- Overview of the organization and your focus.
Statement of purpose (Add appropriate biblical principle).
Research question (Add appropriate biblical principle).
Hypothesis (Add appropriate biblical principle).
Plan of study (Add appropriate biblical principle).
Major descriptive tasks (to complete the research)
Working objectives (to complete the research)
- Requirements: Three to four (3-4) pages (750-1000 words)
1
MANAGEMENT RESEARCH
PROJECT
MPA608
Online Studies Student Syllabus
© Belhaven University | April 2020
2
Course Description
This course is the second level of the three-part course that provides the foundation for the
capstone project of the MPA degree.
Students illustrate mastery of research skills learned during
the process of coursework in an ongoing problem-solving project of their own choosing, a
research case study, by providing a formal research proposal.
During Research Methods-Phase I, students conceptually selected the preliminary subject for
their capstone project, either a program or organizationa l issue, secured the necessary
permissions for research, developed a timeline for capstone completion, identified the primary
and secondary sources for use in research, and began development of the formal project
proposal. During this course, students will present their work to date for peer and instructor
evaluation, both oral and written.
Student Competencies
• Recognize that man’s pursuit of knowledge begins with the admission that God exists.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of k nowledge; but fools despise wisdom and
instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
• Understand that absolute and universal truth exists. “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also
wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
• Develop a formal research proposal.
• Be able to articulate a coherent research proposal.
• Explain the purpose of proposed research.
• Situate proposed research within an existing base of knowledge.
• Conduct a literature review of secondary research sources.
• Develop and explain a research methodology.
• Understand the advantages, limitations , and applications of research case studies.
3
Assessment Criteria
As s ignme nt Points Pos s ible
Writing Assignments (7 @ 40 points each) 280
Discussion Questions (14 @ 15 points each) 210
Unit Quizzes (7 @ varying points each) 160
Research Case Study Proposal 350
Total 1000
Grading Scale:
930+ A 93-100%
900-929 A- 90-92%
870-899 B+ 87-89%
830-869 B 83-86%
800-829 B- 80-82%
770-799 C+ 77-79%
730-769 C 73-76%
700-729 C- 70-72%
670-699 D+ 67-69%
630-669 D 63-66%
600-629 D- 60-62%
0-599 F 0-59%
Resource Inventory
American Psychological American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed.).
Kumar, R. (2014). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (4th ed.). SAGE
Publications. ISBN: 978-1446269978
Salkind, N. J. (2012). Exploring research (8th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-0205093816
The Holy Bible
Re s earch Article s : Locate articles by accessing the Belhaven Library Online
http://belhaven. libguides.com/a z.php
http://belhaven.libguides.com/az.php
4
Expectations of Online Studies Students
Atte ndance
For the attendance policy, please see the Student Online Handbook in Blazenet.
Due Date s
A unit is considered to be Monday- Saturday. You are encouraged to “Observe the Sabbath day
and keep it holy.” Good time management is essential to career and academic success. Early
submissions of assignments and discussion responses are encouraged. Assignments submitted
late will be subject to a 30% reduction for each day they are late up to two days and will not be
accepted late after two days. Due dates are posted to the assignments.
Communication
Communicate questions directly to the professor, except in cases where you need to contact
technical support. Your Belhaven University email address will be utilized for the class, so check
it frequently.
Ame ricans with Dis abilitie s Act (ADA)
Belhaven University offers students disability accommodation in accordance with the guidelines
of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The student must make his or her disability known to the
Office of Student Care, must provide current documentation of the disability from an appropriate
licensed professional, and complete the Belhaven ADA Request Form for accommodation. The
student must provide such a request to the Office of Student Care at least two weeks prior to the
beginning of each semester for which the accommodation is requested. Approved
accommodations will be communicated to the student and made within a reasonable time period
after completion of the official request. Apply under the Quick Links on the Student
Life/Services tab.
Re quire d Formatting
The required formatting for your papers, assignments, projects, discussions, or anything else that
may be research based is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
(APA). APA information can be located by clicking on Resources and then Academic Help on
the Canvas course page.
