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Abstract

[Doctoral Study Title] by [your official name]

MS, [university], 200X BS, [university], 200X

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University [last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 200X

18 Abstract Insert abstract here; it should be no more than one page. Abstract text must be doublespaced with no paragraph breaks. Describe the overall research problem being addressed in the first couple of sentences and indicate why it is important (e.g., who would care if the problem is solved). You can include a general introduction of the issue in the first sentence, but you need to move to a clear statement of the research problem being addressed. Identify the purpose and theoretical foundations, if appropriate, summarize the key research question(s), and briefly describe the overall research design, methods and data analytic procedures. Identify the key results, 1 or 2 conclusions, and recommendations that capture the heart of the research. Conclude with a statement on the implications for positive social change. Here are some form and style tips: (a) Limit the abstract to one typed page; (b) maintain the scholarly language used throughout the doctoral study; (c) keep the abstract concise, accurate, and readable; (d) use correct English; (e) ensure each sentence adds value to the readers understanding of the research; and (f) use the full name of any acronym and include the acronym in parentheses. Do not include references or citations in the abstract. Per APA style, unless at the start of a sentence, use numerals in the abstract.

18

[Doctoral Study Title] by [your official name]

MS, [university], 200X BS, [university], 200X

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University [last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 200X

18 Dedication This is an optional page for a dedication. If you include a dedication, use regular paragraph spacing as shown here (not centered, italicized, or otherwise formatted). The acknowledgments should not exceed one page.

18 Acknowledgments This is an optional page for acknowledgments. It is a nice place to thank the faculty, family members, and friends who have helped you reach this point in your academic career. The acknowledgments should not exceed one page. No page number appears on any of the pages up to this point. If you do not wish to include this page, delete the heading and the body text.

18 Table of Contents List of Tables iv List of Figures v Section 1: Foundation of the Study Background of the Problem Problem Statement Purpose Statement2 Nature of the Study Research Question Hypotheses 4 4 3 3 1 1 1

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Definition of Terms 4

Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations Assumptions Limitations Delimitations Significance of the Study 5 Reduction of Gaps Implications for Social Change

5 5 5 5

5 5

A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature 5 Transition and Summary 7 Section 2: The Project8 v

18 Purpose Statement8 Role of the Researcher Participants 8 8 9 9 8

Research Method and Design Method Research Design Population and Sampling 9 Data Collection Instruments Data Collection Technique 10

10 11 11

Data Organization Techniques Data Analysis Technique 11 Reliability and Validity Reliability Validity Transition and Summary 12 Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change 13 Overview of Study 13 13 13 12

12 12

Presentation of the Findings

Applications to Professional Practice Implications for Social Change v 14

18 Recommendations for Action 14 14

Recommendations for Further Study Reflections 14

Summary and Study Conclusions 14 References 15 17

Appendix A: Title of Appendix Curriculum Vitae 18

This Table of Contents (TOC) has all the headings from the template included. To update your TOC, right click anywhere in the Table of Contents, select Update Field, then select Update entire table or Update page numbers only, and click OK.

18 List of Tables Table 1. A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting 9

When you update the list of tables, the table number and title will come in without a period between them; you will need to manually add that period after all table numbers, as shown for Table 1. In addition, the title will retain the italics from the narrative when the List of Tables is updated. Once your list is finalized, select the entire list, and change it to plain type. Note that tables are numbered in sequence beginning with 1. Do not number tables according to the chapter in which they appear (Table 4-1, 5-2, etc.) Table numbers are followed by a period, not a colon or a dash. This applies to figure numbers in the list of figures as well.

18 List of Figures Figure 1. Figure caption, sentence case The List of Figures is not set up to automatically update. If you have figures in your document, type them in manually here, following the example above. Figures represent qualitative data, such as a picture, chart, graph, photograph, drawing, etc. whereas tables display comparative data (toddlers / teens / adults) for example. Caption of figures are flush left, double spaced, in italics, and followed by appropriate punctuation placed under the figure. Note: Labels to tables go above the table. xx

18 Section 1: Foundation of the Study Text begins here. Provide an overview of the context or background of the problem. DBA Doctoral Studies are focused on applied business research Background of the Problem Text begins here. Provide an overview of the context or background of the problem. DBA Doctoral Studies are focused on applied research in contrast to basic research in PhD Dissertations. This section has a clear statement demonstrating that the focus of the study is on a significant applied business problem that is worthy of study. There is a brief, wellarticulated summary of research literature that substantiates the context of the study by indicating a gap in effective business practice and potential solutions vis--vis the literature. Problem Statement Text begins here. Text begins here. The problem statement describes the overall research problem being addressed and indicates why it is important to the practice of management (e.g., who would care if the problem were studied? It is helpful to state the general problem first and then state the specific problem considered. One approach is state a problem as a gap between the current state of a situation and the desired state of the situation. Either the current state or desired state may be implied and thus not explicitly included in the problem statement. The problem statement concisely states what will be studied by describing at least two variables and a conjectured relationship between them in quantitative studies. The v

18 problem statement describes the need for increased understanding about the issue to be explored in qualitative studies. Problem statements should be concise: 150 to 250 words.

