[CTU Research Prospectus Template v4.0 June 2021]

Balancing work and home life in the photography industries in San Antonio, TX

A Qualitative Study

Colorado Technical University

Ivette Clark

Month Year

Thank you for your Unit 3 Individual Project submission. The focus of this assignment was the plan for your Literature Review.

Next, you will submit two more Individual Project assignments: The Unit 4 Individual Project and the Unit 6 Individual Project. For both, you’ll continue using the Research Prospectus Template. This is an ongoing opportunity for you to refine each section.

For the Unit 4 Individual Project, you will complete:

2

� Title Page � Abstract � Introduction � Research Method Rationale � References � Appendices (optional)

You were first prompted to reflect on the Research Method Rationale section in the Unit 1 Individual Project. In this section, provide a full justification for your research method choice and research design/approach that is aligned with your study problem. Consider revisiting your qualitative and quantitative course work where you may have begun a draft of this section and finalize your decisions. Be sure to cite the relevant and specific scholarly research guides aligned with your method and design choices.

The submission you make for the Unit 4 Individual Project should be 8–10 pages (the title and reference pages are not included in the page count). Remember, the title page should include a working title of no more than 12 words.

Next Steps:

1. Remove any red, placeholder text, comments bubbles, instructional text, and the rubric I’ve inserted below before you complete and submit your Unit 4 Individual Project.

2. Complete all sections, as required. 3. Submit to Smarthinking tutoring service for a paper review. Remember, Smarthinking

takes about 24 hours. 4. Incorporate feedback from the Smarthinking paper review service. 5. Use the Research Prospectus Evaluation Rubric below as a self-evaluation BEFORE

submitting for grading.

Research Prospectus Evaluation Rubric Section Meets

(Instructor please check) Does Not Meet

(Instructor please check) Instructor Feedback

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r

Title Page ☐ ▪ Title no more than 12

words ▪ Title reflects method

choice ▪ Title aligned with Trio

and discipline/ concentration

☐ ▪ Title no more than 12

words ▪ Title reflects method

choice ▪ Title lacks alignment

with Trio ▪ Title page APA errors

Ensure this is in final form for the Unit 4 Individual Project.

Abstract ☐ ▪ Meets 150 word limit ▪ Summary of all required

components

☐ ▪ Exceeds 150 words ▪ Missing summary for

required components

You will complete the Abstract in the Unit 4 Individual Project.

3

Introduction ☐ ▪ No more than 2 pages ▪ Key terms defined ▪ Adequate introduction

to the study problem ▪ Adequate citations for

scholarship support

☐ ▪ Exceeds 2 pages in

length ▪ Missing term definitions ▪ Unclear introduction to

the study problem ▪ Inadequate citations for

scholarship support

You will complete the Introduction section in the Unit 4 Individual Project.

At that time, remove red, placeholder text.

Tr io

Problem Statement

☐ ▪ Meets length

requirement (250-350 words)

▪ Meets paragraph format

▪ Adequate citations for scholarship support of the study problem

☐ ▪ Exceeds length

requirement ▪ Incomplete scholarship

citations to justify problem

▪ Problem lacks alignment with Purpose and RQ

Unit 1 Individual Project

Also, revisit this section in the Unit 4 Individual Project

Study Purpose ☐ ▪ Purpose well aligned

with Problem and RQ ▪ All required

components introduced ▪ Adequate statement of

proposed contribution

☐ ▪ Purpose lacks

alignment with Problem and RQ

▪ Missing required components

▪ Missing statement of proposed contribution

Unit 2 Individual Project

Also, revisit this section in the Unit 4 Individual Project

Research Question

☐ ▪ RQ aligned with

Problem and Purpose ▪ RQ phrasing aligned

with traditions/ conventions of method choice

▪ RQ phrasing aligned with conventions of the discipline/ concentration

☐ ▪ RQ lacks alignment

with Problem and Purpose

▪ RQ phrasing not aligned with traditions/conventions of method choice

▪ RQ phrasing not aligned with conventions of the discipline/ concentration

Unit 2 Individual Project

Also, revisit this section in the Unit 4 Individual Project

Research Method Rationale

☐ ▪ Adequate description of

research traditions ▪ Adequate paradigmatic

perspective ▪ Adequate rationale for

method fit

☐ ▪ Missing research

traditions ▪ Missing paradigmatic

perspective ▪ Inadequate rationale for

method fit ▪ Lacks alignment with

discipline/concentration

Unit 1 Individual Project

Notice you will revisit this section in the Unit 4 Individual Project

Review of the Literature Plan

☐ ▪ Adequate description of

literature review plan

☐ ▪ Incomplete description

of literature review plan

Unit 3 Individual Project

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▪ Literature review themes align with study problem

