Capstone project

Overview

The Capstone Proposal formalizes the work you did to develop your topic and thesis statement in week one. It explains what you’re going to do (thesis) for the paper and why you’re going to do it (problem statement), it includes initial research to support your position (literature review), and it describes how you’re going to conduct your research (approach). The capstone proposal sets the scope and limitations of the paper. Your capstone final draft should correspond to the approved proposal.

However, it is not unusual for your project to takes some twists and turns. View the proposal as a working document, one that provides initial direction.  As you do your research, you will learn new things and develop new insights.  Hopefully, you have a breakthrough moment.  As your project deviates from your initial proposal, let's discuss any new direction you feel you need to take.  Exercise caution in this regard.  We do have a finite amount of time to complete your project. 

The Anchor Statistic

The anchor statistic or statistics are relevant data that describes the problem. The anchor statistic should compel you as the researcher and writer to develop a solution. The anchor statistic should bring your problem to life for your readers and drive interest in your solution. Examples of anchor statistics include:

· The healthcare industry experiences twice the number of cybersecurity attacks as other industries - Capstone Project focused on developing a cybersecurity protocol targeted at the health care industry. 

· Less than 25% of lost pets are reunited with their families - Capstone Project exploring the use of blockchain technology coupled with RFID microchips to find and return lost pets. 

· Testing and associated rework can consume 50% of all software development costs, yet high impact bugs still escape - Capstone project that explored a method to more accurately test SQL database queries

· Ten percent of the world's population lives with a disability, making the disabled the worlds largest minority group. A Capstone devoted to making accessibility and ease of use part of the initial design process. 

In order to define your problem, research and begin with your anchor statistic. As always, properly cite and reference your source for your anchor statistic.

Assignment

· Assimilate the feedback you received and create a capstone proposal using the requirements described below. Please upload your assignment.  I will provide both inline comments and general comments in the rubric. (assignment name = proposal).

· Post your Capstone proposal in the discussion forum:  Week Two: Proposal Review

Capstone Proposal Requirements

· Format: Follow the  University College Format and Style Requirements  in the Capstone Components Module. Use headings and subheadings appropriately for each section.

· Length: The proposal should be approximately two pages and no more than three pages, not including the Title Page or Reference List.

· Title Page: The title page must include the proposed title of the capstone. As a working title for a book, the proposed title should be thoughtful and meaningful.

· Problem Statement and Thesis:

· The problem statement and thesis should be one paragraph - approximately half a page or 150 words.

· It will include a detailed research question that represents the problem or issues investigated in the paper. Include your anchor statistic.

· It will also include a concise statement of the problem you are solving or the hypothesis you are investigating in response to the research question. This statement is critical to the overall success of the paper and ensures it is more than just a literature review or an advocacy statement. The problem statement is the “what” that the paper will investigate.

· Include your anchor statistic.

· This paragraph includes a short background, the “why” to provide a brief context for the “what.”

· The scope of the project:

· The scope of the project is one paragraph.

· It defines your approach to the problem, “how” you will approach the problem and its solution.

· The scope keeps the problem foundations and analysis approach in line with the problem statement and thesis.

· The scope limits the paper so you may complete it within ten weeks. By limiting the scope, you have the opportunity to go in depth on a subject without getting behind schedule.

· Possible Solution: This is a working hypothesis.  Be open to change as you do your research. 

· The possible solution is one paragraph.

· It addresses a possible solution to your problem statement and your rationale.

· It may include best and worst case scenarios.

·  Reference List

· The capstone proposal must comply with the Turabian 9th ed. author-date citation system and guidelines found in the  University College Capstone Instructions . Please note, Turabian 8th Edition is still acceptable. 

 

Checklist: 

Title Page

· Does your title page follow the required format?

· Does your title page have all the necessary elements?

Title Page Example

Proposal

· Did you include a strong, clearly identifiable thesis statement?

· Did you present your anchor statistic?

· Did you state the purpose of your capstone?

· Did you describe the importance of the capstone to the industry and your field of study?

· Did you explain the problem that needs solving?

· Did you include your initial thoughts about your approach, including data collection, data analysis, and research plan?

· Do your citations and reference list conform to Turabian's 9th edition?