Revised 4/20/20
The purpose of this template is to ensure that the capstone project manuscript is a quality document. This template provides information about formatting requirements and the content required in each section of the capstone project.
Below is the capstone project template with a description of each section.
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TITLE PAGE: THE TITLE SHOULD GO HERE (ALL CAPS)
by
Student’s Full Legal Name
A Capstone Project Presented in Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Public Administration
Liberty University
APPROVED BY:
Name and degree, Faculty Mentor
Acknowledgments (Optional)
The acknowledgments page provides the opportunity for the candidate to acknowledge individuals who influenced the writing and completion of the capstone project. This page is optional.
Dedication (Optional)
The dedication is a page in which the candidate dedicates the manuscript. This page is optional.
Table of Contents
The Table of Contents lists the various sections and subsections of the manuscript along with their page numbers. The Table of Contents should include the Executive Summary, List of Tables, List of Figures, SECTION TITLES (all caps), Level 1 headings, Level 2 headings, REFERENCES (all caps), and APPENDIX or APPENDICES (all caps). These should be left justified. The subsections included should only be APA Level 1 and Level 2 headings within the manuscript. Level 1 headings should be indented one half inch and Level 2 headings should be indented one inch. Section titles are not considered Level 1 headings. Entries should be double-spaced.
1.0 Introduction to the Project and related Literature. 8
The Public Administration Setting and Background. 8
Introduction to the Problem.. 9
Significance of the Problem.. 9
Data Collection and Analysis 15
Description of Participants. 20
4.0 Solution to the Problem… 25
Restatement of the Problem.. 25
Proposed Solution to the Central Question. 25
Resources and Funds Needed. 25
Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders. 25
Executive Summary
The executive summary is an overview of the capstone project and is the first section stakeholders will read. The executive summary includes the purpose and rationale of the project, the problem statement, the methods, the results, and an overview of the recommendations. Descriptions of the methods should include the setting, data collection, and analysis. The executive summary should be approximately one page but must not exceed one page. The first sentence is indented. The executive summary should not include statistics, references, or direct quotes. Begin this section using the following format:
The purpose of this project was to (improve or solve) the problem of ________ (identify what needs improving) at ________ (identify site/setting, and stakeholders) and to design ________ (identify the project – professional development, intervention, etc.) to address the problem.
Briefly introduce proposed data collection and data analysis strategies designed to solve the problem, followed by a general description of the project (curriculum, training, program, etc.) and recommendations that will be developed to solve the problem.
Note: Do not complete this section until PADM 885.
1.0 Introduction to the Project and related Literature
Overview
The Overview should begin with a brief restatement of the purpose of the capstone project. The purpose should be followed by a restatement of the problem statement. You will then clearly and concisely describe the contents and organization of the section. The purpose of Section 1.0 is to provide a framework for the evidence-based project. This paragraph should create reader interest, provide a foundation for the problem that necessitates the project, overview the context of literature in which the project is founded, identify the importance of the project for a specific audience, and briefly introduce the project. Section 1.0 must be a minimum of 25 pages for the final capstone project. Do not propose a solution or possible solution to the problem prior to conducting the research. For example, do not state that professional development will be created to solve to problem before data collection and analysis.
The Public Administration Setting and Background
The Public Administration Setting and Background provides context related to the problem. Begin by describing the public administration setting in which the problem will be addressed. In this subsection, the setting (or the site) of the project should be described in detail (e.g., geographic location, governmental agency, etc.). For example, you may say, “City of Lynchburg Offices are located at 000 Main Street, Springfield, Virginia. The local city government serves 000 residents… and is….” Give a detailed description of the particular governmental agency or organizational setting. Only important features which have bearing on the project should be included. The following questions should be addressed: What does the organization look like with regards to leadership, organizational structure, population, etc.? Because the capstone project will not be published, you may include real site names and numbers in the setting subsection. Include cited sources in correct APA format (e.g. Local, State or Federal governmental reports, county or city website, organizational reports, etc.). End this subsection by introducing the reader to the problem and making a smooth transition into the next subsection.
