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DBACapstoneTemplateGuidev1FINAL.pdf
DBA Capstone Template/Rubric Guide, v. 1.1
Instructions for using the Capstone Template
with the University Pro-Doc Rubrics included.
Effective April 2020
Capella University
225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THIS DOCUMENT ...............................................................................5
Disclaimers ......................................................................................................................................5
Purpose of this Document ................................................................................................................5
SafeAssign .......................................................................................................................................5
FRONT MATTER .........................................................................................................................6
Title Page .........................................................................................................................................6
Instructions for the template ............................................................................................................6
Executive Summary .........................................................................................................................6
Dedication and Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................6
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................6
Lists of Tables and Figures ..............................................................................................................6
Note about Page and Reference Quantity Recommendations .........................................................6
Note about Redundant Information .................................................................................................7
SECTION 1: BUSINESS PROBLEM AND PROJECT SCOPE ..............................................8
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Capstone Topic ..........................................................................................................................8
1.2.1 Problem of Practice .................................................................................................................8
1.3 Purpose of the Project ................................................................................................................8
1.3.1. Project Need ...........................................................................................................................8
1.3.2 Project question(s) ..................................................................................................................8
1.3.3. Project Justification ................................................................................................................9
1.3.4 Project Context: Company or Industry ...................................................................................9
1.4. Doctor of Business Project Specifications ................................................................................9
1.4.1. Importance of the Project .......................................................................................................9
1.4.2. Approach for the Project ........................................................................................................9
1.5 Summary ....................................................................................................................................9
SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROJECT PLAN ...........................................11
2.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................11
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
2.1.1. Applied Framework ............................................................................................................11
2.2. Method for Discovering Literature .........................................................................................11
2.2.1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ..........................................................................................11
2.2.2. Search Strategy ....................................................................................................................12
2.3. Review of Scholarly and Practitioner Literature ....................................................................12
2.3.1. Historic and Current Business Problem Trends ...................................................................12
2.3.2. Previous Efforts to Address the Problem ............................................................................12
2.4. Summary of Literature ............................................................................................................12
2.5. Recruitment .............................................................................................................................12
2.6. Project Study Protocol ............................................................................................................13
2.6.1 Data Sources .........................................................................................................................13
2.6.2. Data Collection ....................................................................................................................13
2.6.3. Data Analysis Plan and Presentation ...................................................................................13
2.6.4 Validity and Reliability/Trustworthiness ..............................................................................14
2.6.5 Ethical Considerations ..........................................................................................................14
2.7. Overview of the Project Study Plan ........................................................................................14
2.8 Summary and Conclusion ........................................................................................................14
SECTION 3: RESULTS, DISUSSION, AND IMPLICATIONS ............................................15
3.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................15
3.2. Data Collection Results ...........................................................................................................15
3.3. Data Analysis ..........................................................................................................................15
3.4 Contribution to Theory, the Literature, and the Practitioner Knowledge Base .......................15
3.5 Project Application and Recommendations .............................................................................16
3.6 Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX A ...............................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX B: UNIVERSITY PRO-DOC RUBRICS (MILESTONES 1-5) .........................19
Milestone 1 Rubric. ........................................................................................................................19
Milestone 2 Rubric .........................................................................................................................22
Milestone 4 Rubric. ........................................................................................................................26
Milestone 5 Rubric. ........................................................................................................................28
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
INTRODUCTION TO THIS DOCUMENT
Disclaimers
Neither this guide, nor any of the information and requirements contained herein, constitute a
contract or create any contractual commitments between Capella University and any student, any
prospective student, or any third party. The information here and in the template and any
corresponding guidance are subject to change.
This guide will explain the essence of content which should be included in each section of the
Capstone Template for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, for learners who
began the program on or after January 1, 2018.
Purpose of this Document
This document presents detailed information about each of the Sections required for a Capella
DBA Capstone proposal and final project submission. Each section in this document aligns with
the DBA Capstone Template. Carefully read the Template Guide so that you can be certain to
provide the material that is necessary to successfully write each section of your Capstone.
Consult with your faculty member or mentor about adding headings that might be necessary to
enhance the organizational structure of your Capstone Project. Review the proper process to add
additional levels of headings.
*Note: The Capstone proposal is made up of Sections 1 and 2 of the template document. During
the proposal phase, this should be written in future tense. After completing data collection and
result analysis, you will revise Sections 1 and 2 into past tense; Section 3 will be written in past
tense.
SafeAssign
To ensure the originality of your work and the use of appropriate citations, you should submit
your Capstone work through SafeAssign drafts. SafeAssign is a free source-matching tool
provided to Capella learners. SafeAssign analyzes your writing for unintentional plagiarism and
improper source referencing. Be sure to allow 24 hours for a response from SafeAssign and
allow time for editing. If you have questions about using SafeAssign, review Capella's
SafeAssign tutorials. It is especially critical to understand how to interpret your originality report
and how to revise plagiarized or matching text.