Re s ponsible Research
Responsible research is a critical component of education, and any individual conducting
research must learn how to investigate, read, understand, systematize, interpret, and finally
explain complex ideas and issues in writing. An individua l conducting research must also
understand that ideas found in literature, media presentations, interviews or any other form of
media do not belong to the researcher and therefore must be given credit through proper
documentation. It is required that every person conducting research provides proper credit
through correct use of documentation not only to prevent plagiarism, but also to demonstrate
respect to the originator of the idea. To ensure that all papers possess originality, faculty
members will use Turnitin. Any paper exceeding 20% of non-origina l material or noticeable
undocumented information will be subject to a discount in points at the discretion of the faculty.
https://www.belhaven.edu/campus_life/student-development/ada_request.asp?_ga=2.180423975.1461500620.1560867840-1076324105.1532965380&_ga=2.180423975.1461500620.1560867840-1076324105.1532965380
https://www.belhaven.edu/campus_life/student-development/ada_request.asp?_ga=2.180423975.1461500620.1560867840-1076324105.1532965380&_ga=2.180423975.1461500620.1560867840-1076324105.1532965380
5
Originality
Unit writing and papers will be evaluated for originality using Turnitin. Belhaven University
encourages a high degree of originality in writing. Quoted material should seldom be used and
must be limited to phrases that cannot be paraphrased or summarized without losing their
effectiveness. Students are required to cite and reference all sources of information and images
using APA style. APA information can be located by clicking on Resources and then Academic
Help on the Canvas course page. Non-origina lity exceeding 20% on papers will be subject to
discount at the professor’s discretion and students may be referred to a writing lab for assistance
with originality.
Spe cific Practice s to Avoid
• Do not attempt to get a research paper from the Internet (or anywhere else) and submit as
your paper. This is dishonest and unethical.
• Do not copy from any book, article, or encyclopedia and submit this for your paper. This
is not acceptable research.
• Include references (including source and page numbers) which document every source
upon which you have in any way relied for each paragraph of your paper. If sources are
not properly referenced, the student has cheated the sources out of deserved credit and
cheated readers out of valuable information.
• Do not use material from any other student’s paper or work unless you give that student
full credit in reference notes.
6
Summary of Assignments
Writing As s ignments
Writing assignments must be APA compliant and include a title page, appropriate citations, and
references. The professor will post Unit Assignments on the first day of each unit. Assignments
are due no later than 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Saturday. Earlier submissions are encouraged.
Dis cus s ion Que stions
The professor will post discussion questions on the first day of each weekly unit. You should
respond to the initial discussion questions no later than 11:59 p.m. (CT) each subsequent
Wednesday. Responses to classmate’s discussion questions are due Saturda y at 11:59 p.m. for
each unit. Early postings are encouraged.
Initial discussion question responses must be a minimum of 250 words each. When indicated, a
response to a classmate must be at least 100 words. Fewer than this will automatically result in a
significant reduction in one’s grade. One initial response and one response to a classmate’s
posting are required for each question.
You must mention the person’s name to whose comments you are responding and quote what
aspect of his or her post you are addressing. Without either, it is not possible to see the direction
of your comments and the comments will not receive any points.
Unit Quizze s
Students will complete unit quizzes on all reading assignments and lectures. Quizzes are
available once all unit lectures have been viewed. Unit quizzes must be completed by Saturday at
11:59 p.m. (CT). Only after 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Saturday will correct answers for quizzes be
posted.
The Re s earch Cas e Study Propos al
The formal research proposal covers the array of topics discussed and presented in the course,
and is due Saturday of Unit 7. The project paper will be evaluated using the Unit Assignments
and Portfolio Paper rubric (Appendix E).
Prepare the research proposal using the following guidelines :
• A minimum of 20 pages not to exceed 35, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font,
using APA standard for references
• Title page, including title of paper, your name, course name and course number, date of
submission (Page 1)
• An appropriate and applicable biblical principle associated with each major section and
subsection of the research proposal
• A Literature Review of existing secondary research sources on your chosen subject of
research (minimum 5 pages)
• A bibliography (also called Reference Page or Works Cited) with a minimum of
10
references are required, including the text, The Holy Bible (New Living Translation),
books and articles from academic sources (Net Library), and other periodicals.
7
UNIT ONE
Unit Activitie s
• Review the course module.