▪ Literature review themes align with discipline/concentration

▪ Literature review themes lack alignment with study problem

▪ Literature review themes lack alignment with discipline/concentration

B ac

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References ☐ ▪ Double spaced with

proper indent ▪ Formatted per APA 7th

ed. guidelines

☐ ▪ Spacing/indent errors ▪ High error rate of APA

7th ed. guidelines

Update References as you go in preparation for the Unit 4 and 6 Individual Projects

Appendices (optional)

☐ ▪ Adequately formatted

per APA 7th ed. guidelines

☐ ▪ Formatting errors per

APA 7th ed. guidelines

Optional

5

Congratulations on your first individual project submission of the term!

The primary focus of the Unit 1 IP was to deliver a first draft of your research problem statement. Please read the comment boxes I’ve inserted in the rubric within your paper (attached).

IMPORTANT: You will be working within this Template for all Individual Projects in the course.

Next Steps: Remove my comments and the rubric I’ve inserted (attached) just before you submit your Unit 2 Individual Project. I’ll be adding new comments.

After reading your problem statement section, your reader should know WHY you are doing this study and be convinced of its importance. If you’ve gone over the word count or have more than one paragraph, consider that some of the content you’ve added in this section may belong in other sections.

Focus your one paragraph Problem Statement (250-350 words) so that it is the most clear, concise section of your document. Your final Problem Statement should have brevity and three distinct parts (in one paragraph): 1) the general problem, 2) the specific problem, and 3) an introductory description of your methodological approach.

The general problem identifies the need for the study and provides current statistics and research to support that the problem is real and exists currently. What is the overriding problem (in one sentence)? (Is it retention; inability to adapt to change; poor working conditions; inequities; poor conditions in health or economics, deficits; lack of evaluation of a program; conflict in: ethics, values, morals… etc.) Here is an example, “About 21-24% of American children and adolescents are overweight and another 16-18% are obese (NIH, 2010)”.

The specific problem for your research also should be proposed in the problem statement paragraph. Where is the problem found? (In Manufacturing; education; health administration; government; society; corporate America… etc.) Here is an example, “It is important to understand if the ‘Healthy Children’ program has helped reduce childhood obesity.”

The methodological approach (research design) should also be described here; but further elaborated on in the Research Method Rationale section. (You will tackle that section in Unit 4.) What needs to be done to solve the problem? (Survey; interview; create a new model; determine what experts believe; evaluate; meta-analyze, conduct an experiment; benchmark… etc.) What type of study will this be? Will your study be qualitative or quantitative? What type of methodology will you use? What type of data will you collect? Here is an example, “This mixed method case study will explore the efficacy of the Healthy Children program.”

Keep in mind that you will find that you will repeat yourself in other sections of the proposal. For example, the “Research Method Rationale” will further elaborate on your methodology and research design. What is the population and sample that are affected by this problem? The general population of the proposed study should also be identified. Here is an example, “Stakeholders in the Healthy Children program in Baltimore, Maryland will be enrolled in this study.”

Research Prospectus Evaluation Rubric Section Meets

(Instructor please check) Does Not Meet

(Instructor please check) Instructor Feedback

6

Fr on

t M

at te

r Title Page ☐

▪ Title no more than 12 words

▪ Title reflects method choice

▪ Title aligned with Trio and discipline/ concentration

☐ ▪ Title no more than 12

words ▪ Title reflects method

choice ▪ Title lacks alignment with

Trio ▪ Title page APA errors

Ensure this is complete for the Unit 4 Individual Project.

Remove red, placehold er text.

Abstract ☐ ▪ Meets 150-word limit ▪ Summary of all required

components

☐ ▪ Exceeds 150 words ▪ Missing summary for

required components

You will complete the Abstract in the Unit 4 Individual Project.

Remove red, placehold er text.

Introduction ☐ ▪ No more than 2 pages ▪ Key terms defined ▪ Adequate introduction to

the study problem ▪ Adequate citations for

scholarship support

☐ ▪ Exceeds 2 pages in length ▪ Missing term definitions ▪ Unclear introduction to the

study problem ▪ Inadequate citations for

scholarship support

You will complete the Introducti on section in the Unit 4 Individual Project.

