Unit 4 Dissertation: Blocks, Progress, & Approvals

UNIT 4DISSERTATION:

BLOCKS, PROGRESS, & APPROVALS

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Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this unit, the participant should be able to:

1. Visually demonstrate the dissertation blocks

2. Describe the progress to be made in each block

3. Describe the approval and grading process

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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.

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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 met4

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

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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

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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. 7

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

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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

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Objectives / GoalsBlock Four

Prepare for the proposal defense Successfully defend the proposal Complete and submit the IRB application Prepare to conduct research

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Objectives / GoalsBlock Five

Conduct the research after receiving IRB approval

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Objectives / GoalsBlock Six

Analyze data Interpret data and draw conclusions

based on results Write results

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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

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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

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Track OneModule Relationship

• Module 1

• Module 2 9001

• Module 3

• Module 4

9002 • Module 5

• Module 6 9003

• Module 7

• Module 8

9004

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Track TwoModule Relationship

• Module 1

9501

• Module2• Module

3

9502 • Module 4

• Module 5 9503

• Module 6

• Module 7

9504 • Module 8

9505

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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.

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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

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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

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Track One Progress:Length to completion 4 Semesters

9001•15 weeks

•Block 1•Block 2

9002•15 weeks


9003•15 weeks


9004•15 weeks


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Track Two Progress: Length to completion 4 Semesters

9501•7.5 weeks

•Module 1

9502•15 weeks

•Module 2•Module 3

9503•15 weeks


9504•15 weeks


9505•7.5weeks

•Module 8

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Track One Progress with Extensions:Length to completion 6 semesters

9001 •Module 1•Module 2



9003E •Module 6 (or Module 5 & 6 depending on student progress)



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Track Two Progress with Extensions:Length to completion 6 semesters

9501 •Module 1 (7.5 week session)

9501E •Module 1 (15 week semester)






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







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Track Two Progress withExtensions and No Credit:

Length to completion 7 semesters


9501 •Module 1







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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.

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Self-Assessment Indicate True/False for the following statements:

1. Students are placed in track one or track two based on when they complete the comprehensive exam.

2. Track two utilizes four 3-credit hour dissertation courses (9001, 9002, 9003, & 9004)

3. Each dissertation course requires a student to complete agreed upon objectives.

4. A student may receive no more than four NC (no credit) grades during the dissertation process.

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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.

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Documents

Unit 4 Dissertation: Blocks, Progress, & Approvals