• Explore the online Library and Academic Help pages.
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Chapter 1 (Salk ind text)
• Chapter 1 (Kumar text)
• APA Manual Chapters 2, 4, Chapter 6 (Special Note: 6.01-6.02 on Plagiarism, and 6.03-
6.32), and Chapter 7
• Exodus 20:15-16
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post the purpose of your proposed research.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: Discuss the merits of the Christian worldview over other worldviews.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: Page 1 will be an example of a bibliography (also called List of
References or Works Cited page). List three of your secondary research sources
(from your Literature Review) in proper APA format, of one (1) book, one (1)
periodical, and one (1) Internet article or publication; Page 2 will present in-text
written manuscript, proper APA citations, within written paragraphs: Paragraph 1
will properly cite the first book reference within paraphrased manuscript;
Paragraph 2 will properly cite the second periodical reference listed from your
bibliography page, properly quoting material within quotation marks, and
properly punctuated reference citation (pages 172-173 APA Manual); Paragraph 3
will properly cite the third Internet article or reference from your bibliography
page in block quotation (without quotation marks) from Chapter 4.08.
o Requirements: Two (2) pages; not more than 500 words
http://belhaven.libguides.com/
https://blazenet.belhaven.edu/academic_help/Pages/default.aspx
8
UNIT TWO
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Chapters 2 and 6 (Kumar text)
• Chapter 1, especially Figure 1.1 (Salk ind text)
• Appendix D of the syllabus (Major Components of Research Case Study Proposals:
Section I- Introduction, subsections A-B)
• Ecclesiastes 1:13 and Proverbs 18:15
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post on the forum discussion your: Statement of research purpose,
research question, and hypothesis (your assumption of what you think your
research will reveal).
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post on the forum discussion your: Discuss the application of assigned
biblical principles for this week (Ecclesiastes 1:13 and Proverbs 18:15) to
graduate research.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: Provide the following information, properly organized and formatted:
Introduction
I. Overview of the organization and your focus.
A. Statement of purpose (Add appropriate biblical principle).
B. Research question (Add appropriate biblical principle).
C. Hypothesis (Add appropriate biblical principle).
D. Plan of study (Add appropriate biblical principle).
1. Major descriptive tasks (to complete the research)
2. Working objectives (to complete the research)
o Requirements: Three to four (3-4) pages (750-1000 words)
9
UNIT THREE
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Chapter 1: The Role and Importance of Research, and Chapter 3A: Selecting a Problem
and Reviewing the Research (Salk ind text)
• Chapter 3: Reviewing the Literature (Kumar text)
• Appendix D of the syllabus (Major Components of Research Case Study Proposals:
Section II-Theoretical Perspective & Literature Review)
• APA Manual
• Ecclesiastes 1:9 and Proverbs 12:5-8
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: What is, or has been, the most interesting revelation or illumination have
you found in your literature review of secondary research sources contributing to
your primary research effort on the subject you have chosen to research?
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post your Theoretical Perspective (also called Base-of-Knowledge, or
Specialty-Subject-Area).
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: Submit Section II from Appendix D at the end of the syllabus:
Theoretical Perspective (the Base of Knowledge or Specialty Subject Area to
which you will be contributing (length: one (1) paragraph to ½ page and properly
cite reference(s) in APA format); and subsection A. Literature Review of
secondary research sources already published on your research subject, properly
cited in APA format, with a brief summary of each and what they contribute to
your research base of knowledge of your research subject).
o Requirements: The Literature Review should be five (5) pages (1250 words).
10
UNIT FOUR
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Chapter 7: Data Collection and Descriptive Statistics (Salk ind text)
• Chapter 7: The Research Design, Chapter 8: Selecting a Study Design, Chapter 9:
Selecting a Method of Data Collection, and Chapter 13: Writing a Research Proposal
• Appendix D: Major Components of Research Case Study proposals, Section III –
Research Methodology
• Luke 14:28-30 and Proverbs 13:16-17
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post on the forum discussion your subsection H. Plan of Study, listing
your (1) Major descriptive tasks to complete your research, and, (2) Working
objectives to complete your research.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: Post on the forum discussion your section III. Research Methodology,
listing your proposed subsection A. Data Collection methodology.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: Submit Section III from Appendix D at the end of the syllabus your
Research Methodology, Subsection A. Data Collection of how you plan on
collecting your primary research data. Also, submit Subsection B. Data
Management and Analysis on how you plan to manage and analyze your primary
data.