Introduction to the Problem
This subsection introduces the reader to the specific governmental problem of practice and provides justification for the evidence-based project within a governmental setting. A problem of practice is a situation that exists within a private or governmental organization within the public administration setting. The problem is site specific, non-generalizable, and is unique to the particular governmental setting. This subsection provides you the opportunity to show that the proposed capstone project is needed and is relevant to the organization being studied. Focus on the problem to be examined and provide evidence that the problem is real and needs to be solved. Provide as much documentation as possible when presenting the problem (e.g., school records, reports, documentation, etc.). Use appropriate APA citations. In a few focused paragraphs, convince the reader why the particular issue or problem needs to be addressed. The problem should be stated clearly and unambiguously. You should state: “The problem is….” Do not propose a solution or possible solution to the problem. The solution to the problem will be addressed in Section 4.
Significance of the Problem
The significance of the problem begins with a description of the practical contributions that the project makes to the organization. It addresses questions such as, why does the problem need to be solved? Why it is important to the location, organization, population, and/or stakeholders? How will solving the problem improve the conditions, lives, work environment, etc.? Identify the specific stakeholders who will find the project significant. References based in the literature are very important here to lend additional credence and support the need for the study. All assertions in this subsection need to be well supported by the literature. Citations are needed using correct APA format.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the project should flow from the problem statement and significance of the problem. Clearly and succinctly state the focus and intentions of the proposed capstone project. The purpose statement should begin with the following statement: “The purpose of this project is to improve or solve the problem of….” This statement foreshadows the central question, and the statement must be used consistently throughout the project. Begin this section using the following format:
The purpose of this project was to (improve or solve) the problem of ________ (identify what needs improving) at ________ (identify site/setting, and stakeholders) and to design ________ (identify the project – professional development, intervention, etc.) to address the problem. It is important to solve this problem because ________. The first approach regarding data collection will be structured interviews with ________ (teachers, principals, parents, etc…). The second approach regarding data collection will be (documents; records; archival data; survey; focus group; etc…) _________ with/using ________. The third approach regarding data collection will be (documents; records; archival data; survey; focus group; etc…) ________ with/using ________.”
Although brief in nature, the problem of the study and the purpose statement are very important aspects of the manuscript. These statements identify the goal of the capstone project and support the importance of solving the problem of practice. All preceding writing within the manuscript should funnel into the problem and purpose statements, and all proceeding aspects of the manuscript should align with, support, and further expand upon the problem and purpose statements.
Related Literature
This is often the longest portion of the capstone project. The minimum page requirement is 20 pages, but it may be longer. In this subsection you will provide a context for the capstone project and demonstrate its importance based on related literature. The Related Literature subsection is comprised of an introduction to the literature review and at least two subsections: (a) Narrative Review and (b) Theoretical (or Conceptual) Review. A narrative review, also known as a traditional literature review, is a thorough analysis and synthesis of the current knowledge on a topic. Begin the Related Literature section with an introduction to the literature review section, which is followed by the Narrative Review subsection and then the Theoretical Review subsection.
Subheadings at Level 2 are required and Level 3 and 4 are often necessary. Often 500 or more articles are read to construct this portion and a minimum of 40 sources are integrated into its construction. The majority of the literature cited should be current (i.e., five years or less since publication), though it is understood that some seminal studies published more than five years ago are appropriate.
Narrative Review
The purpose of this subsection is to provide a tight synthesis of the existing knowledge on this topic and link this existing knowledge to the proposed project. This is not simply a study-by-study summary, but a selection of relevant literate that covers a specific topic and related research studies. As you read the literature, the information relevant to your project will need to be categorized into major themes which will be presented using headings arranged in a logical order. It communicates what has been examined on the topic, what empirical studies have been conducted, and what solutions have been implemented to address the problem. Remember, this subsection often convinces the reader that you are an expert on the topic.
Theoretical Review
This subsection should provide the reader with a direct connection to the conceptual or theoretical framework related to the topic area. This subsection gives the reader a clear sense of the theoretical approach to understanding the topic/problem. Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next, discuss how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by articulating how specific theory(ies) may potentially help bring about a deeper understanding of the problem. Examples of theoretical frameworks include Marume (1988), Fox and Meyer (1995) five fine types of administrative theory: Descriptive Theory, Prescriptive Theory, Normative Theory, Assumptive Theory and Instrumental Theory. You must describe the relationship between the theory and your proposed study.
Summary
Provide a section summary. The Summary includes a succinct conclusion to the section.
