Security architecture and design

Hyder Hussain

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[REPLACE WITH YOUR DISSERTATION TITLE]

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of [Management or Computer Science]

[Replace with your Name]

Colorado Technical University

[Replace with Month, Year of Completion]

Committee

[Mentor name], [Degree], Chair

[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member

__________________________________________ Date Approved

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ ii

List of Tables .................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

List of Figures ................................................................................................................ iv

Chapter One .................................................................................................................... 1

Topic Overview/Background...................................................................................... 1

Problem Opportunity Statement ................................................................................. 2

Purpose Statement....................................................................................................... 3

Research Question(s) .................................................................................................. 4

Hypotheses/Propositions............................................................................................. 6

Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework....................................................... 8

Assumptions/Biases .................................................................................................... 8

Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 9

Delimitations............................................................................................................. 11

Limitations ................................................................................................................ 11

Definition of Terms................................................................................................... 12

General Overview of the Research Design ............................................................... 13

Summary of Chapter One ......................................................................................... 13

Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal) ............................................................... 14

iii

Chapter Two.................................................................................................................. 15

Review and Discussion of the Literature .................................................................. 15

Summary of Literature Review................................................................................. 16

Chapter Three................................................................................................................ 17

Research Tradition(s)................................................................................................ 17

Research Questions ................................................................................................... 17

Research Design........................................................................................................ 18

Sampling Procedure .................................................................................................. 18

Instrumentation ......................................................................................................... 19

Validity ..................................................................................................................... 20

Reliability.................................................................................................................. 21

Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 22

Data Analysis ............................................................................................................ 23

Ethical Considerations .............................................................................................. 24

Summary of Chapter Three....................................................................................... 25

References..................................................................................................................... 27

Appendix....................................................................................................................... 28

List of Figures [Add List of Figures here]

Chapter One

Dissertation topic is introduced and described to establish the main ideas and context of

the proposed study … something like………..

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Sustainable management skills have become increasingly important in electronic design

project management (reference, 2012), especially for managers working in [indicate your

concentration relationship]. These skills have a vital effect in [indicate the importance]. Thus,

[your concentration] managers have many important responsibilities, including the development

of [indicate how your research is a needed solution to resolving issues within your topic domain]

(reference, 2009; reference, 2013).

The goal of this study is to understand, from the standpoint of …………, which [indicate

topic solutions] and managers consider valuable with respect to [your research topic]. The

significant meaning of [your topic solution] is …………. (reference, 2012; reference, 2006).

However, [your research topic] are often complicated by the dissimilar perceptions concerning

what [your research solution should indicate] (reference, 2014; reference, 2014; reference, 2014).

Organizations often struggle to maintain …………… (reference, 2014; reference, 2009).

Thus, understanding [your topic], such as ……………, can uncover ………… needed to

………….. (reference, 2012). Toward this end, [your topic solution] is dependent upon the

diverse nature of ……………. (reference, 2014; reference, 2014).

Well-established [your topic solutions] are vital to ………. success (reference, 2012).

Toward this end, [your topic solution] reduces ………….. (reference, 2011; reference, 2011).

One scheme to [reduce your topic problem] failures could be to …………… (reference, 2011;

reference, 2011; reference, 2014).

Commented [SM1]: This information is not intended to be a fill in the blank template; rather, the information is provided as training material so you understand what is expected. Compare your writing to the Dissertation Template and the Dissertation Checklist.

Commented [SM2]: This is the research topic. Notice how the research topic is presented first.

Go to the problem / research question that needs a solution and your research will address.

Notice, there are no questions presented here. Present issues/concerns indicating research that is needed.

Then, in the next section, you present the background of these issues/concerns.

This introduction is approximately one page.

The primary concern that a [your concentration] manager must resolve regarding [your

topic] issues is to ensure ………….. (reference, 2004; reference, 2010). Thus, [your

concentration] managers must have the ………….. to accomplish ……….. essential to the

organization’s success. Delineating the [your topic solution] needed in a [type of] company is a

complicated, vague, and complex issue due to the …………. involved (reference, 2012).

The …………. industry [or organizations] needs ……….. to maintain a successful

……………… (reference, 2013; reference, 2013). However, focused research on …………. is

needed to ensure …………….. can be achieved.

Topic Overview/Background

Dissertation topic is introduced and described to establish the main ideas and context of

the proposed study … something like ………..

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the past two decades, the [environment of your problem] has changed. While

……… have improved, ………….. aspects have not achieved the same level of expectations

(reference, 2013). Toward this end, research investigations have indicated [a shortage or gap in

the knowledge that is needed – what is this] (reference, 2013; reference, 2009). This lack of

……….. is creating ……………., which must be improved to ……………. Therefore,

………….. research is needed to ……………… (reference, 2013).

