DOC690-1

DOCTORAL STUDY PROJECT TITLE

Trident University International [year]

Guidelines: Left justified. No indents. No citations.

Maximum length is 350 words. A proposal abstract includes items 1-4, and is in the future tense. The final version is in past tense and includes items 1–6.

1. Introduce the study topic briefly.

2. Clearly articulate the study problem and purpose

3. State the research method.

4. Identify the participants.

5. Present key results.

6. Present conclusions and recommendations for future research.

iv

ABSTRACT ii PREFACE iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv TABLE OF CONTENTS iv LIST OF TABLES v LIST OF FIGURES vi CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 7 Background 7 Statement of the Problem 7 Purpose of the Study 8 Conceptual Framework 9 Research Questions 9 Nature of the Study 10 Significance of the Study 10 Definition of Key Terms 11 Summary 11 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 12 Documentation 12 Theme/Subtopic [repeat as needed] 12 Summary 13 Level 1: Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 14 Level 2: Flush Left, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 14 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 15 Research Methods and Design(s) 15 Population 16 Sample 16 Materials/Instruments 17 Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis 17 Assumptions 18 Limitations 18 Delimitations 18 Ethical Assurances 19 Summary 19 Level 1: Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 20 Level 2: Flush Left, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 20 CHAPTER IV: DATA COLLECTION AND DATA ANALYSIS 21 Results 21 Evaluation of Findings 22 Summary 22 Level 1: Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 23 Level 2: Flush Left, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 23 CHAPTER V: APPLICATION TO PRACTICE AND DISCUSSION 24 Implications 24 Recommendations 24 Conclusions 24 Level 1: Centered, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 25 Level 2: Flush Left, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading 25 REFERENCES 26 APPENDIX A: TITLE OF APPENDIX A 28 APPENDIX B: General Guidelines to Remember about Formatting 29

[Use Word’s Table of Figures feature (using caption style = “table”) to create this section. Note that each table title needs to be created as a caption style format above the table. The List of Tables entries should mirror the APA format of table titles within the body of the paper. Consult the APA manual to ensure that all tables and table titles conform to APA format. See APA 6th, Chapter 5 for guidance and examples.]

[Use Word’s Table of Figures feature (using caption style = “figure”) to create this section. Note that each figure caption needs to be created as a caption style format below the figure. The List of Figures entries should mirror the APA format of figure captions within the body of the paper. Consult the APA manual to ensure that all tables and table titles, figures and figure captions conform to APA format. See APA 6th, Chapter 5 for guidance and examples.]

(note: the Introduction is about 10 - 15 pages)

[Text… The DSP topic is introduced in one or more paragraphs (2 pages maximum). The study topic is briefly described to establish the main ideas and context and include recent, scholarly, peer-reviewed sources to support each assertion. The Introduction should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that follow. Note: Do not describe the study purpose or method in the introduction as these belong in later sections.]

[Present an overview of why this research topic is currently of interest. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background leading up to the study problem and purpose. Focus on the area of research interest, briefly laying the groundwork for what has been done in the area and why the area is of important social or practical concern, or of theoretical interest. Include appropriate, recent, scholarly sources to support each assertion. There are no specific length guidelines; however the Background should be sufficient to provide context for the problem statement that follows. A detailed review of the literature will be provided in Chapter 2.]

(Approximately 250 to 300 words) Articulation of a concise problem statement is the key to a successful proposal/Doctoral Study Project manuscript and typically requires many revisions before the proposal is approved. The problem statement is a brief discussion of a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and importance of the study. Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the study. Include appropriate published or relevant primary data sources to document the existence of a problem worthy of DBA doctoral level research. A lack of research alone is not a compelling problem (many things are not studied but do not necessarily warrant research). Please consider: what perspective is represented? For example, is the problem an individual level problem, departmental problem, an organizational problem, an industry problem, or a social problem? What organizational problems have been identified? How critical is the problem? What evidence can justify the magnitude of the problem? These questions can help to identify the problem that needs to be addressed and the theories relevant to predict, explain and understand the problem.

[Text… Present a general issue/observation that is grounded in the literature or facts that lead to the need for the study (in most cases scholarly citations or data obtained within the last 5 years are required to document the general and specific problem). DBA degree worthy problems must be relevant and documented.]