2.0 PROCEDURES
Overview
The Overview should begin with a brief restatement of the purpose of the capstone project. The purpose should be followed by a brief restatement of the problem statement. You will then clearly and concisely describe the contents and organization of this section using future tense. The purpose of section 2.0 is for you to present the project permissions, role of the investigator, ethical considerations, project questions, procedures, data collection, and analysis for the evidence-based project. In this section, provide the reader with the comprehensive details of what will occur during the execution of the project.
Permissions
This subsection includes, but is not limited to, information about securing approval for the project. Include wording similar to the following: “Written permission to conduct the capstone project was obtained from the primary supervisor within the organization, the key gatekeepers at any site, etc. (see Appendix B for permission request letter and permissions).” All procedural materials and any other pertinent information should be included in the appendices in the order in which it is presented in the text.
Note: LU does not require IRB approval because the capstone project is site-specific, the results and solution to the problem are not generalizable beyond the site, and the project will not be published or disseminated beyond the site. However, some school systems and organizations outside of LU may have specific requirements in order to use their site for your capstone project. This may require IRB approval. Finally, if you plan to independently publish or disseminate your project, you must receive LU IRB approval before collecting any data and you must clearly state your intention to publish in this subsection. CITI training will be required for anyone applying to the IRB.
The Investigator’s Role
Clearly and thoroughly explain your relationship to the setting or site, and any bias or assumptions you bring to the project that may influence how you collect and analyze the data. All researchers have biases.
Ethical Considerations
Any ethical considerations or implications of the capstone project should be discussed. These might include securing the collected data (e.g., locked filing cabinets and password protection for electronic files) and usage, influence, confidentiality (e.g., use of participant pseudonyms), and any other potential issues that might arise and how they will be addressed. The information contained in this capstone project is intended to solve a specific problem at a specific location for specific stakeholders and is not generalizable to a broader population. Therefore, this information should not be shared or distributed outside of the site-specific stakeholders. If you wish to share this project outside of the immediate stakeholders, you must secure LU IRB approval.
Questions
The proposed central project question should be derived from the problem and purpose statements. A well-written question is feasible, clear, significant, and ethical. In the capstone project, questions are pragmatic in nature. The central question is usually broader whereas the sub-questions are more specific. Begin your project with one main central question and at least three sub-questions, understanding that it may be necessary to revise the number and kind of questions asked as you move into the actual data collection/analysis process. The subsequent questions are called sub-questions and must be numbered. Remember that each question will need to be addressed in the data collection, data analysis, project design, and discussion subsections later in the capstone project. Be sure these questions do not elicit simple yes/no responses.
Project questions should be listed, each on a separate line. Please use one of the following two formats.
Example One:
Central Question: What opportunities exist to improve information management processes within Campbell county to maximize emergency notification deliver and citizen protective action?
Sub-question 1: How would administrators in an interview improve information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?
Sub-question 2: How would administrators in a focus group solve issues related to information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?
Sub-question 3: How would administrator observation improve the information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?
Example Two:
Central Question: How do we utilize social sciences to craft notifications for more effective dissemination to the public?
Sub-question 1: How would administrators in an interview solve the problem of how social sciences are utilized to better raft notifications for dissemination to residents within Campbell county, Virginia?
Sub-question 2: How would administrators in a focus group solve the problem of effective dissemination of notifications to Campbell county, Virginia?
Sub-question 3: How would quantitative survey data inform the problem of effective dissemination of notifications to Campbell county, Virginia?
Data Collection and Analysis
Three data collection approaches are required for a capstone project. The first approach must be in the form of interviews. The second and third approaches may be selected at your discretion from among the optional approaches listed below. Organize this subsection with Level 2 headings according to the approach you choose. For example, your first Level 2 heading must be “Interviews” (see examples below).
Interviews
This is a required approach for all capstone projects. No fewer than five participants will be acceptable without approval from the administrative team of Helms School of Government Doctoral Team.
Begin by restating sub-question one in statement form. For example, “The first sub-question for this project explored how administrators in an interview might improve information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?” Clearly state, for example, “the interviews will consist of four assistant administrators and one administrator.” Interview data collection procedures should follow the recommendations of established protocol in the field. Interviews must be conducted synchronously: face-to-face, individual phone call, or e-conference. All interviews must be transcribed for data analysis.
