Unformatted Attachment Preview
Handbook to the Doctor of Business (DBA)
Dissertation Final Project
To be issued to “Doctoral Candidates”
February 2017
Table of Contents
Purpose and Organization of the Dissertation Final Project Guide .................................................1
Design Aspects of the Dissertation Final Project……………………………………….1
Procedure for Doctoral Candidates through the Dissertation Final Project Blocks….…………...1
Doctoral Research ............................................................................................................................1
The Dissertation Finall Project Plan is Presented in three (3) Courses………………….2
Doctoral Research Grading Protocol ...............................................................................................2
Grade Definition ..............................................................................................................................3
Attendance Requirements ................................................................................................................3
The Dissertation Final Project Committee.......................................................................................3
Doctoral Chair and Committee Responsibilities…………………………………………………..4
Responsibilities of the Doctoral Candidate………………………………………………………..5
The Prospectus .................................................................................................................................5
Conducting and Documenting the Dissertation Final Project .........................................................6
The Doctoral Oral Defense ..............................................................................................................6
0|Page
Parts of the Dissertation Final Project .............................................................................................8
The Abstract .....................................................................................................................................8
The Introduction...............................................................................................................................8
Chapters 2,3,4, and 5.......................................................................................................................8
Formatting and Writing your Doctoral Dissertation Final Project ..................................................9
HANDBOOK TO THE DISSERTATION FINAL PROJECT
FOR THE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) DEGREE
Purpose and Organization of the Dissertation Final Project Guide
The Dissertation Final Project handbook provides doctoral candidates a practical guide to starting the
Dissertation Final Project process and through fruition of the doctoral degree. This document details the
steps in this dissertation doctoral project.
Doctoral Candidates – Definition: Students in the DBA program are considered “Doctoral Candidates”
upon successful completion of all the coursework and examinations, including the qualifying and
comprehensive examinations, and being in good academic and financial standing with the University.
Design Aspects of the Dissertation Final Project
The Dissertation Final Project is designed as an integrated approach, comprised of research and
application components. Doctoral candidates, working closely with their Dissertation Doctoral Project
Chair and Committee members, are to develop a specific topic of interest that advances and contributes
to their chosen field of study. The Dissertation Final Project topic can be discussed prior to the start of
the Dissertation Final Project Block 1 with the doctoral candidates, professors, and administrative staff.
Ultimately, the Dissertation Doctoral Project topic will be finalized and approved as part of the
Prospectus which is to be completed during BUS 785, Dissertation Final Project Block 1. The Doctoral
Final Project is designed to be delivered in a 5-chapter format across 3 course blocks, and culminating in
an oral defense.
Procedure for Doctoral Candidates through the Dissertation Final Project Blocks
•
•
BUS 780 is the final core course of the DBA program
DBA students shall concurrently enroll in BUS 780 and 785
1|Page
•
•
•
Enrollment into BUS 785: Dissertation Final Project Block 1
o Selection and formation of chair and committee members
o Prospectus
o Approval of Prospectus
o Development, Submission, and Approval of Chapter 1-Introduction
Enrollment into BUS 790: Dissertation Final Project Block 2
o Development, Submission, and Approval of Chapter 2-Literature Review
o Development, Submission, and Approval of Chapter 3- Methodology
o Approval of Research Application
o Approval of Chapters 1, 2, and 3 by Proposal Approval Committee
Enrollment into BUS 795: Dissertation Final Project Block 3
o Development and Submission of Chapter 4; Results
o Development and Submission of Chapter 5; Summary
o Successful Oral Defense encompassing all 5 Chapters to Chair and Committee Members
Doctoral Research
In support and pursuit of candidacy for the Doctor of Business (DBA) degree, doctoral students submit a
scholarly written report, Dissertation Doctoral Project with original research and investigation as its
foundation. This final project/ is indicative of high academic integrity and rigor, congruent with
doctorate level studies. The doctoral Dissertation Final Project can result the completion of a practical
application of a business administration problem or theory or the proposal of a new theory which is
based on conceptual topics and phenomenon covered in course work. The Dissertation Final Project
should have a purpose, research question, problem, with associated research hypothesis and questions,
comprehensive literature review, methodology for research, data collection, analysis of the results, and
a discussion of results.