As you work through your Capstone, you should use the SafeAssign source matching tool to
check drafts of your work. You may use the draft SafeAssign links multiple times to resubmit
your paper for analysis as part of your editing process. Avoid submitting the Capstone to
assignment areas, as that will create a 100% match to the content going forward, requiring a
filter-resubmission process to remove.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
FRONT MATTER
Title Page
Your Capstone requires a cover page. This area may be updated as people’s positions or titles
change. You will see an updated version of the template provided when this happens. You can
either download the new template and transfer your work to it, or you can update the title page,
whichever you prefer.
Be sure to wait until the end (Dean’s review, Milestone 5) to insert your degree conferral month
and year.
Instructions for the template
Delete all instructions in the template after you have read them.
Executive Summary
Write a one-page executive summary of your project here. This should not be written until the
final approvals to your project are completed. This should explain the problem, purpose, method,
population, and results of your project. Implications or practical uses of the project results should
be included. This is not an APA abstract. This would be used to provide a high-level explanation
of your project to a CEO, COO, or other key-stakeholder.
Dedication and Acknowledgement
You can write a brief acknowledgment to those who supported your goals toward completing
your doctorate, and/or dedication to someone(s) close to you that made a difference in your
progress. This is your space to determine content. If you choose not to include this, please delete
the page. You can also title this Dedication or Acknowledgement, if only one or the other is
provided.
Table of Contents
Use the embedded TOC and allow the programmed headings to create the updated TOC for you.
Note that right-clicking the TOC allows you to update the fields – you can update the page
numbers only, or all of the items. If you break the headings and link to the TOC, use the Home
page button on the word tabs, and select the correct heading to go with the TOC alignments.
Lists of Tables and Figures
These are not automated. You will need to manually insert the correct pages. If you want to
create automated tables, you may.
Note about Page and Reference Quantity Recommendations
Throughout the guide, you will see page and reference quantity recommendations. These are
guidelines. Some types of projects might need more (or less) content but you should consider
your instructor/chair/committee inputs if you deviate from the recommendations. If minimum
numbers of citations are requested, this does not mean you can just keep re-using previous
citations. These are minimum additional references you need to incorporate and synthesize into
your work.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Note about Redundant Information
Writing into the template should not be an exercise in redundancy. Avoid restating the same
concepts multiple times. Each section has its own reason for existence and level of importance to
your project; the template is designed to ensure that you move, logically, deeper into the content
of your project topic, becoming more granular as you move through the template. While the
overarching general problem may be high-level, the specific problem will be lower-level; your
project should be specific and geared to the industry or business problem you are studying. Each
section should provide the reader with new, more, and different information from previous or
other sections. The concepts should become precise and tailored specifically to your project.
Avoid general statements, opinions, bias, jargon, and colloquialisms.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
SECTION 1: BUSINESS PROBLEM AND PROJECT SCOPE
1.1 Introduction
Include an interesting fact, statistic, or comment that catches the attention of your reader which is
relevant to your topic and project. Orient the reader to the Capstone project focus and area of
interest. Ensure a thesis sentence exists.
Rubric alignment: MS1(5) and MS2(10) Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to
cohesively, comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable. (This
pertains to ALL of your project pieces, including all transitory, introductory, summary, and front
and end matter.)
1.2 Capstone Topic
Include information about your DBA specialization, the project focus and topic, and overarching
information. Explain how the project aligns with your specialization. Include at least one to two
citations for support. [One half to one page].
Rubric alignment: MS 1(1): Describe a capstone topic and deliverable that inform knowledge
and practice within the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical analysis. (Includes
1.2 and 1.2.1).
1.2.1 Problem of Practice
Describes the general problem and the specific business problem identified in your DBA
specialization scholarly and practitioner literature. Supports the existence of the general and
specific business problems using baseline data and at least five supporting citations published in
scholarly and/or practitioner journals within the last five years. [1-2 pages].
1.3 Purpose of the Project
Include an introductory paragraph of at least two to three sentences that supports the purpose and
transitions the reader into project need and questions.
1.3.1. Project Need
Justify the need and feasibility of the proposed project. Transition logically to the project
questions. Support need with at least three relevant scholarly and/or practitioner articles
published within the last five years. Explain the project’s objective(s). [2 to 4 paragraphs].
Rubric alignment: MS1[3] Align the capstone to the specialization through identification of a
project that fits within the programs of research or practice.
1.3.2 Project question(s)
State the project questions in numerical order. Use no number if only one question is to be
addressed. Project questions should align with the data analysis techniques you identify later in
the project plan, the need for the project, and the problem of practice. [Length dependent on
number of questions].
