Research Area. Importance of physical security as it relates to facial recognition at workplace. Research Question: How can facial recognition enhance physical security at workplace. Executive Program Practical Connection Assignment Component Proficient (15 to 20 points) Competent (8 to 14 points) Novice (1 to 7 points) Score Assignment Requirements Student completed all required portions of the assignment Completed portions of the assignment Did not complete the required assignment. Writing Skills, Grammar, and APA Formatting Assignment strongly demonstrates graduate-level proficiency in organization, grammar, and style. Assignment is well written, and ideas are well developed and explained. Demonstrates strong writing skills. Student paid close attention to spelling and punctuation. Sentences and paragraphs are grammatically correct. Proper use of APA formatting. Properly and explicitly cited outside resources. Reference list matches citations. Assignment demonstrates graduate- level proficiency in organization, grammar, and style. Assignment is effectively communicated, but some sections lacking clarity. Student paid some attention to spelling and punctuation, but there are errors within the writing. Needs attention to proper writing skills. Use of APA formatting and citations of outside resources, but has a few instances in which proper citations are missing. Assignment does not demonstrate graduate-level proficiency in organization, grammar, and style. Assignment is poorly written and confusing. Ideas are not communicated effectively. Student paid no attention to spelling and punctuation. Demonstrates poor writing skills. The assignment lacks the use of APA formatting and does not provide proper citations or includes no citations. Maintains purpose/focus Submission is well organized and has a tight and cohesive focus that is integrated throughout the document Submissions has an organizational structure and the focus is clear throughout. Submission lacks focus or contains major drifts in focus Understanding of Course Content Student demonstrates understand of course content and knowledge. Student demonstrates some understanding of course content and knowledge. Student does not demonstrate understanding of course content and knowledge. Work Environment Application Student strongly demonstrates the practical application, or ability to apply, of course objectives within a work environment. Student demonstrates some practical application, or ability to apply, of course objectives within a work environment. Student does not demonstrate the practical application, or ability to apply, of course objectives within a work environment. The Assignment ➢ Research topic: o Introduced and described to establish ...

1. Research Area. Importance of physical security as it relates to
facial recognition at workplace.
Research Question: How can facial recognition enhance
physical security at workplace.
Executive Program Practical Connection Assignment
Component Proficient (15 to 20 points) Competent (8 to 14
points) Novice (1 to 7 points) Score
Assignment
Requirements
Student completed all required
portions of the assignment
Completed portions of the
assignment
Did not complete the required

2. assignment.
Writing Skills,
Grammar, and APA
Formatting
Assignment strongly demonstrates
graduate-level proficiency in
organization, grammar, and style.
Assignment is well written, and ideas
are well developed and explained.
Demonstrates strong writing skills.
Student paid close attention to spelling
and punctuation. Sentences and
paragraphs are grammatically correct.
Proper use of APA formatting. Properly
and explicitly cited outside resources.
Reference list matches citations.
Assignment demonstrates graduate-

3. level proficiency in organization,
grammar, and style.
Assignment is effectively
communicated, but some sections
lacking clarity. Student paid some
attention to spelling and
punctuation, but there are errors
within the writing. Needs attention
to proper writing skills.
Use of APA formatting and citations
of outside resources, but has a few
instances in which proper citations
are missing.
Assignment does not demonstrate
graduate-level proficiency in
organization, grammar, and style.
Assignment is poorly written and
confusing. Ideas are not
communicated effectively. Student

4. paid no attention to spelling and
punctuation. Demonstrates poor
writing skills.
The assignment lacks the use of APA
formatting and does not provide
proper citations or includes no
citations.
Maintains
purpose/focus
Submission is well organized and has a
tight and cohesive focus that is
integrated throughout the document
Submissions has an organizational
structure and the focus is clear
throughout.
Submission lacks focus or contains
major drifts in focus

5. Understanding of
Course Content
Student demonstrates understand of
course content and knowledge.
Student demonstrates some
understanding of course content
and knowledge.
Student does not demonstrate
understanding of course content and
knowledge.
Work Environment
Application
Student strongly demonstrates the
practical application, or ability to apply,
of course objectives within a work
environment.

6. Student demonstrates some
practical application, or ability to
apply, of course objectives within a
work environment.
Student does not demonstrate the
practical application, or ability to
apply, of course objectives within a
work environment.
The Assignment
➢ Research topic:
o Introduced and described to establish the main ideas and
context of the proposed
research topic (Three (3) paragraphs with at least three (3)
different citations)
Example:
The research topic is introduced and described to establish the
main ideas and context of
the proposed study

7. ➢ Provide an overview of the research project
o (Provide credible information from authors or practitioners
who have conducted
research in this discipline or area and have recommended more
research is
needed) (At least five (5) paragraphs at least 11 different in-text
citations)
Example:
Over the past two decades, the [environment of your problem]
has changed. While
………have improved,………….. aspects have not achieved the
same level of expectations
(reference, 2013). Toward this end, research investigations have
indicated [a shortage or gap in
the knowledge that is needed – what is this] (reference, 2013;
reference, 2009). This lack of
……….. is creating……………., which must be improved to
……………. Therefore,
………….. research is needed to ………………(reference, 2013).
Explain why is the topic of
current interest….Why is the research area of importance to
practical concerns

8. ➢ Provide the research methodology will be used
o Qualitative or Quantitative, and why?
o (At least two (2) paragraphs at least four (4) different
citations)
➢ Provide a problem statement for the research project
o (At least two (2) paragraphs at least six (6) different citations)
Example:
-Discusses the general issue/observation that in practice leads to
the need for a study
-Citations are five years old or less from peer-reviewed
literature or Government databases
The school library has a wealth of information
-Problem identified is a practical problem versus a theoretical
problem
-Problem is directly connected to the course topic and
concentrations
➢ Provide a purpose statement for the research project
o (At least two (2) paragraphs at least two (2) different
citations)
Example:
Qualitative Methodology
• After establishing the statement of the problem, align the

9. purpose statement with the
problem statement
• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the
proposed/accomplished
work
• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a
purpose statement
• The strategy of inquiry
• The study’s method of conveying learning
• The central phenomenon of the study
• The participants in the study
• The site of the research
• The phenomenon or primary idea used to focus the study
• A tentative definition of the central phenomenon
Quantitative Methodology
• After establishing the statement of the problem, align the
purpose statement with the
problem statement
• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the

