The Process of Collaboration

I wanted to consider everything over the last two weeks (January 19-29) in one post because the primary projects have been relatively similar.  Last week, the two priorities were editing the manuscript for a book chapter and beginning to make adjustments to the Response Rate manuscript.  Both of these projects carried over into this week. A third manuscript was also added to the project queue. However, instead of taking a project based approach to this post, I think the two focus phrases will be collaboration and learning experience.  

The last couple weeks have been very interesting because I am truly getting to experience the logistics of collaboration.  While this is quite common in academia, it can also pose a challenge. With so many differences between authors (style, content, ideas, experience) it becomes imperative to be on the same page and reach an agreement regarding the direction of a project. Now I understand the potential implications on overall outcome if collaborators have different visions. Moving a paper forward becomes more arduous because edits take longer and significantly more communication and discussion is necessary. Learning experience: how to diplomatically approach collaboration issues. 

I have also come to realize that collaborations over longer distances may cause projects to be pushed to the bottom of the priority list (seemingly forgotten), but then they unexpectedly resurface with a need to be right at the top of the list. This discontinuity is difficult for me because I prefer to be immersed in a project until it is relatively close to completion. Learning experience: be ready to work on any project at any time...even when you least expect it. 

Finally, the entire collaboration process has emphasized that there are some aspects of work and research which cannot be completely under my control. These situations require taking a step back and reassessing the situation. Learning experience: flexibility is necessary.  

On another note, I am trying to figure out/understand, in my spare time, why there are so many different ways to format a manuscript. I have come to the conclusion there may be no sufficient answer to this question. However, my second conclusion is that Chicago Style is rapidly becoming one of my least favorite formatting styles.  

Beginning of Spring Semester 2015

The first two weeks of a semester are always a dynamic time, for me, as I attempt to return to a routine, establish class schedules, and determine a general day-to-day balance.  An additional part of finding that equilibrium is learning the overall timetable of GA projects.

From an initial perspective, this semester looks to be quite different from the fall semester.  When I began working with Dr. G, many of the projects he had in progress were in the editing and revision stages. So I did little to no work with data collection or literature reviews.  This semester there are considerably more projects in their genesis, so I am getting the opportunity to participate in Dr. G's work from a new angle.

At this point, there are three primary research projects which are underway to which I have contributed:

1) Internal grant proposal for sport-for-development research 
I believe being able to see the strenuous process of obtaining a grant has been invaluable.  This is an integral part of the research process and being able to better understand the support and connections necessary to write a successful grant is eye-opening.  All of this in addition to being able to convey the entire purpose and breadth of a project in a concise (5-page for these circumstances) manner.

2) Response Rate manuscript
I have had a difficult time proposing potential adjustments to this manuscript. In other situations, such as with the Brand Authenticity article, seeing new paths to conceivably pursue with the manuscript seemed more natural.

3) Olympic Bid Project focus groups 
This is one of the most interesting collaborations for me because this the first time I have been directly involved with organizing focus groups for data collection.  However, this task has also proved challenging due to scheduling conflicts and considerations for each of the participants.

In addition to the research oriented endeavors, I have had the opportunity to be involved with certain aspects of the classes Dr. G teaches.  Most recently, I read an article entitled Sport without Management. This was one of the most thought provoking and challenging articles I have contemplated. I think it would be fascinating to compare this piece of work with the article written in response by Bob Stewart, Sport without Management: A Response. Furthermore, I believe these two articles might provide a stimulating classroom debate.