Identify the data collection strategy, fully define it (with citation), explain the data collection strategy in layman’s terms (if appropriate), and justify its appropriateness for your project. Discuss any logistics (when/where/how/with whom data will be collected, recorded, etc.) and explicate which of your project questions will be answered by this data collection strategy. It is important to demonstrate that your interview questions are generated from and supported by the literature on your topic. Your interview questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. A minimum of 10 open-ended interview questions are required and must be supported by the literature. An example of an interview question regarding efforts to identify best practices and challenges of local government that is supported by the literature is below.
1. What are some specific tasks and processes where you think technology could be utilized more strategically to attain your primary objective?
By explaining the purpose of each interview question in detail, you not only establish the validity of your questions, but also establish the basis for your discussion of findings in relation to the literature in Sections 3.0 and 4.0. The procedures should be described in chronological, step-by-step format.
Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the interview data. For example, the sentence could begin: “Interview data will be analyzed….” Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For qualitative data analysis, interviews must be transcribed in order to code and categorize information into themes. Tell the reader which of these tools you will use to analyze the data. Fully define each tool you will use (with appropriate citations), and explain why these are appropriate choices for the qualitative data analysis for your project.
Focus Group
Begin by restating sub-question two in statement form. For example, “The second sub-question for this project explored how administrators in a focus group might solve issues related to information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia.” Focus groups must consist of no fewer than five persons. Clearly state for example, “the focus groups will consist of 00 assistant administrators and 00 administrators.” Focus groups are a qualitative data collection strategy that attempt to obtain information on a problem of practice through an involved discussion consisting of various participants who have gathered in one location at a specified time. Your focus group questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. A minimum of 10 focus group questions are required and must be supported by the literature. An example of a focus group question that is supported by the literature is below.
1. What do you view as the primary objective of your department? Question one is designed to gain insight from the administrators regarding their perspective of the primary objective of their particular department. This information is necessary because it allows researchers to assess whether employees at differing levels within an organization have differing views on the organizational objectives. These differing views can prove to create a detrimental impact on the overall efforts by the organizational leadership in their efforts to achieve the organization’s primary objective(s).
By explaining the purpose of each focus group question in detail, you establish the validity of your questions and the basis for your discussion of findings in relation to the literature in Sections 3.0 and 4.0.
Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the qualitative data. For example, the sentence could begin: “Focus group data will be analyzed….” Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For qualitative data analysis, focus group data must be transcribed in order to code and categorize information into themes. Tell the reader which of these tools you will use to analyze the data. Fully define each tool you will use (with appropriate citations), and explain why these are appropriate choices for the qualitative data analysis for your project.
Survey
Begin by restating sub-question three in statement form. For example, “The third sub-question for this project explored how administrators’ observations might improve the information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia.” Clearly state how many surveys you will send out. Tell the reader how you plan to collect the quantitative data. Develop the survey questions based on the literature. Survey questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. Survey questions may be open-ended or closed-ended. Survey questions must include 3-5 demographic questions which must be followed by a minimum of 10 survey questions that are supported by the literature. An example survey question including the discussion is below.
1. Data collected from administrators’ observations are used to plan future objectives.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
This question helps to determine the manner in which assessment data are used to plan objectives. When formative, as well as summative, assessments are used to determine students’ understanding of concepts, instruction can be tailored to students’ needs, increasing performance on standardized assessments (William, 2018).
The survey may be in quantitative format (e.g., Likert scale, semantic differential scale, forced rank scale, etc.) or qualitative format (open-ended questions). Discuss any logistics (when/where/how/to whom the survey will be sent out, how the data will be collected, recorded, etc.) and explicate how your topic will be addressed by this data collection strategy. The procedures should be described in chronological, step-by-step format.
Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the quantitative or qualitative survey data. Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For example, the sentence could begin: “Survey data will be analyzed….” If appropriate, use descriptive statistics such as means and/or frequency counts. Include the type of figures that will be used such as trend charts, bar charts, pie graphs, etc….
Document Analysis
Document analysis may be applied to a variety of sources including, but not limited to legal documents, records, meeting minutes, letters, diaries, etc. Every effort should be made to incorporate primary, as opposed to secondary sources. Identify and describe the specific documents collected. Provide a specific rationale for why each type of document was selected.
