Framework For Theory Development Research Articles

Principle of Virtual Work as Foundational Framework for Metamaterial Discovery and Rational Design

Novel theories are needed for the discovery of innovative and exotic metamaterial and for their rational design. The current practice of mechanical analyses based upon moribund classical theories and experimental trial-error campaigns is caught in an inescapable vortex and illusion of inductive reasoning. The needed novel research paradigm is one in which the formulation of theoretical concepts precede their experimental validation. In the absence of theoretical understanding, the design experiments and collection of experimental evidence will remain unavoidably circumscribed. History of science can provide us guidance in the search for the needed powerful tools required for discovery. The principle of virtual work provides the necessary framework for development of theories that can lead to novel metamaterials, as it was the unifying principle which allowed the French-Italian School, headed by D’Alembert, Lagrange and Gabrio Piola, to found modern continuum mechanics. Based upon this framework we have conceived a metamaterial synthesis schema that exploits micro-macro identification traceable to the early days of the formulation of continuum theories for deformable solids. The schema is illustrated with application to metamaterials with pantographic and granular motifs based upon higher-gradient and higher-order theories.

Hybridity and Social Entrepreneurship in Social Housing in Ireland

In this paper we explore the nature of hybrid organisations and report on the existence over time in social housing in Ireland. We first review the literature to identify three different conceptualisations of the concept of hybridity and its relation to the study on nonprofit organisations. We then look at hybridity in social housing in Ireland over three centuries—drawing upon previous empirical research from Mullins et al. (Non-profit housing organisations in Ireland, North and South: changing forms and challenging futures. Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Belfast, 2003) and Rhodes (Public services as complex adaptive systems: a framework for theory development. Trinity College Dublin, Unpublished PhD Thesis, 2008)—to assess which of the conceptualisations is most relevant to the Irish context. We conclude that the ‘fit-for-purpose’ approach as represented by Dees and Anderson (Society 40:16–27, 2003) and explored in recent social entrepreneurship literature is most relevant to the Irish case, and suggest that this should be augmented by the argument put forth by Mullins et al. (Hous Stud 27(4):405–417, 2012) that the concept of hybridity is more analytically valuable as a dynamic process rather than a static description.

A Framework for Theory Development in Design Science Research: Multiple Perspectives

One point of convergence in the many recent discussions on design science research in information systems (DSRIS) has been the desirability of a directive design theory (ISDT) as one of the outputs from a DSRIS project. However, the literature on theory development in DSRIS is very sparse. In this paper, we develop a framework to support theory development in DSRIS and explore its potential from multiple perspectives. The framework positions ISDT in a hierarchy of theories in IS design that includes a type of theory for describing how and why the design functions: Design-relevant explanatory/predictive theory (DREPT). DREPT formally captures the translation of general theory constructs from outside IS to the design realm. We introduce the framework from a knowledge representation perspective and then provide typological and epistemological perspectives. We begin by motivating the desirability of both directive-prescriptive theory (ISDT) and explanatory-predictive theory (DREPT) for IS design science research and practice. Since ISDT and DREPT are both, by definition, mid-range theories, we examine the notion of mid-range theory in other fields and then in the specific context of DSRIS. We position both types of theory in Gregor’s (2006) taxonomy of IS theory in our typological view of the framework. We then discuss design theory semantics from an epistemological view of the framework, relating it to an idealized design science research cycle. To demonstrate the potential of the framework for DSRIS, we use it to derive ISDT and DREPT from two published examples of DSRIS.

Environmental purchasing: a framework for theory development

This paper examines environmental research in the supply chain management literature in order to establish a framework for current and future development of environmental purchasing theory. As the purchasing function takes on a more strategic role in forming trading partnerships with others in their supply chains, it is in a critical position to influence responses to concerns about the natural environment. Definitions of environmental supply chain management and environmental purchasing are offered and the literature is reviewed. Linkages of environmental purchasing with transaction cost analysis are established and future research is described to enhance the study of purchasing's ability to effect the natural environment.

A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THEORIES OF SPORT AND LEISURE MANAGEMENT

Sport and leisure have become an essential part of the American lifestyle. Growth in the sport and leisure industry must be understood through primary influences such as spectators in arenas, increase in number of tourists, etc. Central to these issues is whether sport and leisure business is a unique discipline. The purpose of this study was to investigate ideas that make the sport and leisure industry unique and to determine a comparative framework for theory development. The Delphi method and a Focus Group Interview approach was used for data collection. The result of the study established a framework of four major issues: money, accountability, purpose, and people. The 13 components identified with each of these issues were: Liability, profits, image, social responsibility, change, management philosophy, organization, working conditions, marketing, selling, legal issues, resources, and reputation.

Christian Cross-Cultural Counseling — A Suggested Framework for Theory Development

Christian Cross-Cultural Counseling — A Suggested Framework for Theory Development

The Effect of Environmental Regulation on Optimal Plant Size and Factor Shares

The method for measuring the effects of environmental regulation on the size distribution of industrial plants and the distribution of factor shares described in this paper focuses on the 20 industries with highest per unit pollution abatement costs and the 20 with the lowest costs. The study finds that compliance with environmental laws has not only reduced the number of plants in the affected industries, but has placed a greater burden on small rather than on large plants. Besides redistributing within-industry market shares, environmental regulation has increased the use of capital relative to labor. Although the disproportionate burden placed on small plants in the high abatement cost industries may have been unintended, it is likely that large firms will be less vocal opponents of environmental regulation than are small firms. 22 references, 12 tables.