Response
I am considering topics of ethical communication management, as well as leadership succession and continuity planning. The first topic is of interest because of the alleged mishandling of emails and other sensitive communications in the news over the last few years. Government officials and candidates accused of mishandling information is a significant concern. Possible titles include:
• Corporate Confidentiality: Managing Information in a Socially Networked Society
• Honest and Open Communication Policy: Is it safe? Is it realistic?
The second topic is something I have been interested in for some time. I worked in a small trade association several years ago, and there was no succession planning as far as the managing administrator. The Board of Directors was always interested in succession planning, without including the Association Executive position in that planning process. During my time as a staff member, several changes in the Association Executive position caused disruption and contention in the office. Organizations must consider succession planning, not only because of the changing nature of business, laws, political and social climates, and diversity demographics (Appelbaum, et al., 2012). Possible titles include:
• Developing Ethical Leadership: Identifying Strategic Leaders Emerging within the Organization
• Leadership Continuity: Apply Within
I am not sure that these topics are narrow enough or if they are too close. I understand there is time to refine my ideas and get the final topic nailed down. I want the focus to be right.
What questions do you have about the project?
I researched the dissertation process briefly and discovered the intensity of the entire process. Getting my project ready for review seems daunting enough, but knowing the requirement to defend my research is disconcerting. Please do not get me wrong. I know there is nothing I am unable to accomplish once I set my mind to it. I have the spirit of a finisher, so I know I can do it. However, the process of getting there is definitely daunting (Foss & Waters, n.d.).
Some questions I have about the process are on the defense and the timeline. What does the defense entail? Will I be required to travel for the defense? How long does it generally take to get to the point where my project is ready for candidacy? I understand that I will have a committee assigned to me for the project, but will guide me through the process or will they only be involved in the review portion (Liberty University School of Business, 2018-2019)?
One of the best things about this whole program is that many of us will go through most of the coursework together. The value of learning from each of my classmates and instructors throughout this journey cannot be understated. I plan to use my instructors, and eventually, my committee to the best advantage possible. Understanding that there are others going through the same types of situations makes me feel less alone in the process (Peters, Gurley, Fifolt, & Collins, 2015).
What resources will help you be successful in completing this final assignment?
The first resource that I will use to complete the final assignment may be the most obvious, the Library. There are so many resources in the library to help students complete writing assignments, using peer-reviewed journal articles, dissertations, and other resources.
Many universities have free resources for research, time/ self-management, how to's and to do lists, to help students do their best work. One resource I can tap into in addition to those mentioned above is my sphere of support. I have several friends who have completed advanced degrees who are willing to assist with proofreading and critiquing.
I also have access to the lady who taught me how to comprehend what I read, my fifth-grade language arts teacher. She is a wonderful lady. She is encouraging, while still shooting straight. She is also familiar with academic writing.
One resource I miss having is my Mother. She passed away in 1998 at the young age of 44. She was a phenomenal writer and had a unique way with words. She was smart and a brilliant story-teller. When I was in high school, she helped me with my writing assignments. I will miss her guidance more than I can convey.