PQ1:
PQ2:
Rubric alignment: MS1[3] Align the capstone to the specialization through identification of a
project that fits within the programs of research or practice.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
1.3.3. Project Justification
Justify the project purpose and project questions based upon gaps in practice found from
searching the scholarly and/or practitioner literature. Describe the anticipated results/desired
outcomes of the project. Explains the importance to individual or community improvement. Cites
to published supporting articles from the last five years. [2 to 4 paragraphs].
Rubric alignment: MS1[2] Describe a topic and deliverable that contribute to individual,
organizational, institutional, or community improvement.
1.3.4 Project Context: Company or Industry
Situates the issue or problem in context to the company or industry of focus. Describe how the
project may be useful to the company or industry. Cites to at least three published supporting
articles or company specific documentation from the last five years. [1 page]
Rubric alignment: MS1[2] Describe a topic and deliverable that contribute to individual,
organizational, institutional, or community improvement.
1.4. Doctor of Business Project Specifications
This section includes the importance of the project and the approach for the project. Include,
here, a brief introduction and transitionary paragraph (3 sentences) which set the stage for the
next two sections.
Rubric alignment: MS 1[4] Meet program-specific requirements for topic approval. (Includes
all parts of 1.4: 1.4, 1.4.1, and 1.4.2).
1.4.1. Importance of the Project
Describe the importance/significance of the problem to business practice. Make a convincing
case for the importance of the problem of practice to practitioners. Identify the challenges,
problems, situations, opportunities of practice leading to the proposed project. Support your case
using at least three citations from scholarly and/or practitioner literature published within the last
five years. [1-2 pages].
1.4.2. Approach for the Project
Describe the specific study techniques you will use to complete your project. Include your
process for collecting and analyzing information, and which techniques you will use and why.
Include a preliminary reference list of data sources you intend to incorporate in the project
report, including scholarly literature, technical reports, online secondary data sources. If you are
collecting your own data, explain how (e.g., interview questions, survey, etc.). Briefly explain
the data-collection procedures and why they are workable; and how you will analyze the data.
Identify barriers and challenges to data collection and potential contingency plans should
problems arise. [2 pages].
1.5 Summary
Concludes with statements that contain a summary of key points of the project and an overview
of the content of the remaining sections for the project. Provide citations to at least five industry
or scholarly articles that help provide the main support for your topic, problem, focus, and
industry selection. Provides a logical explanation of the overarching project plan. [half page].
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Rubric alignment: Remaining rubric pieces – will apply throughout – but note that Writing,
transitions, logic, etc. will apply to any introduction, summary, front/end matter, or other
unmarked sections.
MS1 [5] Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively, comprehensively, and
clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable.
and
MS1 [6] Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style.
and
MS1 [7] Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone.
[Note to learners: the project’s sections 1 to 1.5 will be revised into past tense after you conduct
the study and write Section 3. Delete these instructions out.].
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROJECT PLAN
2.1. Introduction
You should describe the project study protocol (i.e., method, design, population and industry or
organization) in one to two sentences (e.g., This capstone project will use a mixed set of study
techniques, including a survey and interviews, of employees and managers of a Ford dealer in
the Midwestern United States).
You should define or identify your project and briefly point out overall trends in what has been
published about the topic issues, gaps in practice, foundational scholarly or practitioner studies
and articles, or theory, etc. You should also establish your position – or argument - for the need
for the project and the organization of the review of literature. [1-2 pages].
Rubric alignment: For MS 2, the entire Sections 1 and 2 must be proficient or better. The
comments list the MS# and rubric# for clarity. Note that writing, transitions, logic, etc. will apply
throughout including any introduction, summary, front/end matter, or other unmarked sections.
MS2 [10] Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively, comprehensively,
and clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable.
and
MS2 [11] Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style.
and
MS2 [12] Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone.
2.1.1. Applied Framework
Identify key business concepts found in the literature, relevant to your work. When were the
concept(s) introduced? How has the study of the concept(s) evolved? What is the relevance of
the concept(s) to addressing the problem anchoring the project? Who raised the concepts and
how has that individual or group of individuals contribute to the framework? Cite at least 15
articles in the scholarly and/or practitioner literature – with at least half of them having been
published in the last five years. [7 to 9 pages].
Rubric alignment: MS2[4] Describe the theoretical basis for the capstone, drawing on theories
appropriate to the specialization.
2.2. Method for Discovering Literature
Include a brief introduction to this section.
Rubric alignment: MS2 [5] Complete a preliminary literature review that includes an
appropriate scholarly and critical analysis of relevant theories and practices. (Includes all
parts of 2.2).
2.2.1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Explain your inclusion and exclusion criteria for selecting and evaluating articles, providing a
description of each criteria. These criteria should closely align with the scope of the specific
business problem, project objectives, and project questions. [half to 1 page].
