Eventually, the University will require you to make a formal proposal for your research. The first part of your Doctoral Study Proposal is the Prospectus. Your Assignment this week will contribute to

Abstract

[Doctoral Study Title]

by

[your official name]

MS, [university], 20XX

BS, [university], 20XX

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University

[last month of term you graduate] 20XX

Abstract

Use the following guidelines when writing the abstract. Begin with a wow statement illuminating the problem under study. Identify the design (case study, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, correlation) Note: Do not mention the method (qualitative/quantitative) in the abstract. Identify the study population and geographical location. Identify the theoretical (quantitative) or conceptual framework (qualitative) that grounded the study; in APA style, theory/conceptual framework names are lower case. Describe the data collection process (e.g., interviews, surveys, questionnaires). Describe the data analysis process (e.g., modified van Kaam method to identify themes in qualitative studies or t test, ANOVA, or multiple regression in quantitative studies). Do not mention software used. Identify two or three themes that morphed from the study (qualitative). Present the statistical results for each research question (quantitative studies). Describe how these data may contribute to social change (use the word social change and identify who specifically may benefit). Ensure the first line in the abstract is not indented. Ensure abstract does not exceed one page. Use plural verbs with data (e.g., the data were). Write all numbers as digits (i.e., 1, 2, 10, 20) and not spelled out unless at the beginning of a sentence. Add an abbreviation in parentheses after spelling out a term in full only if the abbreviation is used again in the abstract.

[Doctoral Study Title]

by

[your official name]

MS, [university], 20XX

BS, [university], 20XX

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University

[last month of term you graduate] 20XX

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 dedication should not exceed one page. If you are not including a dedication, delete the heading and text on this page.

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, taking care to not delete the section break under this text.

Table of Contents

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.

List of Tables

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 section in which they appear (Table 4-1, 5-2, etc.) In the List of Tables, 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.

List of Figures

Figure 1. Figure caption, sentence case xx

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.

Alternately, follow the instructions in the Instructions for Using the Walden DBA Template, which will allow automatic updating of the List of Figures.

Section 1: Foundation of the Study

Provide an introductory paragraph.

Background of the Problem

The purpose of the background is to introduce the topic and problem you will address. You want to briefly indicate why the problem deserves new research. More important, the doc study must address applied research, so you will want to identify the need to solve an applied business problem. The goal of this section is to encourage readers to continue reading, to generate interest in the study, and provide an initial frame of reference for understanding the entire research framework.

The background can be effectively accomplished in no more than one page; brevity and clarity is essential. The Review of the Literature section will provide a more detailed discussion on the literature pertaining to the topic/problem. Immersing yourself in the literature on your topic/problem is crucial to uncovering a viable business problem. Do not underestimate the importance of the literature in aiding identifying a viable business problem.

The research topic is broad in nature; do not narrow the focus too quickly. You want to give the reader, especially those not familiar with the topic, time to become familiar with the topic. Transition the reader to a more a concise presentation of the specific business topic/problem under study. This component focuses on identifying why the study is important, how the study relates to previous research on the topic/problem, and what the study is going to address and why. Include a transition statement that leads to problem statement that will provide more specificity regarding the problem.

A well-written transition signals a change in content. It tells your readers that they have finished one main unit and are moving to the next, or it tells them that they are moving from a general explanation to a specific example or application. A transition from the background to the Problem Statement is often as brief as one sentence, as follows: The background to the problem has been provided, and the focus will now shift to the problem statement. Tip: Many potential business topics/problems can be found in the Area for Future Research section of most peer-reviewed journal articles.

Problem Statement

The problem statement must include four specific components to include the (a) hook, (b) anchor, (c) general business problem, and (d) specific business problem. It is recommended that the Problem Statement be approximately 150 words. More important, ensure the problem statement reflects a business problem; avoid rubric creep (i.e., when the problem statement does not reflect an applied business problem). You must ensure you map to the rubric requirements. This is the most critical component of the doctoral study and will be highly scrutinized in the review process. Again, the problem statement is not to identify causes for the problem, solutions to the problem, or any other superfluous information. A well-written problem statement can be presented in four or five sentences. Please review the training video (see link below) developed by the DBA methodology team to aid in writing your problem statement. It will help add clarity and save you time. The Problem Statement Video Tutorial can be found at http://youtu.be/IYWzCYyrgpo.

