Applied Problems of Practice Dissertation:
Single Chair, Problem-Solving Consultant Approach, Team Structure
These dissertations are articulated by field organizations and can become the topics for study. Students work in groups on these problems of practice in a collaborative endeavor that requires them to understand the problem as posed, analyze the issue from a number of perspectives, and respond with policy and practice in the organizational context.
The final product includes a research report, an executive summary for the partner organization, and a presentation. Each will include, the background, purpose and research objectives; a review of literature; a description of methods used to gather, analyze, and report data; and conclusions and recommendations.
Dissertation Chapters are as follows:
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Methodology
- Chapter 4: Findings
- Chapter 5: Conclusions and Implications
- Chapter 6: Executive Summary for Partner Organization
Not matter the form, all Thematic Dissertation in Leadership Practice will all contain the following elements:
- The work includes a problem statement and framing of the approach, which establishes the rationale and significance of the work.
- The current literature is used as a foundation for the work and approach at key points: framing the problem, synthesizing what is known about the problem, and informing the solutions and implications of the work.
- The work is systematic and represents sufficient effort to serve as a capstone.
- The product represents a contribution to leadership practice.
- The product and process serve as an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to apply theory and research to solving or informing a leadership problems in a socially just world.
- The work demonstrates the ability to present ideas and arguments and evidence in a logical, systematic, and coherent fashion in both written and oral formats.
