Dual cycle action research: a professional doctorate case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with an example of how a dual cycle action research (AR) model can be used to both conduct research and solve a real‐life problem situation. Design/methodology/approach – Provides a brief introduction to the research idea and question and the research strategy defined to address them, including the review of a small number of AR models, which resulted in the choice of a dual cycle AR model that addresses problem solving and research in parallel. The remainder of the paper describes how the selected AR model was applied to a series of five AR cycles to satisfy both the problem solving and research interests. Findings – A dual cycle AR model provides academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with an effective and efficient means of addressing the dual imperatives of research and problem solving. Research limitations/implications – All five problem‐solving projects were from the public sector and of similar complexity and pace, with a focus on expected positive intangible outcomes during the planning stage only, with the groups of problem solving project stakeholders comprising only people responsible for delivering outcomes, not receiving them. Practical implications – Based on a doctoral research study, the paper provides both academic researchers and reflective practitioners of project management with a practical guide to applying dual cycle AR to both conduct research and solve a real‐life problem situation. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates how a dual cycle AR model led to the development of an original and highly practical method for defining and aligning project outcomes and associated benefits and outputs; in particular the alignment of intangible outcomes with tangible outputs – helping to make the intangible tangible.