DCJ Program: Writing Your Dissertation

PhD Comic. When you need a break or a laugh, this might just pull you through.

The Literature Review this LibGuide will help you:

• Understand what a literature review is
• Develop a framework 
• Ask the right questions 
• Organize the literature review
• Avoid some common mistakes

The Process:

The doctoral candidate will be required to call upon the knowledge gathered throughout his or her preceding courses of doctoral studies to:

• Prepare relevant research questions
• Formulation of the foundational review of the existing literature
• Propose his/her own research in a relevant field of study

Your dissertation proposal will consist of the first three Chapters of your dissertation. It will need to be approved. It will:

• Display substantive knowledge in the field
• Review the appropriate literature to provide the committee with accurate analysis and review of current theory and research in the field
• Outline appropriate proposed qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques and statistical methods

Your completed dissertation will:

• Consist of 5 Chapters
• Be a written record of the research conducted for the dissertation, including the literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions
• Be in keeping with guidance prescribed by the Institutional Review Board, University policy, College of Education & Social Services policy, and the rules of ethics
• Emphasize social responsibility, innovation, and accountability to foster a new form of leadership focused on creating vibrant and sustainable organizations