10. proposed/accomplished
work
• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a
purpose statement
– The study type description
– The study’s independent variable, dependent variable, and
control variable
– Participants
– The geographical location of the study
– Definitions of the independent variable, dependent variable,
and control variable
– Additional results the study may provide
– The intended users of the research results
➢ Provide a research question for the project
o -Questions are aligned with problem and purpose (i.e.,
research questions are the
problem stated as a question) Research questions are not
answerable with a “Yes”
or “No” response
o (Qualitative research questions should start with the words
such as what or
how…. quantitative should begin with is, are, or why) (At least
two (2)

11. paragraphs at least six (6) different citations)
Example:
• Research questions are for the researcher only
• Research questions guide the researcher’s thinking to ensure
the proper data are
collected, which answers the problem in the problem statement
or fills the noted gap
• Qualitative research questions should start with the words
what or how
– Creswell (2009) indicated these words indicate an openness
and emergence of
design, which addresses the phenomenon of interest
– Your qualitative study will have one overarching research
question
– Qualitative research questions are developed based on a
central question
– Qualitative research questions do not have hypotheses
Qualitative Research Question example ... If the problem
sentence is …The problem to be
addressed in the proposed study is since 1980, more than 50%
of small business start-ups fail in
the first 5 years because the leadership competencies for start-

12. up IT managers have not been
established (Greene, 2012). Then the purpose sentence is … The
purpose of the proposed
qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the leadership
competencies for start-up IT
managers. Then the research question is …What are the
leadership competencies for start-up IT
managers? Quantitative Research Question example…
Focus your research questions on the possible relationship
(correlation) between/among
variables, only. Consider formatting your research questions as
To what extent, if any, does (independent variable) relate to
(dependent variable)
for (participants) at (the research site)?
In addition, hypotheses are needed for quantitative questions
Hypothesis statement format
H10: <null>
H1A: <alternative>
• H10: IT flexibility is not correlated to IT effectiveness
• H1A: IT flexibility is correlated to IT effectiveness

13. Example
To what extent, if any, is there a significant influence of
operational software types (independent
variable [IV]) on user satisfaction (dependent variable [DV])
within small manufacturing
businesses?
H10: A correlation does not exist between operational software
types (IV) and
user satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses
H1A: A correlation does exist between operational software
types (IV) and user
satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses
➢ Hypotheses/Propositions
o You do not have both. Hypotheses are for quantitative
research, and propositions
for qualitative research
o Three (3) paragraphs six (6) different citations
Example:
Quantitative:
- Rationale for the hypotheses is provided
- Both null and alternative hypotheses are provided

14. - Hypotheses are testable with each variable operationalized
- Phrasing of hypotheses reflects the nature of analysis (i.e.,
comparison, relationship, or
association)
Qualitative:
- Provide statements that direct the focus of the study
➢ Significance of the Study
o At least three (3) paragraphs at least six (6) different
citations)
Example:
Present the following
– A global reason for conducting the study
– The study’s uniqueness
– The anticipated value or impact to the problem domain (i.e.,
what specifically to
management)
– Who specifically will benefit from the study’s results
• Academic field,

15. • Society,
• Profession,
• Community, or
• Population
-------------------------------------
From the checklist… Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• Indicates a global reason for the study and its uniqueness
• Indicates the anticipated value or impact to the problem
domain (i.e., what specifically to
management or computer science)
• Indicates who will benefit from the study’s results (i.e., the
academic field, to society, to a
profession, to the community, and/or to a particular population)
➢ Definition of Terms
o 15 commonly used words with cited definitions
Example:
A need exists for a knowledge sharing vocabulary that
establishes similar meaning and
enable common understanding

16. • Words defined in an unusual manner or have more than one
definition need to be defined
• Terms must be unique and critical to the study
• Presented alphabetically
• Suggest the following format
Term: The term is . . . (reference, year).
Phrase of words: The phrase of words is . . . (reference, year).
• Discusses 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
➢ General overview of the research method and design
o (At least three (3) paragraphs at least nine (9) different
citations)
Example:
Writing for this section should address
o Brief statement of what a methodology establishes
o Indicate three methodologies exist

17. o Indicate which methodology is chosen and why
o Indicate why other two methodologies were not chosen
o Based on chosen methodology, indicate design options
available
o Indicate which design is chosen and why
o Indicate why other design options were not chosen
o In summary for this section, indicate simply why chosen
methodology and design is
appropriate for proposed study.
• Presents a synopsis of the research methodology and why the
methodology is appropriate for
the study
• Identifies and generally describes research design and why the
design is appropriate for the
study
• Identifies and generally describes research procedures (e.g.,
action research, long interviews)
• Places the study in context with similar studies
Conclusion

18. [REPLACE WITH YOUR DISSERTATION TITLE]
A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of [Management or Computer Science]
By
[Replace with your Name]
Colorado Technical University
[Replace with Month, Year of Completion]
Committee
[Mentor name], [Degree], Chair
[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member
[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member
__________________________________________
Date Approved
i

19. © [Replace with your name], [Replace with Year of
Completion]
ii
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements........................................................Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table of Contents
...............................................................................................
............. ii
List of Tables
.................................................................Error! Bookmark
not defined.
List of Figures
...............................................................................................
................. iv
Chapter One
...............................................................................................
..................... 1
Topic
Overview/Background..............................................................
........................ 1
Problem Opportunity Statement
................................................................................. 2

20. Purpose
Statement............................................................................ ....
....................... 3
Research Question(s)
...............................................................................................
... 4
Hypotheses/Propositions..........................................................
................................... 6
Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual
Framework....................................................... 8
Assumptions/Biases
...............................................................................................
..... 8
Significance of the Study
............................................................................................ 9
Delimitations...........................................................................
.................................. 11
Limitations
...............................................................................................
................. 11
Definition of
Terms.....................................................................................
.............. 12
General Overview of the Research Design
............................................................... 13
Summary of Chapter One

21. ......................................................................................... 13
Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal)
............................................................... 14
iii
Chapter
Two........................................................................................
.......................... 15
Review and Discussion of the Literature
.................................................................. 15
Summary of Literature
Review.................................................................................
16
Chapter
Three............................................................................... .......
.......................... 17
Research
Tradition(s).............................................................................
................... 17
Research Questions
............................................................................. ..................
.... 17
Research
Design....................................................................................
.................... 18