The review of past and current research offered ……………. in a ………….. setting

(reference, 2014). However, practitioners and researchers have given only a nominal thought to

……………. In other studies, researchers have ……………. and ……………. (reference, 2013;

reference, 2006). Follow-on research has addressed ……………., but ………….. still remains

Commented [SM3]: Why is topic of current interest

unsolved. Thus, from these rudimentary determinations, it is conceivable to [do what] to

understand [what] within [what] environments.

[your concentration] managers have typically understood …………….. Overall, [your

topic and its solutions] play a significant role that is central to ……………… (reference, 2013).

Earlier research has exposed ……………. (reference, 2011). Hence, the desire is to

…………….. (reference, 2009). Based on these findings, studies have surveyed [summarization

of what has been done] (reference, 2009; reference, 2011).

[The types of solutions you envision] are necessary to [do what] are an essential, critical

factor to [your topic’s] present and future survival (reference, 2014). However, [work in your

topic area] continue to advance and evolve. Thus, present-day [activities and scenarios applicable

to the problem you see needs to be addressed] are forcing …………….. [your concentration]

managers to incorporate new ……………………. (reference, 2009). As such, …………. need to

evolve to maintain and improve current ……………… and become more effective to

……………….. (reference, 2011; reference, 2013).

Problem Statement

-Discusses the general issue/observation that in practice leads to the need for a study

-Citations are 5 years old or less from peer-reviewed literature or Government databases

-Problem identified is a practical problem versus a theoretical problem

-Problem is directly connected to degree type and concentrations

…………..something like………..

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My suggestions for writing a problem statement are …….

Elements of a Problem Statement include

Commented [SM4]: Focuses on area of research interest

Commented [SM5]: Lays the groundwork for what has been done in the research area.

Commented [SM6]: Why is research area of importance to practical concerns

Commented [SM7]: From Dissertation Checklist

--A cited statement of the specialty-related problem

--Anchor the problem using a number or statistic to illustrate its significance for doctoral

research

--Identifying the gap in the literature regarding the problem

--Indicating how the proposed study might fill the gap

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Using these suggestions, a problem opportunity statement could be….

The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is the significant distrust in automated

medical records, which is causing more than 10,000 deaths each year (Jones, 2015). The lack of

medical record data security is known to be the primary reason patients do not feel safe with

automated medical records (Smith, 2013). Once the characteristics of safe medical records are

determined, automated medical records could be established with the necessary safe aspects

expected by the using public (Green, 2014).

Notice how the above paragarph contains the four elements of a problem statement and

satisfies the Dissertation checklist.

Add a second paragraph to the problem opportunity statement if you believe it is needed.

Purpose Statement

Qualitative

• After establishing the statement of the problem, align the purpose statement with the

problem statement

• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the proposed/accomplished

work

• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a purpose statement

Commented [SM8]: My comments on what you should be considering when writing the problem opportunity statement.

Commented [SM9]: Prepare something like this for your problem opportunity statement.

• The strategy of inquiry

• The study’s method of conveying learning

• The central phenomenon of the study

• The participants in the study

• The site of the research

• The phenomenon or primary idea used to focus the study

• A tentative definition of the central phenomenon

Quantitative

• After establishing the statement of the problem, align the purpose statement with the

problem statement

• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the proposed/accomplished

work

• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a purpose statement

– The study type description

– The study’s independent variable, dependent variable, and control variable

– Participants

– The geographical location of the study

– Definitions of the independent variable, dependent variable, and control variable

– Additional results the study may provide

– The intended users of the research results

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From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Concise statements describing the intent of the study

• Aligns with the problem • Indicates the reason for the study • Research method is identified • Research design is identified • Quantitative studies identify the variables/constructs • Qualitative studies identify the phenomenon/concepts • Identifies specific population • Identifies the number of participants • Identifies the geographic location of the study

Research Question

-Questions are aligned with problem and purpose (i.e., research questions are the problem

stated as a question)

-Research questions are not answerable with a “Yes” or “No” response

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• Research questions are for the researcher only

• Research questions guide the researcher’s thinking to ensure the proper data are

collected, which answers the problem in the problem statement or fills the noted gap

• Qualitative research questions should start with the words what or how

– Creswell (2009) indicated these words indicate an openness and emergence of

design, which addresses the phenomenon of interest

– Your qualitative study will have one overarching research question

– Qualitative research questions are developed based on a central question

– Qualitative research questions do not have hypotheses

Qualitative Research Question example ...

If the problem sentence is … The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is since 1980,

more than 50% of small business start-ups fail in the first 5 years because the leadership

competencies for start-up IT managers have not been established (Greene, 2012).

Commented [SM10]: From Dissertation Checklist

Then the purpose sentence is … The purpose of the proposed qualitative phenomenological

study is to explore the leadership competencies for start-up IT managers.

Then the research question is … What are the leadership competencies for start-up IT managers?