Remove red, placehold er text.

Tr io

Problem Statement

☐ ▪ Meets length requirement

(250-350 words) ▪ Meets paragraph format ▪ Adequate citations for

scholarship support of the study problem

☐ ▪ Exceeds length

requirement ▪ Incomplete scholarship

citations to justify problem ▪ Problem lacks alignment

with Purpose and RQ

Unit 1 Individual Project

7

Study Purpose ☐ ▪ Purpose well aligned with

Problem and RQ ▪ All required components

introduced ▪ Adequate statement of

proposed contribution

☐ ▪ Purpose lacks alignment

with Problem and RQ ▪ Missing required

components ▪ Missing statement of

proposed contribution

You will complete the Study Purpose section next for the Unit 2 Individual Project.

Remove red, placehold er red.

Research Question

☐ ▪ RQ aligned with Problem

and Purpose ▪ RQ phrasing aligned with

traditions/ conventions of method choice

▪ RQ phrasing aligned with conventions of the discipline/ concentration

☐ ▪ RQ lacks alignment with

Problem and Purpose ▪ RQ phrasing not aligned

with traditions/conventions of method choice

▪ RQ phrasing not aligned with conventions of the discipline/ concentration

You will complete the Research Question section next for the Unit 2 Individual Project.

Remove red, placehold er red.

Research Method Rationale

☐ ▪ Adequate description of

research traditions ▪ Adequate paradigmatic

perspective ▪ Adequate rationale for

method fit

☐ ▪ Missing research traditions ▪ Missing paradigmatic

perspective ▪ Inadequate rationale for

method fit ▪ Lacks alignment with

discipline/concentration

Unit 1 Individual Project

Notice you will complete this section for the Unit 4 Individual Project

Review of the Literature Plan

☐ ▪ Adequate description of

literature review plan ▪ Literature review themes

align with study problem ▪ Literature review themes

align with discipline/concentration

☐ ▪ Incomplete description of

literature review plan ▪ Literature review themes

lack alignment with study problem

▪ Literature review themes lack alignment with discipline/concentration

You will complete your Literature Review Plan section in the Unit 3 Individual Project.

Remove red,

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placehold er text.

B ac

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at te

r

References ☐ ▪ Double spaced with proper

indent ▪ Formatted per APA 7th ed.

guidelines

☐ ▪ Spacing/indent errors ▪ High error rate of APA 7th

ed. guidelines

Update Reference s as you go in preparatio n for the Unit 2, 3, 4, and 6 Individual Projects

Appendices (optional)

☐ ▪ Adequately formatted per

APA 7th ed. guidelines

☐ ▪ Formatting errors per APA

7th ed. guidelines

Optional

Remove red, placehold er text if you do not include Appendic es.

Abstract

[Insert an abstract of no more than 150 words to summarize the study problem, purpose,

variables or constructs, method choice rationale, and plans to conduct the review of the

literature. Note: The title page and Abstract page have no page numbers. The Introduction

begins as page 1. Be sure to remove all red template instructional content as you prepare your

Research Prospectus draft.]

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1

Introduction

Many people have a hard time juggling work and family life in today's ever-busier work

environment. Roopavathi and Kulothungan (2021) pointed out that a lot of people have been

looking for work-life balance, which is also called work-life balance (WLB). However, very few

have found a meaning or term that fits. It's about changing the way people work so that they

can do other things, like taking care of their kids or elderly relatives, at the same time. WLB

does not mean that there is an equal amount of money. WLB is a mix of interactions between

different parts of a person's life. The benefits and drawbacks of that imbalance can affect many

different parts of society. The drawbacks caused by the WLB will affect both the employee and

the employer. These drawbacks could have a bad effect on the employee's job and life

satisfaction, mental well-being, physical health, and how well they do their job at their job at

their company. Similarly, Kohll (2018, March 27) cautioned that People who have a good

work-life balance are more likely to have a good work environment. People who keep a good

work-life balance don't get stressed out and don't get burned out at work. It is one of the most

common illnesses in the workplace to be stressed out for a long time. Stress can cause

hypertension, digestive problems, chronic aches and pains, and heart problems in the body.

Also, long-term stress can hurt the way your mind works. It can make you more likely to be

depressed and anxious as well as sleepless. The focus of this study will be to identify factors

that lead to WLB issues across all agencies. The results identified by this study will help

stakeholders to make sound decisions regarding WLB among its employees.

