Unit 4 Dissertation: Blocks, Progress, & Approvals

1. Unit 4Dissertation:Blocks, Progress, & Approvals

2. Learning Outcomes • Upon successful completion of this unit, the participant should be able to: • Visually demonstrate the dissertation blocks • Describe the progress to be made in each block • Describe the approval and grading process

3. Dissertation Tracks • Students will enter Track One or Track Two depending on when the student successfully completes the comprehensive exam. • Track One : • Student completes four 15-week semesters totaling 12 credit hours. • Track Two • Student completes one 7.5-week session, three 15-week semesters, followed by one 7.5-week session totaling 12 credit hours.

4. Track One • Students must complete 12 credit-hours of continuous enrollment in the dissertation courses (9001, 9002, 9003, 9004) • Track One students enroll in four continuous semesters of dissertation • Each semester is 15 weeks in length • Each semester is worth 3-credit hours toward the 12-credit hour requirement • Each semester is tied to objectives and goals • Course extensions may be taken in the event objectives and goals are not met

5. Track Two • Students must complete 12 credit-hours of continuous enrollment in the dissertation courses (9501, 9502, 9503, 9504, 9505) • Track Two students first enroll in a 1.5 credit-hour 7.5-week session of dissertation (9501) • Next, the students enroll in three 15-week semesters at 3 credit hours each (9502, 9503, 9504) • Finally, the students enroll in a 1.5 credit-hour 7.5-week session (9505) • Each session and semester is tied to objectives and goals • Course extensions may be taken in the event objectives and goals are not met

6. Objectives / Goals • The dissertation is divided into eight blocks • Each block is assigned 3 – 5 objectives and/or goals • Students may follow the prescribed objectives and goals, or the student may develop a personalized plan with the approval of the dissertation chair

7. Objectives / GoalsBlock One • Define a topic for a dissertation or that addresses an issue, concept, problem, course of action, or question relevant to their program outcomes and their profession. • Develop a prospectus • Submit a prospectus for approval • Form a dissertation or committee • Develop a proposal that includes: a concise statement of the issue, concept, problem, course of action, or question to be addressed; key terms and operational definitions; research questions, hypotheses, goals and objectives; and the rationale or purpose of the proposed research.

8. Objectives / GoalsBlock Two • Research the background of the selected topic area so that findings can be evaluated in the context of the wider body of knowledge and practice • Critically evaluate prior research that serves as a foundation for the proposed research • Conduct a review of literature and information sources related to the proposed research • Compile a reference list related to the proposed research • Complete a working draft of an introduction to the dissertation

9. Objectives / GoalsBlock Three • Complete a working draft of a literature or information source review • Describe the design of the dissertation • Complete a working draft of a methodology or approach to organizational improvement and problem resolution • Revise and refine the proposal

10. Objectives / GoalsBlock Four • Prepare for the proposal defense • Successfully defend the proposal • Complete and submit the IRB application • Prepare to conduct research

11. Objectives / GoalsBlock Five • Conduct the research after receiving IRB approval

12. Objectives / GoalsBlock Six • Analyze data • Interpret data and draw conclusions based on results • Write results

13. Objectives and GoalsBlock Seven • Write discussion, conclusions, implications and recommendations • Complete the final dissertation document, including appendices, reference list, acknowledgements, dedication, and table of contents • Submit document to Turnitin ® • Prepare for the oral defense • Successfully defend the dissertation

14. Objectives / GoalsBlock Eight • Revise the document, per the committee’s recommendations • Secure all necessary signatures and approvals • Submit the document for the final editing process • Submit the final version for approval

15. Track OneModule Relationship

16. Track TwoModule Relationship

17. Grading • The dissertation chair issues a grade of PR (progressing), LP (Limited Progress) or NC (no credit). • PR = progress made toward completion • Student enrolls in the next module of the dissertation • LP = limited (>50%) made toward completion • Student enrolls in the extension course • If the student completes all objectives they enroll in the next course • If the student does not complete all objectives they received a grade of NC for both the core and extension course.

18. Grading • NC = little or no progress made toward completion • Student must re-enroll in the same module of the dissertation course • Students may re-enroll in the same module twice • Students may only receive a total of three NC grades

19. Change in Tracks • Track 2 begins with a 7.5 week course. • If a student received a grade of NC either at the end of the core course or at the end of the extension, they will be moved to the Track II

20. Track One Progress:Length to completion 4 Semesters

21. Track Two Progress: Length to completion 4 Semesters

22. Track One Progress with Extensions:Length to completion 6 semesters

23. Track Two Progress with Extensions:Length to completion 6 semesters

24. Track One Progress with No Credit:Length to completion 6 semesters

25. Track Two Progress withExtensions and No Credit:Length to completion 7 semesters

26. Summary • The dissertation consists of 8 blocks. • Students follow Track One or Track Two depending on when they pass the comprehensive exam. • The blocks in each track are aligned to specific objectives and outcomes • The dissertation chair issues a grade of PR (progressing), LP (limited progress), or NC (no credit). Only 3 NCs are allowed. • Length to completion depends on progress made and number of extensions taken.

27. Self-Assessment • Indicate True/False for the following statements: • Students are placed in track one or track two based on when they complete the comprehensive exam. • Track two utilizes four 3-credit hour dissertation courses (9001, 9002, 9003, & 9004) • Each dissertation course requires a student to complete agreed upon objectives. • A student may receive no more than four NC (no credit) grades during the dissertation process.

28. Resources:American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington DC: AuthorArgosy University. (2007). Argosy University 2007-2008 Academic Catalog. Chicago: Author Argosy University. (2008). Argosy University Faculty Guide to the Dissertation Process. Seattle, WA: Author. Argosy University. (2008). Argosy University Student Guide to the Dissertation Process. Eagan, MN: Author.