weeks2 response 2

DOCTORAL STUDY PROJECT TITLE

Trident University International - [year]

[NOTE: no indent on the first paragraph of the abstract]

Guidelines: Left justified. No indents. No citations.

Maximum length is 350 words. A proposal abstract includes items 1-5, and is in the future tense. The final version is in past tense and includes items 1–7.

1. Introduce the study topic briefly.

2. Clearly articulate the study problem and purpose and research question(s).

3. State the research method, design, and instruments used.

4. Identify the participants and sample size.

5. State the analysis process used.

6. Present key findings of study.

7. Present conclusions and recommendations for future research and implications for practice.

The purpose of the abstract is to assist future researchers in accessing the research material and other vital information contained in the DSP. Abstract must be in narrative format, For the Final DSP, the most important finding(s) should be stated with actual themes to support the conclusion(s). Refer to the APA Publication Manual for additional guidelines for the development of the abstract.

iv

The biographical sketch is brief professional career development document which describes your educational background, work experience(s), and any other professional activities/honors you would like to include. It may contain additional biographical facts. It is approximately 500 words. This section is optional. Delete if not used. If used, this section must be completed after Final DSP post-defense edits are completed and submitted for Director and Dean approval.

In this section, the student can state the purpose or inspiration for their research project. The student can describe what is hoped to be gained or contributions made by the research project. Many students share experiences and lessons learned along their doctoral journey. Indicate the total number of words contained in the document.

ABSTRACT ii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH iii PREFACE iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv TABLE OF CONTENTS iv LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 Background 1 Statement of the Problem 2 Purpose of the Study 3 Conceptual Framework 3 Research Questions 4 Method and Design Overview 5 Significance of the Study 5 Definition of Key Terms 5 Summary 6 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 7 Documentation 7 Organizational Analysis and Benchmarking 7 Theme/Topic [repeat as needed] 8 Subtheme/subtopic 9 Subtheme/subtopic 9 Theme/Topic [repeat as needed] 9 Subtheme/subtopic 10 Subtheme/subtopic 10 Theme/Topic [repeat as needed] 11 Subtheme/subtopic 11 Subtheme/subtopic 12 Method and Design Literature 12 Summary 12 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 13 Research Method and Design 13 Population 14 Sample 14 Data Collection Instruments 15 Data Collection Procedures 17 Data Processing 17 Data Analysis Procedures 17 Assumptions 18 Limitations 19 Delimitations 19 Ethical Assurances 19 Summary 20 CHAPTER IV: DATA COLLECTION AND DATA ANALYSIS 21 Descriptive Data 21 Results 21 Evaluation of Findings 24 Summary 25 CHAPTER V: APPLICATION TO PRACTICE AND DISCUSSION 26 Implications 26 Recommendations for Practice 26 Recommendations for Future Research 26 Conclusions 26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT 27 Introduction to the Business Problem 27 The Study 27 The Findings 27 Analysis of the Findings 28 Key Implications for Business 28 Recommendations for Practitioners 28 REFERENCES 30 APPENDIX A: LOI AND SITE AUTHORIZATIONS 31 APPENDIX B: INFORMED CONSENT FORM(S) 32 APPENDIX C: INSTRUMENTS AND PROTOCOLS 33 APPENDIX D: OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 34 GENERAL FORMATTING GUIDELINES 35

Table 1 Caption for Table 1 23

Table 2 Themes and Codes 23

Table 3 Summary of Research Question Findings 25

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

Figure 1 Case Study Research 24

(note: All Chapter titles should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 1”)

(The Introduction chapter is about 10 - 15 pages; Proposal drafts should be in future tense for Chapters 1-3. Final DSP drafts should be in past tense for all Chapters.)

[Do not begin with an Introduction heading. The DSP topic is introduced in one or more paragraphs (2 pages maximum) before the first heading. 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. Ensure to provide appropriate in-text citations in the following manner: Students may synthesize information from a resource and cite the resource at the end (Author & Second, YYYY). Students may also provide the authors in the sentence by stating that Author and Second (YYYY) explain certain information in this manner. See APA Manual for additional formats of in-text citations. Each citation should have a corresponding reference in the reference list. Each reference in the reference list must also have at least one corresponding in-text citation.]

(note: All second level headings should use the Word Styles format of “Heading 2”) [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 and Research Questions. 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.]

(Approximately 250-300 words) [Text… Begin the purpose statement with a succinct sentence that indicates the study method and overarching goal.

“The purpose of this [qualitative, mixed method] [case study, action research, process improvement, or other design] 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 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 or from the organization.]