Note: Ensure that the concepts presented in the Problem Statement lead to and align directly with the Purpose Statement. Use of a “logic” map is highly recommended in order to ensure direct alignment and avoid “surprises” among the key elements: business problem purpose research questionsproposed method and design.

Note: Clear and precise definitions of key words upon first use and consistent use of key words throughout the paper will also help ensure alignment.

[Text… Begin the purpose statement with a succinct sentence that indicates the study method and overarching goal.

“The purpose of this [quantitative, qualitative, mixed method] study is to... (describe the study goal that directly reflects and encompasses the research questions). Follow with a brief, but clear overview of how, with what instruments/data, with whom and where (as applicable).”]

Within the purpose statement:

· Research method is identified as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method.

· Research design is clearly stated and is aligned with the problem statement.

· Participants and/or data sources are identified.

· Geographic location of study is identified (as appropriate).

Before moving forward, ensure that the purpose is a logical, explicit research response to the stated problem. This problem should be substantiated with a “gap” that can be cited from the literature.

[Text… Identify and articulate the theoretical foundations of the proposed study based on a review of the relevant literature.]

1. Discussion reflects a thorough discussion of the conceptual and/or theoretical area under which the research falls and how the proposed research fits within other research in the field. Discussion clearly considers the study theoretical assumptions and principles, and specifically includes important issues, perspectives, and, if appropriate, controversies in the field. Details of theories/model utilized as your foundation will be explained in the literature review.

2. Discussion reflects knowledge of and familiarity with both the historical and current literature. The majority of sources must be scholarly and peer-reviewed. Use reliable sources.

[Text…Brief introductory text. Note: Avoid redundant text. Ensure that the Research Questions directly align with the stated purpose and that the methodology and design chosen correspond with the research questions. Qualitative research questions must be open-ended.]

Q1.

Q2.

Additional questions as needed.

[As appropriate, use text from the Concept Paper “Research Method” to present a brief overview of the study design, variables/constructs, instruments and analyses (as applicable). Relocate detailed discussion of sampling method, sample size determination, instrument, measurement and analyses to Chapter 3. Discuss the proposed research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed).

Discussion is not simply a listing and description of the chosen research design; rather, elaboration demonstrates how the proposed method and design accomplish the study goals, why the design is the optimum choice for the proposed research, and how the method aligns with the purpose and research questions. Provide a brief discussion of the proposed study design, data collection and analysis procedures (detailed descriptions should be provided in Chapter 3). Provide appropriate foundational research method support for the proposed study design; for example, refer to Yin (2018) and other appropriate authors to describe the appropriate application of a case study design.]

[Text (optional)… ]

Replace “Term 1.” with the relevant term name/label.

Term 2. Definition (APA citation).

Term n. Definition (APA citation).

[Text…Briefly restate the key points, study purpose and proposed research plan.]

(note: each article should be about 30 to 50 pages)

Approximately 30-50 pages, pending topic area. The literature review will contain several sub-headings that will be specific to the Doctoral Study Project.

[Begin with a summary of the purpose statement that leads to a brief explanation of the logical organization of the literature review.

Note: Conduct a thorough literature search based on a variety of relevant key words and databases. It is extremely rare for there to be no existing literature on a topic worthy of doctoral level study. Lack of references is typically the result of a too narrow or faulty library search.]

Replace “Theme/Subtopic: with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.

[Present the theoretical or conceptual framework(s) related to the study. A minimum of two relevant theories or models must be included. Present historical research as well as research related to the topic of study within the last 5 years. Include appropriate scholarly source citations for each assertion. Ensure the discussion has depth and presents a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature that provides a context for the Doctoral study. Discuss conflicting findings and/or theoretical positions causing intellectual tension in the field. Ensure the discussion is comprehensive, organized, and flows logically. Use themes and/or subtopics as headings. Note: A literature review is discursive prose, not a list describing or summarizing one piece of literature after another. Avoid stringing together articles and beginning every paragraph with the name of a researcher. Instead, organize the literature review into sections that present themes or identify trends, including relevant theory. One should not attempt to list all the material published, but rather synthesize and evaluate the relevant scholarly research according to the guiding concept of your thesis or research question. Continue to expand and update the literature review up through the final Doctoral Study Project.]

[Summarize key points presented in Chapter 2 and include supporting citations for key points. Highlight contradictions and uncertainties that support the need for the proposed study.]

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(note: each article should be 20 – 40 pages)

It is appropriate to repeat the problem and purpose from Chapter 1 verbatim. Conclude the introduction with a brief overview of the chapter.

