Insert your dissertation titleA Dissertation Prese

Insert your dissertation title
A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Computer Science
By
Insert Your Name Here
University of the xxxx
Month Year

Committee
[Research Supervisor name], [Degree], Chair
[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member
[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member
_________________________________
Date Approved

© Insert Your Name Here, Insert the Year of Your Projected
Final Presentation Here
Abstract
Insert your Abstract here in a single, double spaced paragraph
using the following:
1. Includes a statement highlighting the problem under study.
2. Identifies the design (i.e., exploratory, phenome nological,
quasi-experimental, correlation, etc.) NOTE: Do not mention
the method (qualitative/quantitative/design science) in the
abstract.
3. Identifies the study’s population and geographical location.
4. Identifies theoretical framework (quantitative) or conceptual
framework (qualitative) that grounded the study;
theory/conceptual framework names are lower case.
5. Describes the data collection process (e.g., interviews,
surveys, etc.).
6. Describes the data analysis process (e.g., modified van Kaam
method) to identify themes in qualitative studies; (e.g., t test,
ANOVA, or multiple regression) to report statistical data in a

quantitative study. Do not present the names of software such as
SPSS.
7. Identifies the themes that emerged from the study
(qualitative) or presents the statistical results from the study
(quantitative).
8. Ensures the first line in the abstract is not indented.
9. Ensures Abstract does not exceed one page.
10. Uses plural verbs with data (e.g., the data were - the word
data is the plural of datum).
Keywords: …
Dedication
Add a Dedication, if desired.
Acknowledgements
Add Acknowledgements.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements iv
Table of Contents v
List of Tables ix
List of Figures x
Chapter One 1
Topic Overview/Background 1
Problem Statement 2
Purpose Statement 2
Research Question 3
Hypotheses/Propositions 3
Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework 4
Assumptions/Biases 5
Significance of the Study 5
Delimitations 6
Limitations 6
Definition of Terms 6
General Overview of the Research Design 7

Summary of Chapter One 7
Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal) 7
Chapter Two 8
Topic 1 Discussion 10
Topic 1 Sub-Discussion 110
Conceptual Framework 11
Summary of Literature Review 12
Chapter Three 13
Research Tradition 13
Research Question 13
Hypotheses (Quantitative Study Only) 13
Research Design 13
Population and Sample 14
Sampling Procedure 14
Instrumentation 15
Validity 16
Reliability 17
Data Collection 18
Data Analysis 21
Ethical Considerations 22
Summary of Chapter Three 22
Chapter Four 24
Participant Demographics (if appropriate) 24
Presentation of the Data 24
Presentation and Discussion of Findings 25
Summary of Chapter Four 26

Chapter Five 27
Findings and Conclusions 27
Limitations of the Study 27
Implications for Practice 28
Implications of Study and Recommendations for Future
Research 28
Conclusion 28
References 30
Appendix A 31
Appendix B 33
Appendix C 34
List of Tables
Table 1 Table Name Here #
List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure caption here#
Figure 2. Figure caption here#
x
Chapter One
Provide a concise introduction that introduces the topic and
briefly establishes the main ideas and context. Details of the
topic will be presented in the next section, Topic
Overview/Background. Following is an organization suggestion:
Paragraph 1 - Start with sentence introducing the research topic
(with a citation). Present issues/concerns indicating research
that is needed.
Paragraph 2 - Offer a general sentence on the goal of the study.
In addition, offer a benefit to individuals in your degree and

concentration.
Paragraph 3 - Then, in the next paragraph, present the
background of these issues/concerns.
Paragraph 4 - Finally, include an overview paragraph that tells
the reader what the chapter is about.
Topic Overview/Background
The reader should have a sense of what is going on and why
research is needed. Provide context (who, what, when, and
where) so the reader will be able to follow the study plan.
Citations should be utilized to support the content.
Ensure the areas below are addressed with citations:
Paragraph 1 - Why is topic of current interest (what is going on
now to make this important)?
Paragraph 2 - Lays the groundwork for what has been done in
the research area.
Paragraph 3 - Why is the research area of importance to
practical concerns?
All should be discussed as a practical issue for stakeholders,
such as managers, business administrators, or computer science
specialists in your concentration.
Problem Statement
Start the section with a succinct statement on the problem as
follows: The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is
…
Elements of a Problem Statement include (a) a cited statement
of the problem (must use a scholarly source), (b) anchor the
problem using a number or statistic to illustrate its significance
for doctoral research, (c) identify the gap in the literature
regarding the problem, and (d) indicate how the proposed study
might fill the gap.
This Problem Statement will ensure the aligning expectations
are addressed:
· The general issue/observation/problem in practice leads to the
need for a study.
· Citations are 5 years old or less from journal literature or
Government databases.