o Requirements: One to two (1-2) pages, 250-500 words for the Research
Methodology, Subsection. Data Collection and one to two (1-2) pages, 250-500
words for the Data Management Analysis
11
UNIT FIVE
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Chapter 3B (Salk ind text)
• Chapter 9 and Chapter 14 (Kumar text)
• Appendix D, III. Research Methodology,
A. Data Collection – you will conduct surveys, interviews, analyze records collected
from the organization, etc.
1. Establish your protocol for collecting data (quantitative
or qualitative)
2. List Primary sources of data
3. List Secondary sources of data
B. Data Management and Analyses
• Review Appendices A-C from the syllabus for potentially necessary release forms from
primary research sources for collecting data, as necessary, in considering potential ethical
issues in primary data collection.
• Proverbs 18:15, Exodus 23:7, and Colossians 2:8
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: From your research on the subject, post a discussion on your
understanding of primary research sources and secondary research sources.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: From your research on the subject, post a listing and discussion on the
five primary research sources or methods of collecting primary research data.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: List your proposed primary research sources and a preliminary list of
secondary research sources (your preliminary literature review) of material
already published on your research topic. If doing surveys or questionnaires, you
will want to distribute a minimum of one-hundred (100) for receiving and
interpreting meaningful data (who is your proposed target group?); if you propose
12
to do interviews, you will want a minimum of twenty (20) because one (1), two
(2), or three (3) is not a meaningful representation of the responding target
audience (primary research sources).
o Requirements: Two (2) pages
13
UNIT SIX
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Appendix D, Section III – Research Methodology, subsection C. Research case study
applications : Advantages-Limitations
• I Kings 30:8 and Proverbs 30:8
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: Discuss two (2) or more universal advantages and limitations of all case
studies and properly cite (in APA format) a minimum of two (2) references from
which you gathered this information.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: Discuss the difference between primary and universal advantages of case
study research.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: List three (3) primary advantages and three (3) primary limitations of
your proposed research. Properly cite in APA format a minimum of three (3)
Internet-based sources or references; you may use the Belhaven University
library.
o Requirements: Three pages (750 words)
14
UNIT SEVEN
Unit Activitie s
• Read assigned materials.
• View lectures.
• Complete unit quiz.
• Respond to discussion questions.
• Submit writing assignment(s).
• Submit the Research Case Study Proposal.
Re ading As s ignme nts
• Read the MPA608 Instruction Manual (or syllabus), Appendix D – follow the proscribed
format (almost like a table of contents) for organizing and presenting your oral
presentation in the proper order
• Chapter 13 (Salk ind text)
• Chapter 13 (Kumar text)
• Isaiah 41:21, Proverbs 9:9, Ecclesiastes 1:8-9; 9:1-3, and Proverbs 23:23
Dis cus s ion Que stions : Post your initial responses to the discussion forum by Wednesday 11:59
p.m. and respond to the discussion of others by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 1 (15 points)
o Prompt: Provide your advice and recommendations to other students in this
course for developing PowerPoint slides based on your knowledge and
experience.
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
• Dis cus s ion Que stion 2 (15 points)
o Prompt: What is the most useful and illuminating component of this course of
instruction? Which component of this course of instruction requires revision, and
why? How has the integration of biblical principles contributed to your focus on
producing the primary assignment for this course of instruction (the formal
research proposal)?
o Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply
Writing As s ignments: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (40 points)
o Prompt: Integrating your understanding from the lecture and your assigned
reading from the textbooks, develop and submit Microsoft PowerPoint slides of
an oral presentation of Appendix D from the syllabus as if you were going to
present your formal research proposal in front of an actual group.
15
Re s earch Cas e Study Propos al: Submit by Saturday 11:59 p.m.