Doctoral research for a Dissertation Final Project is a major undertaking and doctoral candidates should
expect to devote resources to the process and have some type of support system to ensure successful
completion.
The doctoral Dissertation Final Project plan is presented in three (3) courses:
BUS 785: Dissertation Final Project Block 1 (4 semester credit hours)
This course is 8 weeks in length designed to guide students in the preparation of completing an original
Dissertation Doctoral Project. Student begins the course by selecting a committee chair and committee
members. Students will develop a work plan which outlines a time line for each task to be completed
within the 8-week course. Each week students are required to state their weekly progress in Weekly
Discussion Areas in GAP. Students must define a specific topic for a project/dissertation, write and
submit a prospectus for approval, and form a project/dissertation committee. Students will obtain
scholarly research of the selected specific topic, critically evaluate the research, conduct a preliminary
review of the literature and information sources related to the proposed research and specific topic and
write and submit the introduction to the project/dissertation (chapter one) for approval. If committee
members do not approve chapter 1, it will be sent back to the doctoral candidate with
recommendations and required edits. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must implement
2|Page
recommendations and edits and resubmit for final approval. Finally, the student must submit a report
on the developed work plan which provides a comprehensive summary of the work completed
according to the initial work plan.
Deliverables:
Dissertation Chair and Committee
Work Plan
Approved Prospectus
Approved Chapter 1
Report on Work Plan
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all DBA program course requirements and the comprehensive
examination.
BUS 790: Dissertation Final Project Block 2 (6 semester credit hours)
This course is 16 weeks in length and designed to guide students in the preparation of completing an
original project/dissertation. Students must develop, write, and submit the literature review (chapter 2)
for approval. If committee members do not approve chapter 2, it will be sent back to the doctoral
candidate with recommendations and required edits. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must
implement recommendations and edits and resubmit for final approval. Upon approval (of chapters 1 &
2), students will begin writing the methodology (chapter three) and submit for final approval. If
committee members do not approve chapter 3, it will be sent back to the doctoral candidate with
recommendations and required edits. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must implement
recommendations and edits and resubmit for final approval. The student must submit a research
application to the Research Committee for approval. If the research committee does not approve the
research application the student must implement recommendations and edits and resubmit for final
approval.
Deliverables:
Work Plan
Approved Chapter 2
Approved Chapter 3
Approved Research Application
Approval of Chapters 1, 2, and 3 by the Proposal Approval Committee
Report on Work Plan
Prerequisite(s): BUS 785
Work Plan
Any Deliverable(s) not completed in the previous block(s) in approved status
Report on Work Plan
BUS 795: Dissertation Final Project Block 3 (4 semester credit hours)
This course is 8 weeks in length and is designed to guide students in the preparation of completing
Chapters 4 and 5 and the final defense of the Dissertation Doctoral Project. Students will complete data
3|Page
collection, analysis and interpret the results, and then draw conclusions based on results and literature
review. Subsequently, students write and submit the results (chapters four and five). If committee
members do not approve chapter 4, it will be sent back to the doctoral candidate with
recommendations and required edits. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must implement
recommendations and edits and resubmit for final approval. If committee members do not approve
chapter 5, it will be sent back to the doctoral candidate with recommendations and required edits.
Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must implement recommendations and edits and resubmit for
final approval. Upon implementation of any recommendations and edits by the chair or committee
members, Students will complete the original project/dissertation by making any necessary revisions,
recommendations, and edits. A final document (Final Paper) consisting of all five (5) chapters will be
submitted (in APA, 6th ed. Format) Finally. Students will prepare and deliver an oral defense of the
Dissertation Doctoral Project to the chair, committee members, and the University for approval.
