1. NM 6068 Clinical Change
Proposal Dissertation
• Checklist for the contents of the dissertation
Tracy Culkin 2009/10

2. 1. Suggested format for the
dissertation
• Cover page (refer to guidelines in handbook)
• Abstract
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Conclusions and recommendations
• References
• Appendices

3. 2. Cover Page
• The title page should include:
• The agreed title
• The candidate’s full name
• The statement ”Dissertation submitted to The University of Chester for
the degree of Bachelor of Science in part fulfilment of the programme in
Professional Practice”.
• The month and year of submission of dissertation.
• A signed plagiarism disclaimer such as, “this dissertation represents my
own work and does not contain any material which has been copied or
derived from other sources and not explicitly acknowledged.
Signed………” Please refer to Section 9, Appendix B of the Quality
Assurance Handbook for further information relating to academic
malpractice.

4. Abstract
• Does the abstract fit onto 1 side of A4?
• Does it give a brief outline of the planned change,
highlighting the background to the change and the
relevant change theory and evaluation methods which
are utilised.

5. Contents page
• The contents page should clearly indicate the page
numbers of the sections of the dissertation including
reference list and appendices.

6. Introduction
• Briefly introduce and discuss the planned change,
highlighting the rationale behind its proposed
implementation.
• Describe the format of the dissertation –briefly
outlining what will be discussed/explored/critically
analysed in the three chapters.

7. Chapter 1
• Context for the proposed change –i.e. the
background to the change.
• A critical evaluation of the evidence relating to the specified
change.

8. Chapter 1 -continued
• A coherent rationale for the proposed change should be
demonstrated to encompass a critical analysis of the benefits of
the change to the organisation and stakeholders as well as any
implications for organisational policy, strategy and
corporate/strategic planning.
• A critical analysis of how the specified change will impact on the
practitioner’s professional practice.

9. Chapter 2
• This chapter should document a planned programme of
change.
• This chapter should include the utilisation of theoretical
frameworks in change management, and rationalise the change
theories utilised for the change proposal, which support the
proposed change in clinical practice.
• It should demonstrate a logical approach to the process of
planning the change.
• Aims and objectives should be clearly stated.

10. Chapter 2 - continued
• A timetable of the steps/phases for the proposed change should
be included to demonstrate effective time management (e.g. Gantt
Charts, Flow diagrams).
• Factors/issues that may enhance or obstruct the implementation
of the change proposal should be clearly identified and critically
analysed with reference to relevant change management theory.
• An analysis of the resources required for effective change
management should be provided.
• A critical analysis of the characteristics of an effective change
agent is required.

11. Chapter 3
• This chapter should clearly articulate a
systematic evaluation plan of how the change
will be measured, monitored and evaluated.
• Demonstrate a planned systematic evaluation of how the change
will be measured, monitored and audited.
• The methods of evaluation should be critically analysed with
reference to relevant evaluation theory.

12. Chapter 3 -continued
• The proposed analysis of the evaluation data should include a
discussion of anticipated factors which may hinder or help the
process.
• A critical analysis of key factors identified in relation to self-
evaluation of the desired skills of a change agent.

13. Conclusions and
Recommendations
• Does the conclusion summarise the dissertation?
• Have recommendations been made about the
practice issue and implementing the clinical change?

14. References
• Does the list conform to APA guidelines?
• Are all in text references in the list?

15. Appendices
• Are all appendices appropriately labelled?
• Do all appendices cross reference with in text
discussion?
• Are all appendices included relevant?