Quantitative Research Question example …

Focus your research questions on the possible relationship (correlation) between/among

variables, only. Consider formatting your research questions as

To what extent, if any, does (independent variable) relate to (dependent variable)

for (participants) at (the research site)?

In addition, hypotheses are needed for quantitative questions

Hypothesis statement format

H10: <null>

H1A: <alternative>

• H10: IT flexibility is not correlated to IT effectiveness

• H1A: IT flexibility is correlated to IT effectiveness

Example

To what extent, if any, is there a significant influence of operational software types (independent

variable [IV]) on user satisfaction (dependent variable [DV]) within small manufacturing

businesses?

H10: A correlation does not exist between operational software types (IV) and

user satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses

H1A: A correlation does exist between operational software types (IV) and user

satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses

Hypotheses/Propositions

You do not have both. Hypotheses are used for quantitative research. Proposition is used

for qualitative research.

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From the checklist ….

Quantitative - Rationale for the hypotheses is provided - Both null and alternative hypotheses are provided - Hypotheses are testable with each variable operationalized - Phrasing of hypotheses reflects nature of analysis (i.e., comparison, relationship, or association)

Qualitative - Provide statements that direct the focus of the study

Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework

You do not have both. Your framework is the theoretical/conceptual boundary of your

study; your problem is somewhere within the framework (theoretical framework = quantitative;

conceptual framework = qualitative; not both)

Your writing should indicate the chosen theory and the establishment of a framework

within which your study fits

An analogy

The fence around your backyard is the framework

The framework captures a set of concepts, ideas, and theories, which define or

establish a topic field or domain

Somewhere within the backyard, you will plant a tree (your study)

Commented [RL11]: Change the heading, by deleting the word not associated with your study. -Quantitative should use Hypotheses -Qualitative should use Propositions -Other methods usually use Proposition

Your framework section describes where you intend to plant your tree within the

established framework, with justification from the literature that supports

your planting decisions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcnufgQzMjc is an example

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Here are the checklist items. Suggest a paragraph for each bulleted item

• Presents an overview of the broad conceptual and/or theoretical framework of the study • Describes how the research problem/questions are “bounded” by the framework • Indicates the theory under which the research falls • Establishes how proposed research “fits” with other research in the field • Discusses issues, perspectives, and, if appropriate, controversies in the field • Demonstrates familiarity with historical and current literature

Assumptions/Biases

• Within the study, basic assumptions underlie the discussions of your topic (facts assumed

to be true, but not verified). Examples might be

– Participant confidentiality or anonymity issues are removed by design

– Cultural and environmental factors are inherent and cannot be removed by proper

design

– Sample size determines the variability of the population

– The participants chosen have insights to topic being studied

– Your methodology is appropriate for your problem

– Your methodology requires [fill in the blank], which allows a logical analysis of

data needed to formulate a problem solution

– Data assumptions

• [Fill in the blank with methodology] requires valid [fill in the blank with

data type], which will be collected reliably with instrument

• [Fill in the blank with your topic] will be the sole focus of the study

• Your research will be an analysis of [fill in the blank with data type] data

requiring [fill in the blank with analysis type] analysis

• Research biases must be removed or reduced

• Provide a clear statement of researcher responsibility to collect valid and reliable data

– Precludes the concern for garbage-in/garbage out

– Provide a clear statement of researcher experience with the study topic

– IRB will be interested in the probability of bias because of pre-existing topic

knowledge

– Acknowledge data collection and data analysis will follow existing techniques

explicitly; deviations will be documented in the Proposal

– Provide a clear statement recognizing the possibility of biases

– Indicate these biases will be removed or reduced

– Personal feeling and biases as well as presupposed problems and issues will be set

aside

– Topic awareness supports a better understanding of the research plan

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Here are the checklist items. Suggest you provide a paragraph for each bulleted item.

• Discusses how basic assumptions underlie the research topic (i.e., facts are assumed to be true, but not verified)

• Provides a clear statement of researcher experience with the research problem/questions • Provides a clear statement recognizing the possibility of biases • Discusses possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and values

Significance of the Study

• Present the following

– A global reason for conducting the study

– The study’s uniqueness

– The anticipated value or impact to the problem domain (i.e., what specifically to

management)

– Who specifically will benefit from the study’s results

• Academic field,

• Society,

• Profession,

• Community, or

• Population

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From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Indicates a global reason for the study and its uniqueness • Indicates the anticipated value or impact to the problem domain (i.e., what specifically to

management or computer science) • Indicates who will benefit from the study’s results (i.e., the academic field, to society, to a

profession, to the community, and/or to a particular population)

Delimitations

• Indicates what variables the researcher can control (or limit)

• Delimitations are the bounds of the study

• Examples

o This study will confine itself to surveying (describe sample selection).

o This study will focus on (name key variables).

o Only (explain how you will eliminate/include potential subjects) will be included in

the study.