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
2.2.2. Search Strategy
Identify databases used such as EBSCO, ABI, IBIS World, Nexis Uni, Google Scholar and a
description of your search strategies including keywords and search terms. Identify your most
important publication sources for scholarly and practitioner articles. Describe how you identified
relevant literature concerning your topic. Show that you recognize the significance of experts in
your specialization. [Note to learner committees: saturation or exhaustion of the literature is not
the goal of the Capstone literature review]. [half to 1 page].
2.3. Review of Scholarly and Practitioner Literature
Rubric alignment: MS2 [5] Complete a preliminary literature review that includes an
appropriate scholarly and critical analysis of relevant theories and practices. (Includes all
parts of 2.3).
2.3.1. Historic and Current Business Problem Trends
Describe how the scholarly and/or practitioner articles provide an overall historic and current
view of the trends about the topic/problem. Explain how knowledge of the problem has grown
and changed over time. Cite to at least 10 articles published over the last five years, and an
additional five to eight articles published over the last five to 20 years. If you use multiple
headings under this, mark them 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.2, 2.3.1.3, etc. Do not include those in the TOC. [5-
6 pages].
2.3.2. Previous Efforts to Address the Problem
How has the problem been addressed? What degrees of success or failure? Evaluate areas of
agreement, disagreement, and conflicting positions addressing the business problem. Cite to at
least 10 articles in the scholarly and/or practitioner literature showing the conflicting positions or
varying types of examinations. If you need multiple headings here, use 2.3.2.1, 2.3.2.2, etc. Do
not include them in the TOC. (Follow this rule throughout the project). [2 to 3 pages].
2.4. Summary of Literature
Summarize the current state of the art and gaps in practice for addressing the problem. Establish
your position – or argument for what the project will add to the field. At least two citations of
your most relevant supporting study or practice-based literature should be included (should be no
more than five years old). [1 page].
[Strive for at least 30 references in your literature review sections – this means that at least 5 can
overlap among the sections, which is normal].
Rubric alignment: MS 2 [2] Explain the background and significance of the proposed capstone,
including the rationale for undertaking the capstone and the potential impact.
2.5. Recruitment
Define the sample frame for the project, how and why it was selected, who will likely
participate, and how you will elicit participation. Describe the eligibility criteria for study
participants, and the anticipated characteristics of the selected sample. [1 to 2 pages].
[After the completion of data collection and analysis, place into past tense for the final project,
and provide any variations which occurred. Variations to this plan will be provided here but
explained and justified in Section 3.]
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Rubric alignment: MS 2 [1] Define a clear and comprehensive target audience or site.
2.6. Project Study Protocol
Remind the reader briefly why this project is important based on your problem statement and
literature review. Articulate what you hope to find out by doing the project. Include a description
of the data analysis technique(s). Provide justification for using the technique to achieve
anticipated outcomes, which derives logically from the problem statement and project questions
for the project. Define the data collection requirements for the project. [2 to 3 pages].
[Note that after conducting the planned study, you will revise this and other sections to state
what you did, instead of what you planned to do].
Rubric alignment: MS 2 [6] Identify a methodology suitable to the topic and deliverable with
corresponding rationale. (All parts of 2.6 included here).
2.6.1 Data Sources
Include a transitionary, explanatory introduction paragraph (at least two sentences) to orient your
reader to the data sources you used, and why.
2.6.1.1. Preliminary sources of data expected. Include a preliminary list of data sources you
intend to incorporate in the project report, including scholarly and practitioner based published or
proprietary articles, technical reports, online data sources, etc. Be as clear and detailed as
possible. If you will be collecting your own data, explain how (e.g., interview questions, survey,
etc.). The data collection and analysis techniques, purpose of the study, project objectives,
project questions, and data to be collected must all align. [1 to 2 pages].
2.6.1.2. Instrumentation and data collection tools. Present descriptions of instrumentation or
data collection tools to include name of instrument, type of instrument, concepts measured by
instrument, processes needed to complete instruments by participants. For quantitative
techniques includes a detailed description of data that comprise each variable in the study. If
survey instruments were used previously, cite the previous uses and provide statistical reliability
data (i.e., Cronbach’s alpha). For qualitative techniques, explain the process and details; for
example, if interviewing, include the interview guide as an Appendix and describe how it was
constructed and reviewed and tested; if a modified Delphi is to be used, the process for finding
experts and the question series should be established. These are just examples; for your particular
process, describe it, provide the tools for the technique, and cite the source(s) supporting their
use. [1 to 2 pages].
2.6.2. Data Collection
Provide a step-by-step explanation of how the data will be collected. The discussion should be
sufficiently detailed to permit replication by someone else. Identify how findings will be
presented in tables or charts when appropriate. Do not use word clouds. [2 pages].
2.6.3. Data Analysis Plan and Presentation
Explain how you will analyze the data. For each project question, provide a description of the
techniques to be used for data processing & analysis (such as coding, classification,
categorization, tabulation, %, & statistical techniques, etc.). Define your approach for how you
will present the final deliverable, which includes outcomes, findings, and recommendations to
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
your appropriate target audience or site. Specify who that target audience (or site) will be. [1
page].
