DISTINGUISHING CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK, THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK & ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK IN DBA/PhD RESEARCH

DISTINGUISHING CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK, THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK & ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK IN DBA/PhD RESEARCH

One of the most common mistakes among many PhD candidates and postgraduate students is confusing:

1. Conceptual Framework
2. Theoretical Framework
3. Analytical Framework

In reality, these are 3 different concepts but they have a close relationship in academic research.

1. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK = “THEORETICAL FOUNDATION”

This is the section presenting the foundational theories/models that the research uses to explain the research phenomenon.

Examples:

• SOR Model
• UTAUT2
• RBV
• TPB
• Dynamic Capabilities

Theoretical Framework answers the question:

“WHY?” – Why do the relationships between variables occur?

In other words:

Theory helps explain the academic logic and causal mechanism of the research.

2. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK = “PROPOSED RESEARCH MODEL”

This is the model built by the researcher based on:

• literature review,
• practical gaps,
• research gaps,
• and foundational theories.

Normally, a conceptual framework will include:

• antecedents,
• mediators,
• moderators,
• outcomes,
• hypotheses.

Conceptual Framework answers:

“WHAT VARIABLES & HOW CONNECTED?”

Example:

AI Capability → Decision Quality → Firm Performance
(Moderated by Environmental Uncertainty)

=> This is exactly the research model of the study.

3. ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK = “ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK”

This is the framework used to guide:

• data collection,
• variable measurement,
• data analysis,
• hypothesis testing.

Analytical Framework is often related to:

• methodology,
• measurement scales,
• SPSS,
• AMOS,
• SmartPLS,
• NVivo,
• coding structure,
• thematic analysis,
• SEM testing process.

Analytical Framework answers:

“HOW TO ANALYZE THE DATA?”

In summary,

1. Theoretical Framework
   = Foundational theory used for explanation
2. Conceptual Framework
   = Proposed research model
3. Analytical Framework
   = Framework guiding data analysis

A strong DBA/PhD research study does not only need a good-looking model, but also requires:

• appropriate theory,
• strong conceptual logic,
• analytical process following Q1 standards.

Dr. Mỹ Academy is currently accompanying many DBA/PhD candidates in:
✔ building conceptual models,
✔ selecting foundational theories,
✔ developing hypotheses,
✔ designing analytical frameworks,
✔ guiding SPSS/AMOS/SmartPLS/NVivo,
✔ and writing Research Proposals, Doctoral Theses, and Quantitative Research Papers according to international standards.