· Problem identified is a practical problem versus a theoretical
problem.
· Problem is directly connected to degree type and
concentration.
Purpose Statement
Start the section with a succinct statement on the purpose as
follows: The purpose of the proposed <metho d, design> study is
to <explore = qualitative, examine = quantitative> …
After stating the succinct statement of the purpose, which is
aligned to the problem, the following content should be
considered for inclusion in the purpose statement:
· Aligns with the problem statement.
· Uses concise statements describing the intent of the study.
· Indicates the reason for the study.
· Research method is identified.
· Research design is identified.
· Qualitative studies identify the phenomenon/concepts.
· Quantitative studies identify the variables/constructs.
· Identifies specific population.
· Identifies the number of participants.
· Identifies the geographic location of the study.
Research Question
Research Question is aligned with problem and purpose (i.e.,
research question is the problem stated as a question).
Research question is not answerable with a “Yes” or “No”
response.
Research question guides the researcher’s thinking to ensure the
proper data are collected, which answers the problem in the
problem statement or fills the noted gap.
Uses the Research Question Template Builder for qualitative
research question.
Uses the following format for quantitative research question -
To what extent, if any, does (independent variable) relate to
(dependent variable) for (participants) at (the research site)?
Hypotheses/Propositions
The determination of using hypotheses or propositions is

dependent on the methodology. Quantitative research questions
use Hypotheses. Qualitative research questions use
Propositions. Other methods use Propositions. The heading is
adjusted to one of the presented heading words.
Hypotheses – Quantitative research includes the following:
· Rationale for the hypotheses is provided.
· Both null and alternative hypotheses are provided.
· Hypotheses are testable with each variable operationalized.
· Phrasing of hypotheses reflects nature of analysis (i.e.,
comparison, relationship, or association).
Propositions – Qualitative research includes the following:
Propositions are statements that relate key concepts in a logical
way. Researchers use propositions to assert a universal
connection between the research concepts. Think of a
proposition as a statement of fact deduced by reasoning by
indicating … what statements do you have that are a foundation
of this research? Who and what started your research problem?
Who has attempted to address the problem? What has led to the
current state of the problem you are researching?
Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework
Your framework is the theoretical perspective or conceptual
boundary of your study. Your problem is somewhere within the
framework (theoretical perspective = quantitative; conceptual
framework = qualitative; but not both).
This section is a summary of what was first written in the
Conceptual Framework section of Chapter 2. Information is not
presented unless found in Chapter 2.
No figure is presented in this section.
Each of the following are demonstrated within the Theoretical
Perspectives or Conceptual Framework:
· Presents an overview of the broad conceptual and/or
theoretical framework of the study.
· Describes how the research problem/questions are “bounded”
by the framework.
· Indicates the theory under which the research falls.
· Establishes how proposed research “fits” with other research

in the field.
· Discusses issues, perspectives, and, if appropriate,
controversies in the field.
· Demonstrates familiarity with historical and current literature
related to the discussion in this section.
Assumptions/Biases
Two paragraphs are presented in this section … one for
Assumptions and one for Biases.
Include personal experience in either paragraph including
assumptions or biases you have developed based on your
experience.
For paragraph 1, begins with a definition of study assumptions
with citation. Then, address your assumptions specific to your
study. Discuss how basic assumptions underlie the research
topic (i.e., facts are assumed to be true, but not verified).
Discuss assumptions for the research topic as well as the
methodology. Clearly indicate where an assumption stops and
another begins within the writing.
For paragraph 2, begins with a definition of study biases with
citation. Provide a clear statement recognizing the possibility of
biases. Then, address your biases specific to the study. Discuss
possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and values.
Specify how biases will be managed within the framework of
the study. Clearly indicate where a bias stops and another
begins within the writing.
Significance of the Study
Indicates who the stakeholders are for the study. Indicates how
the study will benefit these stakeholders.
Each of the following areas are addressed:
· Indicates a global reason for the study and its uniqueness.
· Indicates the anticipated value or impact to the probl em
domain (i.e., what is specific to business administration,
computer science, or management).
· Indicates who will benefit from the study’s results (i.e., the
academic field, society, a profession, the community, and/or a
particular population).