The oral defense is comprised of a complete PowerPoint presentation that depicts the doctoral
candidate’s Dissertation Doctoral Project in its entirety. In conjunction with the Chair, committee
members, a member from the research committee and the university will plan for the final defense. The
student will present the final defense before the aforementioned staff members for approval. If
committee members do not approve the Dissertation Doctoral Project PowerPoint presentation and/or
paper, they will be sent back to the doctoral candidate with recommendations and required edits.
Subsequently, the doctoral candidate must implement recommendations and edits and resubmit for
final approval.
Deliverables:
Work Plan
Approved Chapter 4
Approved Chapter 5
Approved Final Paper
Approved Final Oral Defense
Dissertation Doctoral Project
Report on Work Plan
Prerequisite(s): BUS 785, BUS 790
Doctoral Research Grading Protocol
At the end of each doctoral Dissertation Final Project courses, students receive a grade of “PR”
(Progressing), a grade of “NC” (No Credit), or a grade of “LP” (Limited Progress). A grade of PR indicates
that the student is progressing toward completion of the doctoral research; a grade of NC indicates that
the student should receive no credit toward the doctoral research that session; and a grade of LP
indicates that a student has progressed at a slower rate and has not met all course objectives. The initial
and final oral defense of the doctoral candidate will follow other, specific grading criteria as described
under “The Doctoral Oral Defense” section
Grade Definition
4|Page
PR (progress) = the doctoral Dissertation Final Project chair assigns a grade of PR when the student has
completed all of the requirements for the course. All assignments have been approved and student
successfully posted in weekly discussion area. Subsequently, the student continues to the next course.
LP (limited progress) = The Dissertation Final Project chair assigns a grade of LP when it is determined
that only minor adjustments, revisions, and/or edits are required to complete the course. 80% of all
assignments must be approved by Chair and the student must demonstrate positive attendance
throughout the course. Meaning each week the student successfully post in the Weekly Discussion
Area.
F (fail) = Students who fail to meet attendance requirements or the course objectives will receive a
grade of F for the course. Students must repeat the course successfully before proceeding to the next
course.
Attendance Requirements
Students are required to stay in communication with the chair and other committee members by
posting weekly progress in GAP. Every academic week will track attendance requirements that the
university has set forth. Students who fail to post within the first seven days of a term, or who miss two
consecutive weeks of posting, are in jeopardy of being dropped from the DBA program.
THE DISSERTATION FINAL PROJECT COMMITTEE
Committee Selection Process
Upon successfully completing all of the coursework including the comprehensive examination and being
in good academic and financial standing with the University, students become “Doctoral Candidates”
for the DBA degree. At this stage, students begin the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research
process; initiated by the issuance of the “Handbook to the Dissertation Final Project”. The doctoral
candidates must submit a Dissertation Doctoral Final Project chair and committee selection form to the
University that identifies the candidates proposed selection of their project/dissertation chair and
committee member(s). The doctoral candidate is guided by a doctoral committee chair and at least two
(2) committee members.
Requirements for Selected Dissertation Final Project Chair and Committee Members
The chair and 2 committee members must be approved by the DBA Program Chair and Dean of Business
and are selected for their academic credentials, and expertise related to content, methodology,
research, and analytical abilities. The Doctoral Committee Chair and all committee members are to
possess terminal doctorate degrees in the field of business or a related discipline from accredited
universities and be an employee of the University
Dissertation Final Project Chair and Committee Selection Form Procedure:
5|Page
The doctoral candidate must obtain signatures for the selected chair and committee member indicating
their approval to serve in the identified capacity (either as a chair or a committee member). The signed
form is presented to the DBA Program Chair for approval and signature. The Program Chair submits the
form to the Dean of the College of Business for approval. A copy of the completed form is provided to
the student.
The research involved in the doctoral study is the product of the doctoral candidate. However, this
process is a collaborative effort between the doctoral candidate and the approved Dissertation Doctoral
Project chair and committee Dissertation Final Project. The candidate’s fundamental responsibilities and
the doctoral research chair and committee’s supporting responsibilities are outlined below. If faculty or
professor is terminated or can no longer serve as a part of the Dissertation Final Project due to death,
illness, or other extenuating circumstances, the University will perform its due diligence to ensure that
the student continues with his or her Dissertation Final Project.