General business problem that exists in business.

Two citations are required from the literature to establish a problem exists. Example: Jones (2010) stated that employee turnover in the health care industry averages 46% across the nation. According to Smith (2010), employee turnover contributes to loss of both revenue and customers. The numbers and citations anchor the existence of the problem.

Your specific issue/problem that you will address.

Example: Employee turnover in Denver, Colorado is 66%, or employee turnover in Houston, Texas is 12%. The focus of this study is to explore or examine xxxxxxx Purpose Statement Text begins here. The Purpose Statement of the study clearly describes the intent/focus of the investigation. Creswell (2009) provided an excellent discussion on the purpose statement as well as some scripts that may be useful in constructing this statement. The statement should be crafted into a mini story (250 words) that includes the following six pieces of information: v

18

Research method is identified as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed. Research design is clearly stated. Research variables (if a quantitative or mixed method) are briefly identified: independent, dependent (experimental study), or a correlation (relationships, comparison).

Specific population group of study is identified and justified. Geographic location of study is identified. Contribution to social change is described. Nature of the Study

Text begins here. Provide a brief discussion on the research method and design. State why one method (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) was selected and why it was selected over the other methods. State why one design (within the method) was selected and why it was selected over other designs. Note: It is not sufficient to state what method and design were chosen but why they would be better than other methods/designs. Discussions relating to the methods/designs must be from multiple authors. For example, Creswell (2010) stated that qualitative studies xxxxxx. According to Schneider (2008), qualitative studies xxxxx. Multiple perspectives must be provided. Research Question Text begins here. Identify the research question that will guide the study. For example, this study explores, examines, or xxx. Note: There may be one or more overall central questions. v

18 Hypotheses Text begins here. Creswell (2009) provided an excellent discussion on the research questions and hypotheses statements as well as some scripts that may be useful in constructing these statements. List hypothesis/hypotheses as H10, H1a and so on. Note: A hypothesis or hypotheses are required for quantitative or mixed methods studies only. Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Text begins here. In quantitative studies, the theoretical framework, or in qualitative studies, the conceptual framework, illustrates which ideas from the literature ground the research being conducted. Theories are bodies of knowledge that help to explain and predict phenomena and show how the study will be related to existing knowledge. Some sample theories include (a) systems theory, (b) feminist theory, (c) disruptive innovation theory, and (d) health belief theory. Describe in detail the selected theory, how it relates to the study, how it informs the expectations and aspirations of the research, and tie it back to the study. Definition of Terms Text begins here. The list of defined terms should be almost exactly like other body text: double-spaced, first line indented. Just italicize the term being defined and follow it with a colon. All definitions should be sourced from professional/scholarly sources and alphabetized. List only terms than might not be understood by the reader. Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations Assumptions v

18 Text begins here. Assumptions are facts considered to be true, but are not actually verified. Assumptions carry risk and should be treated as such. A mitigation discussion would be appropriate. Limitations Text begins here. Limitations refer to potential weaknesses of the study. Delimitations Text begins here. Delimitations refer to the bounds or scope of the study. Describe the boundary and what is in and out of the scope. Significance of the Study Reduction of Gaps Text begins here. Discuss how this study will fill gaps in the understanding and effective practice of business. Implications for Social Change Text begins here. Provide a statement of positive social change or the improvement of human or social conditions by promoting the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, or societies. A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature Text begins here. Ten key elements are required in this subsection. (a) An introduction containing a discussion of the content of the literature, the organization of the review, and the strategy for searching the literature. (b) The review of related research and literature is clearly related to the applied problem statement as expressed in research v