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From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Discusses delimitations are the bounds of the study • Discusses the variables the researcher can control (or limit) that are applicable to the study

Limitations

• The research aspects the researcher cannot control (i.e., the potential weaknesses)

• Indicate any limitations because of instrument validity/reliability issues

• Examples

o This study is limited by the honesty of the subjects' responses during the interviews

o This study is limited by the amount of time available to conduct the study

o Validity of this study is limited to the reliability of the instruments used.

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From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Discusses limitations are the research aspects the researcher cannot control (i.e., the potential weaknesses)

• Discusses the variables the researcher cannot control or limit • Indicates any limitations because of instrument validity/reliability issues

Definition of Terms

• A need exists for a knowledge sharing vocabulary that establishes similar meaning and

enable common understanding

• Words defined in an unusual manner or have more than one definition need to be defined

• Terms must be unique and critical to the study

• Presented alphabetically

• Suggest the following format

Term: The term is . . . (reference, year).

Phrase of words: The phrase of words is . . . (reference, year).

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From the checklist …

• Discusses definitions representing key operational terms or words that are unique and/or critical to reader understanding (i.e., defined in an unusual manner or have more than one definition)

• Definitions are supported with citations while minimizing quotations

General Overview of the Research Design

• Writing for this section should address

o Brief statement of what a methodology establishes

o Indicate three methodologies exist

o Indicate which methodology is chosen and why

o Indicate why other two methodologies were not chosen

o Based on chosen methodology, indicate design options available

o Indicate which design is chosen and why

o Indicate why other design options were not chosen

o In summary for this section, indicate simply why chosen methodology and design is

appropriate for proposed study.

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From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Presents a synopsis of the research methodology and why the methodology is appropriate for the study

• Identifies and generally describes research design and why the design is appropriate for the study

• Identifies and generally describes research procedures (e.g., action research, long interviews) • Places the study in context with similar studies

Summary of Chapter One

From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the bulleted items.

• Summarizes key points presented in Chapter 1 (with supporting citations) • Introduces Chapter 2 and presents its importance to the study • Transitions the reader to Chapter 2

Organization of Proposal

From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for …

• Presents a brief discussion of how the proposal/dissertation is organized

Chapter Two

[Of the five (or six) chapters of a CTU dissertation, the structure of Chapter Two is the

most variable. The heading in Chapter Two will be specific to the content of the chapter, as it is

related to the research topic and proposed study. However, the following elements should be

included in Chapter Two, regardless of the sections.

Chapter Two is a presentation of a review of the literature. The researcher accomplishes

three things during the process of developing Chapter Two: a) the researcher develops subject

matter expertise in the topics relating to his/her research, b) the researcher identifies and

substantiates a gap in the body of knowledge (your topic) that will be addressed by the study, and

c) the researcher develops a conceptual framework which informs the research design. THIS

DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE REMOVED BEFORE SUBMITTING THE MANUSCRIPT]

[Chapter Two shall contain the following content (although headings may vary):]

[The introduction to Chapter Two tells the reader what the chapter is to be about, and

tells the reader how the chapter will be organized. According to APA sixth edition, this section

should not have a heading.]

Review and Discussion of the Literature (the exact headings will depend on the content)

[The researcher presents and discusses key literature related to his/her topic and makes

the connection between these and his/her research topic. The sections in the Review and

Discussion of the Literature should demonstrate the researcher’s mastery of the literature in

his/her area(s) of study. The sections throughout Chapter 2 should be descriptive of the material

being shared. Each major section should use CTU Level 1 style.]

[A synthesis of the literature should also be included. The synthesis is a purposeful

organization of information that reflects the researcher’s critical thinking that supports the

Commented [SM12]: Chapter Two must contain at least 25 pages.

direction that this specific research takes. The synthesis provides the foundation for the

conceptual framework which is a narrative (and visual, if desired) picture of how the literature

examination and subsequent critical thinking combine to form a “whole” which represents the

researcher’s intellectual approach to the study. As a result, it is clear to both the researcher and

readers how the topics discussed are seen in relationship to each other from the unique

perspective of the researcher, and supported by the literature. This synthesis may be presented in

a variety of ways, but often is topological or chronological, or both.]

Conceptual Framework

[This section should discuss, in narrative form, how the researcher sees the relationships

between, and orientation of, the theories, models, constructs, contexts, researcher assumptions,

etc. explored during the literature review and how these fit together in the researcher’s thinking.

This provides the researcher with an opportunity to craft his/her own unique approach to the

research or to confirm that their proposed research matches existing research by presenting a

coherent logic for the proposed research. It is highly recommended that a graphic representation

accompany the narrative in this section. If using another author’s conceptual framework (because

it completely matches yours) please attribute the framework. If using a graphic from another

author that completely matches yours you must have written permission from the copyright

holder to reprint their material (Please see the Dissertation Toolbox for more information on

Conceptual Frameworks).]