DBA students are seeking a degree in business and must ensure the problem statement is business focused. It must not represent a problem that has a social, psychological, educational, or other discipline specific emphasis. A business problem is something that is a problem for a business from the perspective of the business managers or the industry’s leaders. Therefore, it is important to adopt a management perspective, and not that of social advocates. The perspective must be from the position of the managers and leaders of business who can address the problem.

To ascertain whether a problem addresses a business issue or has rubric creep/rubric drift, please consider the following:

• A key component for a business-related problem is that the specific business problem relates to a business process that organizational leaders need to address to effectively meet the organization’s mission.

• A business problem fits within a business-critical success factor (CSF). Business leaders use business processes to function effectively to complete one or more CSF’s needed to carry out their business mission.

• A business problem is one that a business leader can solve.

Purpose Statement

The purpose statement must include the following components: (a) methodology, (b) design, (c) independent and dependent variables (for quantitative studies only), (d) specific population and justification for using the chosen population, (e) geographical location, and (f) the study’s potential for effecting social change. It is recommended that the Purpose Statement be approximately 200 words. The purpose statement is to be a concise statement and must not include detailed design information (e.g., sample size, data collection). Please be sure to map to the rubric. Review the purpose statement video at http://youtu.be/pLP4r0mfT9A to help prepare your Purpose Statement section.

The purpose statement consists of six elements:

1. Research methodology.

2. Research design.

3. Variables (quantitative study only).

4. Target population.

5. Geographical location.

6. Social change.

For more detail on these six elements and examples of qualitative and quantitative purpose statements, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Nature of the Study

The Nature of the Study section serves two purposes: (a) describing and justifying the methodology (i.e., quantitative, qualitative, mixed-method) and (b) describing and justifying the design (i.e., case study, phenomenological, correlation). Therefore, a well-crafted Nature of the Study section can be presented in two paragraphs and not exceed one page. The first paragraph describes and justifies the methodology and the second paragraph describes and justifies the design. These two purposes should not be intermingled. A common error in this section is to restate the purpose, identify variables and analyses, and include other superfluous information. Again, map to the rubric and only include the required content. For more detail on the content of this section, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Research Question (Quantitative Only)

DBA doctoral studies require the highest level of rigor and scholarship. One focus of rigor and scholarship is the number of predictor or independent variables examined in quantitative studies. Nonexperimental research (e.g., correlation, quasi-experimental) requires the use of at least two independent or predictor variables. This is due to the third variable problem. A third variable also known as a confounding or mediator variable and can adversely affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. This adverse effect can lead the researcher to incorrectly interpret the results, leading to an incorrect rejection of the null hypothesis.

For more detail on the content of this section and examples, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

For information on the Research Question and Interview Question sections for qualitative studies, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Research Question (Qualitative Only)

For information on the Research Question section for qualitative studies, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Interview Questions (Qualitative Only)

For information on the Interview Question section for qualitative studies, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Hypotheses (Quantitative/Mixed Method Only)

Two major elements in the research design are the hypotheses and the variables used to test them. A hypothesis is a provisional idea whose merit deserves further evaluation. Two hypotheses, the null (H0) and alternative (H1), are to be stated for the research question or research subquestions. For examples of correlation and quasi-experimental null and alternative hypotheses, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework

Present a brief overview of your theory or conceptual framework. Please note this is not to be a detailed review of your theory or framework. The detailed review is required in the Review of the Literature section. Here, a model for presenting the theory or framework section is offered. You will want to state the name of the theory or identify the conceptual framework, identify the theorist if applicable, list key concepts of the theory or framework, identify any propositions or hypotheses, and identify how the theory or framework applies to your study. Please note there are obvious variations to this model depending upon your particular study and topic. However, the intent is to briefly present the key aspects of your theory and or framework and show how it fits into your study. For more information and examples of theory and conceptual frameworks for both qualitative and quantitative studies, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Operational Definitions

Do not include terms found in a basic academic dictionary (e.g., Merriam Webster’s). List only terms than might not be understood by the reader. All definitions should be sourced from professional/scholarly sources and alphabetized. Do not include more than 10 key operational definitions. List each term and definition as a new paragraph, indented ½ inch and double-spaced. Italicize the term being defined and follow it with a colon.

Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations

Provide a two- to three-sentence introduction to the section (optional).

Assumptions

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

Limitations refer to potential weaknesses of the study. Identify all limitations associated with the study.

Delimitations

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

Provide a two- to three-sentence introduction to the section (optional).