Role and Responsibilities of Dissertation Final Chair and Committee Members
Dissertation Final Project Chair:
The function of the doctoral committee chair is to provide guidance throughout the doctoral
Dissertation Final Project and research process, and to offer content and methodology support through
fruition of the degree and successful defense. It is the responsibility of the Dissertation Final Project
chair to schedule conferences with doctoral candidate to review weekly progress reports, work plan,
progress, and provide support and guidance at least bi-weekly (once every two (2) weeks) either oncampus or using other media sources (i.e. teleconference, zoom). This occurs throughout all Dissertation
Final Project blocks BUS 785, 790, and 795 and includes extension blocks. The role of the Dissertation
Final Project chair is mainly that of a facilitator and to ensure that University policies and procedures are
followed, and that the doctoral candidate is making satisfactory progress throughout the dissertation
blocks. The Dissertation Final Project chair also serves to reconcile the doctoral candidates research
efforts are in accordance to proposed research questions and hypotheses, and meet the criteria for a
successful final oral defense.
The function of the doctoral committee member(s) is to provide guidance and expertise pertaining to
the content derived by the doctoral candidate and serve as content and subject-matter experts. It is the
responsibility of the doctoral committee member(s) to stay in continuous communication with the
doctoral candidate at least on a bi-weekly basis. It is also the responsibility of committee member(s) to
schedule conferences with the committee chair person at least on a bi-weekly basis to ensure that
communication amongst all involved in the Dissertation Final Project process in continuous and is
supportive in nature. This occurs throughout all Dissertation Final Project blocks BUS 785, 790, 795, and
includes all extension blocks
Dissertation Final Project Committee Members:
It is the responsibility of the Dissertation Final Project chair and committee member(s) to make
themselves available for scheduled appointments as needed, initial defense, and final defense. The
6|Page
communication with doctoral students, the committee chair and its members will be facilitated by the
student services coordinator to ensure that doctoral candidate support is available and continuous
throughout the entire Dissertation Doctoral Project process to include all dissertation blocks, BUS 785,
790, and 795 as well as the final defense itself.
The Dissertation Final Project research committee member serves as the support structure in several
areas including content and methodology and provides guidance throughout the doctoral process.
Doctoral Candidates should consider, and adopt, any suggestions from the committee which are
approved by the Dissertation Doctoral Project chair. The final project/doctoral committee members are
responsible for working closely with the doctoral candidate in a collegial and professional manner.
Responsibilities of the Doctoral Candidate
The doctoral candidate’s responsibility in the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research process
includes the following:
1. Proposing a viable project that has collectable data to support conclusions.
2. Management of the doctoral research process. This includes initiation of and continuation of
communications with the doctoral Dissertation Doctoral Project chair and committee members.
Communications between the doctoral candidate and committee chair, and other committee members
should be done via Zoom teleconference or in-person when possible. This is to ensure that no ambiguity
exists in the communication between the doctoral candidate and all committee members. Email and
other forms of communication may be used as needed for updates. Any references to meetings moving
forward in this document makes reference to via Zoom teleconference and/or in-person.
3. Completing weekly progress reports in GAP and bi-weekly meetings with Dissertation Doctoral Project
chair.
4. Meeting and abiding by the deadlines in the written and approved work plan.
5. Successful completion of an initial defense.
6.. Conducting ethical research which adheres to the approved written methodology received by the
Research Committee.
7. Successful completion of a final defense.
8. Incorporating any feedback and recommendations from Dissertation Doctoral Project chair and
committee members.
9. Having a deliverable; a , scholarly written and edited final draft of the doctoral Dissertation Final
Project research which adheres to APA style manual and that meets the content and quality standards
of the University that is successfully defended.
