The document outlines the U.S. Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and describes how each step can be applied to structuring a graduate thesis. The MCPP involves 6 steps: problem framing, course of action development, course of action wargaming, course of action comparison and decision, orders development, and transition. Each step in the MCPP is then mapped to an equivalent component of developing and writing a graduate thesis, including developing a research question, literature review, methodology, testing hypotheses, analyzing results, conclusions, and identifying implications. The document provides an alternative framework for graduate students to think about organizing and planning their master's thesis research.

1. Problem Framing:
Problem framing enhances understanding of the environment and the
nature of the problem. It identifies what the command must accomplish,
when and where it must be done and, most importantly, why (the
purpose of the operation). The purpose is articulated in the mission
statement.
Course of Action (COA) Development:
The COA development step produces options for accomplishing the
mission in accordance with the commander’s intent. It provides options
for the commander; refines the design; and promotes understanding of
the environment, problem and the approach to solving the problem.
Course of Action (COA) Wargaming:
The COA war game examines and refines the option(s) in light of
adversary capabilities and potential actions/reactions as well as the
characteristics peculiar to the operating environment, such as weather,
terrain, culture and non-Department of Defense (DOD) entities or
stakeholders. This detailed examination of the operational environment
and possible adversary reactions should forge a greater understanding
of the environment, the problem and possible solutions.
Course of Action (COA) Comparison and Decision:
During COA comparison and decision, the commander reviews the pros
and cons of the option(s) and decides how he will accomplish the
mission, either by approving a COA as formulated or by assimilating
what has been learned into a new COA that may need to be further
developed and wargamed.
* An adversary could be those who question the strength of methodology
Transition:
The transition step may involve a wide range of briefs, drills, or rehearsals
necessary to ensure a successful shift from planning to execution. A
number of factors can influence how the transition step is conducted,
such as echelon of command, mission complexity, and, most importantly,
available time.
Feel free to copy, distribute and amend.
This document is meant to help graduate students
navigate through their master thesis research by
exposing them to a military planning perspective as
an alternative means to thinking about research
organization and planning.
The following is taken from MCWP 5-1
Chapter 1 p1-5
Problem
Framing
Course of Action
(COA)
Development
Course of Action
(COA) Wargaming
Course of Action
(COA) Comparison
and Decision
Orders
Development
Transition
Research
Question &
Literature
Review
Research
Methodology
Development
Testing of
Hypothesis
Analysis
of Results
Conclusion
Development
and Writing
Identification
of Implications
of Results
Research Question & Literature Review:
A research question provides a clear purpose and scope of work (SOW)
for the research by explicitly defining what question the research is
meant to answer, why and case for its relevance. A literature review is
conducted to expand situational awareness (SA) on the research field and
the findings of others that are relevant to the research’s SOW. Following
the literature review one or several hypothesis are created.
Research Methodology Development:
A step by step account (or course of action) of how the researcher will go
about answering the research question and testing the identified
hypothesis. This research strategy includes a plan for acquiring relevant
information, methods for its classification and a detailed explanation of
the chosen coherent analytical approach determined best fit to leverage
the data for the purpose of the research. This phase also addresses the
limitations of the research and the methodology in a transparent fashion.
Testing of Hypothesis:
The hypothesis is objectively assessed through the implementation of
the research methodology. The observed findings are documented in a
systematic way that feeds into the analysis of research question.
Analysis of Results:
The analysis of the results is presented in a clear and objective manner,
deliberately controlling for cognitive bias and limitations that are
inherent to the circumstances of the research. The analysis stays true to
the research question and avoids deviating outside the specific scope of
the research.
Conclusion Development and Result Implications:
The conclusion succinctly recaps the purpose of the research, its SOW
and highlights how it addresses pertinent literature gaps. The
importance (or lack thereof) of the results are conveyed in terms of their
short term, long term and broader implications to the literature, SOW
and relevant entities.
Identification of Implications of Results:
Once the research conclusions have been determined and the research
question has been fully addressed the researcher must demonstrate the
utility of the results and their implications for the field. The researcher
must provide guidance on the research path forward and relevance.
Orders Development:
The orders development step translates the commander’s decision into
oral/written/graphic direction sufficient to guide implementation and
initiative by subordinates.
Created by @LKCyber - 2015
Thesis Components
Think of the researcher as a 1 person unit doubling as a commander.
Applying the U.S. Marine Corps Planning Process to Graduate Research
MCPP MASTER THESIS