student, the Stakeholder Theory is essentially a theory of business ethics and organizational management which addresses values as well as morals in managing an organization (Donaldson & Preston 2014). This theory holds that in the view of a company, shareholders, owners, and other parties such as trade unions, political groups, clients, staffs, governmental bodies, communities, financiers, suppliers and trade associations are all important stakeholders to the organization (Freeman 1984).
The student intends to employ the Stakeholder Theory to investigate the research problem. The student has clearly articulated in the post the way in which this theory is applicable to his project as a theoretical framework. This is great and laudable. However, the student has described only a single framework and how it applies to the project. Describing at least two theoretical frameworks rather than just one would have been certainly better.
Choice and Definition of Theoretical Framework References
Donaldson, T., & Preston, LE 2014, The Stakeholder Theory of the Corporation: Concepts, Evidence, and Implications. Academy of Management Review 20 (1): 65–91. doi:10.5465/amr.1995.9503271992. JSTOR 258887.
Freeman, RE 1984, Strategic Management: A stakeholder approach. Boston: Pitman. ISBN 0-273-01913-9.
Lynham, SA 2013, The General Method of Theory-Building Research in Applied Disciplines. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 4(87): 221-241
Weick, KE 2014, The Work of Theorizing. In Theorizing in Social Science: The Context of Discovery. Richard Swedberg, editor. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
