Sample reflective papers

Sample Reflective Papers
A biographical approach to researching leadership and
entrepreneurship development processes in a small business context
Summary of the Study
In the business sector, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) have
experienced great growth. Such growth can be attributed to interaction
of different kinds of factors that accelerate performance of SMEs.
Entrepreneurial and leadership skills are the leading factors that have
contributed to intensive growth of SMEs in the business world. The
purpose of this research is to develop strategies of researching
processes of entrepreneurial learning as well as leadership in small
businesses. The article also suggests study of bibliographical
information as the best manner to understand leadership qualities of
individuals. The article authors argue biographical research can only be
the only feasible manner of researching on leadership and the role it
plays in the development of small business. It is however difficult to
collect biographical data from the field, as such, it uses past
documented data. It is ideal to note the study of past biographical
information is of great importance as it aids in bringing to light issues
shaping individual experience (Jones, 2011).
Summary of the Recommendation and Methodology
Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research are applied in
the study. Also, the study uses stratified technique of selecting samples
from LEAD Wales program (population). However, the participant role
in a business was an inclusion factor in the study (Jones, 2011). The
researchers as well used biographical narrative interview techniques in
order to gather data from the participants. Analysis of data in the study
involved different actions and process that involve analysis of
biographical narrative of the individual. Among the recommendations

from the study is businesses must understand leadership role in the
success of any enterprise. Hence, it is crucial to research the qualities of
a good leader by use of biographical research technique. Understanding
diversities and the characteristics of leaders will aid business
organizations in attainment of their goals and objectives.
Principles for Conducting Critical Realist Case Study Research in
Information Systems
Summary of the study
The focus of the idea is the notion of critical realisms that is a
philosophical tool that is used in conducting social sciences research.
Critical realism research, is of subjective nature, though it also takes
into consideration presence of variables that are independent which
help in the establishment of explanations as well as relationships. The
study states there is critical realism which permits researchers to test
assumptions that are philosophical with actual information system
research, through use of positivism and interpretivism tools. Positivism
involves testing the theories of generalization while interpretivism
attempts to establish understanding of any given phenomenon.
According to the study, scientific research involves application of
different philosophy branches (Wynn & Williams, 2012). It involves the
assessment and building of existing knowledge (epistemology), tests
assumptions with reality of nature (ontology) and it outlines procedure
of knowledge creation (Methodology). Consequently, critical realism
forms the ideal basis of conducting scientific research especially in
social sciences, for example, economics.
Summary of the Methodology
Classifying whether critical realism approach adopts quantitative or
qualitative approach to research is very hard. This is attributed to the
fact research involves different theories and concepts. For example,

triangulation techniques of data collection and analysis find relevance
while dealing with critical research realism. This form of research
collects data through use of combined sources on the researcher’s
inclination (Wynn & Williams, 2012). Studying of cases provided the
basis under which it is possible for research to thrive. As such, the
research qualifies to be multi-technique research. Case studies are
primary designs of research and any critical realism research involves
social sciences. Researchers are supposed to use this kind research to
conduct surveys on social sciences, such as the role of information
systems among human beings. Researchers are also supposed to
understand diversity of case study research under critical realism. The
study is supposed to take different forms in accordance to nature of
project and it does not follow through with any specific procedure.
Exploring the Fit perspective: An ethnographic approach
The fit concept has greatly influenced organizations and theorists who
pursue HRM in organizations. The major aim of the study is
investigating the fit concept through an analysis of different factors that
affect HRM in organizations. The study as well adopts an approach of
case study that helps in identifying different issues that affect HRM in
organizations. The study as well found a misalignment of HR practices
that have great impact on the spirit and morale of employees in an
organization. It reduces motivation levels among the employees leading
to poor performance. In the same manner, adopting HR policies
without any consideration for the fit concept affects strategic HRM in
an organization. Fit perspective has replaced concept of best practices
that has continually increased costs in organization (Singh & Samnani,
2013). The study made the conclusion understanding fit perspective
makes it possible for organizations to respond to changes seen in the
environment in an effective manner.