• As s ignme nt (350 points)
o Prompt: Submit the Research Case Study Proposal. Refer to APPENDIX D for
further instructions to complete the proposal.
o Prepare the research proposal using the following guidelines :
▪ A minimum of 20 pages not to exceed 35, typed, double-spaced, Times
New Roman font, using APA standard for references
▪ Title page, including title of paper, your name, course name and course
number, date of submission (Page 1)
▪ An appropriate and applicable biblical principle associated with each
major section and subsection of the research proposal
▪ A Literature Review of existing secondary research sources on your
chosen subject of research (minimum 5 pages)
▪ A bibliography (also called Reference Page or Works Cited) with a
minimum of 10 references are required, including the text, The Holy Bible
(New Living Translation), books and articles from academic sources (Net
Library), and other periodicals.
16
APPENDIX A
STUDENT SUPPLEMENTS
EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND RELEASE FORMS
Templates (may be modified)
AGENCY CONSENT FOR BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY STUDENT GRADUATE RESEARCH
Age ncy Information: (Name , addre s s , location)
Point of Contact: (Name , title or pos ition)
Graduate Stude nt Rese arche r: (Name )
TERMS AND RELEASE
1. Belhaven University agrees to treat this case with the highest degree of professionalism
and accepts the relationship of trust and confidence with the client agency by this
agreement
2. All efforts will be made by Belhaven University to keep all information received a nd
developed in the course of conducting the report in strict confidence. However, the client
agrees not to sue Belhaven University for any breach of this confidence by the student
researcher.
3. The client agrees to provide the necessary information through the Freedom of Information
Act and support Belhaven University to permit timely and acceptable completion of the
case requirements. Both the client and Belhaven University agree to focus the work of the
student researcher according to the specifications of this agreement.
4. Belhaven University and its representatives cannot, for any reason, be held responsible for
any effects on the client and/or agency directly or indirectly from the research conducted
by the student researcher. The client/agency agrees that the research report resulting from
this contract are voluntarily provided as resource material. Any implementation of
recommendations or undertaking of activities as a result of the research effort is performed
at the full discretion of the client and/or agency with all risk and liability assumed by the
client and/or agency.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE TERMS AND RELEASE AND AGREE TO THEM.
___________________________________
Clie nt’s
Signature
___________________________________
Stude nt Re s earche r’s
Signature
17
APPENDIX B
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT
In consideration of the opportunity to participate in the Belhaven Graduate Research
Program as a student researcher, I hereby state that I am informed and fully aware of the
necessity of insuring that the affairs of my clients remain confidential. I agree that, unless I am
authorized in writing by my client to do so, I will not reveal any information about my client’s
business to any unauthorized person, except as provided by law on public agencies. I understand
that no person other than faculty advisors, project team members, and my client are authorized to
discuss this case with me.
I will not:
Solicit or accept compensation for any services to clients assigned to me while operating
under the terms of the research effort.
Recommend the purchase of goods or services from sources in which Belhaven
University or I have an interest or represent.
Request or accept fees or commissions from third parties associated with the rese arch
effort who have supplied goods or services to a client upon the University counselor’s or
advisor’s recommendation.
I will assure that all surveys, questionnaires, studies or other material developed by the
student research effort are provided to the client or client agency only, and not used by
third parties.
___________________________ DATE: _______________________
Student Researcher’s Signature
18
APPENDIX C
STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY
I, the undersigned, hereby confirm that all work and information that has been revealed
between the client agency, its representatives and/or official, and the undersigned is of utmos t
confidentiality. Therefore, any operating records and/or statements that are contained herein or
that I, the undersigned, may have seen will be discussed with no one outside of Belhave n
University except that provided by law. Only one copy of the research report will be provided to
Belhaven University for grading purposes and retained for record purposes.
_____________________________________ DATE: _______________________
Student Researcher’s Signature
19
APPENDIX D
Major Components of Research Case Study Proposals
Cover page, containing title, contact information, etc.
Executive Summary (or Abstract) – this is a page separate from the case study, following
the Table of Contents (TOC).
Research Case Study Proposal
I. Overview of the organization and your focus.
o Statement of purpose – description of situation, the issue or problem to be
researched, your reason for selecting it, and a needs statement (justification for the
study, what problem will it solve). (Add appropriate biblical principle).
o Research question or management decision to be made – the question you asked
to try to solve the problem mentioned in the statement of purpose. The question
should not be open-ended or too broad. In the case of a program or policy
decision, it should be stated succinctly, with supporting items for analysis (the
elements that you must investigate for the decision to be made). The rese arch
question helps to narrowly define the scope of your research. (Add appropriate
biblical principle).
o Hypothesis – an educated guess. If you are conducting primary research to gather
and analyze data based on your research question, you will have a hypothesis.