Rubric alignment: [8] Define an approach for presenting a final deliverable, including
outcomes, findings, and recommendations to an appropriate target audience or site.
2.6.4 Validity and Reliability/Trustworthiness
For quantitative techniques, be sure to note any reliability and validity issues and the
implications for interpretation of findings. For qualitative techniques, be sure to note any
trustworthiness issues related to data collection and analysis and the implications for
interpretation of findings. [half page].
2.6.5 Ethical Considerations
Identify any ethical concerns in applying the project methodology. Explain in detail privacy,
confidentiality, and data security procedures and concerns. Discuss the measures to be taken for
protection of participants’ rights. [half page].
[Any changes or problems arising during the pendency of the project should be reflected in
Section 3.].
2.7. Overview of the Project Study Plan
Provide timeline of project phases inclusive of data collection, analysis, report preparation.
Identify key resources to support the implementation of the project and key stakeholders, if any
to be involved. Discuss the feasibility of the plan, and any anticipated barriers or challenges to
the plan. [1 to 2 pages].
[Note that after conducting the planned study, you will revise this and other sections to state
what you did, instead of what you planned to do].
Rubric alignment: MS 2[7] Provide a detailed and feasible work plan and timeline for
completing the capstone.
2.8 Summary and Conclusion
Provide a recap of the business problem, gap in business practice, purpose of the study, and
technique to attempt to better understand the problem, gap, or achieve the study’s purpose here.
[half page].
[Note to learners: the project’s sections 1 to 2.13 will be revised into past tense after you
conduct the study and write Section 3].
Rubric alignment: These rubric items apply to the entire Sections 1-2, Milestone 2 including
the Introduction and Summary sections:
MS 2[10] Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively, comprehensively,
and clearly explain the capstone and present the deliverable, and MS 2[11] Write with proper
grammar, usage, and APA format and style, and MS 2[12] Write with proper paragraph
development, transitions, and academic tone.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
SECTION 3: RESULTS, DISUSSION, AND IMPLICATIONS
3.1 Introduction
Provide a brief introduction to the results section by describing the study in two sentences, and
then introducing the results by overviewing this section. [One paragraph].
Rubric alignment: [To achieve MS 4 completion, all of Sections 1-3 (plus all front and end
matter) must meet Proficient levels according to the mentor and committee reviewers. To
achieve MS 5 completion, all of Sections 1-3 (plus all front and end matters) must meet School
reviewer + Dean approvals of proficient or better (where proficient = yes). See the Rubric
Appendix for MS 4 and 5 criteria. Delete the Rubric Appendix, all comments, and all mark-ups
for final Dean submission.]
3.2. Data Collection Results
State the actual data collection and recording activities for each instrument. Describe the
location, number of participants, and duration of data collection for each data collection
instrument introduced in section 2.8. Throughout Section 3, if you create next level headings for
organization (i.e., 3.2.1), use the “Heading 2” heading style to incorporate into your TOC. If you
create a next level (i.e., 3.2.1.1), do not incorporate into the TOC.
Explain any variations or unusual participant or organizational conditions encountered in data
collection versus the plan presented in Section 2.8. How did you address these conditions? How
did these conditions impact your project?
Detail the major demographic characteristics of the sample. Describe the sample as specifically
as possible, with emphasis on characteristics that may have bearing on the interpretation of
results/findings of the project. [1 to 2 pages]
3.3. Data Analysis
Begin by discussing the specific analysis approach and procedures used to addressing the over-
arching project question(s) or project intent.
Explain and justify any variations in data analysis versus the plan presented in Section 2.9. How
did these variations impact your project?
Logically and sequentially address the data analysis for all project questions. Present data to
support each finding in the form of tables or charts. When appropriate include the presentation of
descriptive statistics, quotes from transcripts and pertinent textural descriptions from documents.
Summarize the answers to the project questions. [3 to 5 pages].
3.4 Contribution to Theory, the Literature, and the Practitioner Knowledge Base
Detail how the findings confirm, disconfirm, or extend knowledge of the applied framework and
findings from scholarly and/or practitioner studies from the literature review.
Connect or dispute the findings compared with the existing literature on effective business
practices. Describe how the findings contribute to the gaps in the practitioner knowledge base of
your industry, specialization, organization, and/or field. Ensure the interpretations do not exceed
the data, findings, and scope of the project.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
3.5 Project Application and Recommendations
Provide a detailed discussion on the applicability of the findings with respect to the professional
practice of business. Explain how and why the findings are relevant to improved business
practices.
State to whom the results relate, and how the results might be disseminated to academic and
practitioner communities.