22. Sampling Procedure
...................................................................................... .........
... 18
Instrumentation
...............................................................................................
.......... 19
Validity
...............................................................................................
...................... 20
Reliability...............................................................................
................................... 21
Data Collection
............................................................................................ ...
.......... 22
Data Analysis
...............................................................................................
............. 23
Ethical Considerations
........................................................................................ ......
24
Summary of Chapter
Three......................................................................................
. 25
References..............................................................................
....................................... 27
Appendix................................................................................
....................................... 28

23. iv
List of Figures
[Add List of Figures here]
1
Chapter One
Dissertation topic is introduced and described to establish the
main ideas and context of
the proposed study … something like………..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sustainable management skills have become increasingly
important in electronic design
project management (reference, 2012), especially for managers
working in [indicate your
concentration relationship]. These skills have a vital effect in
[indicate the importance]. Thus,
[your concentration] managers have many important
responsibilities, including the development
of [indicate how your research is a needed solution to resolving
issues within your topic domain]

24. (reference, 2009; reference, 2013).
The goal of this study is to understand, from the standpoint of
…………, which [indicate
topic solutions] and managers consider valuable with respect to
[your research topic]. The
significant meaning of [your topic solution] is ………….
(reference, 2012; reference, 2006).
However, [your research topic] are often complicated by the
dissimilar perceptions concerning
what [your research solution should indicate] (reference, 2014;
reference, 2014; reference, 2014).
Organizations often struggle to maintain …………… (reference,
2014; reference, 2009).
Thus, understanding [your topic], such as ……………, can
uncover ………… needed to
………….. (reference, 2012). Toward this end, [your topic
solution] is dependent upon the
diverse nature of ……………. (reference, 2014; reference,
2014).
Well-established [your topic solutions] are vital to ……….
success (reference, 2012).
Toward this end, [your topic solution] reduces …………..
(reference, 2011; reference, 2011).
One scheme to [reduce your topic problem] failures could be to

25. …………… (reference, 2011;
reference, 2011; reference, 2014).
Commented [SM1]: This information is not intended to
be a fill in the blank template; rather, the information is
provided as training material so you understand what is
expected. Compare your writing to the Dissertation
Template and the Dissertation Checklist.
Commented [SM2]: This is the research topic. Notice how
the research topic is presented first.
Go to the problem / research question that needs a solution
and your research will address.
Notice, there are no questions presented here. Present
issues/concerns indicating research that is needed.
Then, in the next section, you present the background of
these issues/concerns.
This introduction is approximately one page.
2
The primary concern that a [your concentration] manager must
resolve regarding [your
topic] issues is to ensure ………….. (reference, 2004; reference,
2010). Thus, [your
concentration] managers must have the ………….. to
accomplish ……….. essential to the

26. organization’s success. Delineating the [your topic solution]
needed in a [type of] company is a
complicated, vague, and complex issue due to the ………….
involved (reference, 2012).
The …………. industry [or organizations] needs ……….. to
maintain a successful
……………… (reference, 2013; reference, 2013). However,
focused research on …………. is
needed to ensure …………….. can be achieved.
Topic Overview/Background
Dissertation topic is introduced and described to establish the
main ideas and context of
the proposed study … something like ………..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the past two decades, the [environment of your problem]
has changed. While
……… have improved, ………….. aspects have not achieved the
same level of expectations
(reference, 2013). Toward this end, research investigations have
indicated [a shortage or gap in
the knowledge that is needed – what is this] (reference, 2013;
reference, 2009). This lack of

27. ……….. is creating ……………., which must be improved to
……………. Therefore,
………….. research is needed to ……………… (reference,
2013).
The review of past and current research offered ……………. in
a ………….. setting
(reference, 2014). However, practitioners and researchers have
given only a nominal thought to
……………. In other studies, researchers have ……………. and
……………. (reference, 2013;
reference, 2006). Follow-on research has addressed
……………., but ………….. still remains
Commented [SM3]: Why is topic of current interest
3
unsolved. Thus, from these rudimentary determinations, it is
conceivable to [do what] to
understand [what] within [what] environments.
[your concentration] managers have typically understood
…………….. Overall, [your
topic and its solutions] play a significant role that is central to
……………… (reference, 2013).
Earlier research has exposed ……………. (reference, 2011).

28. Hence, the desire is to
…………….. (reference, 2009). Based on these findings, studies
have surveyed [summarization
of what has been done] (reference, 2009; reference, 2011).
[The types of solutions you envision] are necessary to [do what]
are an essential, critical
factor to [your topic’s] present and future survival (reference,
2014). However, [work in your
topic area] continue to advance and evolve. Thus, present-day
[activities and scenarios applicable
to the problem you see needs to be addressed] are forcing
…………….. [your concentration]
managers to incorporate new ……………………. (reference,
2009). As such, …………. need to
evolve to maintain and improve current ……………… and
become more effective to
……………….. (reference, 2011; reference, 2013).
Problem Statement
-Discusses the general issue/observation that in practice leads to
the need for a study
-Citations are 5 years old or less from peer-reviewed literature
or Government databases
-Problem identified is a practical problem versus a theoretical

29. problem
-Problem is directly connected to degree type and
concentrations
…………..something like………..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My suggestions for writing a problem statement are …….
Elements of a Problem Statement include
Commented [SM4]: Focuses on area of research interest
Commented [SM5]: Lays the groundwork for what has
been done in the research area.
Commented [SM6]: Why is research area of importance
to practical concerns
Commented [SM7]: From Dissertation Checklist
4
--A cited statement of the specialty-related problem
--Anchor the problem using a number or statistic to illustrate its
significance for doctoral
research
--Identifying the gap in the literature regarding the problem

30. --Indicating how the proposed study might fill the gap
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using these suggestions, a problem opportunity statement could
be….
The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is the
significant distrust in automated
medical records, which is causing more than 10,000 deaths each
year (Jones, 2015). The lack of
medical record data security is known to be the primary reason
patients do not feel safe with
automated medical records (Smith, 2013). Once the
characteristics of safe medical records are
determined, automated medical records could be established
with the necessary safe aspects
expected by the using public (Green, 2014).
Notice how the above paragarph contains the four elements of a
problem statement and
satisfies the Dissertation checklist.
Add a second paragraph to the problem opportunity statement if
you believe it is needed.
Purpose Statement
Qualitative

