write a response with recent peer reviewed articles for this discussion post: Applying the SWOT analysis has significantly enhanced the Background of the problem in the prospectus section of my doctoral project. Initially, my focus on employee retention appeared broad, but utilizing SWOT allowed me to critically evaluate the internal and external factors that inspire chief human resource officers (CHROs) decision-making regarding employee retention. This strategic tool helped clarify the scope of my research and refine my problem statement to focus on the lack of effective strategies that CHROs fail to develop and implement. The analysis of organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats revealed how retention is not simply a human resource issue, but a strategic challenge that affects the overall success of an organization. Grel and Tat (2017) emphasized that SWOT analysis equips researchers to link organizational context with practical problem-solving, which ultimately led me to craft a more precise and analytically sound background.

What connections did you discover that helped to familiarize the reader with the topic?

While developing the problem statement, I discovered critical connections between strategic leadership, organizational alignment, and employee engagement. These connections helped familiarize the reader with why the actionsor inactionsof CHROs have far-reaching consequences on workforce stability. By linking the strategic role of CHROs to high employee turnover, I could perceive the issue in a manner that stressed its urgency and relevance. Furthermore, research supports the idea that retention strategies can drive performance outcomes when inculcated in leadership practice and corporate vision (De Waal & Sivro, 2012). This deeper connection helped illustrate that CHROS cannot treat retention in isolation; rather, it must be aligned with an organization's overarching strategic goals, which the reader can easily grasp within this framework.

How did your Background of the Problem statement incorporate any key learning outcomes for the course?

Two key learning outcomes from this coursethe McKinsey 7S model and the MEAL Planshaped the composition and academic rigor of my problem statement. The 7S model allowed me to evaluate how organizational components such as strategy, structure, systems, skills, and shared values intersect and influence employee retention outcomes. The 7s model highlighted that effective retention strategies are not one-dimensional; they require cohesive alignment across all organizational dimensions (Peters & Waterman, 1980). In parallel, the MEAL Plan guided my writing process by structuring my paragraphs with a clear central idea, supporting evidence, analytical insight, and logical transitions. The plan helped ensure clarity and consistency throughout the background development, aligning with scholarly expectations for doctoral writing (Parnell et al., 2021).

Avoiding the Checklist Creep

This course has given me the tools to avoid Checklist Creep, a phenomenon described in the DBA Traditional Doctoral Study Capstone Research Handbook (2023) as the temptation to address every checklist item superficially without aligning content with the core research purpose. I will implement SMART goals and continue regular communication with my faculty mentor to avoid checklist creep and remain focused academically. SMART goals provide a clear roadmap that keeps my research tasks specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, allowing me to stay aligned with the scope of my study (Doran, 1981). Furthermore, consistent engagement with my mentor helps ensure that I stay within the approved parameters of the doctoral capstone process and do not fall into the trap of overdeveloping areas beyond what is required. These approaches, combined with strategic planning tools and writing frameworks learned in the course, will allow me to stay focused, refine my Background effectively, and meet doctoral standards while avoiding unnecessary content that could disrupt the study.