Dedicated to our Spouses

Barbara L. Swanson
“You and me babe!”

Danielle Michael
“Whatcha doin’ later?”

List of Figures

1.1 General Method of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

2.1 Alternative Paradigms for Research in Organizations

2.2 Theory Framework for Applied Disciplines: Boundaries, Contributing, Core, Useful, Novel, and Irrelevant Components

3.1 General Method of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

3.2 Growth Cycle of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

3.3 Recursive Nature of Practical and Theoretical Expertise Inherent in Applied Discipline Theory Building

4.1 Conceptualize Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

4.2 Four Processes for Conceptual Development

4.3 Tools for Starting a Theory-Building Project

4.4 The Enterprise Model

4.5 Steps in the Conceptualize Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

5.1 Operationalize Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

5.2 Theoretical Foundations of Performance Improvement

5.3 Steps in the Operationalize Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

6.1 Confirm Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

6.2 Types of Preexperimental Design Showing Typical Purpose, Common Analytical Techniques, and Potential Advantages and Challenges for Each Design

6.3 True Experimental Designs

6.4 Mixed Methods Concurrent Research Design

6.5 Steps in the Confirm Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

7.1 Apply Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines.

7.2 Steps in the Apply Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

8.1 Refine Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

8.2 Steps in the Refine Phase of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

8.3 Steps Within All Phases of the Theory Building in Applied Disciplines Method

9.1 Watkins and Marsick’s Dimensions of the Learning Organization

9.2 Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire Studies

9.3 Frequency of Dimensions of the Learning Organization and Related Variables

10.1 Inquiry Studies Examining Chermack’s Theory of Scenario Planning

11.1 Theory in Applied Disciplines Status Assessment Tool

11.2 Learning Organization Theory Status Assessment

11.3 Scenario-Planning Theory Status Assessment

12.1 General Method of Theory Building in Applied Disciplines