Summary of Literature Review

The researcher provides a summary of the key elements of Chapter Two and provides a

brief transition to Chapter 3.

Chapter Three

Restates the research problem

Restates the research purpose

Reflects a brief overview of the chapter

Research Tradition

A methodology is used in research to . . . (reference, year).

--continue paragraph 1 … use citations--

The qualitative methodology will be used for the proposed study.

--continue paragraph 2 … use citations --

The qualitative methodology is appropriate for the proposed study because . . . (reference,

year). The quantitative methodology will not be used for the proposed study because… The

mixed methods methodology will not be used for the proposed study because …

--continue paragraph 3 … use citations --

A research design is used to …. (reference, year).

--continue paragraph 4 … use citations --

Based on the selection of the qualitative methodology, an exploratory design approach

will be used (reference, year).

Commented [SM13]: This information is not intended to be a fill in the blank template; rather, the information is provided as training material so you understand what is expected. Compare your writing to the Dissertation Template and the Dissertation Checklist.

--continue paragraph 5 … use citations --

An exploratory qualitative approach is appropriate for the proposed study because …

(reference, year). I considered three design options: ethnography, case study, and

phenomenology. The case study design will not be used for the proposed study because… The

ethnography design will not be used in the proposed study because … The phenomenological

design will not be used in the proposed study because …

--continue paragraph 6 … use citations --

Research Question

Restates the research question and hypotheses (if quantitative)

--copy and paste from Chapter 1--

Presents the overarching question on what will be researched for the study

--continue paragraph 2--

Research Design

Indicate in this section the organization of the research design sections that you will be

addressing.

The above Research Design information is one paragraph.

Population and Sample

The population in a research study …….. (reference, year). The population for the

proposed study is [fill in population] in [fill in location] that have successfully performed [fill in

what you are studying]. The estimated size of the population is [fill in quantification]. This

population is appropriate because …………. (reference, year). [Fill in generalized reference to

company(s) or people] are the [facilities or group] that will be used to conduct the study.

A sample is ……….. (reference, year). Sample size is ……….. (reference, year). Sample

size is determined by ……….. (reference, year). The sample size for the proposed study is

………… (reference, year). The sample size is appropriate because XXXXXX (year) and

YYYYYY (year) conducted similar studies where a sample size of ….. and ….. were used.

Sampling Procedure

A sampling procedure is ………. (reference, year). For the proposed study, ……… will

be used as the sampling procedure. [Fill in sampling procedure] allows ……….. (reference,

year). [Fill in sampling procedure] is appropriate for the proposed study because ………..

(reference, year).

Before participants are chosen, [discuss letter of permission to use site] -discuss data

collection, observations, and field notes remain the property of the researcher (reference, year)

[1-2 sentences] -discuss anonymity and confidentiality will be ensured (reference, year) [1-2

sentences] -indicate company can withdraw at any time (reference, year).

Once the permission to use site letter is obtained, and after IRB approval, potential

participants will be contacted using emails or phone numbers obtained from ………..

Participants are characterized by establishing selection criteria (reference, year). The selection

criteria for participants is ….. The required demographic characteristics are ……… [The

researcher works with the person that signed the permission to use site letter to obtain

participants that match the selection criteria.]

Potential participants will be contacted by email or phone requesting their participation.

When a participant agrees to participate in the study, the informed consent form (See Appendix

A) will be sent to the participant (reference, year). Next, interview times and dates will be

established with each study participant.

Data collection will occur using notes, recordings of interviews, and observations of

study participants (reference, year). Each interview is expected to take xxxx minutes and will be

recorded. The recorded data will be transcribed in MSWord and password protected. The data

are then cross-referenced with any notes and relevant information that were collected (reference,

year).

Instrumentation

For qualitative research, the researcher is an implicit part of the research and must collect

valid and reliable data (reference, year). Qualitative researchers often serve as the instrument

(reference, year). Qualitative research uses open-ended questions.

During data collection, a …………. will be used to capture data from face-to-face

interviews. The interview process uses interview questions to capture the interviewee’s

perceptions (see Appendix A). The interview is expected to last ….. minutes.

In interview protocol template, a digital voice recorder, and ….. will be the primary data

collection tools for the study. [describe details of what devices/software will be used].

Open-ended, semistructured interview questions will be used to explore …………….

Reference (year) noted open-ended interview questions encourage participants to provide

detailed descriptions of their lived experiences. Depending upon the responses provided, follow-

up or probing questions will be used to capture additional details (reference, year). One-on-one

interviews will take place at a date and time of convenient to each participant.

Handwritten notes of each participant’s interview will be captured. [describe what

observations will be captured]

The labeling of the captured data will be used to ensure ………..

The process for ensuring participants are not harmed includes ……………..

