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Building a Research Agenda Through Paper Sets: A Practical Guide for PhD Students and Early Career Scholars
Abstract: Developing a coherent and productive research agenda is one of the most challenging tasks facing PhD students and early career scholars. This session introduces a practical approach centered on the idea of “paper sets,” where multiple, complementary papers are designed to collectively explore a core phenomenon rather than relying on a single high-risk project. Drawing on examples and guiding principles from prior research trajectories, we discuss how to identify promising topics, assess their longevity and relevance, and structure a sequence of studies that build theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions over time. The session emphasizes that not every paper needs to target top-tier outlets, and that early-stage work plays a critical role in developing skills, refining constructs, and building momentum. We will also examine how different types of papers, including theory, measurement, methods, and empirical studies, can be strategically combined into a coherent research program. Rather than a one-way presentation, this session will be conducted in an open-ended, discussion-driven format. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own research ideas, ask questions, and engage in conversation about how to craft, sequence, and evolve a research agenda over time. The goal is to provide actionable guidance while creating space for dialogue about the realities of building a sustainable and impactful scholarly trajectory.
Bio: Jason Bennett Thatcher is the Tandean Rustandy Esteemed Professor at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, and a Full Professor at Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester. He has held visiting and honorary appointments at leading universities in Europe and Asia. His research examines individual decision-making, strategic alignment, and workforce challenges related to information technology, with recent work on cybersecurity, social media, and digital leadership. His work appears in leading journals including MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, and the Journal of Applied Psychology. Jason currently serves as Senior Editor at MIS Quarterly and has previously served as Senior Editor at Information Systems Research and the Journal of the Association for Information Systems. He is also actively engaged in doctoral education and early-career mentoring, with a focus on developing rigorous and impactful research programs.