Residency Two Reflection

Residency Two helped clarify the expectations for completing the Applied Doctoral Project (ADP), particularly the research required to complete the early sections. Throughout my career, I have routinely identified organizational problems and worked with teams to develop and implement solutions. This residency helped me recognize that I need to spend more time defining and investigating the organizational problem before determining how that problem should be addressed.

ADP Section 1: Problem Identification & Investigating

Dr. White's discussion of the iceberg model reinforced an important concept that I have encountered throughout my career in healthcare operations and as a nurse. Patients often present with a chief complaint. That complaint reflects the symptom of an underlying etiology requiring further assessment. Similarly, organizations may identify project delays or inconsistent processes without understanding the factors contributing to these outcomes. From the residency, I recognize the importance of working with my partner organization to refine the problem statement, establish its significance, and ensure the investigation is grounded in organizational evidence rather than my existing perceptions or assumptions. The challenge is to allow ample time to fully investigate the problem within multiple frameworks and resist the urge to dive into solutioning. I need the my partner organization to identify the problem so I can investigate contributing factors and uncover the root cause driving the outcomes experienced by the organization.

ADP Section 2: Diagnosing the Problem

Dr. Kendall’s sessions on diagnosing organizational problems clarified the difference between recognizing a performance gap and understanding the factors contributing to that gap. I found this particularly relevant to developing a focused problem statement and recognize that this aspect of my ADP requires additional attention. In my current role, I routinely review operational data, identify contributing factors, and quickly recommend corrective actions to make timely decisions. For my ADP, I will need to examine organizational data and stakeholder perspectives before drawing conclusions. My professional experience provides useful context, but the research and data may challenge experience and initial presuppositions. I also recognize that refining the problem statement will likely require multiple revisions and continued engagement with my research chair and partner organization. My professional responsibilities have conditioned me to resolve problems efficiently, but for the ADP, I need to apply that same level of commitment to investigating and validating the problem before determining how it should be addressed.

ADP Section 3: Exploring Potential Solutions

Dr. Zehr's discussion of literature review and synthesis reinforced that exploring potential solutions requires more than identifying research that supports an existing recommendation. My professional experience has given me a broad understanding of operational improvement strategies, but it has also encouraged me to move quickly from identifying a problem to developing a course of action.

For me, Section 3 will require a different approach. I must critically examine scholarly literature, evaluate relevant theoretical frameworks, and consider alternatives to challenge my initial assumptions. The MagnaTex case study reinforced this concept by demonstrating how organizational challenges can involve competing priorities and multiple stakeholder perspectives. A solution that seems appropriate from one perspective may introduce unintended challenges elsewhere within the organization. I recognize the value of combining practical experience with scholarly research while letting the evidence guide the investigation. The literature review and data collection should help determine which approaches are supported by evidence and appropriate for the organizational context.

Overall Reflection

My greatest takeaway from Residency Two was recognizing the need to approach the ADP differently from the problem-solving and consulting I do daily. I must remain conscious of my tendency to move toward solutioning before completing the research necessary to support an informed decision and I recognize the I need to manage the ADP timeline deliberately in conjunction with my professional responsibilities. Refining the problem statement, conducting meaningful research, and completing each section will require consistent attention and coordination with my partner organization and research chair. These activities cannot simply be addressed when time becomes available around my professional responsibilities. Establishing realistic milestones and maintaining accountability throughout the process will be essential to completing the project successfully. As I move forward, I intend to balance my experience as a practitioner with the expectations of doctoral research.