Delimitations
Indicates the boundaries of the study set by the researcher.
Begins with a definition of study delimitations with citation.
Then, addresses the delimitations specific to your study.
Indicates the variables you are controlling (or limiting).
Clearly indicates where a delimitation stops and another begins
within the writing.
Limitations
Begins with a definition of study limitations with citation and
…
· Discusses limitations are the research aspects the researcher
cannot control (i.e., the potential weaknesses).
· Discusses the variables the researcher cannot control or limit.
· Indicates any limitations because of instrument
validity/reliability issues.
Clearly indicates where a delimitation stops and another begins
within the writing.
Definition of Terms
Presents definitions representing key operational terms or words
that are unique and/or critical to reader understanding (i.e.,
defined in an unusual manner or have more than one definition)
Definitions are supported with citations while minimizing
quotations.
The dictionary is not used to cite the definition of terms.
The following formats are used:
Term: The term is . . . (reference, year).
Phrase of words: The phrase of words is . . . (reference, year).
No more than 10 definitions will be used.
General Overview of the Research Design
This section aligns with the Summary of Chapter Three section.
Provides an overview of the study methodology and design.
Provides an overview of the study data collection plan.
Provides an overview of the study data analysis plan.
Summary of Chapter One
Summarizes key points presented in Chapter 1 (with supporting
citations).

Introduces Chapter 2 and presents its importance to the study.
Transitions the reader to Chapter 2.
Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal)
The heading is adjusted to one of the presented heading words
(i.e., Proposal for the Proposal submittal and Dissertation for
the final Manuscript).
Presents a brief discussion of how the Proposal (i.e., Chapters
1, 2, and 3) / Dissertation (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) is
organized.
Chapter Two
Chapter 2 is a presented review of the literature within the study
specified framework.
Chapter 2 is specific to the research topic and proposed study.
The researcher accomplishes three things during the process of
developing Chapter 2: (a) the researcher develops subject matter
expertise in the topics related to his/her research topic, (b) the
researcher identifies and substantiates a gap in the body of
knowledge (the research topic) that will be addressed by the
study, and (c) the researcher develops a conceptual framework
which informs the research design.
The researcher presents and discusses key literature related to
his/her topic and makes the connection between these and
his/her research topic.
The review of the literature in Chapter 2 demonstrates the
researcher’s mastery of the literature in his/her area of study.
A synthesis of the literature is continually presented to preclude
a Chapter 2 that is written as another textbook. The synthesis is
an organization of information that reflects the researcher’s
critical thinking, which supports the direction the specific
research will take. This synthesis may be presented in a variety
of ways, but often is topological or chronological, or both.
Discussion has depth and presents a critical thinking
perspective that compares and contrasts the literature being
analyzed.
Chapter 2 uses summaries at the end of sections/subsections to

ensure the reader understands the key aspects of the discussion
just presented.
Chapter 2 presents a story of the emergence or evolution of the
problem being studied.
Chapter 2 presents a clear existence of a problem/gap in the
literature needing a research solution.
The synthesis in Chapter 2 provides the foundation for the
Conceptual Framework section, which is a narrative and visual
picture of how the literature examination and subsequent
critical thinking combine to form a “whole” and represents the
researcher’s intellectual approach to the study. As a result, it is
clear to both the researcher and readers how the topics
discussed are seen in relationship to each other from the unique
perspective of the researcher, and supported by the literature.
All paragraphs in Chapter 2 will cite at least two different
references (exceptions may occasionally exist) using evidence-
based writing.
No figures or tables are presented in Chapter 2 unless the
figures or tables are the creation of the researcher. No
“paraphrasing” of a figure or table is allowed per copyright law.
If a figure or table is desired for use or modification in Chapter
2, permission from the figure/table Publisher is obtained before
the figure/table is inserted into Chapter 2.
Chapter 2 will have a minimum of 20 pages of writing (not
counting figures or tables included in Chapter 2).
Chapter 2 will not exceed 40 pages of writing (not counting
figures or tables included in Chapter 2).
Chapter 2 will have a minimum of 100 references from credible
sources (e.g., peer-reviewed literature, journals, exemplary
dissertations, industry publications, and government
publications). All references in the References section must be
cited at least once in the narrative. All citations will have a
reference in the References section.
Chapter 2 will have exemplary grammar, few grammar errors,
and minimal syntax errors. Exemplary paragraph structure
includes a topic sentence, focusing on one topic, transitioning