Observations
If conducting observations, develop and include in the appendices your observation protocol (examples are provided in most qualitative research texts), and be sure to address both descriptive and reflective field notes. Be sure to discuss whether observations will be scheduled or unscheduled, and whether you will be a participant or non-participant observer. Identify frequency and duration of observations. A minimum of five observations must be conducted.
Summary
Provide a section summary. The Summary includes a succinct conclusion to the section.
3.0 FINDINGS
Overview
The Overview should begin with a brief restatement of the purpose of the capstone project. The purpose should be followed by a restatement of the problem statement. You will then clearly and concisely describe the contents and organization of the section using past tense. The purpose of the Findings subsection is to present the results of the data collection and analysis. This section is also reserved for findings and discussion of results. Data should be presented in the form of themes (narrative), and include charts, graphs, tables, and/or models. Data should be presented in the order in which the project questions were stated and according to themes generated. The project questions should be answered before concluding the section. Remember, finding common themes regardless of the data collection approach is key to the Findings subsection.
Description of Participants
Since this capstone project used participants to collect both qualitative and possibly quantitative data, it is important to present this information in an appropriate format. Organize these participant descriptions using Level 2 APA headings. For instance, for qualitative data, use the Level 2 APA heading Interview Participants to mark the subsection where you describe the interview participants. For quantitative data, use the Level 2 APA heading Survey Participants where you describe the survey participants.
For the qualitative data collection piece or pieces, provide a description of each individual who participated in the project using pseudonyms. Pseudonyms must be presented using the appropriate title of the participant such as administrator, assistant administrator, administrative assistant, resident, etc. For example, if you interview one administrator and four assistant administrators, then your participant pseudonyms would be Administrator One, Assistant Administrator One, Assistant Administrator Two, Assistant Administrator Three, and Assistant Administrator Four. For the quantitative Survey Participant heading, provide an overall description of the individuals who participated in the survey (e.g. occupation, grade level, specialization, etc.). For example, 30 administrators were surveyed. Twenty-one were assistant administrators, etc.
Results
This subsection must be organized according to the project sub-questions. Begin with a Level 1 Results heading. Under the Results heading, begin with a paragraph that generally restates the data collection procedures.
For example:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with administrators from the City of Lynchburg to evaluate administrators’’ perceptions of organization objectives. Several themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. Second, a focus group was conducted with administrators in order to find themes related to the problem of practice. Finally, a quantitative survey was administered to help assess the problem of practice.
Following the Results, organize your sub-questions and corresponding themes. Your project should generate between three and five themes. For example:
Sub-question 1
Sub-question one for this project was, “What opportunities exist to improve information management processes within Campbell county to maximize emergency notification deliver and citizen protective action?” Interviews were conducted with administrators from Campbell county, Lynchburg in order to find themes related to challenges and objectives within the different departments. The themes uncovered in the qualitative analysis were … [expand on the themes] … etc. In addition to the narrative presentation of the data, you must also present the data in the form of qualitative tables such as those including (1) open codes and themes and (2) frequency codes across qualitative data points. Tables must be in proper APA format (see the APA manual).
Table 1 shows an examples of codes and the frequency of the codes.
Table 1
Frequency of Codes
Codes
Frequency
Administrator relationships
Work conditions
Employee relationships
Student discipline problems
Administration support
Community involvement
Work hours
Personalities
Facilities
Professional development
Decision-making power
Administrative resources
Personal
38
31
22
18
16
11
10
9
8
7
7
5
4
Theme #1. The theme should be specified, and participant quotes should be included that support theme development. Include both qualitative and quantitative data to support themes where applicable.
Theme #2. Etc. . . .
Theme #3. Etc. . . .
Sub-question 2
Sub-question two for this project was, “How would administrators in a focus group solve issues related to information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?” Etc…
Theme #1. The theme should be specified, and participant quotes should be included that support theme development. Include both qualitative and quantitative data to support themes where applicable.
Theme #2. Etc. . . .
Theme #3. Etc. . . .
Sub-question 3
Sub-question two for this project was, “How would administrator observation improve the information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?”
Theme #1. The theme should be specified, and participant quotes should be included that support theme development. Include both qualitative and quantitative data to support themes where applicable.
Theme #2. Etc. . . .
Theme #3. Etc. . . .
Note: The central question will be answered in Section Four.
