During the early 2000s, it was argued that there was a need for ways to determine the quality of qualitative studies in medicine, and therefore, a need for developing appraisal criteria for qualitative research. Critically appraising journal articles allow one to filter out the low-quality studies and distinguish misleading information. In an attempt to apply this to the field of management, whilst reducing the possibility of flaws and classification errors, the CEBMa adapted appraisal questionnaires for specific study designs, one of which – ‘Appraisal of a Case Study’ – shall act the basis of this critical essay.
The article in review is featured in Elsevier's 'International Journal of Project Management' and was made available online on ScienceDirect.com on the 8th of January 2016. As declared in the journal’s ‘Author Information Pack’ document, papers by the editorial board are selected for publication based on their relevance, clarity, topicality, the extent to which they advance knowledge, and their contribution to inspiring further development and research. The information pack contains a strict and lengthy checklist of requirements and guidelines for researchers to adhere to, before submitting their research for publishing in the IJPM. Hence, a journal article undergoes a rigorous test prior to being released and therefore, at face value, one can expect this study to be trustworthy and of adequate quality.
Authors, M.A. Terlizzi, F. de Souza Meirelles, and H.R.O.C. de Moraes researched under the auspices of the São Paulo School of Business Administration, a Brazilian Higher Education institution. All three are Brazilian nationals and hold considerable experience in IT, IT Governance, Business Administration, Project Management, and Academia. The researchers did not comment on their own role and any professional bias they might have possibly caused. As emphasised by Coates (2011), it is important that researchers are aware of their own preconceptions and strive to ensure that they do not allow them to bias their interpretation of the data.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Background
- Article assessment
- Title, abstract and keywords
- Research question(s) and study design
- References, citations and search strategy
- Methodology, sample selection and collection of data
- Analysis and results
- Ethics
- Transferability to other settings
- Concluding remarks
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this critical appraisal is to evaluate a case study on barriers to using an IT project management methodology (PMM) in a large Brazilian financial institution. The study aims to address identified gaps in research concerning PMM implementation and usage within this specific context.
- Barriers to IT PMM adoption in the financial services industry
- The effectiveness of PMMs in large financial institutions
- The impact of PMM implementation on project success
- The role of IT governance in PMM adoption
- Transferability of research findings across different geographical and organizational contexts
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: The introduction establishes the context for the critical appraisal, highlighting the need for evaluating qualitative studies and the use of appraisal criteria. It emphasizes the importance of critically appraising research to identify and filter out low-quality studies and misleading information, setting the stage for a rigorous evaluation of the case study. The development of appraisal questionnaires for qualitative research in management is discussed, referencing the specific questionnaire used in this appraisal (Appendix H).
Background: This section provides background information on the case study article, including its publication details in the International Journal of Project Management, the journal's publication standards and selection criteria, and the authors' affiliations and expertise within the Sao Paolo School of Business Administration. It emphasizes the rigorous review process the article underwent, suggesting a high level of trustworthiness and quality. The section further notes the authors' lack of self-reflection regarding potential biases and highlights the importance of researchers' awareness of their own preconceptions, as per Coates (2011).
Article assessment: Title, abstract and keywords: This section assesses the title, abstract, and keywords of the case study. The title's failure to explicitly mention the Brazilian context is criticized for its potential to mislead readers about the study's transferability. The abstract, conversely, is praised for its concise and comprehensive summary of the study's rationale, aims, methodology, and results. The keywords are deemed appropriate and reflective of the study's themes, focusing on PMM, PMS, IT projects, IT governance, and the financial services industry.
Research question(s) and study design: This section analyzes the research questions and design. It highlights the study's aim to address both issues within the Brazilian financial services industry (FSI) arising from project failures and gaps in existing research. The authors' claim that no previous studies have examined the proper use of implemented PMMs in Brazilian FSIs is noted. The section provides context for the research by emphasizing the study's focus on exploratory research.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
IT Project Management Methodology (PMM), Project Management Success (PMS), IT Governance, Financial Service Industry (FSI), Barriers to Adoption, Case Study, Brazil, Qualitative Research.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview of a critical appraisal of a case study. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The preview is designed for academic use and analysis of themes.
What is the focus of the case study being appraised?
The case study examines barriers to using an IT project management methodology (PMM) in a large Brazilian financial institution. It aims to address gaps in research concerning PMM implementation and usage in this specific context.
What are the key themes explored in the case study?
Key themes include barriers to IT PMM adoption in the financial services industry, the effectiveness of PMMs in large financial institutions, the impact of PMM implementation on project success, the role of IT governance in PMM adoption, and the transferability of research findings across different geographical and organizational contexts.
What aspects of the case study are critically appraised in the preview?
The preview critically appraises various aspects of the case study, including the title, abstract, keywords, research questions, study design, methodology, sample selection, data collection, analysis, results, ethics, transferability, and concluding remarks. Specific attention is given to the methodology's appropriateness and the study's limitations.
What is the methodology of the critical appraisal?
The critical appraisal utilizes a structured approach, employing a specific appraisal questionnaire (referenced in Appendix H, though not included in this preview) designed for evaluating qualitative research in management.
What are the main findings or conclusions of the preview (as far as can be gleaned from the summary)?
The preview's summaries highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the original case study. For example, the abstract is praised for its clarity, while the title is criticized for its lack of specificity regarding the Brazilian context. The preview also points out the lack of self-reflection by the authors on potential biases.
What is the significance of the Brazilian context?
The Brazilian context is crucial because the case study focuses on a specific situation within the Brazilian financial services industry. This highlights the importance of considering cultural and contextual factors in the implementation and effectiveness of IT project management methodologies. The preview notes that the title’s lack of emphasis on this context may mislead readers.
What are the keywords associated with this case study and appraisal?
Keywords include IT Project Management Methodology (PMM), Project Management Success (PMS), IT Governance, Financial Service Industry (FSI), Barriers to Adoption, Case Study, Brazil, and Qualitative Research.
What is the purpose of this preview?
The purpose of this preview is to provide a structured overview of the case study and its critical appraisal. It aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the research, its methodology, and its findings for academic purposes.
Where can I find the full case study and appraisal?
The full case study and its complete critical appraisal are not included in this preview. This preview serves as a concise summary intended for academic review and analysis.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2018, Barriers to the use of an IT PMM in a large financial institution, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1446237