31. • After establishing the statement of the problem, align the
purpose statement with the
problem statement
• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the
proposed/accomplished
work
• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a
purpose statement
Commented [SM8]: My comments on what you should be
considering when writing the problem opportunity statement.
Commented [SM9]: Prepare something like this for your
problem opportunity statement.
5
• The strategy of inquiry
• The study’s method of conveying learning
• The central phenomenon of the study
• The participants in the study
• The site of the research
• The phenomenon or primary idea used to focus the study
• A tentative definition of the central phenomenon

32. Quantitative
• After establishing the statement of the problem, align the
purpose statement with the
problem statement
• The purpose statement identifies the direction and goals of the
proposed/accomplished
work
• The following content should be considered for inclusion in a
purpose statement
– The study type description
– The study’s independent variable, dependent variable, and
control variable
– Participants
– The geographical location of the study
– Definitions of the independent variable, dependent variable,
and control variable
– Additional results the study may provide
– The intended users of the research results
-------------------------------------
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.

33. • Concise statements describing the intent of the study
6
• Aligns with the problem
• Indicates the reason for the study
• Research method is identified
• Research design is identified
• Quantitative studies identify the variables/constructs
• Qualitative studies identify the phenomenon/concepts
• Identifies specific population
• Identifies the number of participants
• Identifies the geographic location of the study
Research Question
-Questions are aligned with problem and purpose (i.e., research
questions are the problem
stated as a question)
-Research questions are not answerable with a “Yes” or “No”
response
------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Research questions are for the researcher only
• Research questions guide the researcher’s thinking to ensure
the proper data are
collected, which answers the problem in the problem statement
or fills the noted gap

34. • Qualitative research questions should start with the words
what or how
– Creswell (2009) indicated these words indicate an openness
and emergence of
design, which addresses the phenomenon of interest
– Your qualitative study will have one overarching research
question
– Qualitative research questions are developed based on a
central question
– Qualitative research questions do not have hypotheses
Qualitative Research Question example ...
If the problem sentence is … The problem to be addressed in the
proposed study is since 1980,
more than 50% of small business start-ups fail in the first 5
years because the leadership
competencies for start-up IT managers have not been
established (Greene, 2012).
Commented [SM10]: From Dissertation Checklist
7
Then the purpose sentence is … The purpose of the proposed
qualitative phenomenological

35. study is to explore the leadership competencies for start-up IT
managers.
Then the research question is … What are the leadership
competencies for start-up IT managers?
Quantitative Research Question example …
Focus your research questions on the possible relationship
(correlation) between/among
variables, only. Consider formatting your research questions as
To what extent, if any, does (independent variable) relate to
(dependent variable)
for (participants) at (the research site)?
In addition, hypotheses are needed for quantitative questions
Hypothesis statement format
H10: <null>
H1A: <alternative>
• H10: IT flexibility is not correlated to IT effectiveness
• H1A: IT flexibility is correlated to IT effectiveness
Example
To what extent, if any, is there a significant influence of
operational software types (independent

36. variable [IV]) on user satisfaction (dependent variable [DV])
within small manufacturing
businesses?
H10: A correlation does not exist between operational software
types (IV) and
user satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses
8
H1A: A correlation does exist between operational software
types (IV) and user
satisfaction (DV) within small manufacturing businesses
Hypotheses/Propositions
You do not have both. Hypotheses are used for quantitative
research. Proposition is used
for qualitative research.
-----------------------------------------
From the checklist ….
Quantitative
- 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)

37. Qualitative
- Provide statements that direct the focus of the study
Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework
You do not have both. Your framework is the
theoretical/conceptual boundary of your
study; your problem is somewhere within the framework
(theoretical framework = quantitative;
conceptual framework = qualitative; not both)
Your writing should indicate the chosen theory and the
establishment of a framework
within which your study fits
An analogy
The fence around your backyard is the framework
The framework captures a set of concepts, ideas, and theories,
which define or
establish a topic field or domain
Somewhere within the backyard, you will plant a tree (your
study)
Commented [RL11]: Change the heading, by deleting the
word not associated with your study.
-Quantitative should use Hypotheses
-Qualitative should use Propositions
-Other methods usually use Proposition

38. 9
Your framework section describes where you intend to plant
your tree within the
established framework, with justification from the literature that
supports
your planting decisions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcnufgQzMjc is an example
---------------------------------------------------------
Here are the checklist items. Suggest a paragraph for each
bulleted item
• 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
Assumptions/Biases
• Within the study, basic assumptions underlie the discussions
of your topic (facts assumed

39. to be true, but not verified). Examples might be
– Participant confidentiality or anonymity issues are removed
by design
– Cultural and environmental factors are inherent and cannot be
removed by proper
design
– Sample size determines the variability of the population
– The participants chosen have insights to topic being studied
– Your methodology is appropriate for your problem
– Your methodology requires [fill in the blank], which allows a
logical analysis of
data needed to formulate a problem solution
– Data assumptions
10
• [Fill in the blank with methodology] requires valid [fill in the
blank with
data type], which will be collected reliably with instrument
• [Fill in the blank with your topic] will be the sole focus of the
study
• Your research will be an analysis of [fill in the blank with

40. data type] data
requiring [fill in the blank with analysis type] analysis
• Research biases must be removed or reduced
• Provide a clear statement of researcher responsibility to
collect valid and reliable data
– Precludes the concern for garbage-in/garbage out
– Provide a clear statement of researcher experience with the
study topic
– IRB will be interested in the probability of bias because of
pre-existing topic
knowledge
– Acknowledge data collection and data analysis will follow
existing techniques
explicitly; deviations will be documented in the Proposal
– Provide a clear statement recognizing the possibility of biases
– Indicate these biases will be removed or reduced
– Personal feeling and biases as well as presupposed problems
and issues will be set
aside
– Topic awareness supports a better understanding of the
research plan

41. ---------------------------------------------------------
Here are the checklist items. Suggest you provide a paragraph
for each bulleted item.
• Discusses how basic assumptions underlie the research topic
(i.e., facts are assumed to be
true, but not verified)
• Provides a clear statement of researcher experience with the
research problem/questions
• Provides a clear statement recognizing the possibility of
biases
• Discusses possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and
values
11
Significance of the Study
• Present the following
– A global reason for conducting the study
– The study’s uniqueness
– The anticipated value or impact to the problem domain (i.e.,
what specifically to
management)
– Who specifically will benefit from the study’s results
• Academic field,