Reliability and validity of the data collection instrument is an important consideration in

research (reference, year). Reliability of the data collection occurs when …. (reference, year).

Validity

- Describes dependability and its application to the study

- Describes credibility and its application to the study

- Describes transferability and its application to the study

- Describes confirmability and its application to the study.

Ashworth, C. J. (2012). Marketing and organizational development in e-SMEs: Understanding survival and sustainability in growth-oriented and comfort-zone pure-play enterprises in the fashion retail industry. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 8, 165-201. doi:10.1007/s11365-011-0171-6

Elo, S., Kaariainen, M., Kanste, O., Polkki, T., Utriainen, K., & Kyngas, H. (2014). Qualitative content analysis: A focus on trustworthiness. SAGE Open, 4(1), 1-10. doi:10.1177/2158244014522633

Henry, N. B. (2012). Disaster management in Cameroon: The Lake Nyos disaster experience. Disaster Prevention and Management, 21, 489-506. doi:10.1108/09653561211256189

Houghton, C., Casey, D., Shaw, D., & Murphy, K. (2013). Rigor in qualitative case-study research. Nurse Researcher, 20(4), 12-17. Retrieved from http://rcnpublishing.com/journal/nr

Järvensivu, T., & Törnroos, J. Å. (2010). Case study research with moderate constructionism: Conceptualization and practical illustration. Industrial Marketing Management, 39, 100- 108. doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.05.00

Knies, S., Candel, M. J. J. M., Boonen, A., Evers, S. M. A. A., Ament, A. J. H. A., & Severens, J. L. (2012). Lost productivity in four European countries among patients with rheumatic disorders. PharmacoEconomics, 30, 795-807. doi:10.2165/11591520

Leon, N., Lewin, S., & Mathews, C. (2013). Implementing a provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) intervention in Cape Town, South Africa: A process evaluation using the normalization process model. Implementation Science, 8, 97. doi:10.1186/1748-5908- 8-97

Malterud, K. (2001). Qualitative research: Standards, challenges, and guidelines. The lancet, 358(9280), 483-488. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05627-6

Commented [SM14]: The following are example references you might use when writing about validity.

Nordhagen, S., Calverley, D., Foulds, C., O'keefe, L., & Wang, X. (2014). Climate change research and credibility: Balancing tensions across professional, personal, and public domains. Climatic Change, 125, 149-162. doi:10.1007/s10584-014-1167-3

Perrier, L., Buja, A., Mastrangelo, G., Baron, P. S., Ducimetière, F., Pauwels, P. J., . . . Ray- Coquard, I. (2014). Transferability of health cost evaluation across locations in oncology: Cluster and principal component analysis as an explorative tool. BMC Health Services Research, 14, 537 doi:10.1186/s12913-014-0537-x

Söderholm, P., & Norrbin, P. (2014). Information logistics for continuous dependability improvement. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, 20, 249-261. doi:10.1108/JQME-05-2014-0030

Wilson, T. R., Birks, Y., & Alexander, D. J. (2013). Pitfalls in the interpretation of standardized quality of life instruments for individual patients? A qualitative study in colorectal cancer. Quality of Life Research, 22, 1879-88. doi:10.1007/s11136-012-0303-7

Reliability

Reliability relates to the ability of a measuring instrument to ………. (reference, year).

Reliability refers to the extent of the consistency of ……….. (reference, year).

Reliability is the consistency with which researchers measure the results of an instrument

…………….. (reference, year). Triangulation improves the reliability of collected data ………

(reference, year). The reliability of the collected data obtained by asking open-ended questions

increases …………. (reference, year).

Conducting member checking enhances the reliability and validity of the data collection

process (reference, year). After reviewing the interview data, [provide process to be used].

Researchers use member checking to validate study findings (reference, year). Reference (year)

used member checking to …………..

Using triangulation contributes to ………….. (reference, year). Through triangulation,

the researcher will identify categories and themes using multiple resources. This process aids in

interpreting …………. (reference, year). Triangulation is a data analysis technique used in

qualitative case studies to ………. (reference, year). Triangulation is the process of using

…………….. (reference, year). For the proposed study, triangulation will be accomplished by

………….. (reference, year).

A pilot study will be conducted by …………………..

Data Collection

The research question guides the data collection process necessary to capture needed

information for the proposed study (reference, year). The research question is: …………. The

data collection technique selected to answer the research question will be semistructured

interviews. Semistructured interviews provide reliable data, …….., and ……….. (reference,

year). Semistructured interviews encourage participants to elaborate ………. (reference, year).

Phone and email will be used to communicate with potential participants to confirm their

willingness to participate and coordinate their availability. Participants will receive my email and

phone number. Communication via email and phone will be used with participants until the

interviews are completed.

Xx participants from ……….. will be interviewed. As specified in the interview protocol

(see Appendix X), participants will be asked open-ended questions and potential follow-up

questions during the semistructured interviews. The proposed plan is to conduct the interviews at

…………. The exact location, date, and time of each interview will be established after

confirming participation.

