dba doctoral study template apa 6

8/3/2019 DBA Doctoral Study Template APA 6

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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

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Abstract

Insert abstract here; it should be no more than one page. Abstract text must be double-

spaced 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.

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[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

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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.

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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.

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Table of Contents

List of Tables iv

List of Figures v

Section 1: Foundation of the Study 1

Background of the Problem 1

Problem Statement 1

Purpose Statement2

Nature of the Study 3

Research Question 3

Hypotheses 4

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework 4

Definition of Terms 4

Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations 5

Assumptions 5

Limitations 5

Delimitations 5

Significance of the Study 5

Reduction of Gaps 5

Implications for Social Change 5

A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature 5

Transition and Summary 7

Section 2: The Project8

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Purpose Statement8

Role of the Researcher 8

Participants 8

Research Method and Design 8

Method 9

Research Design 9

Population and Sampling 9

Data Collection 10

Instruments 10

Data Collection Technique 11

Data Organization Techniques 11

Data Analysis Technique 11

Reliability and Validity 12

Reliability 12

Validity 12

Transition and Summary 12

Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change

13

Overview of Study 13

Presentation of the Findings 13

Applications to Professional Practice 13

Implications for Social Change 14

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Recommendations for Action 14

Recommendations for Further Study 14

Reflections 14

Summary and Study Conclusions 14

References 15

Appendix A: Title of Appendix 17

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.

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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 notnumber

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.

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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.

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.

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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, well-

articulated 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

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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:

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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.

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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 asH10,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

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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

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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 frameworkforthe 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

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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.

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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

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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

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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 fromhttp :// 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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 - style -

help .aspx), orthe Walden Writing Center website

(http :// writingcenter .waldenu .edu /353.htm).

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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.

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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!

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dba doctoral study template apa 6

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