42. • Society,
• Profession,
• Community, or
• Population
-------------------------------------
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• Indicates a global reason for the study and its uniqueness
• Indicates the anticipated value or impact to the problem
domain (i.e., what specifically to
management or computer science)
• Indicates who will benefit from the study’s results (i.e., the
academic field, to society, to a
profession, to the community, and/or to a particular population)
Delimitations
• Indicates what variables the researcher can control (or limit)
• Delimitations are the bounds of the study
• Examples
12

43. o This study will confine itself to surveying (describe sample
selection).
o This study will focus on (name key variables).
o Only (explain how you will eliminate/include potential
subjects) will be included in
the study.
-------------------------------------
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• Discusses delimitations are the bounds of the study
• Discusses the variables the researcher can control (or limit)
that are applicable to the study
Limitations
• The research aspects the researcher cannot control (i.e., the
potential weaknesses)
• Indicate any limitations because of instrument
validity/reliability issues
• Examples
o This study is limited by the honesty of the subjects' responses
during the interviews
o This study is limited by the amount of time available to
conduct the study
o Validity of this study is limited to the reliability of the

44. instruments used.
-------------------------------------
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• 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
13
Definition of Terms
• A need exists for a knowledge sharing vocabulary that
establishes similar meaning and
enable common understanding
• Words defined in an unusual manner or have more than one
definition need to be defined
• Terms must be unique and critical to the study
• Presented alphabetically
• Suggest the following format
Term: The term is . . . (reference, year).

45. Phrase of words: The phrase of words is . . . (reference, year).
-------------------------------------
From the checklist …
• Discusses 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
General Overview of the Research Design
• Writing for this section should address
o Brief statement of what a methodology establishes
o Indicate three methodologies exist
o Indicate which methodology is chosen and why
o Indicate why other two methodologies were not chosen
o Based on chosen methodology, indicate design options
available
o Indicate which design is chosen and why
14

46. o Indicate why other design options were not chosen
o In summary for this section, indicate simply why chosen
methodology and design is
appropriate for proposed study.
-------------------------------------
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• Presents a synopsis of the research methodology and why the
methodology is appropriate for
the study
• Identifies and generally describes research design and why the
design is appropriate for the
study
• Identifies and generally describes research procedures (e.g.,
action research, long interviews)
• Places the study in context with similar studies
Summary of Chapter One
From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for each of the
bulleted items.
• 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 Proposal

47. From the checklist … Suggest a paragraph for …
• Presents a brief discussion of how the proposal/dissertation is
organized
15
Chapter Two
[Of the five (or six) chapters of a CTU dissertation, the
structure of Chapter Two is the
most variable. The heading in Chapter Two will be specific to
the content of the chapter, as it is
related to the research topic and proposed study. However, the
following elements should be
included in Chapter Two, regardless of the sections.
Chapter Two is a presentation of a review of the literature. The
researcher accomplishes
three things during the process of developing Chapter Two: a)
the researcher develops subject
matter expertise in the topics relating to his/her research, b) the
researcher identifies and
substantiates a gap in the body of knowledge (your topic) that
will be addressed by the study, and
c) the researcher develops a conceptual framework which

48. informs the research design. THIS
DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE REMOVED BEFORE
SUBMITTING THE MANUSCRIPT]
[Chapter Two shall contain the following content (although
headings may vary):]
[The introduction to Chapter Two tells the reader what the
chapter is to be about, and
tells the reader how the chapter will be organized. According to
APA sixth edition, this section
should not have a heading.]
Review and Discussion of the Literature (the exact headings
will depend on the content)
[The researcher presents and discusses key literature related to
his/her topic and makes
the connection between these and his/her research topic. The
sections in the Review and
Discussion of the Literature should demonstrate the researcher’s
mastery of the literature in
his/her area(s) of study. The sections throughout Chapter 2
should be descriptive of the material
being shared. Each major section should use CTU Level 1
style.]
[A synthesis of the literature should also be included. The
synthesis is a purposeful

49. organization of information that reflects the researcher’s critical
thinking that supports the
Commented [SM12]: Chapter Two must contain at least
25 pages.
16
direction that this specific research takes. The synthesis
provides the foundation for the
conceptual framework which is a narrative (and visual, if
desired) picture of how the literature
examination and subsequent critical thinking combine to form a
“whole” which 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.
This synthesis may be presented in
a variety of ways, but often is topological or chronological, or
both.]
Conceptual Framework
[This section should discuss, in narrative form, how the
researcher sees the relationships

50. between, and orientation of, the theories, models, constructs,
contexts, researcher assumptions,
etc. explored during the literature review and how these fit
together in the researcher’s thinking.
This provides the researcher with an opportunity to craft his/her
own unique approach to the
research or to confirm that their proposed research matches
existing research by presenting a
coherent logic for the proposed research. It is highly
recommended that a graphic representation
accompany the narrative in this section. If using another
author’s conceptual framework (because
it completely matches yours) please attribute the framework. If
using a graphic from another
author that completely matches yours you must have written
permission from the copyright
holder to reprint their material (Please see the Dissertation
Toolbox for more information on
Conceptual Frameworks).]
Summary of Literature Review
The researcher provides a summary of the key elements of
Chapter Two and provides a
brief transition to Chapter 3.

51. 17
Chapter Three
Restates the research problem
Restates the research purpose
Reflects a brief overview of the chapter
Research Tradition
A methodology is used in research to . . . (reference, year).
--continue paragraph 1 … use citations--
The qualitative methodology will be used for the proposed
study.
--continue paragraph 2 … use citations --
The qualitative methodology is appropriate for the proposed
study because . . . (reference,
year). The quantitative methodology will not be used for the
proposed study because… The
mixed methods methodology will not be used for the proposed
study because …
--continue paragraph 3 … use citations --
A research design is used to …. (reference, year).

