Weekly Update I, October 23: Updated Bibliography and Blog

I have updated my bibliography with most of the sources I will use to write my final paper. After reading the Playbook, I've also included a section on my blog called "To Find List." This list will consist of sources I have stumbled upon in my original research. As my research continues, I hope to be exposed to other sources that shed light on my research question.

Along with the To Find List, I've included a "To Do List" to keep my research on track. I am still in the process of developing this list on an excel sheet. Once the list is complete, I will upload it to my blog.

Lastly, I am still working on publishing my glossary. Until now it has been very small. It should be up tomorrow (Thursday, Oct 23) 

BSLC PowerPoint

Policy Memo: Tentative Research Topic and Questions

Research Topic: The Growth of National Apartment Management and the Implications for Local Communities

Questions: 

• When and how did national apartment management become a profitable business?
• How do local communities interact with these national businesses? 
• Who benefits from the presence of these apartments? 
• Does the community benefit from a national apartment presence? 
• Are there viable alternatives to provide suitable housing for a community? 
• Does capital restrict local providers from economies of scale? 
• What national, state, and local policies attract national apartment managers?
• Does today's American housing stock mismatch the new demand for housing? 

My research paper will evaluate whether the presence of these national apartments helps or hurts communities' citizens. 

A Pragmatic Teaching Philosophy

Critical Optimism: "the belief that the specific conditions which exist at one moment, be they comparatively bad or good, in any event may be bettered. It encourages intelligence to work to improve conditions and it arouses reasonableness and confidence as optimism does not."

--> Transformation of inquiry are often triggered by doubt associated with the questioning of existing belief systems.

I think this statement rings true. The best way to start a research problem to find an old convention to challenge.

Step-by-step Notebook

5 pairs of purpose/micro-conceptual frameworks

1. exploration/working hypothesis
2. descriptions/categories
3. gauging/practical ideal type
4. decision-making/models of operation research
5. explanation/formal hypothesis

Shields talks about the importance of community. Firm believer in community culture and expectations.