520 final

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Module7final.docx

Module 7: Final Paper 

· Due Tuesday by 11:59pm

 

· Points 200

 

Overview

For your final project you will write a literature review over a topic of your choice by applying key theoretical assumptions from a specific leadership theory/framework to demonstrate a "gap" that requires additional research. Your annotated bibliography should have set the stage for this assignment. In this exercise, you are synthesizing and connecting theories and research which you displayed separately in the bibliography. This assignment is about using literature to tell a story, in a way. 

For the literature review you will identify a minimum of  ten articles (the textbook is not a source for this project) related to your topic.  These may be articles we used in class, additional articles you found in your search and some additional ones specifically for this project. Make sure all articles are credible and peer-reviewed. You will write a comprehensive literature review over a topic of your choosing that concludes with a research question. The paper will use APA style and include a "Works Cited." No specific length is required, but it will certainly be more than two pages and less than five. 

Please refer to this sample as a guideline

. Your literature review will not be quite so long or detailed, obviously, but it should "sound like" and "look like" what appears in this article (one of my articles from a while back & written with graduate students!). Note how this literature review is constructed and weaves together the sources into a coherent narrative that sets the stage for a problem to be investigated. In other words, this literature review shows that 

1. You know the relevant theories

2. You can connect the theories

3. You've identified a problem or research question that requires further investigation -- a gap in our understanding.

Literature reviews, therefore, are "background" to show "where we are and what we know". By showing "where we are" you open a space for a research question -- something that requires further research to be better understood. Your literature review should conclude with this research question and it should logically evolve from how you presented your "evidence" from the literature. 

You may add an introduction (similar to what appears in the sample), but it is not required. Only the literature review, written in perfect edited English, in APA style, is required for this assignment. 

You must submit your assignment in MS Word; no other file type will be acceptable. Also, this assignment will include a "Turnitin.com" report so please do not use AI or plagiarize. 

Rubric

Literature Review Rubric

Literature Review Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTheoretical Framework Application

55 pts

Exceptional

Masterfully integrates leadership theory with comprehensive, nuanced analysis demonstrating deep theoretical understanding

50 pts

Proficient

Clearly applies leadership theory with solid connections to research

45 pts

Satisfactory

Demonstrates satisfactory understanding of leadership theory with some connections

35 pts

Emerging

Limited application of theoretical frameworks

25 pts

Unsatisfactory

Minimal or no theoretical framework evident

55 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Selection & Credibility

30 pts

Exceptional

10+ peer-reviewed, current (within 5 years) sources from top-tier academic journals

27 pts

Proficient

10 credible peer-reviewed sources with strong academic relevance

24 pts

Satisfactory

10 sources but with some credibility concerns

20 pts

Developing

8-9 sources with some credibility concerns

15 pts

Unsatisfactory

Fewer than 8 sources and/or predominantly non-academic sources

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLiterature Synthesis

55 pts

Exceptional

Exceptional narrative flow creating a compelling, cohesive argument with sophisticated interconnections between sources

50 pts

Proficient

Clear narrative structure with logical connections between sources

45 pts

Satisfactory

Moderate synthesis with some disconnected sections

35 pts

Developing

Weak narrative connection between sources

25 pts

Unsatisfactory

No coherent narrative or source integration

55 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch Question Development

35 pts

Exceptional

Highly original, complex research question that emerges organically and brilliantly from literature analysis

30 pts

Proficient

Clear, well-developed research question logically derived from literature

27 pts

Satisfactory

Somewhat vague research question with partial literature support

22 pts

Developing

Weak research question with minimal literature connection

10 pts

Unsatisfactory

No discernible research question

35 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Formatting & Writing Quality

25 pts

Exceptional

Flawless APA formatting, graduate-level writing with sophisticated language and zero grammatical errors

23 pts

Proficient

Strong APA formatting, professional academic writing with minimal errors

20 pts

Acceptable

Acceptable APA formatting with some writing/formatting issues

15 pts

Developing

Multiple formatting and writing errors

10 pts

Unsatisfactory

Significant formatting and writing problems

25 pts

Total Points: 200