Summary of Methodology
Oftentimes, research on issues of human resource adopt qualitative
approach as a result of the nature of the subject. The present study,
however, suggested ethnographic approach to research involving
introspection of case studies on companies. The study as well used
ethnographic approach for purposes of testing applicability and viability
of some weights that are attached by qualitative technique by using
data from case studies. The approach used in the case study is useful
since it makes it possible for the researcher to determine the natural
and actual state of affairs regarding the issue or subject that is been
investigated (Singh & Samnani, 2013). Data comparison from varying
sources forms analysis basis regarding this kind of qualitative research.
Organizations are supposed to invest in ethnographic research in order
to develop solutions to different issues of HR that affect them. This is
attributed to the success of any organization in direct relationship with
human resource aspect of the organization.
Revisiting the relation between contingency awareness and attention:
Evaluative conditioning relies on a contingency focus
Conducting observations and experiments has been affected by
evaluative conditioning because of conditioning. The study shows
experiments are now taking formats that are more generalized than
narrowing down to a specific focus. As such, the study seeks to
establish role of focus in conditioned stimuli. Evaluative conditioning
means changes in interpretation of stimulus that is triggered by
affective stimulus. The study makes the conclusion that differences in
evaluative conditioning aspects of the individuals is dependent on
contingency awareness, which is not always focused on relating stimuli.
The study as well makes the conclusion that differences in stimuli,
relating to evaluative conditioning contribute to acquisition of

contingency awareness. Contingency distractions that are involved in
diversion of attention from stimuli, which messed the contingency
focus (Kattner, 2012). The study as well tested whether attention is a
necessary state for evaluative conditioning to take place.
Summary of the Methodology
109 participants were involved in the study and they were randomly
recruited from different groups which included, contingency-distraction
group, full-distraction group and attention enhanced group. The study
was undertaken in a computer pool with twenty four participants who
simultaneously took place in the experiment. The study as well involved
response to different stimuli, for example, ads, which depended on the
group the participants came from (Kattner, 2012). The study as well
took a quantitative approach of analyzing the data collected by
subjecting it to rigorous statistical processes. The data was summarized
into sub-headings that depended on the attribute or question under
investigation. Psychologists are supposed to adopt this form of research
so as to identify the reasons individuals respond differently to similar
events. The study, can also be quite useful in explaining why children
behave the way they do in the course of development.
Impact of information feedback in continuous combinatorial auctions:
An experimental study of economic performance
Advancement in technology and information technology has led to
increase in the possibility of identifying market mechanisms and
opportunities for majority of businesses. Additionally, it also helps in
making it possible for businesses to allocate resources in an efficient
manner through procurement policies that are safe. For example,
bidding for combination of goods (combinatorial auctions) has gained
relevance amongst businesses which has led to improvement of

complementary good trade. The study as well strived to establish
solutions to problems of time affecting decision making regarding
combinatorial auctions. The concept is yet to attain maturity because of
the difficulties faced in making some real decisions when confronted.
The study as well sought to establish differences between bids so as to
understand the role of information availability in combinatorial
auctions. Feedback schemes, according to the study are of great
importance since they permit the bidders to take part in combinatorial
auctioning at any given time. The study made the conclusion feedbacks
have a role to play in the economic productivity and efficiency of
combinatorial auctions (Admavicious, Curley & Gupta, 2012).
Summary of Methodology
The study combined different methods and approaches of conducting
research. It collected data from laboratory experiments where the
bidders competed for property lots that surrounded a lake. Research,
also used setups that made it possible to manipulate data they
collected from these experiments. The research approach was
quantitative and involved application of demanding statistical
manipulation of collected data. Additionally, the research was
hypothesis based. This is due to the fact it set out to test some of the
hypothesis from prior research studies and theoretical assumptions
(Adomavicious, Curley & Gupta, 2012). It applies descriptive statistics to
come up with conclusions that are viable from data collected.
Businesses, especially, dealers of properties and stock exchange experts
are supposed to rely in this type of research for purposes of identifying
best practices that yield economic benefits.
Ready for battle? A phenomenological study of military simulation
systems

The aim of the study was to establish relevance and applicability of
military training through carrying out research on connection between
military training and tasks given. Researchers aimed to establish how
the officers perceived improvement of their performance, and if the
procedures of simulation were in line with their activities. As far as
task-technology goes, no research has taken place ever from military
training context (Cane, McCarthy & Halawi, 2010). The study therefore
concentrated on establishment of whether task-technology exists in
military training and application of simulation training. The response on
whether there is an improvement in performance has helped the
researchers identify whether the experience of military offices is fit
between the form of training they undergo and the kind of tasks they
face once in the field. The phenomenological approach that is adopted
by the research is quite unique and aids in building knowledge
regarding training simulation among the military.
Summary of the methodology
To carry out the research, the study followed qualitative approach,
which involved identification of experiences of those who had received
training through simulation. The interviewing technique of data
collected assisted the researcher in collection of data from different
participants. Interview questions as well helped in capturing and
questing the experiences of military officers who had gone through
simulation training (Cane, McCarthy & Halawi, 2010). The interview
questions, additionally helped in identification of performance
improvements that determine role of simulation and training in daily
activities of the military officers. The study as well applied
phenomenological approach of analysis in order to establish a
connection between different variables brought out in the course of
the research. The study is of great importance since it makes it possible
for military agencies to assess impact of simulation and training
technology on the role of military officers. As such, military as well as