7|Page
The doctoral candidate is responsible for keeping the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research chair
and committee members informed of developments as the research study is conceptualized, designed,
and conducted, and the product is written. A doctoral candidate may consult with a statistician or other
methodologist, and a university-approved editor, but in no case should any person other than the
doctoral candidate conduct the work associated with the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research.
If an event occurs that prohibits the progression and completion of the Dissertation Final Project
research, the doctoral candidate must communicate with the doctoral committee chair to obtain advice,
service, or assistance. If any significant modifications need to be made to the timeline, the candidate
must seek approval from the Dissertation Doctoral Project chair, DBA Program Chair, and the Dean.
The Prospectus
The prospectus serves to outline the proposed investigation in an APA formatted paper that is no longer
than 15 pages that describes the proposed Dissertation Final Project research. The prospectus should
provide enough information to help prospective committee members determine if their interests and
backgrounds would be appropriate for serving on the committee. The components of the prospectus
should include the following: (a) a specific topic for the Dissertation Final Project; (b) the stated problem
to be addressed, significance of the problem, purpose of the proposed research study; (c) an initial
review of any literature that is related to the selected Dissertation Final Project research topic, that is
sufficient enough to inform what is, and is not, known about the proposed topic; (d) research
question(s) and/or research hypotheses as appropriate; (e) and anticipated research methodology
(especially if it is a quantitative research).
Documenting the doctoral Dissertation Final Project progress: Work Plan and Report on Work Plan
BUS 785, 790, and 795 including the extension blocks began with the development of a work plan which
the doctoral candidate will review with his or her Dissertation Final Project chair for approval. Upon
approval, the doctoral candidate will begin work as planned. The conclusion of the aforementioned
courses and extension blocks will include a report on the work plan which will indicate all tasks (s) which
have been completed and any task (s) which have not been completed or are pending approval.
Documenting the Dissertation Final Project progress: Weekly Progress Reports
Each week the doctoral candidate should submit weekly progress reports to GAP. Throughout the
Dissertation Final Project, data collection process, the candidate should be writing and revising the
various sections of the doctoral project/dissertation draft.
Writing Chapters 1-3 of the Dissertation Final Project
No specific length requirement for the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study has been set.
However, the length must be appropriate to properly address all of the research questions and/or
8|Page
hypotheses and must reflect doctoral level rigor and academic quality. As a general rule, a minimum of
at least 100 pages should be adhered to.
The Abstract
The abstract should not exceed 300 words, and should reflect an accurate and complete account, in
summary form, of the doctoral Dissertation Doctoral Project research study. The abstract should be a
representation of the facts of the study. An example of content for the abstract can include (a) problem
statement as it relates to the nature and purpose of the Dissertation Final Project, (b) methodology
employed with accompanying procedures, (c) results and conclusions, and (d) recommendations for
future research in the same or related subject area.
The Introduction (Chapter 1)
This part of the Dissertation Final Project introduces the main aspects of the project. It should include
the topic of study (clearly delineated), the statement of the problem or purpose of the study, research
question(s) and/or research hypotheses, definitions of terms, identification of the limitations and
delimitations, and an explanation as to the significance or justification of the study that depicts a
worthiness of doctoral research.
Chapters 2 and 3
The information contained in each of these chapters will vary based on the Dissertation Final Project
topic, and the methodology used. Your Dissertation Final Project committee chair will provide you with
guidance and a roadmap for completing Chapters 1-3 of your research study. Your committee chair will
discuss specific aspects of each of these sections and will include methodology, research design,
population and sampling procedures, instrumentation (surveys), procedures, assumptions, limitations,
and delimitations.
FORMATTING AND WRITING YOUR DISSERTATION FINAL PROJECT
Writing Style and the APA Manual
The preferred and indeed required writing style for the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research
study is the APA format. The latest revision of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association, or APA manual should be used.
Submission of Research Application to Research Committee:
During Bus 790 the doctoral candidate will complete the methodology section of the Dissertation Final
Project and submit an application to the Research Committee for approval. Upon receiving the approval
9|Page
of the research committee, the doctoral candidate may complete the approved research for his/her
study.