2

Study Problem

The problem to be addressed in this quantitative study is the lack of flexibility to balance

work and home life by photographers at Company X in San Antonio. When the Employees starts

complaining that they are not able to attend activities or functions for their children or personal

problem, it is understandable that workers are stressed out as they strive to keep up with the

demands of their professions and the needs of their families (Kossek, & Lautsch, 2018). A more

harmonious work-life balance could be achieved when one is able to work and at the same time

maintain participate in helpful and required social activities. A balanced work life necessitates

adaptability. Finding a good work-life balance promotes the concept of workplace flexibility. The

experience of the researcher had it that Employees are more productive when their employers

allow them to work flexible hours, work from home, and work in various locations. Employees

sometimes need their respective authorities to show understanding when it comes to taking

unexpected time out because of personal reasons or unforeseen circumstances

Many firms, institutions, and companies struggle with staff retention. This struggle is

prevalent in professional disciplines like IT and others (Hoanca & Craig, 2019). Therefore,

offering some degree of flexibility to employees (among other incentives) might be helpful.

Employers should begin by offering accommodating schedule to both full and part-time

employees, while at the same time, ensuring that the core needs of the company are satisfied.

Flexibility in the schedule can sometimes be misused by employees, but the common

understanding that both parties must work to achieve the goal of the company will help to save

money in terms of human costs. Employer-sponsored insurance does not have to be made

available to part-time workers (Chung, & Van der Lippe, 2020). Also, they are not compensated

3

for overtime. Part-time workers have an easier time juggling their professional and personal

lives because of the fewer hours they work.

Allowing employees to set their work schedules may also benefit a company. When

employees have options rather than being told when they should be working, they may better

manage their personal life. Even though it varies by industry, some businesses might let their

employees set their work hours. The chance to set up one’s schedule is a highly sought-after

privilege in the business world.

Study Purpose

The purpose of the quantitative research approach/design is to evaluate the potential

ways of ensuring flexibility to balance work and home life by photographers at Company X in

San Antonio. Maintaining a healthy work environment necessitates that employee strike a solid

work-life balance. It is also crucial to the productivity of the employees (Alarcon et al., 2021).

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is critical for avoiding burnout and lowering stress.

Anxiety disorders, such as persistent stress, are quite common in the workplace. High blood

pressure, digestive difficulties, prolonged discomfort, and cardiac issues are all side effects of an

inhospitable work environment. Chronic stress has been linked to depression, anxiety, and

insomnia. The effects of a stressful workplace can have profound consequences for one's

mental health. Burnout happens in the workplace when people are subjected to prolonged

periods of high stress. Employees who work a lot of overtime hours risk being burned out.

Exhaustion, mood swings, impatience, and a decrease in work production are all symptoms of

burnout. A favorable work environment can enhance creativity and ensure that ideas flourish

to the point of realizing ground breaking discoveries (Maestre, 2019) .

4

Sampling method

Sampling is a method of data reduction (Tagawa, 2020). Stratified sampling will be used

in the research for photographers in San Antonio. Stratified sampling is a probability tool that is

used in surveys (Parsons, 2014). It is the sampling type that is needed in a statistically

represented study (Napolitano et al., 2018). The method will help in grouping the

photographers for analysis and presentation of issues relating to work and home life. The

sampling method can minimize errors without compromising the accuracy of the evaluation to

be made (Yu et al., 2019). The general population is separated into groups with comparable

features, known as strata, because of this strategy. Use it when different subgroups may have

varied interests and you want to ensure that all of them are represented. By removing sample

bias, stratified sampling increases the accuracy and representativeness of the results. The issue

is that it requires knowledge of the necessary sampling frame properties (details of which are

not always readily available), and it is difficult to decide which qualities to stratify by. A

stratified sample of the same size as a random sample can produce more accurate results. In

some circumstances, smaller sample size is needed to provide the same level of precision as a

stratified sample, hence the latter is preferred. In addition to reducing the researcher's effect,

this strategy produces a more representative sample by eliminating researcher bias.

Proposed sample size

A sample is a subset of the population used in the study. The population cannot be

accessed during the research process, therefore, a representation of the population, the sample

is used during the research. The sample is the selected group of entities that the researcher

uses to collect data and is less that the population.

5

The sample size is expected to be 30 photographers both employers and employees

from across San Antonio with special reference to those in company X.

