Graduation Plan for: 18 months Doctoral Research Study/Dissertation ✓ Solved

This document outlines the essential milestone tasks to accomplish for the successful completion of a doctoral research study/dissertation within an 18-month timeframe. The milestones include writing various chapters of the dissertation, obtaining necessary approvals, and completing an oral defense.

Milestone Course Numbers

  • DST 9101

  • DST 9102

  • DST 9103

  • DST 9104

  • DST 9105

  • DST 9106

  • DST 9107

  • DST 9108

  • DST 9109

  • DST 9110

  • DST 9111

  • DST 9112

  • DST 9113

  • DST 9114

  • DST 9115

Milestone Tasks to Accomplish

  1. Concept Paper/Prospectus: Coordination of pre-dissertation materials completed during the pre-dissertation phase.

  2. Write Chapter 1.

  3. Write Chapter 2.

  4. Finish writing Chapter 2.

  5. Write Chapter 3.

  6. Finish writing Chapter 3.

  7. Finalize Proposal: Obtain Committee approval and IRB approval.

  8. Collect data.

  9. Finish collecting data.

  10. Analyze data.

  11. Finish analyzing data.

  12. Write Chapter 4.

  13. Write Chapter 5.

  14. Package final manuscript and obtain final approvals.

  15. Oral Defense.

Goal Timeframe

  • Concept Paper: 2 months

  • Chapters 1 & 2: 2 months

  • Chapter 3: 2 months

  • Proposal and Approvals: 2 months

  • Data Collection: 2 months

  • Data Analysis: 2 months

  • Chapter 4: 2 months

  • Chapter 5 and Finalization: 2 months

Student Goals

Students should be aware that some terms will require them to take two 1-credit DST courses, managing their time effectively to meet all deadlines.

Paper For Above Instructions

The journey of completing a doctoral dissertation is both rigorous and rewarding, comprising several key milestones. This paper aims to elaborate on the significance and strategies for each task outlined in the graduation plan.

Importance of the Concept Paper

The concept paper serves as the foundational outline for the dissertation. It is essential for defining the research questions and objectives, setting the framework for the research (Creswell, 2014). Coordinating pre-dissertation materials ensures the researcher has a clear scope and direction, making it crucial to take ample time to finalize this component.

Writing Chapters 1 and 2

The first two chapters are vital as they provide the background and detailed literature review necessary for situating the research study within the broader academic context. Chapter 1 introduces the research topic, posing the problem statement, research questions, and significance of the study. Chapter 2 involves a comprehensive literature review that examines existing research relevant to the topic (Machi & McEvoy, 2016).

To effectively write these chapters, researchers should utilize various academic databases, journals, and other scholarly resources to gather relevant literature, critically analyzing each source (Galvan, 2017). Time management is essential, with an allocated timeframe of two months for writing and finalizing these chapters.

Developing Chapter 3

Chapter 3 details the methodology employed in the research. This includes the design of the study, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. A sound methodological framework not only strengthens the dissertation but also assures committee members of the research's validity (Creswell, 2014; Bryman, 2016). This chapter requires careful planning and execution, making the goal of completing it within two months critical.

Proposal Finalization and Approvals

Once the chapters are drafted, the focus shifts to finalizing the dissertation proposal. Obtaining committee approval is a necessary step, as is acquiring Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for ethical compliance, especially when human subjects are involved in data collection (American Psychological Association, 2019). This phase is crucial, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a timeframe of two months to ensure all aspects are thoroughly addressed.

Data Collection

The data collection phase is a pivotal moment in the dissertation process. It is where the formulated research ideas transform into tangible outcomes. Researchers should choose data collection methods that align with their methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative, and strive to finish this task within the allotted two months (Creswell, 2014). Challenges may arise during this phase, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Data Analysis

Once data is collected, it is essential to analyze it accurately to draw meaningful conclusions. This step typically occupies a crucial two-month timeline as well, wherein researchers can utilize analytical tools and software appropriate for their data type (Bryman, 2016). This phase ultimately informs Chapters 4 and 5 of the dissertation.

Writing Chapters 4 and 5

Chapter 4 presents the findings of the research, offering a narrative of the data analysis results. It is followed by Chapter 5, where the researcher interprets the findings, discusses implications, and draws conclusions based on the research conducted (Machi & McEvoy, 2016). Completing these chapters in a well-structured manner significantly contributes to the success of the dissertation.

Final Manuscript and Oral Defense

After writing the respective chapters, the final phase involves packaging the manuscript, ensuring adherence to institutional guidelines, and obtaining final approvals from the committee (American Psychological Association, 2019). The oral defense is the culmination of this process, allowing researchers to present their findings and methodologies before experts in the field. Successfully navigating this stage is a testament to the scholar’s hard work and diligence.

Conclusion

The outlined milestones and goals within the 18-month timeframe provide a structured approach for doctoral candidates in completing their dissertations. By adhering to timelines, focusing on each task's significance, and proactively seeking guidance and support from faculty and peers, students can enhance their chances of success in their doctoral journey.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.

  • Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

  • Galvan, J. L. (2017). Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (7th ed.). Pyrczak Publishing.

  • Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2016). The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success (3rd ed.). Corwin Press.

  • Silver, C., & Woolf, N. H. (2015). Qualitative Analysis Using NVivo: The Five-Level QDA Framework. Routledge.

  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.

  • Saldana, J. (2015). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.

  • McLeod, J. (2019). Beginning Research in Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods and Statistics. SAGE Publications.

  • Fink, A. (2017). How to Conduct Surveys: A Step-by-Step Guide. Sage Publications.