<p><span class="p-body">The NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business (DPB) hosted its second DPB Research Lunch Series session for SPS Faculty on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021. Michael Valentine, clinical assistant professor of Human Capital Management, facilitated a one-hour primer on action research.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The DPB Research Lunch Series was launched to explore opportunities for collaboration and research across divisions at SPS. Valentine’s contribution during this edition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty members. In celebration of the event, here’s a peek at Valentine’s primer.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Valentine began by recounting his research process at <i>The New York Times</i>, where he served as vice president of human resources from 2008 to 2012. He also clarified the essential characteristics of action research and how it differs from traditional research. Although often described as a methodology, action research, he explained, is more of an approach or philosophy designed to deliver positive change to a system of interest.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">He discussed the three disciplines of action research and the application of these approaches in global initiatives and in the classroom:</span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body">Scientific-technical</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Practical-deliberate</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Critical-emancipatory</span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body">He also answered questions from the audience of DPB and SPS faculty and staff. Martin Ihrig, associate dean of DPB, offered closing remarks on the relevance of this philosophy to the School’s mission in advancing applied research.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">This session was offered as part of a new conversation series for SPS faculty on applied research and collaboration across industries and functional areas of business. The first installment in the series commenced on December 7th, 2020, with an overview of DPB’s Human Capital Management department from Anna Tavis, academic director. SPS faculty also had an opportunity to discuss their backgrounds and expertise in a variety of fields, including diversity and inclusion, strategic workforce planning, public relations, real estate and sustainable design, energy and environment, and leisure and hospitality.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As a managing partner at Truedge Consulting and a clinical assistant professor in the Human Capital Management Program at NYU School of Professional Studies, Valentine has extensive experience as a management consultant, executive coach, and human resource leader.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We are proud to have Valentine on our faculty. He imparts his wisdom in the classroom and helps students equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. When you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-human-capital-management.html" title="MS in Human Capital Management">MS in Human Capital Management</a>, professors like Valentine and many others await you at the center of everything.</span></p>