Drawing upon the specifics of your findings, provide several practical suggestions for the
implementation of your findings, conducting additional studies, or replicating your project in
other industries, organizations, or fields of practice. [1 to 2 pages].
3.6 Conclusion
Discuss what you learned about the role of the DBA in developing, implementing and evaluating
the project. Describe how this project has or could influence the knowledge base or practice of
the studied business, industry, or field of practice. [1 page].
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
REFERENCES
Use APA formatting on your references. Double space as per APA, with hanging indent. APA
6th Edition shall be used until Capella officially adopts APA 7th Edition. Issue numbers of
journals (if they exist) can be used regardless of the journal pagination.
Strive for at least 50 total references.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
APPENDIX A
Appendices should be used sparingly, but using any and all content necessary to ensure your
project is understandable and complete. Some examples of content you may include in your
appendix are:
The publishing agreement and statement of original work go after all appendices.
An instrument used, with permission, and with permission to publish it in your document.
An interview, document review, or other protocol or guide.
Any items which the IRB requests be placed in the appendix.
Participant screening and/or consent forms until the school review is completed; then
delete them for final Dean review.
If you have only one appendix, it has no letter. If you have more than one, you letter them.
Tables or figures within the appendix bear the letter of the appendix before the table or figure
number.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
APPENDIX B: UNIVERSITY PRO-DOC RUBRICS (MILESTONES 1-5)
Milestone 1 Rubric.
Requires scoring a basic on each section (or higher). (Applicable sections noted).
[1] Describe a capstone topic and deliverable that inform knowledge and practice within
the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical analysis. 16% (Sections 1.2, 1.21)
Nonperformance: Does not describe a capstone topic and deliverable that inform
knowledge and practice within the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical
analysis.
Basic: Describes a capstone topic and deliverable, but does not adequately inform
knowledge and practice within the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical
analysis.
Proficient: Describes a capstone topic and deliverable that informs knowledge and
practice within the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical analysis.
Distinguished: Describes a capstone topic and deliverable that inform knowledge and
practice within the specialization through scholarly inquiry and critical analysis; the
capstone is likely to significantly advance knowledge and practice.
[2] Describe a topic and deliverable that contribute to individual, organizational,
institutional, or community improvement. 14% (Sections 1.33, 1.34)
Nonperformance: Does not describe a topic and deliverable that contribute to individual,
organizational, institutional, or community improvement.
Basic: Describes a topic and deliverable that inadequately contribute to individual,
organizational, institutional, or community improvement.
Proficient: Describes a topic and deliverable that contribute to individual, organizational,
institutional, or community improvement.
Distinguished: Describes a topic and deliverable that significantly contribute to
individual, organizational, institutional, or community improvement.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[3] Align the capstone to the specialization through identification of a project that fits
within the programs of research or practice. 14% (Sections 1.31, 1.32)
Nonperformance: Does not align the capstone to the specialization through
identification of a project that fits within the programs of research or practice.
Basic: Partially aligns the capstone to the specialization through identification of a
project that fits within the programs of research or practice.
Proficient: Aligns the capstone to the specialization through identification of a project
that fits within the programs of research or practice.
Distinguished: Aligns the capstone to the specialization through identification of a
project that fits within the programs of research or practice; the project is likely to make a
meaningful contribution to the discipline and field.
[4] Meet program-specific requirements for topic approval. 14% (Sections 1.41, 1.42)
Nonperformance: Does not meet program-specific requirements for topic approval.
Basic: Inadequately or incompletely meets program-specific requirements for topic
approval.
Proficient: Meet program-specific requirements for topic approval.
Distinguished: Meets program-specific requirements for topic approval with careful and
conscientious attention to detail.
[5] Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively, comprehensively, and
clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable. 14% (Applies throughout including all
introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5)
Nonperformance: Does not write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to
cohesively, comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in logic, flow, structure, or content
focus, or does not cohesively, comprehensively, or clearly explain the capstone topic and
deliverable.
Proficient: Writes with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively,
comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable.
Distinguished: Writes with expert logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively,
comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone topic and deliverable, meeting
professional publication standards.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[6] Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style. 14% (Applies throughout
including all introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5)
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and
style.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in grammar, usage, or APA format and
style.
Proficient: Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style.
Distinguished: Writes with proper grammar, usage, and expert APA format and style,
meeting professional publication standards.
[7] Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone. 14%
(Applies throughout including all introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5)
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and
academic tone.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in paragraph development or transitions,
or without proper academic tone.
Proficient: Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone.
Distinguished: Writes with expert paragraph development, transitions, and academic
tone, meeting professional publication standards.
22
DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Milestone 2 Rubric
Requires scoring proficient or better on each section. (Applicable sections noted).
[1] Define a clear and comprehensive target audience or site. 12% (Section 2.5)
Nonperformance: Does not define a clear and comprehensive target audience or site.
Basic: Defines a target audience but lacks a clear and comprehensive view of that target
audience or site.
