A PhD on Digital Nomads / Working from Home / impact on place…? can you reshape local economies by “helicoptering in” entrepreneurs from London, Berlin etc? Will the digital nomad scene have gender imbalance like the entrepreneurial world? so many questions.
Or something like that… I probably need to get some guidance on proposing the research question and the thought process behind it.
I think I’ll blog about the process of applying / producing proposals (well I am already, hence you are reading this), then further down the line if a university takes me on “live write” (have a live working document on the internet that people can comment on, suggest articles to read, avenues to explore). Oooohhh and Podcasts with digital nomads and the civil servants in different countries who helped create the legislation and frameworks for the visa to exist, and their thought process and data behind the different restrictions, durations, requirements etc.
I think I’ve already got an opinion that in 2023 that PhDs need to be more than a document on a shelf… getting ahead of myself already. I really don’t fit within a box, none of us do.
Do Universities even consider folks without a masters these days… also without wishing to do my own legs in, there’s no way I can pay tutition fees to research a PhD. Just being upfront and honest, I can’t afford it. Every penny I own has to go on getting NomadHut off the ground, it’s hugely difficult starting anything from scratch. Also I’m in “old man” territory (42, when written in 2023), so the likelihood of me generating income off the back of the PhD to cover the expense isn’t really likely.
So where to start? I mean it is 2023, so lets start with ChatGPT… (thrown out for plagiarism prior to even starting? lol)
It then listed a load of stuff, so I thought I’d be a bit more specific…
“Great topic choice! Exploring the increasing number of digital nomad visas and their impact on various aspects is a fascinating area of research. Here’s a modified proposal structure tailored to your topic:
- Title: Examining the Impact of Digital Nomad Visas on Global Work Practices, Culture, and Place
- Introduction: Provide an introduction to the concept of digital nomadism and the rising trend of countries offering digital nomad visas. Explain the significance of this phenomenon in the context of changing work practices, globalization, and the increasing reliance on digital technologies. Highlight the need to understand the implications of digital nomad visas on both individuals and host countries.
- Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature related to digital nomadism, remote work, and the impact of these trends on work practices and culture. Analyze scholarly articles, reports, and case studies that discuss the emergence of digital nomad visas and their effects. Identify any gaps or areas that require further investigation.
- Research Questions and Objectives: Formulate research questions that will guide your investigation. For example:
- How do digital nomad visas influence the influx of remote workers in host countries?
- What are the economic, social, and cultural impacts of digital nomad visas on host countries and local communities?
- How do digital nomad visas shape work practices and individual experiences of digital nomads?
- What are the long-term implications of digital nomad visas for the global workforce and the concept of work-life balance?
Develop corresponding objectives that outline the specific aims of your research and the methodologies you will employ to answer each question.
- Methodology: Describe the research design and methods you will utilize to investigate the impact of digital nomad visas. Consider a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data. Possible methods include surveys, interviews, case studies, and data analysis of existing sources. Justify your chosen methods and explain how they align with your research questions.
- Expected Results and Contributions: Discuss the anticipated outcomes of your research and the potential contributions to the field. For example, you might expect to uncover insights into the economic benefits or challenges faced by host countries, the social and cultural dynamics between digital nomads and local communities, and the evolving work practices and work-life balance of digital nomads. Highlight how your findings will contribute to existing knowledge and inform policymakers, businesses, and individuals.
- Timeline: Provide a timeline that outlines the various stages of your research, including literature review, data collection, analysis, and writing. Be realistic about the time required for each phase and consider any potential challenges or delays that may arise.
- Resources and Budget: Specify the resources you will need to conduct your research, such as access to relevant literature, potential travel for fieldwork or conferences, and software for data analysis. If applicable, provide a budget breakdown for these resources.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your proposal and emphasize the importance of studying the impact of digital nomad visas. Discuss the potential implications of your research for policymakers, organizations, and individuals navigating the digital nomad landscape.
- References: Include a comprehensive list of the references you cited throughout your proposal using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Remember to adapt this proposal structure according to the specific guidelines and requirements of your PhD program and institution. Good luck with your research!”