Contribution to Business Practice (Heading Optional)

Discuss how this study will fill gaps in the understanding and effective practice of business. The Significance section may be written as a succinct two paragraphs without subheadings.

Implications for Social Change (Heading Optional)

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. The Significance section may be written as a succinct two paragraphs without subheadings.

A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature

This is the section where you will report the literature regarding your theoretical/conceptual framework. The approach to this section may vary by the specific purpose. For example, if your study will be grounded in transformational leadership theory, you are examining or exploring your phenomenon through a leadership lens. You want to report on extant research that was grounded in transformational leadership theory. You would want to report on the literature that is as close to your topic/phenomenon as possible. In addition, you will want to include the literature for any key variables, if you are conducting a quantitative study. Consult Appendix A in the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook for an outline with minimum requirements for a quantitative study. In addition, follow the guidance in the Literature Review section of the DBA rubric in the handbook.

Critical analysis and synthesis of the literature will be an important piece of the review. The review of the literature is not to be a regurgitation of what you have read. It is also not to teach about a topic; rather, it is to show your mastery of the research on your topic and provide a comprehensive up-to-date literature review of your topic. Start with an introductory section and then report the literature. This should be an exhaustive review of the literature using the chosen theoretical/conceptual framework and consist of the key and recent writings in the field. Repeat this approach if you are using more than one theory or conceptual framework. In addition, there must be a critical analysis and synthesis for each variable in quantitative studies.

Transition

This section summarizes Section 1 and the gives an overview of the next two sections. Do not introduce any new material in the summary.

Section 2: The Project

Provide a one or two paragraph introduction to Section 2. This introduction should provide a clear outline of the Project section.

Purpose Statement

Simply cut and paste the Purpose Statement from Section 1.

Role of the Researcher

Describe the role of the researcher in the data collection process in this subsection. Follow the guidance on requirements for this section in the DBA rubric.

Participants

Describe the sample adequately. Remember, the sample is the subset selected from the broader population. Thus, it may differ from the targeted population discussed in Section 1. Detail the major demographic characteristics, for example the type of business, leader, manager, or title of the participants within the business. As a rule, describe the groups as specifically as possible, with emphasis on characteristics that may have bearing on the interpretation of results/findings. Follow the guidance on requirements for this section provided in the DBA rubric.

Research Method and Design

Provide a two- to three-sentence introduction to the section (optional).

Research Method

This section is an extension of the Nature of the Study in Section 1. The first paragraph of the Nature of the Study section required a description and justification of the methodology. Here you will extend that conversation by providing more information and additional resources. Be sure to include at least three sources for each decision you make.

Research Design

This section is an extension of the Nature of the Study in Section 1. The second paragraph of the Nature of the Study section required a description and justification of the design. Here you will extend that conversation by providing more information and additional resources. Be sure to include at least three sources for each decision you make.

Population and Sampling (Quantitative Only)

For content guidance on this section for a quantitative study, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Population and Sampling (Qualitative Only)

For content guidance on this section for a qualitative study, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Ethical Research

Each research inquiry comes with its own set of specific ethical requirements. Thus, a standard rubric cannot address all possible scenarios. Therefore, it will be helpful to review the IRB application before you complete this component to ensure you address any requirements not identified in the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook. However, as a minimum, discuss the informed consent process. Include a copy of the informed consent form used in the study, not the actual filled-in form provided by the consenting party, in an appendix and list it in the Table of Contents. Discuss participant procedures for withdrawing from the study. Describe incentives to be used, if any. Clarify measures to be taken to assure the ethical protection of participants. Agreement documents are to be listed in the (a) text of the study, (b) appendices, and (c) Table of Contents. Include a statement that data will be maintained in a safe place for 5 years to protect rights of participants. Ensure you indicate that the final doctoral manuscript will include the Walden IRB approval number. Ensure the document does not include names or any other identifiable information of individuals or organizations.

Data Collection Instruments (Quantitative Only)

You will describe each instrument’s purpose, intended populations, scales, scoring process, time needed to complete, and so on. This section will also address the psychometric issues surrounding the instrument, reliability and validity—this is very important. You will need to report the reliability and validity coefficients. Where possible, include the details of the reliability measures employed (e.g., test-retest, equivalent or alternate form, split-half, and internal consistency).

Validity should address content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity. State briefly what these measures are report their coefficients.

You will need to address any special requirements of the purchaser. You will need to gain permission from the test publisher to use some instruments. Permission may be requested by sending a formal letter or e-mail to the publisher. You may also need to complete a training course or obtain your chair’s signature to acquire the instrument—be sure to include this information.

