By now, it is commonly accepted that investments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) can facilitate macroeconomic growth in developed countries. Research standards in ICT for development (ICT4D) are high, and it is a basic expectation that a theoretically sound conceptual investigation should yield actionable results. An additional expectation is that an on-the-ground study conducted in each setting should add to the common body of knowledge based on theory. In other words, one is expected to make a connection between the world of concepts and the world of reality. Middle-range theories and frameworks could help connect the case studies with grand theories, by helping to create a theoretically sound and practically applicable research architecture of ICT4D. This book demonstrates how creative use of various data analysis methods (e.g., data mining [DM], data envelopment analysis [DEA], and structural equation modeling [SEM]) and conceptual frameworks (e.g., neoclassical growth accounting, chaos and complexity theories) may be utilized for inductive and deductive purposes to develop and to test, in step-by-step fashion, theoretically sound frameworks for a large subset of ICT4D research questions. Specifically, this book showcases the utilization of DM, DEA, and SEM for the following purposes: Identification of the relevant context-specific constructs (inductive application) Identification of the relationships between the constructs (inductive application) Development of a framework incorporating the constructs and relationships discovered (inductive application) Testing of the constructed framework (deductive application) The book takes a multi-theoretical perspective to economic development research. It starts with an overview of ICT4D. Next it covers such frameworks and theories as neoclassical growth accounting and the theory of complementarity, complex systems and chaos theories, and the product life cycle (PLC) theory. There are also nontechnical overviews of the DM and data analytic methods that can be used in this research. Also presented is evidence that human capital and investment capital are complementary and are reliable sources of economic growth. The book concludes with methodological frameworks to guide investment decisions and the formulation of strategic policy.

The Second Edition of Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research brings together some of today’s leading qualitative researchers to discuss the frameworks behind their published qualitative studies. They share how they found and chose a theoretical framework, from what discipline the framework was drawn, what the framework posits, and how it influenced their study. Both novice and experienced qualitative researchers are able to learn first-hand from various contributors as they reflect on the process and decisions involved in completing their study. The book also provides background for beginning researchers about the nature of theoretical frameworks and their importance in qualitative research; about differences in perspective about the role of theoretical frameworks; and about how to find and use a theoretical framework.

Designed for novice as well as more experienced researchers, Reason & Rigor by Sharon M. Ravitch and Matthew Riggan presents conceptual frameworks as a mechanism for aligning literature review, research design, and methodology. The book explores the conceptual framework—defined as both a process and a product—that helps to direct and ground researchers as they work through common research challenges. Focusing on published studies on a range of topics and employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the updated Second Edition features two new chapters and clearly communicates the processes of developing and defining conceptual frameworks.

Increasingly, organizations allocate a substantial financial budget to the acquisition, implementation, and management of IT solutions. IT solutions are employed strategic partners in supporting business strategic outcome, and the solutions are tools used to support operational activities within an environment. Given the vast amounts being invested in IT solutions and development, there is a need for a better return and outcome for organizations. Empowering Businesses With Collaborative Enterprise Architecture Frameworks is an essential reference source that provides readers with pragmatic, implementable strategies and direction to create IT with collaborative capabilities that can reduce the cost of running IT within an organization. Moreover, the book offers pragmatic roadmaps to adopting disruptive IT solutions effectively and efficiently and towards gaining a better understanding of enterprise architecture as a means to business decision making. Featuring research on topics such as business engineering, cloud computing, and open systems, this book is ideally designed for managers, directors, and other business decision makers; government and industry policymakers; business and enterprise architects; industry professionals; academicians; researchers; and students.

The Theoretical Framework in Phenomenological Research: Development and Application is an introduction to phenomenology in which the authors overview its origin, main ideas and core concepts. They show the application and relevancy of phenomenological tenets in practical qualitative research, as well as demonstrate how aligning theory and method enhances research credibility. In this detailed but digestible explanation of phenomenological theories, the authors explore the ideas of the main founders pertaining to the meaning of perceived reality and the meaning of being, and how these founders articulated their methodologies. In doing so, The Theoretical Framework in Phenomenological Research fills the well-documented gap between theory and practice within phenomenology by providing a much-needed bridge between the foundational literature and applied research on the subject, focusing equally on theory and practice. The book includes practical demonstrations on how to create theoretical/conceptual frameworks in applied phenomenological research. It also features detailed, step-by-step illustrations and examples regarding how researchers can develop frameworks and use their concepts to inform the development of themes at the data analysis stage. A reliable guide underpinned by foundational phenomenology literature, The Theoretical Framework in Phenomenological Research is an essential text for researchers, instructors, practitioners and students looking to design and conduct phenomenological studies in a manner that ensures credible outcomes.

You are welcome to Research Made Easy - Second Edition. This book is a guide for researchers and students carrying out a research project or working on long essays, theses and dissertations. It is aimed at being used in teaching and hence, it adopts an interactive approach requiring the reader/student to participate in the learning process. What are the elements of a good research? Most often than not we face a dilemma in seeking answers to this question. The challenge becomes pronounced when we begin to evaluate the different requirements of the diverse academic audiences in the social sciences and business. So what really makes a good research? In this book, I attempt to provide a general outline which can be considered as being essential for a good research thesis. Though this is not exhaustive, it will be of help, especially to young researchers. The purpose is not to create a 'one best format', but to offer guidelines in starting a research project and the preparation of long essays, theses and dissertations for submission. The second edition extends the discussion on case study research design and presents a new section on thematic analysis. This book is essential for anyone involved in business and social science studies. On completion, the reader would have acquired practical research skills to select a research topic, review literature, identify research gaps, conceptualize research designs, and conduct data collection and analysis to address research gaps.

Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical reader of research, followed by a detailed chapter on methodology, and then proceeds to a discussion of each component of a research article as it is informed by the methodology. The book encourages readers to select an article from their discipline, learning along the way how to assess each component of the article and come to a judgment of its rigor or quality as a scholarly report.