Restate the research question(s)/hypotheses verbatim. Research questions clearly stated and aligned with problem and purpose statements.

Note: This section should be identical to wording used in Chapter 1.]

[Accurately describe the research method and design(s). Substantiate the appropriateness of the method and design(s); include a statement about why the method/design(s) was/were chosen over others.

1. Elaborate on the chosen research design (e.g., case study, phenomenology, comparative, correlational, quasi-experimental, etc.) appropriateness to respond to the study purpose.

2. Clearly describe the design steps. Ensure the discussion is not simply a listing and description of research designs. Provide appropriate support for the use and application of the chosen design.

3. Demonstrate why the design will accomplish the study goals and why design is the optimum choice for the research.

Describe in sufficient detail so that the study could be replicated .]

[Provide a description of the population (as appropriate), estimated size and relevant characteristics with appropriate support. Depending on the study design, populations may reflect a group of people, a set of organizations, a set of documents, archived data, etc. Describe why the population is appropriate to respond to the study problem and purpose. Clearly distinguish between the population and the sample drawn from the population.]

[Identify the sampling method and explain selection of participants or relevant sample, including known population characteristics and recruitment or selection strategy. Describe and justify the sampling method and minimum sample size:

1. Quantitative studies include probabilistic selection approach and a supporting power analysis for statistical significance of responses. When determining a minimum sample size, consider sampling error, representativeness and the assumptions of the proposed statistical tests.

2. Qualitative studies include references that support the proposed number of participants. Qualitative samples are typically relatively small. Refer to primary qualitative research sources to support the sampling size and method. A minimum of 15 participants is required for qualitative studies.

3. Mixed Method studies include both of the above.

As appropriate: Describe how existing data were originally collected and for what purpose.

Describe how participants will be selected and solicited. Access to potential participants, such as email lists from professional organizations must be described. Sampling procedures (e.g., “random”, “random stratified”, “convenience”) must be described in sufficient detail so that the process could theoretically be replicated. ]

[In this section, include a description of data sources such as (a) archived data and include a description of how the data were originally collected and for what purpose along with information regarding validity and reliability; (b) published instruments (adequately describe constructs measured, coding schemes, and psychometric properties (include both indices of reliability and validity) – include as an appendix, if possible, or include sample items); (c) materials (including survey/instruments) developed for study (adequately describe the development process and final product (include as an appendix)); (d) interview protocol, including a description of how the interview questions were developed with appropriate qualitative research method support (include interview questions in an appendix); (e) apparatus (adequately describe any apparatus including model/make, how it is used, and outcome(s) it provides). A minimum of three data sources is required for the DSP.

Note: The development process and tests for instrument and construct reliability and validity must be described in detail within Chapter 3 and the resulting validity/reliability measures reported in Chapter 4. Qualitative instruments should implement an expert review or pilot study of two or more experts/participants prior to data collection.]

[Describe the collection, processing and analyses in enough detail so that the study could be replicated. Describe the steps that will be taken to carry out the study. Provide specific details relative to the execution of the design in each appropriate section. Describe the types of data to be collected, and how the data will be coded, and what analysis process and software will be used as appropriate. Each source of data may have a different analysis process. Analysis process(es) should follow a procedure found in the literature and be cited.

1. Quantitative: Describe the analysis strategy used to test each hypothesis. The discussion must be sufficiently detailed so that the appropriateness of the statistical tests chosen is evident (i.e., the statistical tests are appropriate to respond to the research questions).

2. Qualitative: Describe how the data will be processed and analyzed (including any efforts for triangulation). Provide primary qualitative design support for the proposed analytical strategy. Explain the role of the researcher.

3. Mixed Method: include all of the above.]

Note: The process should stay in sequential order based on the expected order of data collection. Detail collection of each source of data individually. Then, detail the analysis process for each source of data individually and collectively (how the individual results form a final result).

[Discuss the assumptions about the population and design along with corresponding rationale and support for the assumptions (e.g., if an adequate response rate or participant honesty are assumed, refer to the steps that will be taken to make these reasonable assumptions).]

Describe the study limitations (potential weaknesses to interpretation and validity) within the context of the study design. Discuss any measures taken to mitigate limitations. Review any potential threats to validity (specific to the study design) and how they will be addressed to the extent possible. The limitations will be revisited within Chapter 5.]

