New Framework: Lean Six Sigma For Doctoral Research
University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies publishes white paper outlining a Lean Six Sigma framework to help researchers develop defensible problem statements, adapting the Define and Measure logic to organize problem development around five connected elements
The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has published a white paper titled 'Building a Lean Six Sigma–Based Background of the Problem and Problem Statement', outlining a framework for developing doctoral research problem statements. The framework adapts the Define and Measure logic of Lean Six Sigma to help doctoral practitioner researchers develop a defensible background of the problem and problem statement.
The white paper was written by James C. Rice, DM/IST, MBA, and Scott A. McCalla, DM, MA. The framework organizes problem development around five connected elements: an observed condition, normative condition, issue, associated effect, and practitioner research problem. This approach distinguishes the practical problem being investigated from the separate academic knowledge gap that establishes why new research is warranted.
The Lean Six Sigma framework uses the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) process to examine performance and improvement. The white paper focuses specifically on the Define and Measure phases of the DMAIC process as tools for framing and substantiating a practitioner research problem. The Define phase specifies the population, setting, process, indicator, stakeholders, and boundaries of the problem, while the Measure phase documents the observed condition and an authoritative normative condition using comparable evidence.
## What it means The new framework provides a disciplined way for researchers to move from an observed condition to a researchable problem using evidence that can be examined, compared, and verified. By adapting the Define and Measure logic of Lean Six Sigma, the framework helps researchers develop a defensible background of the problem and problem statement, which is essential for conducting rigorous and meaningful research.
The framework is designed for beginning researchers and experienced researchers who are new to practitioner research in business. It provides a structured approach to problem development, which can help researchers ensure that their problem statements are well-defined, focused, and grounded in authoritative evidence. By using this framework, researchers can develop problem statements that are more likely to lead to meaningful and impactful research.
## Why it matters The ability to develop a clear and well-defined problem statement is critical in doctoral research. A good problem statement provides the foundation for the entire research project, and a poorly defined problem statement can lead to a flawed research design and inconclusive results. The new framework provides a valuable tool for researchers to develop problem statements that are grounded in evidence and focused on practical problems. By using this framework, researchers can increase the quality and impact of their research, which can ultimately lead to better decision-making and practice in their fields.