Proficient: Defines a clear and comprehensive target audience or site.
Distinguished: Defines a clear and comprehensive target audience and a plan for
engagement of that audience or site in the capstone planning process.
[2] Explain the background and significance of the proposed capstone, including the
rationale for undertaking the capstone and the potential impact. 8% (Section 2.4)
Nonperformance: Does not explain the background and significance of the proposed
capstone.
Basic: Partially meets the academic requirements of the school for the capstone
deliverable.
Proficient: Explains the background and significance of the proposed capstone,
including the rationale for undertaking the capstone and the potential impact.
Distinguished: Explains the background and significance of the proposed capstone,
including the rationale for undertaking the capstone and the potential impact; makes a
compelling case for the capstone’s broad impact.
[3] Define the problem to be solved and the purpose of the capstone deliverable with clarity
and comprehensiveness. 8% (This is Section 1 of the Capstone project).
Nonperformance: Does not define the problem to be solved and the purpose of the
capstone deliverable with clarity and comprehensiveness.
Basic: Defines the problem to be solved and the purpose of the capstone but the
definition is not clear or comprehensive.
Proficient: Defines the problem to be solved and the purpose of the capstone deliverable
with clarity and comprehensiveness.
Distinguished: Defines the problem to be solved and the purpose of the capstone
deliverable with clarity and comprehensiveness, indicating how solving the problem or
completing the capstone would meet a need or otherwise result in a desirable outcome.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[4] Describe the theoretical basis for the capstone, drawing on theories appropriate to the
specialization. 8% (Section 2.1.1)
Nonperformance: Does not describe the theoretical basis for the capstone, drawing on
theories appropriate to the specialization.
Basic: Describes the theoretical basis for the capstone, but the description is incomplete
or does not draw on theories appropriate to the specialization.
Proficient: Describes the theoretical basis for the capstone, drawing on theories
appropriate to the specialization.
Distinguished: Describes the theoretical basis for the capstone, drawing on theories
appropriate to the specialization, and cites scholarly sources to support the selection of
the theoretical basis.
[5] Complete a preliminary literature review that includes an appropriate scholarly and
critical analysis of relevant theories and practices. 8% (Sections 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.3.1, 2.3.2)
Nonperformance: Does not complete a preliminary literature review that includes an
appropriate scholarly and critical analysis of relevant theories and practices.
Basic: Completes a cursory preliminary review of literature that includes limited
scholarly analysis of relevant theories and practices.
Proficient: Completes a preliminary literature review that includes an appropriate
scholarly and critical analysis of relevant theories and practices.
Distinguished: Completes a preliminary literature review that includes an appropriate
scholarly and critical analysis of relevant theories and practices with corresponding
critical analysis.
[6] Identify a methodology suitable to the topic and deliverable with corresponding
rationale. 8% (Section 2.6, including 2.6.1, 2.6.1.1, 2.6.1.2, 2.6.2, 2.6.3, 2.6.4, 2.6.5)
Nonperformance: Does not identify a methodology suitable to the topic and deliverable
with corresponding rationale.
Basic: Incompletely identifies a methodology suitable to the topic and proposed
deliverable, or does not provide corresponding rationale.
Proficient: Identifies a methodology suitable to the topic and deliverable with
corresponding rationale.
Distinguished: Identifies a methodology suitable to the topic and deliverable with
corresponding rationale. The selection of methodology is logical and supported by the
scholarly literature.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[7] Provide a detailed and feasible work plan and timeline for completing the capstone. 8%
(Section 2.7)
Nonperformance: Does not provide a detailed and feasible work plan and timeline for
completing the capstone.
Basic: Provides a work plan and timeline for completing the capstone that lacks adequate
detail and attention to feasibility.
Proficient: Provides a detailed and feasible work plan and timeline for completing the
capstone.
Distinguished: Provides a detailed and feasible work plan and timeline for completing
the capstone; the work plan anticipates potential obstacles and offers strategies for
addressing them.
[8] Define an approach for presenting a final deliverable, including outcomes, findings, and
recommendations to an appropriate target audience or site. 8% (Section 2.6.3)
Nonperformance: Does not define an approach for presenting a final deliverable,
including outcomes, findings, and recommendations to an appropriate target audience or
site.
Basic: Defines a limited approach for presenting a final deliverable, including outcomes,
findings, and recommendations.
Proficient: Defines an approach for presenting a final deliverable, including outcomes,
findings, and recommendations to an appropriate target audience or site.
Distinguished: Defines an approach for presenting a final deliverable, including
outcomes, findings, and recommendations to an appropriate target audience or site that is
engaging and relevant to the target audience.
[9] Meet program-specific requirements for proposal/research plan approval. 8%. (This is
all of Section 1 and Sections 2.5-2.8)
Nonperformance: Does not meet program-specific requirements for proposal/research
plan approval.