to the next paragraph.
Chapter 2 is compliant with APA guidelines and the CTU
Dissertation Template.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
Under the CHAPTER TWO heading, the following format, style,
and content are used:
The introduction for Chapter 2 (no heading is shown) includes
the following:
· The introduction for chapter two should begin with a summary
of the purpose statement.
· Presentation continues with a brief explanation of the logical
organization of the literature review.
· It should also provide a brief explanation of the literature
search strategy that was used and a description of the sources.
· Finally, the introduction should indicate how the chapter is
organized.
Chapter 2 is presented in a systematic manner using APA Level
1 and Level 2 headings with sub-paragraphs such as the
following:
Topic 1 Discussion
Paragraphs are presented here using evidence-based writing.
Topic 2 Discussion

Topic 3 Discussion
…
… (Continue with needed Topic Discussion and Topic Sub-
Discussion sections).
…
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework is a narrative linking the models,
constructs, theories, researcher's assumptions and beliefs, and
any other relevant elements into a coherent framework which
shows the researcher's logic for the proposed/completed
research.
In this section, a figure is presented depicting the Conceptual
Framework. The figure includes the research question to
demonstrate how the research question is related to or bounded
by the Conceptual Framework.
Summary of Literature Review
In the Summary of the Literature Review section, the following
are addressed:
· Presents key points presented in Chapter 2 (with supporting
citations), not an overview.
· If not previously presented, contradictions, uncertainties, and
gaps are highlighted to demonstrate the need for the study.
· Transitions the reader to Chapter 3 by presenting a brief
overview of what will be addressed in the next chapter.
Chapter Three
Restates the research problem (copy and paste from Chapter 1).
Restates the research purpose (copy and paste from Chapter 1).
Reflects a brief overview of the chapter.

Research Tradition
Addresses the following to ground the research plan according
to the established research tradition of using a methodology and
a design:
· Indicates the purpose of using a methodology in research.
· Indicates what methodology will be used for the study and
why.
· Indicate why other methodology options will not be used.
· Indicates the purpose of using a design in research.
· Indicates what design option will be used for the study and
why.
· Indicates why other design options will not be used.
Citations are used to support and justify these research tradition
statements.
Research Question
Restates the research question (copy and paste from Chapter 1).
Hypotheses (Quantitative Study Only)
Restates the research hypotheses (copy and paste from Chapter
1).
Research Design
Indicates the organization of the research design and the
sections of the research design that will be addressed.
Elaborates why the research design accomplishes the study
goals and why the research design is the optimum choice for the
research (beyond what was stated in Research Tradition
section).
Population and Sample
Two paragraphs are presented in this section … one for
Population and one for Sample.
For paragraph 1, begins with a definition of population with
citation. Then, address the population identified in the Research
Question, which is specific to your study. Provide the location
of the population and the estimated size of the population.
Indicates why the population is appropriate for the study.
Provides citations that support and justify the population for the
study.

For paragraph 2, begins with a definition of sample with
citation. Next, define sample size with citation. Indicates the
sample size for the study and how the sample size was
determined for the study (i.e., for qualitative – references
previous studies that have used similar sample sizes; for
quantitative – a power analysis is used). Provides citations that
support and justify the sample size for the study.
Sampling Procedure
Begins with the definition of a sampling procedure and
indicates the sampling procedure that will be used in the study.
The sampling procedure is described and justified based on
sample size derived in the Population and Sample section.
Indicates the process of identifying participants and obtaining
approval from participants to support the study within the
participant’s organization. Indicates the process of identifying
participants and obtaining approval from non-organization
related participants (e.g., LinkedIn).
Participants are characterized by establishing selection criteria.
Provides citations that support and justify the sampling
procedure for the study.
Instrumentation
Instrumentation discussion is presented, which is appropriate
for qualitative or quantitative research.
Provides citations that support and justify the instrumentation
for the study.
Qualitative
The researcher is described as an implicit part of the research
and must collect valid and reliable data. Qualitative researchers
often serve as the instrument. Qualitative research uses open-
ended questions.
During data collection, semi-structured interview questions will
be used to capture data from face-to-face interviews. The
interview process uses interview questions to capture the
participant’s perceptions after each participant has signed the
Informed Consent form presented in Appendix A. Interview
questions are presented in Appendix B. Each interview is

