Research topic

🛑 Applied Project Prospectus that is due in week 6 (This is just an example of what the final paper will look like). You will not be turning this in until week 6)

Applied Project Prospectus

Purpose: Complete an Applied Project Prospectus in OGL 570.

Specifics: 

This is an outline for the final prospectus document. Please use APA formatting and the bolded headings and subheadings below to organize your document.

· Use APA (7th edition) Style with a minimum of 15 sources. Make sure to use in-text citations.

· Leave placeholders for pages or heading that you do not have the information for yet.

· Paraphrase authors instead of quoting them. Then use citations/NO QUOTES

· Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, we, us, they, them).

· Do not use contractions (don’t, isn’t, won’t, etc..).

· Use third person objective voice and write in past tense

· Avoid the use of unnecessary adjectives or other descriptors (very, extremely, always, never,)

· Be careful of over-reaching claims not supported by academic research (you do not have causal relationships and you do not have proof)

· Numbers below 10 are written alphabetically (example, two, three, four). Numbers above 10 are written numerically (example, 10, 11, 12)

Provide the following Pages and Headings.

Cover or Title page (page 1)

Running head:  [Shortened Title up to 50 Characters]

The Title of Your Paper (no longer than 12 words)

First name Middle initial. Last name

Analyzing Organizations (OGL 570)

School of Applied Professional Studies

Arizona State University

Month Date, Year

 Abstract (page 2)

Abstract

Do not indent. Clearly and concisely summarize the project's purpose, methods, key findings, and practical implications. The abstract should be between 150-350 words.

Prospectus (page 3)

Applied Project Prospectus

Title

Introduction

            One to three paragraphs. Capture the audience’s attention. Brief background of the topic, organization background and context. State the problem or key issues. Ground the problem in leadership theory or concepts – identify three knowledge areas. Transition by indicating that the applied project aims to address the problem or issue.

Purpose Statement and Scope

Purpose

            The purpose and scope describe the goal or aim of the project. It provides the possible solution to the problem or issue that you have identified. The purpose and scope should align with the leadership issue. State an explicit purpose - e.g., The purpose of this project is… The purpose statement should be specific, clear, goal-oriented, and deliverable focused. A formula that may be helpful: The purpose of this project is to [achieve what] in order to [solve/address what leadership challenge or opportunity] contributing to [broader organizational outcome].

Scope

            The scope should include the deliverable, inclusions/exclusions and stakeholders involved.

Literature Review

Introduction

            Introduce the review of literature to the reader. Identify the knowledge areas. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take.  

Knowledge area #1

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Knowledge area #2

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Knowledge area #3

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Summary

            Summarize the knowledge areas and framework for your project.

Project Context

            The project context is the backdrop of the issue. The context includes the organizational environment, the existing leadership practices, and the relevance of addressing the problem in the current landscape.

Organizational Overview

            Name & provide an overview of the organization.

Industry & Sectors

            Description of industry & sectors and other relevant information needed to situate your project in a broader context.

Project Trends

            Description of trends related to project (past, present, & projected).

External Factors

            External organizational factors (e.g., PESTLE, SWOT, or gap).

Internal Factors

            Describe the Internal factors (e.g., culture, team dynamics or leadership style).

Participants & Positionality

            Identify the participants. Include the sample population and why this sample population was chosen in the context of your research. Describe yourself in the research context and the lens you bring to the study.

Project Rationale

Problem Identification

            Identify a problem or issue that you would like to solve. Please note that the use of a problem is defined as an area of concern, a gap in existing knowledge, or a deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and investigation. Describe why the problem needs to be solved, the impact of the problem or issue, and who will benefit from solving it.

Problem Statement

            Write a clear, concise problem statement that will guide the direction of the project. A well-formulated problem statement has the following: leadership issue; the importance of the issue; who’s impacted (stakeholders); and potential consequences of not addressing the issue.

Rationale of Project

            Describe the The rationale for an applied leadership project is the justification for why the project is necessary and how it will help address leadership challenges. The rationale links the identified problem to broader organizational goals and external factors, showing the importance of the project and its potential impact on the organization’s success.

Research Questions

            The research questions should stem from the purpose statement. It may be helpful to restate the purpose statement. A well-crafted research question will guide the entire process of data collection and analysis. Provide 1-3 research questions.

Research and Analytical Methods

             Describe the analytical methods to answer the research questions. Describe the approach or methodology (e.g. interviews, survey, secondary sources, archival sources, organizational records, web documents, etc.). Identify the process to collect and analyze (e.g. thematic coding, pattern identification, statistical analysis, etc.) the information you need to complete the project. For qualitative data, you may conduct interviews, surveys, or focus groups. For quantitative data, you may distribute surveys or collect performance metrics.