18 questions or hypotheses. (c) The review of related research and literature compares and contrasts different points of view and the relationship of the study to previous research and findings. (d) Concise summaries of the literature define the most important aspects of the theory for understanding improved business practice and which will be examined or tested for quantitative studies or substantiate the rationale or theoretical framework for the study that will provide the context for understanding and explaining the elements for improved business practice (for qualitative studies). (e) There is literature-based description of the research variables (quantitative studies), or potential themes and perceptions to be explored (qualitative studies), (f) The content of the review is drawn from acceptable peer-reviewed journals or sound academic journals or there is a justification for using other sources. Average length of a literature review is 100 + peer reviewed references with 80 to 85% being published within the last 3 5 years, (g) Literature related to the research design and method(s) is reviewed. (h) Literature related to the use of differing methodologies to investigate the outcomes of interest is reviewed (i) The methods review is an integrated, critical essay on the most relevant and current published knowledge on the topic. The review is organized around major ideas or themes that will inform the research project. (j) The preliminary research design is presented and a detailed argument as to why and how the research design is appropriate to the business problem/research questions is presented. Notes: Citations must be written in past tense and a summary of the literature provided. Most often you will have one paragraph per source. You may need more than occasionally but not often. You also may sometimes summarize more than one source in v

18 a paragraph when the studies reviewed are very similar in some aspect. The summary should clearly illustrate the importance of the source to an understanding of your study. Transition and Summary Text begins here. This section summarizes Section 1 and the gives an overview of the next two sections.

18 Section 2: The Project Text begins here. Provide a one or two paragraph introduction to Section 2. This introduction should provide a clear outline of the Section. Purpose Statement Text begins here. Begin Section 2 by reminding readers of the purpose of the study. Do your best not to copy and paste word for word from Section 1; instead, vary your language slightly to keep your reader engaged but ensure facts are accurate. Role of the Researcher Describe the role of the researcher in the data collection process in this subsection. Participants Text begins here. Discuss procedures for gaining access to participants, establishing a working relationship with participants, and measures to be taken to assure that the ethical protection of participants is adequate. Note: if participants are not used in the study, just note N/A and why. Identify sample type: random, purposive, stratified, or other and fully describe the participant selection and geographical location. Research Method and Design Text begins here. The research method and design includes (a) a description of the research method and design, (b) provides justification for using the method and design, and (c) derives logically from the applied business problem statement. The method and design should be appropriate to researching the problem statement. Note: this subsection v

18 should be a significant expansion of the discussion on the Nature of the Study in Section 1. Method Text begins here. Identify and justify the use of a specific research method, indicate whether the research project uses quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods (hybrid), why it was selected, and why other methods were not selected. Expand on the discussion in Section 1. Research Design Text begins here. Identify and justify the use of a specific research design within a research method. Discuss why it was selected, and why other methods were not selected. Finally discuss why this design is appropriate to the problem being studied. Expand on the discussion in Section 1. Population and Sampling Text begins here. This section (a) describes the population from which the sample will be drawn; (b) describes and defends the sampling method including the sampling frame used, using appropriate methodology references and concepts; (c) describes and defends the sample size using appropriate methodology references and concepts; (d) describes the eligibility criteria for study participants; and (e) describes and explains the relevance of characteristics of the selected sample. Criteria for selecting participants are specified and are appropriate to the study. There is a justification for the number of participants (in accordance with the qualitative design/approach chosen) which is balanced with depth of inquiry. The fewer the v

18 participants used in the study, the deeper the inquiry per individual. If appropriate, the rationale for specific types of subjects/representation in sampling is provided. Criteria for selecting participants are specified and are appropriate to the study. Note: Discuss sampling techniques such as purposive, convenience, random, or stratified sample (subsets might include age, race, gender, or experience). Data Collection Instruments Text begins here. This section presents: (a) Descriptions of instrumentation or data collection tools to include the name of the instrument, the type of instrument, concepts measured by the instrument, how scores are calculated and their meaning, processes for assessment of reliability and validity of the instrument(s), processes needed to complete instruments by participants, and where raw data are or will be available (appendices, tables, or by request from the researcher). (b) Includes a detailed description of data that comprise each variable in the study. (c) Addresses appropriate psychometric properties of the scale used. (d) Discusses strategies used to address threats to validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, among others. (e) Finally discuss any adjustments or revisions to the use of standardized research instruments that were made. Note: If you develop your own instrument, it must be piloted and validated. Some surveys may be purchased from http://buros.unl.edu/buros/jsp/search.jsp. Survey Monkey can be used to develop surveys or interview questionnaires see http://www.surveymonkey.com. Data Collection Technique v

18 Text begins here. Describe the technique used to collect data such as a survey, interview, observation, site visit, video recording, a sample of existing data or records and so on. In addition, describe the process of how data will be collected. For example, will a pilot study be used prior to the study? Finally, provide a list of any interview or survey questions used, which may be referenced here and placed in the Appendix. Data Organization Techniques Text begins here. Describe the systems use for keeping track of data and emerging understandings such as research logs, reflective journals, and cataloging systems. Describe how data will be secured, how long data will be stored, and how its subsequent disposition. Data Analysis Technique Text begins here. Data analysis logically and sequentially address all research questions or hypotheses, where appropriate, outcomes of hypothesis-testing procedures are clearly reported (e.g., findings support or fail to support, and do not contain any evident statistical errors. Describe how data will be analyzed such as using software tools such as NVivo, SPSS, Excel, and so on. Describe in detail any data coding used. Finally, overall, data analysis (presentation, interpretation, explanation) is consistent with the research questions or hypotheses and underlying theoretical/conceptual framework of the study. Reliability and Validity Reliability

