Graduate Catalog

PADM 600 LEAD Project

Learning, Experiencing, Applying, and Discussing (LEAD) Project Students will follow up on work completed during the Research Methodology course in having a proposal that outlines the student's project title, problem statement, background of the problem, literature review, research questions, type, design, and theory, as well as bibliography. IRB approval must be obtained prior to the collection of data. In this course, students will integrate the substance of previous courses that they had completed in order to develop a capacity for strategic management based on the role of the professional manager in the policy making process. This is the Learning part. In doing so, students develop a holistic perspective in their projects to emphasize the leadership role of the professional manager in defining the basis for an ethical approach toward problem solving or capacity development. Students' learning outcome then must be complimented with their own experiences, reflecting on assessing the substantive issues within an administrative setting. This is the Experiencing part. The next logical step in the project is for students to apply a sound resolution to the issues that they are examining in their projects based on a comprehensive and strategic plan that applies ethical standards and a logical, theoretical and research-based model. This is the Applying part. Finally, students need to arrive to a set of recommendations that address the analyzed issues. They need to discuss each recommendation and the rationale for choosing them and their impact on the administrative practices of the involved agency. This is the Discussion part. Formatting of the Final Research Paper At the completion of the LEAD Project, the Final Research Paper ought to contribute to the profession and practice of public administration. The LEAD Project Paper must follow the following guidelines: - APA style in referencing - Printed on 8 ? by 11 paper size, using only one side of the paper. - Double spaced, Times New Roman and 12 font throughout the paper (except for 14 font for the title). - Page numbering placed in the lower center part of the paper. - Includes a Title Page, Abstract, Table of Contents, List of Figures, References, and appendix. - Chapters must be organized as: . Chapter One: Introduction It must include a problem statement, background, purpose of the research, significance of the research, and key research questions. . Chapter Two: Literature Review . Chapter Three: Methodology It must include the research design, guiding theory, conceptual model, sampling strategy, questionnaires, and confidentiality statement. . Chapter Four: Data Presentation . Chapter Five: Data Analysis . Chapter Six: Summary and Conclusion It must include a summary of the entire paper, recommendations based on data analysis, challenges to the research, and recommendations for future researchers and administrators.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Complete PADM 504 prerequisite. For those also pursuing MSW SW 701 or SW 702 are also sufficient preparation.