Assumptions and Limitations

             State the initial assumptions about the project. Identify the project’s limitations. Describe the scope of the study and what the study will not address.

Primary Audience, Anticipated Deliverables, and Contribution

            Describe the intended audience (besides your classmates and the professor). Detail the specifics of your applied project deliverable. Keep in mind that the benchmark assignments are NOT the project deliverable, but the supporting materials to the deliverable. Be as specific as you can at this point to offer details about what your project deliverable will be, including length, size, etc. Provide the contribution your project can make to the organization and the discipline of organizational leadership.

Ethical Considerations

            Explain how you ensured that your research will not harm participants and how you protected participants’ dignity and privacy. Declare any potential conflicts of interest. Explain how you will have accounted for potential bias in your project design, data collection, analysis, and delivery.

Results To be completed in OGL 593

            You will not have the results yet because you have not done the research. This section is where you report the findings of your research based on the information gathered from the methodology used to answer the research questions. This section summarizes and presents the findings of the study to put in the context of your research questions. Findings often use text, tables, and/or figures. The discussion section shows the reader what your findings mean. The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter. In qualitative research, results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research, it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

Conclusions To be completed in OGL 593

            Restate your thesis (purpose), summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed in the project, and offer final impressions on the project. Describe greater understanding of the knowledge areas in the context of the project and implications for the future. The conclusion paragraph(s) should restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression on the central idea. This final summation should also contain the moral of your story or a revelation of a deeper truth or greater understanding of the topic under study.

Work Plan Schedule 

The expected start date of your project is after your prospectus is approved and the final delivery date of your project is determined by when you are enrolled in OGL 593. Working backward from the completion/delivery date, break your project schedule down by describing the major project activities and milestones (e.g. identify current training practices, complete data collection process, complete analysis of findings, etc.).

References (new page)

References

Use APA for references. The references should use a hanging indent and be in alphabetical order. There should be a minimum of 15 sources cited.

Appendix (new page)

Appendix (Name)

Each appendix should have its own page with the name of the Appendix. Attach any forms listed and used for your project. Everyone should have the CITI Certification. You may also have survey questions, interview questions, consent forms, recruitment scripts, written permission forms from organization or IRB approval. NOTE: if need IRB approval, you will not be able to submit and get approval in the timeframe of the class. Proceed with human subject learning experiences with the classroom research document. The outcome of your human subject research MUST remain the confines of this course, it cannot be used for presentations or publications outside of the OGL593 course.

Grading: the grading criteria is holistic based on clarity, organization, detail, style, an

Problem Statement

Despite widespread recognition of the importance of ethical leadership, ethical scandals continue to erode stakeholder trust and damage organizational legitimacy across industries. Prior research has primarily focused on identifying the traits and behaviors of ethical leaders, yet less is known about how organizational culture influences the effectiveness of those leadership practices. This gap is significant because leadership behaviors do not occur in isolation; they are shaped and constrained by the cultural norms, values, and practices of the organization. Without a clearer understanding of this interaction, organizations face challenges in designing leadership development initiatives and organizational policies that effectively promote ethical behavior at all levels. Therefore, the problem this study addresses is the limited understanding of how organizational culture moderates the relationship between ethical leadership and employee decision-making.

Research Outline Template

I. Introduction

· Background and significance of the study

· Statement of the problem

· Purpose of the study

· Research questions

II. Literature Review

· Knowledge Area 1: Leadership Theory/Approach

Key definitions and theoretical foundations Major findings in existing research Gaps/limitations

· Knowledge Area 2: Organizational Context / Culture

Relevant contextual factors (e.g., industry, organizational size, cultural dimensions) Research on organizational culture and leadership interactions Identified gaps

· Knowledge Area 3: Outcomes / Dependent Variables

Employee decision-making, performance, engagement, trust, etc. How these outcomes are measured in prior studies Limitations of current evidence

III. Conceptual Framework

· Model or framework connecting leadership → organizational culture → employee/organizational outcomes

· Hypothesized relationships

IV. Methodology (Preview)

· Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)

· Population and sample

· Data collection methods (e.g., survey, interviews, case study)

· Data analysis approach

V. Implications

· Theoretical contributions (leadership theory, organizational culture theory)

· Practical applications (leadership development, organizational policy)

VI. Conclusion

· Summary of research focus

· Relevance to organizational leadership as a field

2

Research Topic, Problem Statement & Outline [due Aug 29] 

· Due Friday by 11:59pm

· Submitting a file upload

· Available after Aug 21 at 12am

Applied Project Prospectus Context: For the Applied Project Prospectus, you will take a holistic look at your topic.  Remember that you have seven weeks in this class to do the Project Prospectus and six-seven weeks to complete the project (in OGL593). The project needs to be smaller and focused!  Refer to the  🛑  Applied Project Prospectus.  