Data collection method

Interviews will be the data collection method applied in this research. This is an

excellent approach to obtaining data on the issue of work and home balance for photographers

in San Antonio. The method is good since it can incorporate the feelings and opinions of the

photographers in Company X, and it is possible to gather quotes useful in striking a balance

between home and work life. The interviews will be casual and formal depending on the

situations at hand. The interviews will present details about work and home life for the

photographers in the region.

Data analyst software

Business intelligence (BI) software is one of the most widely used types of data analysis.

These business analytics-specific tools will be useful for any data analyst responsible for

acquiring, interpreting, and reporting critical results. Predictive analytics, self-service, and

complex SQL modes enable these systems to scale to any level of comprehension without

requiring extensive IT intervention. Analysts can identify trends and make tactical decisions by

presenting a wide range of key features. Business intelligence is a must-have element for any

data analytics tool list, and data pine is suitable for both novice and advanced users. This

all-in-one platform promises to make the entire analysis process more efficient and time

efficient.

6

Research Question

[One overarching research question will guide the study. An introduction to the question will be

offered here and the question will be formatted as a Level 2 APA header as shown below. Clear

alignment must be demonstrated between the problem, purpose, and research question.]

The study research question….

Q1

What strategies can be implemented for photographers in company X that will ensure

flexibility to balance work and home life?

Hypothesis(es)

[Hypotheses are required for quantitative and mixed methods studies as well as for design

science studies where quantitative testing is needed. If the study involves multiple hypotheses,

sub-research questions are required above to align with each hypothesis. Variables introduced

in the Study Purpose must be labeled verbatim to how they were introduced above to ensure

alignment. Both a null followed by an alternate hypothesis are required and hypothesis headers

are formatted as Level 2 APA headers. No introduction is required before the hypotheses.]

H10

That a flexible work environment will yield numerous advantages for both employer and

employee.

H1A

[Phrasing for each alternate hypothesis must be the identical contrast to the null and

align with the traditions and conventions of the study method choice].

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Propositions

[Propositions are required only for design science studies. If the study involves multiple

propositions, sub-research questions are required above to align with each proposition.

Variables introduced in the Study Purpose must be labeled verbatim to how they were

introduced above to ensure alignment. No introduction is required before the proposition(s).

[NOTE: If you are not doing a design science study, delete this entire section.]

Research Method Rationale

[The Research Methods Rationale section will present a continuation of the brief method

rationale from the Study Purpose section above to fully describe the research traditions and

paradigmatic perspectives that justify the choice of the research method and design/approach

as appropriate to address the study problem. In addition, provide a justification for how and

why the method choice and research design/approach align with the degree program discipline

and area of concentration as supported by the current scholarship of the respective discipline.]

The research method selected for this study is…

Review of the Literature Plan

The literature review would be about the flexibility of the workplace and home

life that matters most to the retention of employees and even the cases of turnover rates.

During the COVID-19 pandemic is where certain professions were affected significantly, and

most families were starved because of the government regulations towards containing the

pandemic. The professions include the photographers that would be of interest in the research.

The literature review would be more of the balancing of the workplace tasks and that of

8

employees’ personal life. There is the aspect of flexibility that is important in the workplace, and

I would target the literature that has information relating to flexibility in the workplace and its

benefits. On the other hand, literature about the lack of flexibility and its impact on the

retention and turnover rates of the employees in the stated workplaces. The articles chosen

would also relate the aspect of flexibility with the current COVID-19 pandemic and how it

affected operations in the country.

Nature of Articles

Peer-reviewed articles would be used for literature review on the flexibility of the

workplace topic. The scholarly sources would be used because they would have relevant results

and discussion that was done based on the academic guidelines. The peer-reviewed articles

used would be those from 2019 to 2022. The articles that would be reviewed are those that

were conducted using both the qualitative and quantitative methodology including that of

mixed methodology. The methods have to be considered to ensure that the studies' results and

discussion are relevant and good to use for research.

Research Review Checklist

Before conducting the literature review, more focus is directed towards what is already

known about the topic that is present in the literature and making sure that it adds value to

bringing out the information needed for the target research. The research sources that have

already done research supporting the topic of interest are chosen. The gaps in knowledge about

the topic are also determined. Significant researchers are also determined for the literature

review in making sure that the researchers work used is significant and of value to the research.

I would also choose the literature review sources based on the methodology that I would use.

9

The intended audience for the literature review is also an issue of concern that I would

consider.

Type of Reviews

I would identify patterns and themes from the literature concerning workplace flexibility

during the pandemic especially for careers like photography. I would arrange the patterns and

themes and collect information from different source

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