Problem:
Remember all participation replies each topic week should be substantive with 250 words. If citing a source please demonstrate APA 7th edition.
Identifying a problem space represents one of the most critical initial steps in the dissertation process, as it establishes the foundation for arguing the necessity of the proposed research. The problem space is not merely an observed gap but a clearly delineated, evidence supported rationale demonstrating why a specific study is warranted at its present time. Researchers begin this process by selecting a broad topic aligned with their interests and disciplinary focus, such as remote leadership effectiveness in multinational teams, post pandemic employee retention strategies, or artificial intelligence integration in global supply chains. The next phase involves conducting a comprehensive literature review that prioritizes recent peer reviewed articles, dissertations, industry reports, and practitioner publications.
Through systematic synthesis, researchers map existing knowledge by documenting dominant theories, studying populations and contexts, tested variables and relationships, and areas of contradiction or incomplete explanation. Tools such as tables assist in contrasting what is known with what remains unexplored, revealing substantive gaps. Once a defensible gap emerges, the researcher validates its significance by consulting external sources, including professional reports from organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management, McKinsey & Company, or the World Economic Forum, to confirm the issue's real world urgency and relevance. To justify the need for the study within the identified problem space, several critical arguments must be presented persuasively. First, the research should demonstrate theoretical and practical significance by filling a meaningful void in existing scholarship or addressing an unresolved organizational challenge with broad implications. Second, timeliness and relevance are essential; the problem must be framed as current or intensifying, such as shifts in hybrid work models following 2020 or ongoing geopolitical disruptions to global supply chains. Third, the consequences of inaction should be clearly articulated, highlighting potential costs such as sustained high turnover rates, lost innovation opportunities, or diminished competitive positioning. Fourth, the proposed study must establish feasibility and originality by showing that the chosen approach is realistic and contributes novel elements, whether through an understudied population, contemporary context, new variables, or an innovative methodological design. Finally, alignment with broader disciplinary or institutional goals such as Grand Canyon University's emphasis on servant leadership, ethical practice, or global impact strengthens the justification.
In conclusion, the problem space identification process requires rigorous literature synthesis, external validation, and structured argumentation to establish a compelling need for the study. By systematically addressing theoretical gaps, practical urgency, and potential consequences, researchers construct a robust foundation that supports the dissertation's contribution and aligns with institutional expectations. Need Assignment Help?