A Winning Combination for Business Researchers: A Review of Qualitative Methods in Business Research

Qualitative Methods in Business Research by Paivi Eriksson and Anne Kovalainen is a comprehensive, current, and compelling text discussing both qualitative research in general and nine specific approaches in particular. These include: case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, focus group research, action research, narrative research, discursive research, critical research and feminist research. The reviewer identifies the considerable strengths of this book, which include its attention to the writing process that differentiates qualitative from quantitative research, and recommends the book as a solid resource for both students and practitioners

Examining Management History Through The Lens Of Critical Biography

This paper builds a case for using the qualitative methodology of critical biography to illuminate the life, times, and contributions of pioneers in the field of management history. First the importance of management history is discussed and the critical biography methodology is described. Then, the methodology is applied to management history through examining several articles using the methodology including articles about Mary Parker Follett and Rhona Rapaport. Pros and cons of using the methodology are discussed including approachability and high interest level as pros and necessity to make inferences and the close interplay between researcher and research as cons. Implications for future research are presented

A Comparison Of Student Outcomes And Student Satisfaction In Three MBA Human Resource Management Classes Based On Traditional Vs. Online Learning

The author taught three MBA Human Resource Management classes in the spring term of              2007 at a large private university in Florida. Two of the classes were taught in a 100% online format while the third was taught off campus in a university-owned building in Orlando where students met in a face-to-face, weekend setting. This traditional class was augmented by a WebCT classroom where students posted assignments, did exams, and communicated via email and discussion boards in the interims between classes. Comparisons were made regarding student performance and student satisfaction. In both areas, students in the face-to-face class scored just slightly better than their online counterparts

Fun As Serious Business: Creating A Fun Work Environment As An Effective Business Strategy

This paper discusses the use of fun in the workplace as an effective business strategy for recruiting and retaining talented employees as well as developing their creativity and productivity.  The benefits of fun in the workplace are discussed and a few cautions are offered.  Suggestions are made on creating a fun working environment using the “Be a Pal” model: Pay for fun, Allocate time for fun, and Lead the way.   &nbsp

Strategies For Successful Diversity Training In Corporate America

Corporate America is facing both a workforce and a customer base which are increasingly diversified.  Diversity training initiatives are proliferating as a way to not only avoid legal problems but, more importantly, to find strategic advantage in this diversity.  This article investigates the fundamentals of diversity training by answering a series of questions including: What is diversity training? Why is diversity training needed? Who is doing diversity training? When does diversity training fail? More importantly, the article focuses on strategies by suggesting how to design a successful diversity training program

Heading For Cyberspace: Planning A Strategy For Success With Online Classes

This paper focuses on the 3 P’s of a successful strategy for delivering online classes: Platform, Protocols, and Pedagogy.   First the paper examines the commonly available online platforms used by schools with web-based programs.  Next, the authors suggest a fundamental list of protocols to provide consistency and quality control across classes.  Finally, a list of pedagogical questions is presented to suggest strategies for setting up individual classes.   &nbsp

Executive Leadership Development As A Strategy For Long Term Business Success

This article discusses executive leadership development as a strategy for long term business success.  Sustainable organizational health depends in large part on a steady stream of upper level leaders who have the values, skills, competencies and behaviors necessary for organizational advancement. Cutting edge leadership development is discussed with specific examples from the Top 20 leadership companies as identified by Hewitt Associates in 2005.  Specific leadership development programs are discussed including mentoring, coaching and shadowing and guidelines are suggested for effective leadership development

Education Without Boundaries: Faculty Training And Support

This paper looks at two specific issues related to faculty success in the online classroom.  The first, an effective faculty training program, is crucial in building a cadre of competent online faculty to meet the growing demands for web-based classes.  However, the training programs offered vary significantly from on-the-job training to intensive immersion programs which take place before the first online teaching assignment.  The second issue is ongoing support including administrative, academic, and technical support.  While effective training is instrumental in getting the faculty member prepared for cyberspace, the support services available while teaching the online class are often responsible for how smoothly the course runs

Preventing And Detecting Plagiarism In The Written Work Of College Students

Plagiarism abounds on American college campuses.  This paper first examines reasons that college students cheat, using both the perspective of student respondents and the observations of the faculty authors.  Next, the paper examines the two strategies which can be taken to combat student plagiarism: prevention and detection.  Specific strategies are offered for each approach.

Ageism And The Baby Boomers: Issues, Challenges And The TEAM Approach

This paper considers the issues and challenges associated with ageism relating to the Baby Boomer generation in Corporate America.  Stereotypes about older workers are examined along with types of discrimination facing Boomers.  The TEAM approach is proposed to combat ageism in the workplace.  The strategy includes using intergenerational teams, education and training, awareness, accountability, and accommodation and mentoring as key components