52. --continue paragraph 4 … use citations --
Based on the selection of the qualitative methodology, an
exploratory design approach
will be used (reference, year).
Commented [SM13]: This information is not intended
to be a fill in the blank template; rather, the information
is provided as training material so you understand what
is expected. Compare your writing to the Dissertation
Template and the Dissertation Checklist.
18
--continue paragraph 5 … use citations --
An exploratory qualitative approach is appropriate for the
proposed study because …
(reference, year). I considered three design options:
ethnography, case study, and
phenomenology. The case study design will not be used for the
proposed study because… The
ethnography design will not be used in the proposed study
because … The phenomenological
design will not be used in the proposed study because …
--continue paragraph 6 … use citations --

53. Research Question
Restates the research question and hypotheses (if quantitative)
--copy and paste from Chapter 1--
Presents the overarching question on what will be researched
for the study
--continue paragraph 2--
Research Design
Indicate in this section the organization of the research design
sections that you will be
addressing.
The above Research Design information is one paragraph.
Population and Sample
The population in a research study …….. (reference, year). The
population for the
proposed study is [fill in population] in [fill in location] that
have successfully performed [fill in
what you are studying]. The estimated size of the population is
[fill in quantification]. This
population is appropriate because …………. (reference, year).
[Fill in generalized reference to
company(s) or people] are the [facilities or group] that will be
used to conduct the study.

54. 19
A sample is ……….. (reference, year). Sample size is ………..
(reference, year). Sample
size is determined by ……….. (reference, year). The sample
size for the proposed study is
………… (reference, year). The sample size is appropriate
because XXXXXX (year) and
YYYYYY (year) conducted similar studies where a sample size
of ….. and ….. were used.
Sampling Procedure
A sampling procedure is ………. (reference, year). For the
proposed study, ……… will
be used as the sampling procedure. [Fill in sampling procedure]
allows ……….. (reference,
year). [Fill in sampling procedure] is appropriate for the
proposed study because ………..
(reference, year).
Before participants are chosen, [discuss letter of permission to
use site] -discuss data
collection, observations, and field notes remain the property of
the researcher (reference, year)

55. [1-2 sentences] -discuss anonymity and confidentiality will be
ensured (reference, year) [1-2
sentences] -indicate company can withdraw at any time
(reference, year).
Once the permission to use site letter is obtained, and after IRB
approval, potential
participants will be contacted using emails or phone numbers
obtained from ………..
Participants are characterized by establishing selection criteria
(reference, year). The selection
criteria for participants is ….. The required demographic
characteristics are ……… [The
researcher works with the person that signed the permission to
use site letter to obtain
participants that match the selection criteria.]
Potential participants will be contacted by email or phone
requesting their participation.
When a participant agrees to participate in the study, the
informed consent form (See Appendix
A) will be sent to the participant (reference, year). Next,
interview times and dates will be
established with each study participant.

56. 20
Data collection will occur using notes, recordings of interviews,
and observations of
study participants (reference, year). Each interview is expected
to take xxxx minutes and will be
recorded. The recorded data will be transcribed in MSWord and
password protected. The data
are then cross-referenced with any notes and relevant
information that were collected (reference,
year).
Instrumentation
For qualitative research, the researcher is an implicit part of the
research and must collect
valid and reliable data (reference, year). Qualitative researchers
often serve as the instrument
(reference, year). Qualitative research uses open-ended
questions.
During data collection, a …………. will be used to capture data
from face-to-face
interviews. The interview process uses interview questions to
capture the interviewee’s
perceptions (see Appendix A). The interview is expected to last
….. minutes.

57. In interview protocol template, a digital voice recorder, and …..
will be the primary data
collection tools for the study. [describe details of what
devices/software will be used].
Open-ended, semistructured interview questions will be used to
explore …………….
Reference (year) noted open-ended interview questions
encourage participants to provide
detailed descriptions of their lived experiences. Depending upon
the responses provided, follow-
up or probing questions will be used to capture additional
details (reference, year). One-on-one
interviews will take place at a date and time of convenient to
each participant.
Handwritten notes of each participant’s interview will be
captured. [describe what
observations will be captured]
The labeling of the captured data will be used to ensure ………..
The process for ensuring participants are not harmed includes
……………..
21
Reliability and validity of the data collection instrument is an

58. important consideration in
research (reference, year). Reliability of the data collection
occurs when …. (reference, year).
Validity
- Describes dependability and its application to the study
- Describes credibility and its application to the study
- Describes transferability and its application to the study
- Describes confirmability and its application to the study.
Ashworth, C. J. (2012). Marketing and organizational
development in e-SMEs: Understanding
survival and sustainability in growth-oriented and comfort-zone
pure-play enterprises in
the fashion retail industry. International Entrepreneurship and
Management Journal, 8,
165-201. doi:10.1007/s11365-011-0171-6
Elo, S., Kaariainen, M., Kanste, O., Polkki, T., Utriainen, K., &
Kyngas, H. (2014). Qualitative
content analysis: A focus on trustworthiness. SAGE Open, 4(1),
1-10.
doi:10.1177/2158244014522633
Henry, N. B. (2012). Disaster management in Cameroon: The
Lake Nyos disaster experience.
Disaster Prevention and Management, 21, 489-506.
doi:10.1108/09653561211256189
Houghton, C., Casey, D., Shaw, D., & Murphy, K. (2013). Rigor
in qualitative case-study

59. research. Nurse Researcher, 20(4), 12-17. Retrieved from
http://rcnpublishing.com/journal/nr
Järvensivu, T., & Törnroos, J. Å. (2010). Case study research
with moderate constructionism:
Conceptualization and practical illustration. Industrial
Marketing Management, 39, 100-
108. doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.05.00
Knies, S., Candel, M. J. J. M., Boonen, A., Evers, S. M. A. A.,
Ament, A. J. H. A., & Severens,
J. L. (2012). Lost productivity in four European countries
among patients with rheumatic
disorders. PharmacoEconomics, 30, 795-807.
doi:10.2165/11591520
Leon, N., Lewin, S., & Mathews, C. (2013). Implementing a
provider-initiated testing and
counseling (PITC) intervention in Cape Town, South Africa: A
process evaluation using
the normalization process model. Implementation Science, 8,
97. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-
8-97
Malterud, K. (2001). Qualitative research: Standards,
challenges, and guidelines. The lancet,
358(9280), 483-488. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05627-6
Commented [SM14]: The following are example
references you might use when writing about validity.
22
Nordhagen, S., Calverley, D., Foulds, C., O'keefe, L., & Wang,