Describe the study delimitations (specific choices made to narrow the scope of the study). Discuss the scope of data used in the study in this section.]

[Discuss compliance with the standards for conducting research as appropriate to the proposed research design. Describe the informed consent procedures and how you will maintain confidentiality of the participants (as appropriate). Describe how raw data and documentation will be protected during and after the study. Describe how you will obtain assurances for formal approval of the study. Indicate appendixes that include additional information as needed.

1. In the proposal, state that IRB approval will be sought prior to any data collected.

2. In the final Doctoral Study Project, state that IRB approval was obtained prior to any data collection conducted].

[Summarize key points presented in Chapter 3 and provide supporting citations for key points.]

Note: When the proposal is approved and after the research is carried out, revise text to past tense to reflect the completed study. Revise and expand as needed to reflect how the study design was applied. For example, if parametric statistics were proposed but, upon data collection, the responses did not meet the assumptions and non-parametric tests were conducted to respond to the hypotheses, the author should describe the circumstances and rationale for the change within the Chapter 3 data analysis section.

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(note: sectionshould be 10 – 20 pages)

[Begin the discussion with a brief overview of the purpose of the research study and provide a brief overview of the chapter. Organize the chapter around the research question(s). Review the APA manual and published, peer-reviewed, empirical research articles for examples of how to report results of various research designs. ]

Note: If changes are made to instruments after proposal approval, through an expert review or pilot study, explain the changes made before explaining the results. Ensure the updated version of instruments are provided in the Appendix.

[Data analyses – Report results without discussion (interpretation, speculation, etc. appears in the next section):

1. For Quantitative analyses,

a. Give appropriate descriptive information,

b. Present the results in a logical fashion, answering the research question(s)/hypotheses as stated and appropriate to the type of data collected,

c. Identify assumptions of statistical tests and address any violation of assumptions,

d. Make decisions based on the results of the statistical analysis (for example: Are the results statistically significant?). Include relevant test statistic and p values.

e. See the APA manual regarding how to present results in text, tables and figures,

f. Present sufficient information so the reader can make an independent judgment regarding interpretation.

2. For Qualitative analyses

a. Present results logically and in a way that answers the research question(s) by distillation steps of the discernment process,

b. Present sufficient information so the reader can make an independent judgment about your interpretation,

c. Review published articles that use similar designs for examples of how to present qualitative, thematic findings,

d. Ensure that no potentially indentifying information is published.

3. Mixed Method include all of the above.

Note: Triangulation of data should be explained in this section, if applicable. Tables and figures, where appropriate, are necessary and referred to in the text. Ensure compliance with APA format of tables, table titles, figures and figure captions. See APA, 6th ed, Chapter 5 for guidelines on displaying results.]

[This section is used to briefly report what your findings mean. The discussion will be expanded in Chapter 5. Interpret results in light of the theory (or theories) and/or the conceptual framework(s) you have identified. Describe whether the results obtained were expected given the literature and provide potential explanations for unexpected or conflicting results. Take care to avoid drawing conclusions beyond what can be interpreted directly from the study results.]

[Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 4.]

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(note: section should be 10 – 20 pages)

[Begin the discussion with a brief review of the problem statement, purpose, method, limitations, and ethical dimensions, and conclude the introduction with a brief overview of the chapter.]

[Discuss each research question, and draw logical conclusions. Note: support all conclusions with the research findings and avoid drawing conclusions that are beyond the scope of the study results. Discuss how any potential limitations may have affected the interpretation of the results. Place the results back into context by describing how the results respond to the study problem, fit with the purpose, demonstrate significance, and contribute to the existing literature described in Chapter 2.]

[Present all recommendations for practical applications of the study. Note: support all recommendations with the research findings.

Present recommendations for future research.]

[In this section, summarize all key points in Chapter 5.]

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Reference 1

Reference 2

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.

Reference n…

Instructions: All resources cited in the Doctoral Study Project must be included in the list of references.

List all references in APA format with the exception noted below. For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa.

Formatting: Single space each reference citation, along with a .5 inch hanging indent; double space between consecutive references in the reference list

Tips: Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume (i.e., Journal Name 4, pp. 12-22.). Please refer to the APA Manual, 6th edition for guidance.

Note: APA 6th requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned (see page 187-192).

Example (note single-space references, with double-spacing in-between):

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment. T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18.

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles.

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001). Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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