Strict Adherence to Methodology and Conducting Research
Strictly adhering to the methodology described in the research application which must align with the
methodology written in Chapter 3 of the Dissertation Final Project, the doctoral candidate will conduct
and complete research.
Submission of Research Proposal to Proposal Approval Committee:
During Bus 790 the doctoral candidate will complete chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Dissertation Final Project
and submit the research proposal to the Proposal Approval Committee for approval. Upon receiving the
approval of the research proposal, the doctoral candidate may complete the approved research for
his/her study
The Doctoral Semi-Final Paper, Turnitin, and Power Point Presentation
Doctoral Candidates must prepare and submit a complete semi-Dissertation Final Project doctoral
research draft to the committee chair and its members for perusal. This serves as a final review and
recommendations should be implemented to produce a Dissertation Final Project, and prior to
requesting a final oral defense. Finally, the doctoral candidate must submit the document to Turnitin®
and then submit a confirmation report to the doctoral project/dissertation research committee.
At the oral defense, the doctoral candidate presents the Dissertation Final Project research study in its
entirety. The deliverables (in hard-copy and digital form) that must be presented at the final defense are
the written Dissertation Final Project (Chapters 1 thru 5), and the representation of the Dissertation
Final Project in the form of a PowerPoint presentation; the PowerPoint is to be presented during the
oral defense. During the defense, the doctoral candidate must present all major key points, which
include:
1. Concepts and the nature of the study, and purpose of the study.
2. A brief explanation pertaining to the literature review
3. The research methodology that was employed
4. The data collection process
5. The results and its analysis as it pertains to research questions and hypotheses
6. Discussions, conclusions, and any recommendations
The doctoral candidate is responsible for understanding, knowing, and responding to any aspect of the
research conducted. The doctoral candidate is directly answerable to the doctoral committee chair and
10 | P a g e
its members. Questions asked may relate directly to any part of the Dissertation Final Project research
or evaluation conducted, and may involve theoretical probing, and/or questions pertaining to the
broader application of the research conducted.
The Doctoral Final Oral Defense
The final oral defense of the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research is performed at the conclusion
of the program. This is a formal proceeding that is conducted with the seriousness and dignity and is the
culmination of the doctoral candidate’s formal doctoral degree program. The defense is open to the
public, and the campus community is notified.
If the doctoral program has been conducted entirely on-line, doctoral candidates have the option of
presenting their oral defense by either commuting to campus, or conducting their oral defense online. In
the case of an on-line oral defense, the doctoral candidate will use the approved teleconferencing
software, currently Zoom. The teleconferencing software can be accessed through our student portal or
directly from www.zoom.us. Both teleconferencing components, video and audio, are required for the
online oral defense. The doctoral candidate will present their defense to the Dissertation Final Project
chair and committee members who will be present on-campus in a room designated and equipped with
teleconferencing software and hardware. Both teleconferencing components, video and audio, will be
utilized on-campus by the chair and committee members during the defense.
Important: It is the sole responsibility of the doctoral candidate to successfully defend his or her
Dissertation Final Project, and to deliver a Final Paper. Please note that the doctoral candidate may not
be successful, even though all committee chair and member(s) recommendations and edits have been
implemented. The doctoral candidate must go beyond what is written in the Final Paper and what is
presented in the Dissertation Final Project PowerPoint. This ultimately and specifically means that the
doctoral candidate must possess all the knowledge learned and set forth in the Final Paper and
Dissertation Final Project presentation, and successfully demonstrate expertise congruent with other
experts in the field of study.
Following the oral defense, the doctoral candidate and any audience members are excused. At that
point, the doctoral committee chair confers with committee members and reaches a consensus. In the
event where there is disagreement and no consensus amongst the chair and committee members, the
Dissertation Final Project chair’s decision will supersede any other committee members’ decision and be
final. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate and any other audience members are summoned back into
the room at which time, the decision of the chair and or committee will be announced. Dissertation
Final Project research projects are evaluated based on criteria appropriate to the nature and purpose of
the doctoral research and the committee reaches one of the following conclusions.