60. X. (2014). Climate change
research and credibility: Balancing tensions across professional,
personal, and public
domains. Climatic Change, 125, 149-162. doi:10.1007/s10584-
014-1167-3
Perrier, L., Buja, A., Mastrangelo, G., Baron, P. S.,
Ducimetière, F., Pauwels, P. J., . . . Ray-
Coquard, I. (2014). Transferability of health cost evaluation
across locations in oncology:
Cluster and principal component analysis as an explorative tool.
BMC Health Services
Research, 14, 537 doi:10.1186/s12913-014-0537-x
Söderholm, P., & Norrbin, P. (2014). Information logistics for
continuous dependability
improvement. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering,
20, 249-261.
doi:10.1108/JQME-05-2014-0030
Wilson, T. R., Birks, Y., & Alexander, D. J. (2013). Pitfalls in
the interpretation of standardized
quality of life instruments for individual patients? A qualitative
study in colorectal
cancer. Quality of Life Research, 22, 1879-88.
doi:10.1007/s11136-012-0303-7
Reliability
Reliability relates to the ability of a measuring instrument to
………. (reference, year).
Reliability refers to the extent of the consistency of ………..
(reference, year).
Reliability is the consistency with which researchers measure

61. the results of an instrument
…………….. (reference, year). Triangulation improves the
reliability of collected data ………
(reference, year). The reliability of the collected data obtained
by asking open-ended questions
increases …………. (reference, year).
Conducting member checking enhances the reliability and
validity of the data collection
process (reference, year). After reviewing the interview data,
[provide process to be used].
Researchers use member checking to validate study findings
(reference, year). Reference (year)
used member checking to …………..
Using triangulation contributes to ………….. (reference, year).
Through triangulation,
the researcher will identify categories and themes using
multiple resources. This process aids in
interpreting …………. (reference, year). Triangulation is a data
analysis technique used in
23
qualitative case studies to ………. (reference, year).
Triangulation is the process of using

62. …………….. (reference, year). For the proposed study,
triangulation will be accomplished by
………….. (reference, year).
A pilot study will be conducted by …………………..
Data Collection
The research question guides the data collection process
necessary to capture needed
information for the proposed study (reference, year). The
research question is: …………. The
data collection technique selected to answer the research
question will be semistructured
interviews. Semistructured interviews provide reliable data,
…….., and ……….. (reference,
year). Semistructured interviews encourage participants to
elaborate ………. (reference, year).
Phone and email will be used to communicate with potential
participants to confirm their
willingness to participate and coordinate their availability.
Participants will receive my email and
phone number. Communication via email and phone will be
used with participants until the
interviews are completed.

63. Xx participants from ……….. will be interviewed. As specified
in the interview protocol
(see Appendix X), participants will be asked open-ended
questions and potential follow-up
questions during the semistructured interviews. The proposed
plan is to conduct the interviews at
…………. The exact location, date, and time of each interview
will be established after
confirming participation.
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 Y), (d) use the interview
protocol (see Appendix X) to ensure all
questions are asked and are in the correct format, (e) use
probing techniques of the silent probe,
24
overt encouragement, elaboration, clarification, and reflection;
(f) thank the participant for their
time and efforts.
Interviews will be recorded using ……………… A personal

64. journal will be used during
the interview to capture …………….
After the interviews are completed, the recorded information
will be transcribed to
Microsoft Word using ………………. This process involves
…………….
Data Analysis
An exploratory qualitative methodology was selected over other
qualitative designs
because the focus of the research is to categorize and interpret
themes (reference, year).
Qualitative data analysis methods are conceptual and relational
(reference, year). Conceptual
data analysis involves establishes the presence of themes.
Relational data analysis begins with
the identification of present concepts and continues by looking
for semantic relationships
(reference, year). Semantic relationships are established using
thematic units. Thematic units are
high-level abstractions interpreted from basic themes and
patterns established in the qualitative
data (reference, year). Data analysis process involves the
emergence of themes from the

65. interview transcripts and other collected data, such as the
personal journal.
Data analysis begins by organizing the collected information
followed by data perusal,
classification, and synthesis (reference, year). The data analysis
approach for exploratory
analysis includes (a) compiling the data from the interviews, (b)
organizing the data by
interviewee, (c) coding of the data (i.e., organizing the data by
recognized categories), (d)
identifying themes (i.e., the label attached to each recognized
category), and (e) establishing data
relationships (i.e., recognizing similarities and differences in
themes in order to condense or
separate themed categories, as appropriate) (reference, year).
Once this process is completed, the
established themed categories are the findings of the study.
25
The coding rules that will be used to map textual units into data
terms include ……….
The technique that will be used to translate data terms into
themes …………..

66. The themes and combinations of themes will be recorded
…………..
To conduct data analysis, the xxxxxx tool(s) will be used. The
xxxxxx tool provides the
ability to ………………
Ethical Considerations
The ethical principles applied throughout the research process
will involve informing the
participants of the right to have a safe environment for the
interview, receiving an informed
consent form (see Appendix Z), and explaining a participant’s
right to terminate the interview
without giving a reason for ending the interview (reference,
year). Each participant will sign an
informed consent form before their interviews begins.
To ensure the highest level of ethical research, principles of the
Belmont Report protocol
will be maintained. The Belmont Report principles are primarily
focused on the well-being of
study subjects (Bromley, Mikesell, Jones, & Khodyakov, 2015).
The vulnerable research
population must be protected from potential exploitation
(Rogers & Lange, 2013). In addition,

67. the three principles of the Belmont Report protocol (i.e.,
autonomy, beneficence, and justice) will
be maintained (Strause, 2013).
Researchers must ensure no harm comes to participants due to
participation in a study
(reference, year). Risks must also be minimized to participants.
To ensure awareness of the risks
and benefits of the proposed study, each participant will be
required to sign an informed consent
form (see Appendix W). The consent form includes (a) the
purpose of the study, (b) the
involvement of participates, (c) participation procedures, (d) the
benefits of the research, (e) the
26
risks of taking part, (f) costs and compensation, (g)
confidentiality, (h) voluntary nature of
participating, and (i) the rights of the participant to withdraw
(Wright, 2012).
Biases could occur due to preexisting knowledge and experience
with the topic
(reference, year). Bias will be mitigated by using open-ended
questions during the interview,