Basic: Inadequately or incompletely meets program- specific requirements for proposal
and research plan approval.
Proficient: Meets program-specific requirements for proposal/research plan approval.
Distinguished: Meets program-specific requirements for proposal and research plan
approval with careful and conscientious attention to detail.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[10] Write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively, comprehensively,
and clearly explain the capstone and present the deliverable. 8% (Applies throughout
including all introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.8)
Nonperformance: Does not write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to
cohesively, comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone and present the
deliverable.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in logic, flow, structure, or content
focus, or does not cohesively, comprehensively, or clearly explain the capstone and
present the deliverable.
Proficient: Writes with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively,
comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone and present the deliverable.
Distinguished: Writes with expert logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively,
comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone and present the deliverable, meeting
professional publication standards.
[11] Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style. 8% (Applies throughout
including all introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.8)
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and
style.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in grammar, usage, or APA format and
style.
Proficient: Writes with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style.
Distinguished: Writes with proper grammar, usage, and expert APA format and style,
meeting professional publication standards.
12] Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone. 8% (Applies
throughout including all introduction/summary Sections 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.8)
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and
academic tone.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in paragraph development, transitions,
and academic tone.
Proficient: Writes with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone.
Distinguished: Writes with expert paragraph development, transitions, and academic
tone.
26
DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Milestone 4 Rubric.
Mentor-committee review requires scoring proficient or better. (Applies to entire Capstone –
Committee is encouraged to review MSs 1-2 rubrics for granular guidance).
[1] Meet the structural requirements of the school for the capstone deliverable. 20%
Nonperformance: Does not meet the structural requirements of the school for the
capstone deliverable.
Basic: Partially meets the structural requirements of the school for the capstone
deliverable.
Proficient: Meets the structural requirements of the school for the capstone deliverable.
Distinguished: Meets the structural requirements of the school for the capstone
deliverable; structure of deliverable showcases learner’s capstone work to great
advantage.
[2] Meet the academic requirements of the school for the capstone deliverable. 20%
Nonperformance: Does not meet the academic requirements of the school for the
capstone deliverable.
Basic: Partially meets the academic requirements of the school for the capstone
deliverable.
Proficient: Meets the academic requirements of the school for the capstone deliverable.
Distinguished: Meets the academic requirements of the school for the capstone
deliverable; capstone exemplifies academic requirements and is largely free from error.
[3] Write with persistent and frequent errors in logic, flow, structure, or content focus, or
does not cohesively, comprehensively, or clearly explain the capstone and present the
deliverable. 20%
Nonperformance: Does not write with logic, flow, structure, and content focus to
cohesively, comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone and present the
deliverable.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in logic, flow, structure, or content
focus, or does not cohesively, comprehensively, or clearly explain the capstone and
present the deliverable.
Proficient: Write with persistent and frequent errors in logic, flow, structure, or content
focus, or does not cohesively, comprehensively, or clearly explain the capstone and
present the deliverable.
Distinguished: Writes with expert logic, flow, structure, and content focus to cohesively,
comprehensively, and clearly explain the capstone and present the deliverable, meeting
professional publication standards.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
[4] Write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style. 20%
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and
style.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in grammar, usage, or APA format and
style.
Proficient: Writes with proper grammar, usage, and APA format and style.
Distinguished: Writes with proper grammar, usage, and expert APA format and style,
meeting professional publication standards.
[5] Write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone. 20%
Nonperformance: Does not write with proper paragraph development, transitions, and
academic tone.
Basic: Writes with persistent and frequent errors in paragraph development, transitions,
and academic tone.
Proficient: Writes with proper paragraph development, transitions, and academic tone.
Distinguished: Writes with expert paragraph development, transitions, and academic
tone.
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DBA CAPSTONE TEMPLATE GUIDE
Milestone 5 Rubric.
School and Dean Reviews require scoring yes on all items – applies to entire Capstone.
The Table of Contents aligns with the with the capstone template.
The final project deliverable complies with academic honesty expectations.
The front material (title page through list of figures) is properly formatted and includes
all required components.
The final project deliverable presents a well-articulated rationale, problem statement, and
the anticipated significance of the study to practice and/or policy change.
The final project deliverable presents a thorough, well-synthesized review of the current
peer-reviewed literature and a discussion of theory.
The final project deliverable accurately presents the design, recruitment, instruments, and
data collection.
The final project deliverable presents the execution and results of an accurate analyses in
a logical manner to address the proposed change to practice and/or policy.
The final project deliverable discusses the application and implications of the work,
presenting clear recommendations for practice and/or policy change.
The references are properly formatted and reflective of the current literature of the field.
The sites and participants are de-identified.
The final project deliverable is well-written with proper grammar, usage, and mechanics.
All instructions, track-changes, formatting tools, rubric pieces, etc. have been removed.