Discussion of Results
The purpose of this subsection is to discuss the project findings in relationship to the empirical and theoretical literature reviewed in Section 1.0. This is a critical part of the capstone project where you present yourself as an emerging expert among your peers. This subsection should be a detailed examination of all major topics covered in Section 1.0, and you should position your own findings alongside those of existing perspectives and studies found in the Related Literature subsection. The narrative and theoretical literature discussions must be written under their own APA Level 2 headings (Narrative Review Discussion and Theoretical Review Discussion). How do your findings confirm or corroborate current literature? How do your findings diverge from or extend on previous studies? How do your findings shed light on solving the problem?
Summary
Provide a section summary. The Summary includes a succinct conclusion to the section.
4.0 Solution to the Problem
Overview
The Overview should begin with a brief restatement of the purpose of the capstone project. The purpose should be followed by a brief restatement of the problem statement. You will then clearly and concisely describe the contents and organization of this section using past tense. You will then clearly and concisely describe the contents and organization of the section using past tense.
Restatement of the Problem
In a concise paragraph, restate the problem (explain the problem. Do not simply restate the problem statement). Reference the problem statement in Section 1.0; however, this will now be written in past tense and may be influenced by the results.
Proposed Solution to the Central Question
In this subsection, provide a detailed solution for the problem by answering the central question in detail. The proposed solution must include a description of the solution itself, the goals of the solution, a scholarly rationale of why the solution was chosen based on the themes developed in the Results subsection of Section 3.0, including considerations of the literature from Section 1.0, and a scholarly rationale of how the problem will be addressed through the solution. This section must be completed in enough detail so that the proposed solution could be implemented. For example, If the solution to improving administrative decision-making is three sessions of professional development, then three sessions of professional development must be described in detail. It is not sufficient to simply state that three sessions of professional development on administrative decision-making will be implemented. Each session should be described in considerable detail using a narrative and outline format. Topics must be presented using evidence from the study (participant quotes, survey results, literature review citations, etc.).
Resources and Funds Needed
Describe the resources needed to generate the solution. Include possible means of procuring the needed resources and potential barriers.
Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
Describe the various roles needed to lead and implement the solution. Include possible personnel implications (new hires, training/retraining, certifications, etc.). Describe specific responsibilities assigned to each role. For example: “In order to improve administrator decision-making, professional development is recommended. Professional development would be created by… and implement by…. Professional development sessions would include all faculty and support staff who would be required to attend all three professional development sessions. This would include… etc… and their primary function would be… etc.”
Timeline
Provide both a general narrative overview and a bulleted list of a timeline needed to resolve the problem. The bulleted list can be placed as an appendix.
Solution Implications
The purpose of this subsection is to provide a clear explanation of both positive and negative implications of the solution. Examine and explain potential benefits and pitfalls of all aspects of the section content (resources, funds, roles/responsibilities, timeline, etc.). Include specific recommendations for various stakeholders, such as policy makers, administrators, teachers, parents, etc., to address the implications.
Evaluation Plan
Provide a detailed plan to assess the effectiveness of the solution to the problem. Describe the type of evaluation that will be conducted in the future (goal-based, outcomes-based, formative or summative). The plan must provide justification for using this type of evaluation. Include who is responsible for this assessment, how it will be conducted, and what criterion or standards will be used. For example, “In one year after implementing the solution, administrators should evaluate information management processes and… etc.”
Summary
Provide a summary of the project. From your Solution Implications subsection, reiterate what you consider to be the one or two most important “take-aways” from the results of your capstone project.
REFERENCES
All the references cited within the text should be listed in accordance with the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of APA. The reference page title should be capitalized, bold, and centered. A minimum of 50 references are required.
APPENDIX or APPENDICES
The Appendix must include a variety of artifacts. For those who are required to obtain IRB approval (either by the project site or because you want to publish your findings in the future) the appendix must include the IRB application. Appendices may also include approval letters from the educational site, informed consent/assent forms, surveys/questionnaires/instruments, protocols (interviews or observations), sample transcripts of interviews, theoretical memos, and other documents used to establish an audit trail. All documents pertinent to the implementation of the project should also be included. Each artifact should be a separate appendix labeled as Appendix A, Appendix B, etc. Each appendix must be referenced in the narrative text. The appendix title should be capitalized, bold, and centered.