18 Text begins here. Discuss both the reliability of the study and the reliability of the instruments or interview / survey questions used. Validity Text begins here. Discuss both the internal and external validity of the study. Transition and Summary Text begins here. This section summarizes Section 2 and the gives an overview of the next section.

18 Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change Text begins here. Provide a brief one or two paragraph introduction to Section 3 in this subsection. Overview of Study Text begins here. The section begins with a brief overview of why and how the study addressing effective business practice was done, reviewing the questions or issues being addressed and a brief summary of the findings. Presentation of the Findings Text begins here. The presentation / interpretation of findings: (a) includes conclusions that address all of the research questions, (b) contains references to outcomes in Section 2, (c) covers all the data, (d) is bounded by the evidence collected, and (e) relates the findings to a larger body of literature on the topic, including the conceptual/theoretical framework, and literatures on effective business practice. Themes, patterns, and relationships found are elements that should be discussed in this section. In addition, discuss any outliers or discrepancies found in the data. Finally, present the findings in a manner that addresses the research questions and / or hypotheses. Applications to Professional Practice Text begins here. There is a detailed discussion on the applicability of the findings with respect to the professional practice of business. This major sub-section argues in detail why and how the findings are relevant to improved business practice. Implications for Social Change

18 Text begins here. The Implications for Social Change are clearly grounded in the significance section of Section 1 and outcomes presented in Section 2. The implications are expressed in terms of tangible improvements to individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, or societies. Recommendations for Action Text begins here. Recommendations (a) should flow logically from the conclusions and contain steps to useful action, (b) state who needs to pay attention to the results, and (c) indicate how the results might be disseminated. Recommendations for Further Study Text begins here. Recommendations for Further Study, as they relate to either practice or knowledge point to topics that need closer examination and may generate a new round of questions related to improved practice in business. Reflections Text begins here. This section includes a reflection on the researcher's experience with the research process in which the researcher discusses possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and values, the possible effects of the researcher on the participants or the situation, and her/his changes in thinking as a result of the study. Summary and Study Conclusions Text begins here. The work closes with a strong concluding statement making the take-home message clear to the reader.

18 References Insert References here. Examples of some common types of references follow; see APA 6.22 and Chapter 7 for more details. These sample entries are tagged with the APA Reference style tag, which means the line spacing and hanging indent are automatic. Apply the APA Reference style tag to your entries. Pay special attention to italics, capitalization, and punctuation. The style tag does not govern those aspects of the entry.

Periodical (journal) Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article, Title of Periodical, xx(x), xxx-xxx. Online periodical (journal) Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article, Title of Periodical, xx(x), xxx-xxx. doi:xxxxx Nonperiodical (book) Author, A. A. (1994). Title of work. City of Publication, ST: Publisher. Chapter in a book Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (1994). Title of chapter. In A. Editor, B. Editor, & C. Editor (Eds.), Title of book, (pp. xxx-xxx). City, ST: Publisher.

18 The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, Chapter 7 includes numerous examples of reference list entries. For more information on references or APA style, consult the APA website (http://www.apastyle.org/apa-stylehelp.aspx), or the Walden Writing Center website (http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/353.htm).

18 Appendix A: Title of Appendix Insert appendix here. Appendices are ordered with letters rather than numbers. The appendices must adhere to the same margin specifications as the body of the dissertation. Photocopied or previously printed material may have to be shifted on the page or reduced in size to fit within the area bounded by the margins. If the only thing in an appendix is a table, the table title serves as the title of the appendix; no label is needed for the table itself. If you have text in addition to a table or tables in an appendix, label the table with the letter of the appendix (e.g., Table A1, Table A2, Table B1, and so on). These tables would be listed in the List of Tables at the end of the Table of Contents. If you include in an appendix any prepublished materials that are not in the public domain, you must also include permission to do so.

18 Curriculum Vitae Include a copy of your curriculum vitaeyour academic resumehere. The CV may be done in either basic outline form or full-sentence form. The CV must conform to the margin specifications, be included in the pagination, and be listed in the TOC.

Congratulations! This is the end of your doctoral study! In your enthusiasm to be done, do not forget to delete this text!