(Approximately 1 page) [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 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.

3. An optional graphic representation of the conceptual framework may be provided. This must be created by the student and cannot be replicated from another source.

4. Two literary theories or models relating to the topic must be briefly incorporated. Details of the theories or models should be explained in the Literature Review.

(Approximately 1-2 paragraphs) [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 corresponds with the research questions. Qualitative research questions must be open-ended. A minimum of one research question is required.

RQ1.

RQ2.

Additional questions as needed.

Mixed methods studies may require hypotheses, which should also be presented here. However, due to the time constraints of this program, it is recommended that mixed methods only use statistical testing of secondary data to confirm qualitative results, which would not require hypotheses to be tested.]

(Approximately 250-300 words) [Discuss the proposed research method (qualitative or mixed methods) first. Then discuss the proposed research design (case study, action research, process improvement, etc.). 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 instruments, and data 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.]

(A minimum of 5-10 terms, based on the complexity of the topic) [Text (optional)…this section should be organized in dictionary format; alphabetize terms, provide a brief definition from the literature, and cite each definition. Terms should be important concepts related to the topic and concepts that would not be known by a layperson reader.]

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

Term 2. Definition (APA citation).

Term n. Definition (APA citation).

(Approximately 2 paragraphs) [Text…Briefly restate the key points, study purpose and proposed research plan. Provide a transition statement to Chapter 2.]

(note: Chapter should be a minimum of 30 pages)

(Do not provide an Introduction heading. Approximately 2-3 paragraphs for the introduction section.) [The literature review will contain several sub-headings that will be specific to the Doctoral Study Project. Headings should relate to the concepts and theories/models listed in the conceptual framework. Outline the headings in an appropriate order; this can be sequential, progression on the conceptual framework, or other relevant order.)

Text…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. Approximately 50 references should be utilized to support the literature review. Ensure all references are listed in the reference list at the end of the draft. All references should have a corresponding in-text citation. All in-text citations should also have a corresponding reference.]

[Include a paragraph that explains the literature search strategy and describes the library and search engine sources. The documentation section may include an APA formatted table that describes the nature and sources of references.]

[Begin the initial topics with an organizational analysis, including a comparison of the organization within its industry. This should also include an explanation of internal and/or external benchmarks used by the organization and industry as a means for comparison or tracking progress.]

(Replace “Theme/Topic”: 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 concepts 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.]

[All of the topics/subtopics should represent the theoretical or conceptual framework(s) related to the study. A minimum of two relevant theories or models must be included, each under its own heading or subheading. 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. Since each paragraph should relate to researched literature, there should be at least one citation per paragraph.]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Replace “Theme/Topic”: with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.)

[Begin the initial topics with an industry and organizational analysis. This should include explanation of internal and/or external benchmarks used by the organization and industry. 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 concepts 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.]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Replace “Theme/Topic”: with an appropriate heading that describes the discussion to follow.)

[Begin the initial topics with an industry and organizational analysis. This should include explanation of internal and/or external benchmarks used by the organization and industry. 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 concepts 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.]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Most Themes/Topics should have at least two subthemes/subtopics. For major topics that have multiple subtopics, provide third level APA headings. Third level headings should be in the Word Styles format of “Heading 3” text and should appear in the Table of Contents. You will begin your description of the subtopic immediately after the bold heading.] [repeat as needed]

(Approximately 2-3 paragraphs) [Text…explain empirical studies (those where authors conducted research studies) relevant to your topic or that utilized similar methods and designs related to your proposed study. This provides a foundational rationale for determining why you believe your chosen method and design will be beneficial to your study topic. The rationale may be complementary (similar to your method/design) or contrasting (stating that your method/design has not been used to examine this topic previously). Provide at least three empirical references that describe methods, designs, and the instruments used for data collection. Note: This is NOT an explanation of your method and design. It is focused solely on prior research to show your reader that you understand prior research as rationale for your drafted Chapter 3.]

(Approximately 2-3 paragraphs) [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. Provide a transition to Chapter 3.]

(note: Chapter 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.]

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

1. Elaborate on the chosen research design (e.g., qualitative or mixed methods). Note that purely quantitative methods is not an expected methodology for the DBA program.

2. Elaborate on the chosen research design (e.g., case study, action research, process improvement, phenomenology, descriptive, etc.) appropriateness to respond to the study purpose. (Understand that studies providing recommendations for improvement are not considered process improvement studies; process improvement relates to implementation of change by the researcher to determine its impact on the organization.)

