Theoretical Foundations for Applied Interdisciplinary Graduate Research

Dr. Wafai was granted Research and Professional Development funds to explore the new Doctor of Business Administration program by examining the use of theory in applied interdisciplinarity research.

This paper argues for the rigorous use of theory in applied interdisciplinarity doctorate dissertations and masters theses. While both applied and interdisciplinary research is increasing, the use of theory is often not as developed as for traditional discipline based programs. Given that Royal Roads University has established the only Doctor of Social Sciences program in North America and has proposed a second doctorate, a Doctor of Business Administration (pending provincial approval), such exploration can expand upon our innovation approach.