Enhancing self-efficacy through a structured writing programme for scholarly publication in the Technological University Sector ( Ref: WD_2022_28_02_WSCH)

Post summary

Writing retreats and peer-to-peer programmes support academic writing for research. However, the full potential of these exciting recent developments also require that their design, practice, performance, impact and relevance be assessed.

This PhD is embedded within “The Ink Way”, a novel writing and walking intervention (see: www.wit.ie/news/all_news/eminent-university-of-strathclyde-professor-joins-setus-uk-joint-professor-initiative). This research study will take an exploratory view of a structured writing intervention and its influence on scholarly publication in business and management disciplines.

Theoretically, the study draws on self-efficacy theory: emphasizing the importance of personal confidence and community support in progressing academic publications, and ultimately, individual careers.

The research question asks, can a structured writing intervention increase research self-efficacy - and thus the mastery of scholarly writing - in academics within business and management disciplines? 

An action research (AR) cycle of diagnosis, planning, action taking, evaluation and reflection guides this study. The student will embed in the design team on a structured writing programme. The programme will involve regular facilitated virtual retreats and an annual residential retreat over a two-year pilot study. The PhD candidate will observe these activities as an aspect of data collection.

Data will be gathered throughout the programme, using literature-informed efficacy measurement tools, interview and observation templates and both researcher and participant reflective logs.

Post-intervention impact will be assessed through the re-application of an adapted self-efficacy measurement tool and tracking of participants’ publishing productivity.

This study offers the successful candidate a grounding in training and development, organisational behaviour/psychology, business and management disciplines, and writing interventions.

The PhD Scholar will also have the opportunity to participate in national and international conferences and have an annual allowance for materials, equipment, software, hardware, courses, and other related expenditure.

Potential publication outlets for this research include; Journal of Higher Education, Academy of Management Learning and Education (AMLE), and other leading journals in education, and organisational learning studies.

This PhD scholarship offers the recipient the opportunity to work in an important management research area, within a vibrant research environment at SETU. This involves close collaboration with leading supervisors across four universities and other faculty mentors.

The purpose of this fully funded scholarship is to give the scholar a deep and broadened theoretical and methodological knowledge, together with the experience of producing a substantial piece of original work with the aim of preparing them for an exceptional career in research.

 Keywords: writing for publication, walking writing interventions, career progression, self-efficacy, networks

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

·        Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum, a 2.1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Arts, Humanities or Social Science (AHSS) including, for example, business, management and organisational studies or related areas at undergraduate or professional level.

·        Applicants should have demonstrable experience in conducting research at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Desirable

·        Applicants who hold or expect to attain a Master’s Degree in AHSS, Business, or related discipline.

·        Applicants who have relevant postgraduate research experience.

 Knowledge & Experience

Essential

·        An interest in and some knowledge of academic research and what it entails for the researcher.

·        Demonstrable knowledge and experience in at least one of the following: AHSS, self-efficacy, structured walking and writing interventions, action research, business management, behaviour

and/or sociology.

Desirable

·        Relevant professional experience.

·        Experience and understanding of qualitative methods of data collection.

·        A demonstrable competence in academic theory in self-efficacy, structured writing interventions, community of inquiry, action research.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

·        Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.

·        Aptitude for project planning and management.

·        Ability to build rapport with project stakeholders.

·        Experience and/or training in research methods.

·        Communication and presentation skills (written and verbal).

·        Teamwork and group facilitation skills.

·        Self-motivation, time management skills and focus to fulfil the research process.