other security agencies that train officers through use of simulation
technology should adopt this methodology for research for purposes of
establishing the value that is created by their training encounters.
A content analysis study of the use of celebrity endorsers in magazine
advertising
Celebrities are used by a large number of magazines to market
themselves among people. This study seeks to look at how magazines
used celebrity endorsers in advertising. The study aimed to prove
information going round in media regarding celebrity endorsers in
advertisement of magazines. The study, according to the article found
that among 37 magazines that were under scrutiny, only 10 percent
involved a celebrity. The figure was far lower than the speculations
going on in the media regarding celebrity endorsers in magazine
advertisement (Belch & Belch, 2013). The study, however also
established use of celebrities in magazine advertising is dependent on
the kind of magazine. Celebrity endorses were very high among teen
magazines and those dealing with sports. The physical attributes of the
celebrities, for example, athletes determined their level of popularity
amongst target population.
The study used the approach of content analysis for purposes of
gathering data regarding use of celebrity endorsers in magazine
advertisement. Among the challenges of the research is that there was
no prior research done on the topic, which called for a need to invest in
large data analysis and collection. Majority of the estimates that existed
were dependent on prevalence of celebrities in commercials that were
aired in media. As such, the research aimed to show prevalence of
celebrities use in magazine advertising and whether their use varied

from one magazine to another, which was the central question of the
study. To attain this objective, the research made an analysis of
advertisements that appeared in some of the famous magazine
circulations by then. Selection was on the basis of circulation figures of
a magazine that was published in 2007, April. The ads that were
randomly selected in different magazines were then categorized into
different groups for ease of analysis (Belch & Belch, 2013). As such, the
study adopted qualitative approach to research. Magazines are
supposed to follow this kind of methodology and research design in
order to assess impact of different advertising efforts and campaigns.
Revisiting the file drawer problem in meta-analysis: An assessment of
published and non-published correlation matrices
The problem of file drawer is a concept that depends on supposition
that non-significant results are unlikely to be used in primary studies as
well as meta-analytic reviews. The purpose of the study is to seek to
establish extent to which the issue of file drawer is in none-
experimental research. The study as well depends on data that is
already documented in order to further coverage and interests.
Scientific research does not involved development and the
identification of new and unique knowledge. It rather involves buildup
of the existing knowledge via various forms of study meant to figure
out the solution to a problem. The study as well notes that a single
study cannot issue and resolve minor issues. As such, single studies
never qualify to be used in meta-analytic reviews because of reliability
and applicability challenge (Dalton, 2012).
The study used data that was already published to determine frequency
of non-significance statistical correlations included in matrices of

correlation. The non-statistical correlations, however, had come from
non-experimental research. Secondary data was also used in the study
and it came from different journals selected for specific criterion.
Random selection of the data sources from different years was the
technique of sampling used. The identified correlation matrices study
from these journals established the size of matrix and the percentage
and number of sizes that were non-significant statistically (Dalton,
2012). The research therefore, adopted quantitative approach, which
involved analysis of data already documented. Data analysis involved
computation of non-significant statistically correlations between each
matrix and the average per journal. The researchers found computed
correlation between matrix size and statistically non-significant sizes
percentage. It was evident there were positive correlations because of
file drawer problem existence.
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References
Adomavicious, G., Curley, S., & Gupta. (2012). Impact of information
feedback in continuous combinatorial auctions: An experimental study
of economic performance. MIS Quarrterly, 37 (1): 55-76.
Belch, M., & Belch, G. (2013). A content analysis study of the use of
celebrity endorsers in magazine advertising. International Journal of
Advertising, 32 (3): 369-389.
Cane, S., McCarthy, R., & Halawi, L. (2010). Ready fof battle? A
phenomenological study of military simulation systems. Journal of
Computer Information Systems: 33-40.
Dalton, D. (2012). Revisiting the file drawer problem in meta-analysis:
An assessment of published and non-published correlation
matrices. Personnel Psychology, 65: 221-249.
Jones, K. (2011). A Biographical Approach to Researching Leadership
and Entrepreneurship Development Processes in a Small Business
Context. Bangor University Business School: United Kingdom, 199-205.
Kattner, F. (2012). Revisiting the relation between contingency
awareness and attention: Evaluating conditioning relies on a
contingency focus. Cognition and Emotion, 26 (1): 166-175.
Singh, P., & Samnani, A. (2013). Exploring the Fit Perspective: An
Ethnographic Approach. Human Resource Management, 52 (1): 123-
144.
Wynn, D. & Williams, C. (2012). Principles for Conducting Critical Realist
Case Study Research in Information Sytems. MIS Quarterly, 36 (3): 787-
810.
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