With 3.6 million downloads in 2024, doctoral research from Walden University offers insights on sleep deprivation, work-life balance, coffee shops and the students behind the work.
At Walden University, doctoral research doesn’t sit on a shelf and get dusty. It goes into a free digital repository that makes it accessible for the world to benefit from. It’s part of how Walden delivers on its mission to help students transform into scholar-practitioners who effect positive social change, and its commitment to disseminating knowledge.
In 2024, Walden dissertations and doctoral studies were downloaded 3,607,213 times from ScholarWorks. That is nearly 10 times the average use of digital items from institutional repositories, according to 2023 data from the Association of College and Research Libraries.
What Are Dissertations and Doctoral Studies?
Dissertations are original research produced by PhD students. Doctoral studies are applied research projects developed by students in professional doctorate programs, such as the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Education (EdD).
What Is the Difference Between a Doctoral Study and a Dissertation?
Key Insights from Popular Research
We looked at the 10 most downloaded doctoral research projects at Walden in 2024 to see what their scholar-practitioner authors have to share.
1. The Impact of Social Media and Online Marketing
Doctoral Study: “Online Marketing Strategies for Increasing Sales Revenues of Small Retail Businesses”
Scholar-Practitioner: Asia Lockett, DBA ’18
2024 Downloads: 77,235
Total Downloads: 257,000+
From the Abstract: A thematic analysis of the data yielded 4 themes: social media platforms and strategies, online marketing strategies and challenges, online content strategies, and follow-up strategies.
Why did you choose online marketing strategies as your topic?
When I initially chose this subject, social media was the buzzword on everyone’s lips. Social media has transformed from a mere talking point to an indispensable business tool. By cultivating an active and authentic social media presence, entrepreneurs can forge stronger connections with their target audiences, amplify their brand’s reach and stay ahead of the competition.
What is a key finding about online marketing that you want to share?
Even though the data is a bit dated now, the core findings still seem very relevant. One of the key points was that companies who actively promoted their products and services online saw a noticeable boost in sales after implementing digital marketing strategies. In fact, one of the participants reported an incredible 100% increase in overall profits, which they directly attributed to their online marketing efforts. Just think about that for a second—doubling your profits from some well-executed digital campaigns!
How has this research and your doctorate helped your career?
My doctoral research and the process of earning my DBA have been invaluable for my career progression. The specialized, in-depth knowledge I gained through years of intensive study and original research gave me a level of expertise that is unmatched. Beyond just the technical knowledge, though, pursuing a doctorate taught me invaluable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management and communication that translate incredibly well to any professional role.
As a researcher and educator, I get to share my knowledge and passion with students, entrepreneurs and business leaders who are equally driven to succeed. It’s energizing to engage with individuals who are eager to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
2. Making Sure Your Favorite Coffee Shop Survives
Doctoral Study: “Marketing Strategies of Successful Coffee Shop Owners”
Scholar-Practitioner: Abi Adeleke, DBA ’19
2024 Downloads: 48,488
Total Downloads: 121,000+
From the Abstract: Findings indicated owners of successful coffee shops were actively engaged in the day-to-day business operations and in the community; provided premium products; used social media for marketing, promotion and branding; used competitive pricing; were precise about the location; provided exceptional customer service and personalization; and had points of marketing differentiation to promote their brand.
What is a key finding that you want to share with others about successful strategies for coffee shop owners?
One of the biggest takeaways from my research is that successful coffee shop owners don’t just focus on selling coffee—they focus on building relationships. They engage with their communities, provide a personalized experience and make the most of social media to create a loyal customer base. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the overall experience.
Why did you choose this topic?
I’ve always been passionate about small businesses and the role they play in our communities. I own a small business myself, so it was a no-brainer. That said, coffee shops in particular have such a unique way of bringing people together, yet many struggle to stay open beyond the first few years. I wanted to explore what makes some of them thrive while others don’t and provide practical strategies that could make a real difference for entrepreneurs.
I believe small businesses are the heart of our communities, and my research helps them stay open and thrive. When a business succeeds, it creates jobs, supports families and adds to the local economy. By sharing these strategies, I hope to empower more entrepreneurs to succeed, which ultimately benefits everyone around them.
How has this research and your doctorate helped your career?
This research has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me a deeper understanding of strategic marketing and small business dynamics, and it’s opened doors to new opportunities where I can share my insights and help other businesses grow, not just in the United States, but in Africa. Plus, having a doctorate has really strengthened my confidence and credibility in the field.
3. Investigating Ways to Improve Student Test Scores
Doctoral Study: “Effects of Class Scheduling and Student Achievement on State Testing”
Scholar-Practitioner: Elizabeth Childers, EdD ’18
2024 Downloads: 32,742
Total Downloads: 63,000+
From the Abstract: The purpose of this research study was to determine the effectiveness of four different class schedules on students’ academic achievement on end-of-course testing and whether a specific class schedule is more conducive to student academic achievement on state-mandated standardized tests.