3. Briefly 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. This is an overview and not step-by-step.

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

[Provide a description of the population (as appropriate), estimated population 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 general population (stakeholders within the topic area) and the target population (those that meet the traits for participating in your study). Specific inclusionary or exclusionary traits of the target population should also be explained.]

[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 (convenient, purposive, random, etc.) and minimum sample size (include sample size in total and as a breakdown between the sources of data that utilize participants; minimum sample size should be at least 15 participants total, combined from all sources):

1. 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.

2. Quantitative portions (for a mixed methods study only) may also 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. Purely quantitative methods is not an expected methodology in the DBA program. Mixed Methods should utilize a quantitative source of data that is considered secondary/archival data (researcher does not collect this data; it is retrieved from another source) which is used for triangulation of qualitative data collected.

As appropriate: Describe the amount of existing secondary data that is expected for collection 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 must be described in sufficient detail so that the process could theoretically be replicated. Ensure to define the procedure from the literature.]

[In this section, include a description of data sources such as (a) secondary 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/focus group protocols, including a description of how the protocol questions were developed with appropriate qualitative research method support (include protocols 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; two sources must be primary sources. Place the description of instruments in the sequential order that data will be collected.

Note: The development process and tests for instrument and construct reliability and validity must be described in detail within this section of 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. Expert reviews should be conducted by at least one scholar with a doctoral degree and qualitative research experience and by at least one practictioner who is considered an expert in a relevant field to the DSP toic. This section should explain the qualifications of the reviewers and note that the final instruments provided in the appendix were updated to meet expert feedback. These reviews should be done before proposal defense. A pilot study is conducted after IRB approval and includes conducting the instruments with two or more participants that meet the criteria for study participation, but they cannot be included in the study results. Pilot study is used to determine if questions are appropriate to elicit responses that will allow for answering the research question. Edits to the instruments should be conducted prior to data collection.]

Note: The instruments do not need to be created prior to the Prospectus Presentation. All instruments must be created prior to the Proposal Defense.

[Describe the collection procedure in a sequential step-by-step explanation. This should be stated in enough detail so that the study could be replicated. Provide specific details relative to the execution of the design. Describe the types of data to be collected (recommended to breakdown this section into the three sources of data, in the sequential order that the three sources will be collected). The collection process should also explain how participants will be recruited and how the informed consent form was completed by the participants prior to collecting data. Recommended to use a subheading for each instrument/source of data to ensure the collection of each is adequately defined. Readers must be able to replicate the study based on this description. This includes the procedure for accessing and retrieving secondary data.]

Note: This section will only need to briefly explain the three processes prior to the Prospectus Presentation. All details must be provided prior to the Proposal Defense.

[Describe how data will be processed following the collection procedures. This should include steps for transcription of audio files, either through a professional, available software, or manual transcribing (which is very time consuming). This section must also explain the procedures for storing and protecting the raw data, both physical and electronic, until and throughout data analysis and final reporting.]

[Describe the data analysis procedures in enough detail so that it could be replicated. Describe the steps that will be taken to carry out the analysis. Describe the method for storing and categorizing data. This may include the use of electronic software used for analysis. Each source of data may have a different analysis process (if so, use separate subheadings for each source of data). Analysis procedures should follow a procedure found in the literature and be cited. Explain how the author of the published analysis procedure explains each step and then explain how you will implement each step.

1. Qualitative: Describe how the data will be analyzed (including any efforts for triangulation). Provide primary qualitative design support for the proposed analytical strategy. Explain the role of the researcher. Most often, this will require thematic analysis and an explanation of the coding process. The use of descriptive statistics is often beneficial and does not change the study to mixed methods, assuming no statistical testing is required.

2. Quantitative (for mixed methods): 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).

3. Triangulation process should be explained following analysis of data, if applicable.

Note: The process should stay in sequential order based on the order explained in the data collection section. It may be necessary to detail analysis of each source of data individually, using subheadings to define each, and then combining the analysis of each to show triangulation (how the individual results form a final conclusion).]

[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). These are not assumed outcomes or findings of the study.]

[Describe the study limitations (potential weaknesses to interpretation and validity) within the context of the study design. Limitations are those items that cannot be controlled by the researcher; they should not include any components that the researcher could change. 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). Delimitations are those items that are determined as parameters of the study by the researcher. 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. The Letter of Intent and Site Authorization, as necessary, must be explained. 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.

Note: Anonymity can only be provided from a source of data where no human interaction occurs with the researcher, most commonly for an anonymous survey that does not collect any personal information. All other sources must explain the process for ensuring confidentiality.]

[Summarize key points presented in Chapter 3 and provide supporting citations for key points. Provide a transition to Chapter 4.