For additional content guidance on this section, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Data Collection Instruments (Qualitative Only)

For content guidance, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Data Collection Technique

For content guidance, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Data Organization Technique (Qualitative Only)

For content guidance, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Data Analysis (Quantitative Only)

Data analysis involves discussing the statistical test(s) you will use to answer each research question and justifying its/their selection. Indicate the nature of the scale for each variable (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio). Why is the selected statistical test more appropriate than another? (Hint: The statistical test is usually selected due to the nature of the question and scale of measurement of the variables you defined.) Describe how you will deal with discrepant cases (e.g., missing data, data that cannot be interpreted). Identify the software that will be used to analyze the data.

For additional content guidance on this section, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Data Analysis (Qualitative Only)

For content guidance, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Study Validity (Quantitative Only)

For information on the content of this subsection, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Reliability and Validity (Qualitative Only)

Reliability

For information on the content of this subsection, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Validity

For more information on the content of this subsection, consult the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Research Handbook.

Transition and Summary

End with a transition that contains a summary of key points and provides an overview of Section 3. Do not include any new information in the summary

This is the end of the proposal.

Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change

Introduction

Begin with the purpose of the study. Do not repeat the entire purpose statement; typically the first sentence of the purpose statement will suffice. Provide a brief summary of the findings, not to exceed one page.

Presentation of the Findings (Quantitative Only)

Describe the statistical test(s), the variables, and the purpose of the test(s) and how they relate to the hypotheses. Present relevant descriptive statistics (i.e., mean, standard deviation for scale variables; frequencies, and percentages for nominal variables). Provide evaluation of statistical assumptions. Report inferential statistical analyses results, organized by research question, in APA statistical notation/format. Include alpha level chosen for the test, test value, p (significance) values, effect size, degrees of freedom, confidence intervals (when appropriate), and so on. Include appropriate tables and figures to illustrate results, as per the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Consult the Instructions for the DBA Template document for correct APA style for formatting and labeling tables and figures. Summarize answers to research questions. Describe in what ways findings confirm, disconfirm, or extend knowledge of the theoretical framework and relationship(s) among variables by comparing the findings with other peer-reviewed studies from the literature review. Includes studies addressed during the proposal stage and studies added since writing the proposal. Tie findings or dispute findings to the existing literature on effective business practice. Analyze and interpret the findings in the context of the theoretical framework, as appropriate. Ensure interpretations do not exceed the data, findings, and scope.

Presentation of the Findings (Qualitative Only)

List the overarching research question. Identifies each theme, and analyzes and discuss findings in relation to the themes. Describe in what ways findings confirm, disconfirm, or extend knowledge in the discipline by comparing the findings with other peer-reviewed studies from the literature review; includes literature added since writing the proposal. Tie findings to the conceptual framework, and tie findings or dispute findings to the existing literature on effective business practice.

A sample APA-compliant table is included below (see Table 1). Instructions for creating tables and adding table numbers and titles are included in the accompanying Instructions document available on the Templates page of the Doctoral Capstone Form and Style site.

Table 1

A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting

Note. From “Attitudes Toward Dissertation Editors,” by W. Student, 2008, Journal of Academic Optimism, 98, p. 11. Reprinted with permission.

Applications to Professional Practice

Provide a detailed discussion on the applicability of the findings with respect to the professional practice of business. This major subsection provides a rich academic argument why and how the findings are relevant to improved business practice.

Implications for Social Change

The implications are expressed in terms of tangible improvements to individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, or societies, as the finding could affect social change/behavior.

Recommendations for Action

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 via literature conferences, training, and so on.

Recommendations for Further Research

List recommendations for further study related to improved practice in business. Identify how limitations identified in Section 1, Limitations, can be addressed in future research.

Reflections

Include a reflection on your experience within the DBA Doctoral Study process, in which you discuss possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and values, the possible effects of those on the participants or the situation, and changes in your thinking after completing the study.

Conclusion

The work closes with a strong concluding statement making the take-home message clear to the reader.

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.

Print 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.

Chapter 7 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition, includes numerous examples of reference list entries. For more information on references or APA style, consult the APA website or the Walden Writing Center website.

Appendix A: Title of Appendix

Insert appendix here. Appendices are ordered with letters rather than numbers. If there is but one appendix, it has no letter designation.

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.

Template updated March 2017.