4. How Employee-Focused Leadership Improves Corporate Culture
Doctoral Study: “The Impact of Organizational Culture on Corporate Performance”
Scholar-Practitioner: Tewodros Tedla, DBA ’16
2024 Downloads: 25,589
Total Downloads: 158,000+
From the Abstract: The findings identified in this study could have potential for economic growth in the local economy and may contribute to social change with strategies business managers may use to sustain their business and improve the life standards of employees and the local community.
What are the key findings that you want to share with others?
- A well-defined mission and vision are essential for developing a shared understanding among internal and external stakeholders.
- Employee-focused leadership is a key strategy for increasing employee motivation and engagement in the workplace.
- A core corporate value promotes positive social change in the community through self-regulated corporate citizenship and social responsibility.
- A consistent strategy fosters synergy through collaboration and integration of departmental functions.
How has this research and your doctorate helped your career?
My doctorate and research have given me a deep understanding of corporate culture. This also helped me develop advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which opened doors to leadership roles and motivated me to engage in academia. Currently, I work full-time for the County of Los Angeles as an accounting division chief and have been teaching MBA students at the University of the People since 2018.
5. What Are the Benefits of Collaborative Budgeting?
Dissertation: “A Collaborative Approach to Budgeting and the Impact on the Budgeting Process: A Case Study”
Scholar-Practitioner: Michael Van Roestel, PhD in Management ’16
2024 Downloads: 22,706
Total Downloads: 45,000+
From the Abstract: Financial analysts can use these data to influence social change by enhancing investor confidence, refining the use of business resources, and improving economic stability of organizations through enhanced financial variance analysis.
6. How Work-Life Balance Can Be Effective for Employers and Employees
Doctoral Study: “Work-Life Balance Programs to Improve Employee Performance”
Scholar-Practitioner: George Sheppard, DBA ’16
2024 Downloads: 14,956
Total Downloads: 58,000+
From the Abstract: The purpose of this case study was to explore the work-life balance programs that nonprofit school leaders utilize to improve employee performance at a charter school organization.
7. Helping Restaurants Make It Past the Five-Year Mark
Doctoral Study: “Marketing Strategies for Small Business Sustainability”
Scholar-Practitioner: Stetson King, DBA ’18
2024 Downloads: 14,351
Total Downloads: 50,000+
From the Abstract: The restaurant industry is the second largest employer in the United States; however, only 33% of restaurant owners sustain profits longer than the first 5 years from inception.
8. What Sleep-Deprived Online Students Can Do
Dissertation: “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Online University Students’ Performance”
Scholar-Practitioner: Maureen Cort-Blackson, PhD in Psychology ’18
2024 Downloads: 13,850
Total Downloads: 72,000+
From the Abstract: This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of online university students regarding sleep patterns, sleep deprivation, and the impact on their academic performance.
9. Engaging Employees with Strategic Communication
Doctoral Study: “Effective Management Communication Strategies”
Scholar-Practitioner: Cad Shannon, DBA ’18
2024 Downloads: 13,321
Total Downloads: 59,000+
From the Abstract: Managing employee engagement is critical to the success of an organization, but 85% of managers struggle with engaging employees. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore effective communication strategies within an organization and determine how managers used these strategies to increase employee engagement, productivity and organizational effectiveness.
What is a key finding about effective communication strategies for managers that you’d like to share?
The outstanding points from my research identify how employees desire to be communicated with and the effects it has on their motivation, success and, importantly, their engagement. Communication is not just a topic but a tool that at times is underutilized.
How has this research and your doctorate helped your career?
Completing my doctorate has played an important part of my career path and journey. It has helped solidify my understanding and messaging, while assisting me in bringing awareness within organizations that many leaders may be blind too. As I continue working with several leaders and organizations on diversity and inclusion, my work has contributed to the understanding of how we need to evaluate our communication styles and the effects it has on those around us.
10. Improving Sustainable Business Practices in Nigeria
Dissertation: “Exploring Financial Management Practices of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Nigeria”
Scholar-Practitioner: Alero Theodora Obazee, PhD in Management ’19
2024 Downloads: 10,792
Total Downloads: 23,000+
From the Abstract: The research question addressed the understanding of experienced [medium-sized enterprise] owners regarding how they can develop necessary financial management skills for sustaining a business in Edo state.
Why did you choose the topic?
This was a passion for me as someone who has started a business. The topic aligns with my interests and expertise in small- and medium-size enterprises and banking businesses, and I believe it has the potential to contribute to ongoing conversations and offer new insights in that area.
What is a key finding that you want to share with others?
Some of the key findings for owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises include:
- Adhering to strategic accounting practice
- Having knowledge of financial planning
- Hiring an accountant to handle financial matters
- Maintaining accounting records
How has this research and your doctorate helped your career?
My doctorate and the research I’ve conducted have played a significant role in shaping and my career leading a microfinance bank in Africa and practicing as a financial expert in the United States. My ability to conduct independent research, analyze data and communicate complex ideas has been critical in my professional work and in collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
Beyond my research, I’m actively involved in volunteering, partnering with community organizations, advising on policy changes, and speaking at public forums to ensure that my work translates into meaningful, real-world impact in Africa and other part of the world.
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