(Add appropriate biblical principle).
o Plan of study (Add appropriate biblical principle).
1. Major descriptive tasks (to complete the research)
2. Working objectives (to complete the research)
II. Theoretical perspective (how your research contributes to the
existing base of knowledge about your subject – you have to know what
the current base of knowledge is before you can contribute to it). (Add
appropriate biblical principle).
A. Literature Review (Add appropriate biblical principle)
a. Review of current theory or literature (secondary research
sources)
b. Review of empirical studies (these are studies you will find
in your research that have tested existing theories and may
provide you with an idea of what has recently been done in
the field, types of survey instruments used, etc.)
20
III. Research Methodology (Add appropriate biblical principle)
o Data Collection – you will conduct surveys,
interviews, analyze records collected from the
organization, etc.
1. Establish your protocol for collecting data (quantitative
or qualitative)
2. List Primary sources of data
3. List Secondary sources of data
o Data Management and Analyses
1. How will you analyze the data you collected?
Remember that data is plural; datum is singular
2. Will you use statistical analysis? If so, what kind?
Will you look at mean, median, and mode? Why did
you choose the form of analysis chosen?
o Case study application discussion
1. What are the advantages of case studies?
a) List primary and secondary/universal
advantages of your case study
b) Use the library and the Internet for
support for additional case study
methodology texts
2. What are the limitations of case studies?
a) List both primary and
secondary/universal limitations of
your case study.
21
Appendix E
Total
Points
Dis cus s ion Rubric
15 Excellent – a contribution that demonstrated sound critical thinking skills in analyzing,
evaluating, and or applying s ubstance of the weekly content and was submitted on time
10 Very Good – a contribution that fell slightly short of the excellent guidelines and may have
either been submitted late or left a few points unaddressed from the discussion criteria
5 Good – a contribution that needed additional development in using sound critical thinking
skills in analyzing, evaluating, and or applying substance of the weekly content.
3 Needing Improvement – a contribution that needed additional development in using sound
critical thinking skills in analyzing, evaluating, and or applying substa nce of the weekly
content.
1 Unsatisfactory – a contribution that did not reflect the use of sound critical thinking skills
in analyzing, evaluating, and or applying substance of the weekly content.
0 Did not submit posts by close of the weekly forum
Note to student
Please use this rubric to support your response and follow-up replies in the discussion forums. It
is necessary to also understand the substance of the discussion question and your responses
should reflect applying the learning content up to and including the week of the discussion
forum. Personal experience, workplace examples, and scriptural support are always encouraged
to support your response. However, it is important to avoid any proprietary information from the
workplace.
If your score is lower than expected, use the rubric as a guide to evaluate your responses for
improvement efforts. If unsure as to what steps to take try:
1. Reading the discussion question thoroughly and repeatedly before replying
2. Including additional depth in your responses
3. Tightening your focus; be more concise
4. Working on application of content to your workplace or area of ministry
Making sure your response is compatible with a sound
Christian Worldview
22
Rubric for Evaluation of Unit Assignments and Portfolio
Criterion Be low Ave rage
0.0-0.33
Ave rage
0.34-0.67
Above Ave rage
0.68-1.00
Communication
Originality
Critical Thinking
Integration
Christian Worldview
Communication evaluates the proper attention to format, grammar, punctuation,
and the student’s ability to develop thought in an organized structure that exhibits
graduate level work.
Originality evaluates the attention to proper citing and referencing of source
materials and the student’s ability to summarize, paraphrase, and effectively quote
the work of others, while developing original ideas and thoughts from researched
material.
Critical thinking evaluates the exhibited understanding of the process for reasoning
and the elements of thought as illustrated in the student’s written work.
Integration evaluates the appropriate inclusion of thoughts, ideas, and information
from assigned reading in context with the topic, question, or task.
Christian worldview evaluates the appropriateness of referenced scripture to the
topic, question, or task.