68. focusing solely on the responses of participants, performing
triangulation, and using note taking.
Summary of Chapter Three
Exploratory qualitative research provides ………….. (reference,
year). This approach is
appropriate for the proposed study because ………………….
Data will be collected from X participants. These participants
will be from …………
Purpose sampling will be used. Semistructured interview
questions will be used.
Data analysis will follow the general approach described by
xxxxx (year). The study will
provide derived patterns and themes representing
………………..
27
References
Textbook reference examples
Rue, L. W., & Byars, L. L. (2003). Management: Skills and
application (10th ed.). New York,
NY: McGraw-Hill.
Scott, W. R. (2003). Organizations with rational, natural, and
open systems (5th ed.). Upper

69. Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art& practice of
the learning organization. New
York, NY: Currency Doubleday.
Journal article reference examples
Nutt, P. C. (2004). Expanding the search for alternatives during
strategic decision-making.
Academy of Management Executive, 18(4), 13-28.
doi:10.1108/01437730910991664
Ravichandran, T. W., Smith, J. R., Jr., & Lertwongsatien, C. R.
(2005). Effect of information
systems resources and capabilities on firm performance: A
resource-based perspective.
Journal of Management Information Systems, 21, 237-276.
doi:10.1007/s10551-009-
0087-z
Clay, R. (2008, June). Science is the key: Psychologists fight
back about the misuse of research.
Psychology Monitor Online, p. 8. Retrieved from
http://www.monitoronline/news_at_glance.html
High, R. (2000). Important factors in designing statistical power
analysis studies. Computing
News, para. 5. Retrieved from
http://cc.uoregon.edu/cnews/summer2000/statpower.html
Dissertation reference examples
Mancini, V. T. (2004). The relationship between shared
governance management structure and
registered nurse satisfaction: A comparison of two hospitals.

70. Dissertation Abstracts
International: Section B. Sciences and Engineering, 51(11),
5246.
Nair, A. T. (2002). An examination of ISO 9001 implementation
in career and technical
education (Doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State
University). Retrieved from
http://www-static.pennstate.edu/~asb/dissertations/
Horn-Hasley, K. (2007). An examination of school culture and
student engagement in a test-
focused age of accountability (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved
from ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3273640)
The above examples are for format only and not actual
references.
Commented [SM15]: The following references are
examples. Your references MUST be formatted exactly as
these examples are shown.
Your references section MUST include at least 80 references
and will likely be closer to 100 references.
28
Appendix A
Informed Consent
Title of Study:

71. Investigator:
Contact Number:
Purpose of the Study
You are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose
of this study is to (insert your response
here)
Participants
You are being asked to participate in the study because (state
the specific reason you’re asking this person
to participate – ex: “your opinions, outlook, and insights with
respect to the research question are critical
to …” ex: “you are an active member in the XXX with the
experience, knowledge, and insights…”).
Procedures
If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked
to do the following: (explain, in detail, what
you will ask the participant to do during their participation).
Benefits of Participation
There may/may not be direct benefits to you as a participant in
this study. However, we hope to learn
(explain what you hope to learn about).

72. Risks of Participation
There are risks involved in all research studies. This study is
estimated to involve minimal risk. An
example of this risk is (insert your explanation of possible risk.
Ex: “possibly feeling uncomfortable
answering question about your organization”).
Cost/Compensation
This will be no financial cost to you to participate in this study.
The study will take (provide time
estimate). You will not be compensated for your time. Colorado
Technical University will not provide
Commented [SM16]: This is the University’s standard
informed consent form. Please use it.
29
compensation or free medical care for an unanticipated injury
sustained as a result of participating in
this research study.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the study, you may
contact (insert investigator and
mentor/faculty member name, e-mail, and phone number). For

73. questions regard the rights of research
subjects, any complaints or comments regarding the manner in
which the study is being conducted, you
may contact Colorado Technical University – Doctoral
Programs at 719-598-0200.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to
participate in this study or in any part of
this study. You may withdraw at any time without prejudice.
You are encouraged to ask questions about
this study at the beginning or at any time during the research
study.
Confidentiality
(Please specifically describe how the data will be securely
stored and how the records will be securly
stored and when the records will be destroyed.)
Participant Consent
I have read the above information and agree to participate in
this study. I am at least 18 years of age. A
copy of this form has been given to me.
______________________________________
_____________________

74. Signature of Participant Date
______________________________________
Participant Name (Please Print)
30
Appendix B
Interview Questions
List all of the interview questions here.
31
Appendix C
Interview Protocol
1. Explain the purpose of the study.
2. Assure participant confidentiality and have the participant
sign the informed consent
agreement form.
3. Address participant physical comfort concerns (lighting,
room temperature, chair, and
ambient noise distraction, make water available.

75. 4. Record the subject’s number on the top of the interview field
notes.
5. Encourage participants to open up about their experiences.
6. Monitor participant body language to minimize influencing
subject answers.
7. Precisely record participant responses and annotate any non-
verbal responses.
8. Audio record and assign a chronological number to each
interview.
9. Ask interview questions in order and ask follow-on questions
for clarification (see
Appendix C).
Interview and follow-on questions:
1. Describe the current PHE contingency plans?
Follow-on question 1: Tell me more about contingency plans.
Follow-on question 2: Did I understand you correctly when you
said (repeat
participant response).
2. Describe the missing elements in the current PHE
contingency plan?
Follow-on question 1: Did I understand you correctly when you
stated the missing

76. elements? I heard you say (repeat participant response).
Follow-on question 2: Would you explain that element better?
Commented [SM17]: The following is an example
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3. What improvements are needed in the PHE contingency
plans?
Follow-on question 1: Are there additional PHE contingency
plan improvements?
Follow-on question 2: I heard you state (repeat participant
response). Will you
elaborate for clarification purposes?
4. What are your PHE contingency plan issues?
Follow-on question 1: Are there additional PHE contingency
plan improvements?
Follow-on question 2: For clarification, will you elaborate on
your contingency plan
issues?
5. What improvements to the PHE contingency plans are needed
for the off-base
beneficiaries?

77. Follow-on question 1: Tell me more about improvements to the
PHE contingency
plans for the off-base beneficiaries.
Follow-on question 2: I heard you state (repeat participant
response). Will you
elaborate for clarification purposes?
10. Thank each subject for his or her participation in the study
at the end of the interview.
11. Inform participants that a transcript of their interview will
be made available to them
when transcription is complete, and ensure participants
understand they will have a
final opportunity to clarify or add to responses.