Task: Select a topic for the Applied Project Prospectus. The topic should be one that you will use for your capstone project to be completed in OGL 593. 

Instructions

Step 1:  Choose a  topic for your capstone project with the Applied Project Prospectus in mind. (Click  here

 for research topic examples.)

Step 2: Begin with a brief discussion of the context to identity the  problem for which your research will lead to a solution. (Click  here

 for an example of a problem statement.)

Step 2:  Explain why the topic is important (research justification).

Step 3: Describe how it aligns with three knowledge areas in leadership studies. Examples of some knowledge areas to consider: L eadership (purpose of leadership, leadership theories and practices); E ngagement (leadership engagement, employee relations and retention);  Organizational Culture (a culture that supports or does not support employee engagement).  

Step 4: Provide a tentative outline of the issues to be addressed in the research. (Click  here

 for an outline template.)

Length  and Format: Your response should be about 500 words, and submitted as a Word document, 12 points font size, and double spaced. References, including in-text citations, should be APA Style, and do not count toward the word limit. Like any other writing assignment, it will be checked on Turnitin f

🛑 Applied Project Prospectus that is due in week 6 (This is just an example of what the final paper will look like). You will not be turning this in until week 6)

Applied Project Prospectus

Purpose: Complete an Applied Project Prospectus in OGL 570.

Specifics: 

This is an outline for the final prospectus document. Please use APA formatting and the bolded headings and subheadings below to organize your document.

· Use APA (7th edition) Style with a minimum of 15 sources. Make sure to use in-text citations.

· Leave placeholders for pages or heading that you do not have the information for yet.

· Paraphrase authors instead of quoting them. Then use citations/NO QUOTES

· Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, we, us, they, them).

· Do not use contractions (don’t, isn’t, won’t, etc..).

· Use third person objective voice and write in past tense

· Avoid the use of unnecessary adjectives or other descriptors (very, extremely, always, never,)

· Be careful of over-reaching claims not supported by academic research (you do not have causal relationships and you do not have proof)

· Numbers below 10 are written alphabetically (example, two, three, four). Numbers above 10 are written numerically (example, 10, 11, 12)

Provide the following Pages and Headings.

Cover or Title page (page 1)

Running head:  [Shortened Title up to 50 Characters]

The Title of Your Paper (no longer than 12 words)

First name Middle initial. Last name

Analyzing Organizations (OGL 570)

School of Applied Professional Studies

Arizona State University

Month Date, Year

 Abstract (page 2)

Abstract

Do not indent. Clearly and concisely summarize the project's purpose, methods, key findings, and practical implications. The abstract should be between 150-350 words.

Prospectus (page 3)

Applied Project Prospectus

Title

Introduction

            One to three paragraphs. Capture the audience’s attention. Brief background of the topic, organization background and context. State the problem or key issues. Ground the problem in leadership theory or concepts – identify three knowledge areas. Transition by indicating that the applied project aims to address the problem or issue.

Purpose Statement and Scope

Purpose

            The purpose and scope describe the goal or aim of the project. It provides the possible solution to the problem or issue that you have identified. The purpose and scope should align with the leadership issue. State an explicit purpose - e.g., The purpose of this project is… The purpose statement should be specific, clear, goal-oriented, and deliverable focused. A formula that may be helpful: The purpose of this project is to [achieve what] in order to [solve/address what leadership challenge or opportunity] contributing to [broader organizational outcome].

Scope

            The scope should include the deliverable, inclusions/exclusions and stakeholders involved.

Literature Review

Introduction

            Introduce the review of literature to the reader. Identify the knowledge areas. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take.  

Knowledge area #1

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Knowledge area #2

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Knowledge area #3

            Identify the knowledge area with a brief summary. Support the knowledge area with a minimum of 5 citations. Make sure to synthesize the literature. Is there literature that helps to justify the approach you are taking or the methods you are using to carry out your capstone project? You would also identify leadership development practices that have been used effectively in other organizations. The knowledge areas should align with the problem or issue (context & rationale) and purpose statement. The Review of Literature is a synthesis of the literature that provides a framework for the importance and relevance of the research. It also justifies the approach (analysis method) you will take. 

Summary

            Summarize the knowledge areas and framework for your project.