Note: When the proposal is approved and after the research is carried out, revise text for Chapters 1, 2, and 3 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.]

(note: Chapter should be 10 – 20 pages)

(Do not provide an Introduction heading. Approximately 10-20 pages for the entire chapter; approximately 1-2 paragraphs for the introduction) [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.

[Report the descriptives of the data collected. This may include the number of participants for each source of data collected, number of documents used in secondary data, demographic breakdown of the participants, length of interviews or focus groups, or other descriptive data point that can assist in understanding the population used within the study. Tables and Figures are beneficial to explain the data quickly. Tables and Figures must be explained within the text, as well.]

[Data analyses – Report results without discussion of impact/conclusions (interpretation, speculation, etc. appears in the next section). Results must be supported with direct quotations of the raw data:

1. 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 (including explanation of codes, categories, and/or themes created during the analysis process),

d. Ensure that no potentially indentifying information is published.

2. For Quantitative analyses (of a mixed methods study),

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.

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 manual for guidelines on displaying results.]

Example of tables provided:

Example of figures provided (note that if it would not fit in the space provided, the entire Table or Figure is moved the next page; if Table or Figure if longer than one page, ensure title appears with the beginning of the Table or Figure):

[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. Ensure to examine any weaknesses of the data that may have altered the findings. This section should provide rationale for the specific answers to each Research Question posed in the study.]

[Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 4. The research questions should be restated and the final answer(s), based on the findings, should be directly stated here. Provide a transition to Chapter 5.]

(note: Chapter should be 10 – 20 pages)

(Do not provide an Introduction heading. Approximately 10-20 pages for the entire chapter; approximately 1-2 paragraphs for the introduction) [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, minimum of 3-5. Note: support all recommendations with the research findings.]

[Present recommendations for future research, minimum of 3-5.]

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

The Executive Summary Report should begin with a brief explanation of the business problem that was examined during the research study. The Executive Summary Report should be specific to the information needed by the organization and should read as a Consultation Report based on the findings of the research study. Graphics, charts, and tables that summarize data and findings can be useful in providing necessary information to the organizational leadership. The total report should be approximately 5-10 pages. A copy of the Report will be added to the DSP following Chapter 5.

This section should provide a brief explanation of the study purpose and design. This does not require specific details of the collection and analysis processes.

This section should provide a brief explanation of the findings. This section does not explain the implications or recommendations based on those findings. The below table may assist in summarizing the findings. This table is not required.

Summary of Research Question Findings

This section should provide an explanation of the completed analysis. This should incorporate the associated themes from the analysis.

Theme 1: [insert]. Explain theme.

Theme 2: [insert]. Explain theme. (Repeat this process for each theme.)

This table may provide an easy reference for themes and their corresponding codes from the analysis. This table is not required.

Themes and Codes

The findings should provide some implications for the organization. Explain those implications in this section. Ensure to use language that is specific to the organization and field of practice.

The implications should provide for recommendations of action or improvement. Provide those recommendations here. Ensure these are actions or improvements that can be utilized by the organization directly. Do not explain recommendations related to the general field, unless the organization has the ability to further that recommendation. There should not be any recommendations related to theory or research advancement, unless the organization have the ability to conduct such research.

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment. T.H.E. Journal, 31(9), 12-18. https://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/04/01/Electronic-Portfolios-Blending-Technology-Accountability--Assessment.aspx

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

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. Jossey-Bass.

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

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; double space between consecutive references in the reference list. Resources longer than one line of text should provide a hanging indent of 1/2 inch of subsequent lines.

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 numbers. Please refer to the APA Publication Manual for guidance.

Note: APA requires a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) be provided, if one has been assigned.

Insert all required LOIs and Site Authorizations from organizational Site Representatives. These documents must include signatures from the Site Representatives. Ensure all Appendices have an appropriate title after the colon. All appendices should be cited in the text.

Insert the template of the Informed Consent Form(s) that are used for the study participants. Each instrument may require a separate Informed Consent Form if utilized by a different sub-population. The completed forms, signed by the participants, are NOT included in the appendix. Ensure all Appendices have an appropriate title after the colon. All appendices should be cited in the text.

Insert all required instruments or protocols used to collect data. Note that the DSP requires three sources of data. Most sources of data, except for use of secondary archival records, should require a physical instrument or protocol. Ensure all Appendices have an appropriate title after the colon. All appendices should be cited in the text.

Insert any additional documents or information that must be incorporated into the DSP, such as recruitment letters, coding tables, etc. Ensure all Appendices have an appropriate title after the colon. All appendices should be cited in the text.