Each interview will include the following general process: (a) establish rapport with the

participant; (b) introduce the study, its purpose, and its constraints; (c) obtain a signed consent

agreement form (see Appendix Y), (d) use the interview protocol (see Appendix X) to ensure all

questions are asked and are in the correct format, (e) use probing techniques of the silent probe,

overt encouragement, elaboration, clarification, and reflection; (f) thank the participant for their

time and efforts.

Interviews will be recorded using ……………… A personal journal will be used during

the interview to capture …………….

After the interviews are completed, the recorded information will be transcribed to

Microsoft Word using ………………. This process involves …………….

Data Analysis

An exploratory qualitative methodology was selected over other qualitative designs

because the focus of the research is to categorize and interpret themes (reference, year).

Qualitative data analysis methods are conceptual and relational (reference, year). Conceptual

data analysis involves establishes the presence of themes. Relational data analysis begins with

the identification of present concepts and continues by looking for semantic relationships

(reference, year). Semantic relationships are established using thematic units. Thematic units are

high-level abstractions interpreted from basic themes and patterns established in the qualitative

data (reference, year). Data analysis process involves the emergence of themes from the

interview transcripts and other collected data, such as the personal journal.

Data analysis begins by organizing the collected information followed by data perusal,

classification, and synthesis (reference, year). The data analysis approach for exploratory

analysis includes (a) compiling the data from the interviews, (b) organizing the data by

interviewee, (c) coding of the data (i.e., organizing the data by recognized categories), (d)

identifying themes (i.e., the label attached to each recognized category), and (e) establishing data

relationships (i.e., recognizing similarities and differences in themes in order to condense or

separate themed categories, as appropriate) (reference, year). Once this process is completed, the

established themed categories are the findings of the study.

The coding rules that will be used to map textual units into data terms include ……….

The technique that will be used to translate data terms into themes …………..

The themes and combinations of themes will be recorded …………..

To conduct data analysis, the xxxxxx tool(s) will be used. The xxxxxx tool provides the

ability to ………………

Ethical Considerations

The ethical principles applied throughout the research process will involve informing the

participants of the right to have a safe environment for the interview, receiving an informed

consent form (see Appendix Z), and explaining a participant’s right to terminate the interview

without giving a reason for ending the interview (reference, year). Each participant will sign an

informed consent form before their interviews begins.

To ensure the highest level of ethical research, principles of the Belmont Report protocol

will be maintained. The Belmont Report principles are primarily focused on the well-being of

study subjects (Bromley, Mikesell, Jones, & Khodyakov, 2015). The vulnerable research

population must be protected from potential exploitation (Rogers & Lange, 2013). In addition,

the three principles of the Belmont Report protocol (i.e., autonomy, beneficence, and justice) will

be maintained (Strause, 2013).

Researchers must ensure no harm comes to participants due to participation in a study

(reference, year). Risks must also be minimized to participants. To ensure awareness of the risks

and benefits of the proposed study, each participant will be required to sign an informed consent

form (see Appendix W). The consent form includes (a) the purpose of the study, (b) the

involvement of participates, (c) participation procedures, (d) the benefits of the research, (e) the

risks of taking part, (f) costs and compensation, (g) confidentiality, (h) voluntary nature of

participating, and (i) the rights of the participant to withdraw (Wright, 2012).

Biases could occur due to preexisting knowledge and experience with the topic

(reference, year). Bias will be mitigated by using open-ended questions during the interview,

focusing solely on the responses of participants, performing triangulation, and using note taking.

Summary of Chapter Three

Exploratory qualitative research provides ………….. (reference, year). This approach is

appropriate for the proposed study because ………………….

Data will be collected from X participants. These participants will be from …………

Purpose sampling will be used. Semistructured interview questions will be used.

Data analysis will follow the general approach described by xxxxx (year). The study will

provide derived patterns and themes representing ………………..

References

Textbook reference examples

Rue, L. W., & Byars, L. L. (2003). Management: Skills and application (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Scott, W. R. (2003). Organizations with rational, natural, and open systems (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art& practice of the learning organization. New York, NY: Currency Doubleday.

Journal article reference examples

Nutt, P. C. (2004). Expanding the search for alternatives during strategic decision-making. Academy of Management Executive, 18(4), 13-28. doi:10.1108/01437730910991664

Ravichandran, T. W., Smith, J. R., Jr., & Lertwongsatien, C. R. (2005). Effect of information systems resources and capabilities on firm performance: A resource-based perspective. Journal of Management Information Systems, 21, 237-276. doi:10.1007/s10551-009- 0087-z

Clay, R. (2008, June). Science is the key: Psychologists fight back about the misuse of research. Psychology Monitor Online, p. 8. Retrieved from http://www.monitoronline/news_at_glance.html

High, R. (2000). Important factors in designing statistical power analysis studies. Computing News, para. 5. Retrieved from http://cc.uoregon.edu/cnews/summer2000/statpower.html

Dissertation reference examples

Mancini, V. T. (2004). The relationship between shared governance management structure and registered nurse satisfaction: A comparison of two hospitals. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B. Sciences and Engineering, 51(11), 5246.