Project Context

            The project context is the backdrop of the issue. The context includes the organizational environment, the existing leadership practices, and the relevance of addressing the problem in the current landscape.

Organizational Overview

            Name & provide an overview of the organization.

Industry & Sectors

            Description of industry & sectors and other relevant information needed to situate your project in a broader context.

Project Trends

            Description of trends related to project (past, present, & projected).

External Factors

            External organizational factors (e.g., PESTLE, SWOT, or gap).

Internal Factors

            Describe the Internal factors (e.g., culture, team dynamics or leadership style).

Participants & Positionality

            Identify the participants. Include the sample population and why this sample population was chosen in the context of your research. Describe yourself in the research context and the lens you bring to the study.

Project Rationale

Problem Identification

            Identify a problem or issue that you would like to solve. Please note that the use of a problem is defined as an area of concern, a gap in existing knowledge, or a deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and investigation. Describe why the problem needs to be solved, the impact of the problem or issue, and who will benefit from solving it.

Problem Statement

            Write a clear, concise problem statement that will guide the direction of the project. A well-formulated problem statement has the following: leadership issue; the importance of the issue; who’s impacted (stakeholders); and potential consequences of not addressing the issue.

Rationale of Project

            Describe the The rationale for an applied leadership project is the justification for why the project is necessary and how it will help address leadership challenges. The rationale links the identified problem to broader organizational goals and external factors, showing the importance of the project and its potential impact on the organization’s success.

Research Questions

            The research questions should stem from the purpose statement. It may be helpful to restate the purpose statement. A well-crafted research question will guide the entire process of data collection and analysis. Provide 1-3 research questions.

Research and Analytical Methods

             Describe the analytical methods to answer the research questions. Describe the approach or methodology (e.g. interviews, survey, secondary sources, archival sources, organizational records, web documents, etc.). Identify the process to collect and analyze (e.g. thematic coding, pattern identification, statistical analysis, etc.) the information you need to complete the project. For qualitative data, you may conduct interviews, surveys, or focus groups. For quantitative data, you may distribute surveys or collect performance metrics.

Assumptions and Limitations

             State the initial assumptions about the project. Identify the project’s limitations. Describe the scope of the study and what the study will not address.

Primary Audience, Anticipated Deliverables, and Contribution

            Describe the intended audience (besides your classmates and the professor). Detail the specifics of your applied project deliverable. Keep in mind that the benchmark assignments are NOT the project deliverable, but the supporting materials to the deliverable. Be as specific as you can at this point to offer details about what your project deliverable will be, including length, size, etc. Provide the contribution your project can make to the organization and the discipline of organizational leadership.

Ethical Considerations

            Explain how you ensured that your research will not harm participants and how you protected participants’ dignity and privacy. Declare any potential conflicts of interest. Explain how you will have accounted for potential bias in your project design, data collection, analysis, and delivery.

Results To be completed in OGL 593

            You will not have the results yet because you have not done the research. This section is where you report the findings of your research based on the information gathered from the methodology used to answer the research questions. This section summarizes and presents the findings of the study to put in the context of your research questions. Findings often use text, tables, and/or figures. The discussion section shows the reader what your findings mean. The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter. In qualitative research, results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research, it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

Conclusions To be completed in OGL 593

            Restate your thesis (purpose), summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed in the project, and offer final impressions on the project. Describe greater understanding of the knowledge areas in the context of the project and implications for the future. The conclusion paragraph(s) should restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression on the central idea. This final summation should also contain the moral of your story or a revelation of a deeper truth or greater understanding of the topic under study.

Work Plan Schedule 

The expected start date of your project is after your prospectus is approved and the final delivery date of your project is determined by when you are enrolled in OGL 593. Working backward from the completion/delivery date, break your project schedule down by describing the major project activities and milestones (e.g. identify current training practices, complete data collection process, complete analysis of findings, etc.).

References (new page)

References

Use APA for references. The references should use a hanging indent and be in alphabetical order. There should be a minimum of 15 sources cited.

Appendix (new page)

Appendix (Name)

Each appendix should have its own page with the name of the Appendix. Attach any forms listed and used for your project. Everyone should have the CITI Certification. You may also have survey questions, interview questions, consent forms, recruitment scripts, written permission forms from organization or IRB approval. NOTE: if need IRB approval, you will not be able to submit and get approval in the timeframe of the class. Proceed with human subject learning experiences with the classroom research document. The outcome of your human subject research MUST remain the confines of this course, it cannot be used for presentations or publications outside of the OGL593 course.

Grading: the grading criteria is holistic based on clarity, organization, detail, style, an