1. Pass: The Committee (with the chair superseding) approves the doctoral Dissertation Final Project
research study in its entirety (neglecting any minor editorial changes in formatting for publication
purposes).
11 | P a g e
2. Pass with some Content Revisions: The committee (with the chair superseding) approves the
Dissertation Final Project research study, contingent on specific revisions as stated by the committee.
Doctoral Candidates must make the required revisions, and then resubmit the Dissertation Final Project
research study to the committee for final review and approval.
3. Major Content Revisions Required: The committee (with the chair superseding) does not approve the
doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study as presented. Specific feedback and/or criteria as to
why the committee reached this decision are presented to the doctoral candidate. The doctoral
candidate meets with the committee members to develop a plan for revision. Subsequently, the
resubmission of the doctoral Dissertation Final Project and a second oral defense is warranted and must
be scheduled.
4. Fail: The committee (with the chair superseding) concludes that fatal flaws in the Dissertation Final
Project research study exist. Failure to execute or develop one or more chapters is the basis for this
decision. As an example, the modification of the target population, changing the research
instrumentation without prior committee approval, and/or incorrectly implementing or interpreting
data analyses, and plagiarism are all contributors in the decision to assign this grade. This means that
the doctoral candidate has failed to successfully defend the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research
study and may not be conferred the degree, and as such may not assume the title of “doctor,” and may
not attempt to disseminate or publish the Dissertation Final Project research study as written in any
way.
PARTS OF THE DOCTORAL FINAL PROJECT/DISSERTAION
A fairly common format for the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study is listed below. The
format will vary depending on the type of project/dissertation that is performed. The organization of the
doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study typically is divided into the following sections:
1. Title, signature, dedication, acknowledgements, and table of contents pages
2. Abstract
3. Introduction - The topic, problem background, definitions, significance of the study, an overview of
the literature and the methodology to be used (Chapter 1)
4. Review of the Literature (Chapter 2)
5. Methodology (Chapter 3)
6. Data Analysis and Results (may include more than one chapter) (Chapter 4)
7. Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations (Chapter 5)
8. Reference List Page
9. Appendices (e.g., Survey Instruments, Interview Guides, Consent Forms)
No specific length requirement for the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study has been set.
However, the length must be appropriate to properly address all of the research questions and/or
hypotheses and must reflect doctoral level rigor and academic quality. As a general rule, a minimum of
at least 100 pages should be adhered to.
The Abstract
12 | P a g e
The abstract should not exceed 300 words, and should reflect an accurate and complete account, in
summary form, of the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research study. The abstract should be a
representation of the facts of the study. An example of content for the abstract can include (a) problem
statement as it relates to the nature and purpose of the Dissertation Final Project, (b) methodology
employed with accompanying procedures, (c) results and conclusions, and (d) recommendations for
future research in the same or related subject area.
The Introduction (Chapter 1, previously part and parcel of the prospectus)
This part of the Dissertation Final Project introduces the main aspects of the project. It should include
the topic of study (clearly delineated), the statement of the problem or purpose of the study, research
question(s) and/or research hypotheses, definitions of terms, identification of the limitations and
delimitations, and an explanation as to the significance or justification of the study that depicts a
worthiness of doctoral research.
Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5
The information contained in each of these chapters will vary based on the Dissertation Final Project
topic, and the methodology used. Your committee chair will discuss specific aspects of each of these
sections and will include methodology, research design, population and sampling procedures,
instrumentation (surveys), procedures, assumptions, limitations, and delimitations.
Thus, for all subsequent chapters (2, 3, 4, and 5) your committee chair person will provide you with
guidance, checklists, books, and electronic resources that will provide a roadmap for completing your
Dissertation Final Project research study.
FORMATTING AND WRITING YOUR DISSERTATION FINAL PROJECT
Writing Style and the APA Manual
The preferred and indeed required writing style for the doctoral Dissertation Final Project research
study is the APA format. The latest revision of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association, or APA manual should be used.
13 | P a g e