Nair, A. T. (2002). An examination of ISO 9001 implementation in career and technical education (Doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State University). Retrieved from http://www-static.pennstate.edu/~asb/dissertations/

Horn-Hasley, K. (2007). An examination of school culture and student engagement in a test- focused age of accountability (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3273640)

The above examples are for format only and not actual references.

Commented [SM15]: The following references are examples. Your references MUST be formatted exactly as these examples are shown.

Your references section MUST include at least 80 references and will likely be closer to 100 references.

Appendix A

Informed Consent

Title of Study:

Investigator:

Contact Number:

Purpose of the Study

You are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to (insert your response

here)

Participants

You are being asked to participate in the study because (state the specific reason you’re asking this person

to participate – ex: “your opinions, outlook, and insights with respect to the research question are critical

to …” ex: “you are an active member in the XXX with the experience, knowledge, and insights…”).

Procedures

If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked to do the following: (explain, in detail, what

you will ask the participant to do during their participation).

Benefits of Participation

There may/may not be direct benefits to you as a participant in this study. However, we hope to learn

(explain what you hope to learn about).

Risks of Participation

There are risks involved in all research studies. This study is estimated to involve minimal risk. An

example of this risk is (insert your explanation of possible risk. Ex: “possibly feeling uncomfortable

answering question about your organization”).

Cost/Compensation

This will be no financial cost to you to participate in this study. The study will take (provide time

estimate). You will not be compensated for your time. Colorado Technical University will not provide

Commented [SM16]: This is the University’s standard informed consent form. Please use it.

compensation or free medical care for an unanticipated injury sustained as a result of participating in

this research study.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about the study, you may contact (insert investigator and

mentor/faculty member name, e-mail, and phone number). For questions regard the rights of research

subjects, any complaints or comments regarding the manner in which the study is being conducted, you

may contact Colorado Technical University – Doctoral Programs at 719-598-0200.

Voluntary Participation

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to participate in this study or in any part of

this study. You may withdraw at any time without prejudice. You are encouraged to ask questions about

this study at the beginning or at any time during the research study.

Confidentiality

(Please specifically describe how the data will be securely stored and how the records will be securly

stored and when the records will be destroyed.)

Participant Consent

I have read the above information and agree to participate in this study. I am at least 18 years of age. A

copy of this form has been given to me.

______________________________________ _____________________

Signature of Participant Date

______________________________________

Participant Name (Please Print)

Appendix B

Interview Questions

List all of the interview questions here.

Appendix C

Interview Protocol

1. Explain the purpose of the study.

2. Assure participant confidentiality and have the participant sign the informed consent

agreement form.

3. Address participant physical comfort concerns (lighting, room temperature, chair, and

ambient noise distraction, make water available.

4. Record the subject’s number on the top of the interview field notes.

5. Encourage participants to open up about their experiences.

6. Monitor participant body language to minimize influencing subject answers.

7. Precisely record participant responses and annotate any non-verbal responses.

8. Audio record and assign a chronological number to each interview.

9. Ask interview questions in order and ask follow-on questions for clarification (see

Appendix C).

Interview and follow-on questions:

1. Describe the current PHE contingency plans?

Follow-on question 1: Tell me more about contingency plans.

Follow-on question 2: Did I understand you correctly when you said (repeat

participant response).

2. Describe the missing elements in the current PHE contingency plan?

Follow-on question 1: Did I understand you correctly when you stated the missing

elements? I heard you say (repeat participant response).

Follow-on question 2: Would you explain that element better?

Commented [SM17]: The following is an example

3. What improvements are needed in the PHE contingency plans?

Follow-on question 1: Are there additional PHE contingency plan improvements?

Follow-on question 2: I heard you state (repeat participant response). Will you

elaborate for clarification purposes?

4. What are your PHE contingency plan issues?

Follow-on question 1: Are there additional PHE contingency plan improvements?

Follow-on question 2: For clarification, will you elaborate on your contingency plan

issues?

5. What improvements to the PHE contingency plans are needed for the off-base

beneficiaries?

Follow-on question 1: Tell me more about improvements to the PHE contingency

plans for the off-base beneficiaries.

Follow-on question 2: I heard you state (repeat participant response). Will you

elaborate for clarification purposes?

10. Thank each subject for his or her participation in the study at the end of the interview.

11. Inform participants that a transcript of their interview will be made available to them

when transcription is complete, and ensure participants understand they will have a

final opportunity to clarify or add to responses.