expected to last 45-60 minutes. The interview protocol is
presented in Appendix C.
A digital-voice recorder (or equivalent) is used as the primary
data collection tool for the study. If Skype (or equivalent) is
used, video and audio will be used and recorded. Handwritten
notes of each participant’s interview will capture observation
information (i.e., body language).
Labeling of the captured data and participant’s identity will
ensure anonymity (e.g., participants are labeled P1, P2, P3, …,
and P10). At no time during data collection will personal
identification information be captured.
Quantitative
Indicates the name of the existing instrument(s) that will be
used. How the survey is organized into demographic,
independent variable(s), and dependent variable(s) sections is
indicated. The survey questions used for each survey section are
indicated (presented in Appendix B). How each survey question
is measured and reported to the researcher is indicated. If
survey question responses are combined to establish the
variable’s answer, this combination technique is described.
Describes why the survey is appropriate for the study.
During data collection, the process of how the survey questions
will be distributed, how the responses are gathered, and how the
results are reported is described (e.g., Survey Monkey or
personally). Describes the process participants must use to
complete the instrument. Each survey participant will be
required to check a box that is labeled “Acknowledge Consent
Information” and will not be able to start the survey if this box
(or equivalent) is not checked.
Permission to use instrument(s) are presented in an Appendix. If
Survey Monkey (or equivalent) is used, acknowledgements of
intent to distribute the survey and gather/report responses to the
survey by Survey Monkey (or equivalent) are presented in an
Appendix. If an instrument is reused/modified from another
researcher, permission to use/modify is obtained from the
researcher (permission is included in an Appendix).

Validity
Presents evidence the instrument(s) performs as the researcher
claims it will perform.
Provides citations that support and justify the validity for the
study.
Qualitative
Describes validity, its importance to the study, and its
application to the study.
Describes dependability, its importance to the study, and its
Describes credibility, its importance to the study, and its
Describes transferability, its importance to the study, and its
Describes confirmability, its importance to the study, and its
Quantitative
Describes how validity indicates your control of the situations
affecting your research.
For measurement, describes how validity means your instrument
properly measures the intended content.
For methodology, describes how validity refers to the accuracy
or credibility of your research while considering internal and
external validity.
Describes how internal validity is the extent to which your
research design allows accurate conclusions about your study’s
relationships.
Describes how external validity is the extent to which your
study’s results or conclusions can be generalized to other
situations.
Describes how construct validity is the extent to which your
research uses adequate definitions and measures of variables
without which the research would reach different results.
Reliability
Indicates whether the instrument(s) consistently gather the same
information over time and circumstance.

Provides citations that support and justify the reliability for the
study.
Qualitative
Describes how reliability is the consistency with which
researchers measure the results of an instrument.
Describes member checking and how it is performed to improve
reliability.
Describes triangulation and how it is performed to improve
reliability.
Describes a pilot study and how it is performed to improve
reliability.
Quantitative
Describes how reliability is a necessary, but insufficient
condition for validity.
Describes how the consistency of data collection confirms the
reliability of the study’s data.
Describes how the internal consistency of participant response
data for the study will be tested.
Describes what will be demonstrated to reduce the chance of
error related to internal reliability.
Describes the need for Test-Retest Reliability measures and/or
Inter-rater reliability measurement.
Data Collection
Research question guides the data collection process necessary
to capture needed information.
Indicates step-by-step process used to capture data while using
the Instrument(s) described in the Instrument section.
Provides citations that support and justify the data collection
process for the study.
Qualitative
Indicates face-to-face interviews are the preferred technique of
qualitative data collection using semi-structured interview
questions.
Indicates that no data are collected from a participant until the
Informed Consent form (see Appendix A) is signed and
presented to the Researcher.

Indicates an interview protocol will be established (see
Appendix C) to guide the interview process, including
establishing follow-on questions for each interview question.
Indicates all face-to-face interviews will record the audio of the
interview (video recordings will not occur in a face-to-face
interview).
Indicates all interviews are expected to take 45-60 minutes.
Should Skype be used, audio will be recorded and camera
observation of the participant during the interview is provided.
Indicates note taking during the interviews occurs to capture
participant observations that cannot be recorded on the audio
recorder.
Each interview will include the following general process: (a)
establish rapport with the participant; (b) introduce the study,
its purpose, and its constraints; (c) obtain a signed consent
agreement form (see Appendix A), (d) use the interview
protocol (see Appendix C) to ensure all questions are asked and
are in the correct format, (e) use probing techniques of the
silent probe, overt …

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