Discuss the importance of understanding social theories. Why do researchers put theory into action? Give at least one example of how social theory can relate to applied research.
Social theory is a set of propositions that seek to explain and understand the world. There exists a degree of differentiation among social theory as it is applied within a society; the individual vis-à-vis society and vice versa. As a result, social theory is an expansionary endeavor, being updated as new areas of study are explored. Social theory, as it is recognized today, emerged in the 20th century as a distinct discipline, and was largely equated with an attitude of critical thinking and the desire for knowledge through a posteriori methods of discovery, rather than a priori methods of tradition. Social theory guides scientific inquiry by promoting scientists to think about which topics are suitable for investigation and how they should measure them. Selecting or creating appropriate theory for use in examining an issue is an important skill for any researcher.
two will be used to describe the organization and its structure, evaluate the external environment and the study abroad industry, and to define the company’s internal environment through the development of a targeted marketing plan. This two stage analysis will be done to effectively choose a strategic path of entry for this new venture.
The findings for the two stage analysis support the founder’s assumptions that formal above-board business creation and providing ongoing support is more effective at addressing poverty than the current approach taken by MFIs. The findings also support their belief that there is a market within the study abroad sector for using students and study abroad programs as a resource for international development.
After the 2 stage analysis is performed, two sets of recommendations will be made and are drawn from analyzing the research data. The first is a specific set of recommendations intended for the founders of Global Riplz and are specific to the strategic entry of a new venture into Latin America and will include all resulting recommendations based on the extensive strategic business analysis. These recommendations state that Global Riplz should choose to enter the Costa Rican study abroad market, with a particular interest in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area. Additionally, Global Riplz should focus its product differentiation and marketing plan on the business student niche market with a secondary focus on students interested in economic development and poverty alleviation. It should also focus on where those two target segments intersect. This will successfully set Global Riplz apart both in the country and within the market. Of particular note is the potential for a lower cost entry model benefitting from a strategic alliance with an existing organization that already has facilities sufficient to house the Global Riplz Accelerator Program.