Introduction To Concept Paper Development And The University

Introduction to Concept Paper Development and the University Review Process Northcentral University

The Concept Paper (CP) serves as a preliminary or abbreviated proposal that lays the groundwork for a full dissertation. A well-crafted CP demonstrates that the research topic and problem are feasible and grounded in current, relevant research. It should include near-final problem and purpose statements, articulate a research design (not yet final), and explain how the study will contribute to theory (for PhD students) or practice (for Professional Applied Doctorates). Proper formatting according to Northcentral University and APA standards is required.

Developing an effective problem statement is critical, as it succinctly identifies a relevant issue that justifies the study. The problem statement should outline the current knowledge landscape, pinpoint gaps or unresolved questions, and establish the need for further investigation. For some professional degrees such as DBA or EdD, the problem may relate to a practical issue within an organization or community, emphasizing immediate applicability beyond the study site.

The methods section in the concept paper provides an initial outline of the proposed research approach, including the chosen methodology—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods—and a rationale for its appropriateness. It should briefly describe data collection and analysis procedures, operational definitions, and measurement strategies, though detailed design development occurs in later stages.

For PhD candidates, research must contribute new, theoretically significant knowledge, often involving the collection of original data or novel analysis of existing data, with an emphasis on advancing theory. Conversely, DBA and EdD projects focus on practical, applied problems; replication studies may be acceptable if they address relevant organizational issues. The core aim is to produce research that informs or improves professional practice rather than generating entirely original theoretical contributions.

Research questions should directly align with the purpose and problem statements, allowing for clear and answerable inquiry. Quantitative questions typically include hypotheses, whereas qualitative questions focus on exploring phenomena and understanding lived experiences. Mixed methods incorporate elements from both. All questions should demonstrate coherence and alignment with the study’s overall framework.

A brief literature review aims to familiarize readers with the current state of knowledge and methodological approaches underlying the research topic. Synthesis of at least 7–10 relevant peer-reviewed studies helps identify areas of consensus and divergence, providing a foundation for the current study's conceptual framework. The review should be guided by the research questions and variables, emphasizing methodological context and scholarly rigor.

Alignment among all dissertation components—problem statement, purpose, research questions, hypotheses, and methodology—is essential. They should consistently reference the same variables and constructs and be congruent with the chosen theoretical framework. Review of Northcentral University’s guidelines can provide further clarity.

Numerous resources are available to support dissertation development, including the Dissertation Center, the University Library, and the Academic Success Center. The Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide and milestone templates help track progress and ensure quality. Additionally, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) review process safeguards ethical research conduct.

The dissertation process is structured around milestones: the Concept Paper, Proposal, IRB approval, and final manuscript. Each is reviewed iteratively by a committee led by a Chair, including a Subject Matter Expert and a Methodological Committee Member. Feedback is provided at every stage, and multiple revisions may be necessary due to the iterative nature of scholarly research. Recognition of this process is vital for timely progression and successful degree completion.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a robust concept paper is a critical initial step in doctoral research, serving as a blueprint for subsequent dissertation work. It encapsulates the core components of the research project—from the problem statement to the methodology—while demonstrating feasibility, relevance, and scholarly rigor. Successful completion of this stage paves the way for a thorough proposal, ethical review, and eventual dissertation submission, ultimately culminating in degree award.

Central to the concept paper is the problem statement, which must articulate a clear, concise, and well-supported issue that warrants investigation. It should delineate what is known and unknown in the field and highlight the gap that the research aims to fill. For example, a problem statement might identify a gap in understanding regarding the effectiveness of particular leadership styles in remote work environments or the impact of specific organizational practices on employee engagement. The statement should extend beyond localized concerns to have broader applicability, ensuring the relevance of the research beyond the immediate study site.

The purpose statement logically follows the problem statement, explicitly describing what the researcher intends to accomplish. This includes the broader significance and potential contributions of the study, whether to theoretical frameworks or practical applications. For PhD students, the purpose emphasizes generating novel insights or building on existing theory, whereas for professional doctorates such as the DBA or EdD, the emphasis is on addressing tangible, real-world problems with immediate relevance to professional practice.

Research questions operationalize the purpose, serving as the guiding inquiries that direct data collection and analysis. In quantitative research, questions are complemented by hypotheses that specify expected relationships among variables, facilitating statistical testing. In qualitative research, questions explore phenomena in depth, seeking to understand experiences, perceptions, or organizational dynamics. Mixed-method questions blend these approaches for comprehensive inquiry. Importantly, all questions must be coherently aligned with the problem, purpose, and methodology to ensure a unified study design.

The literature review, even if brief, establishes the context for the study by synthesizing existing empirical research and identifying methodological trends. This synthesis reveals areas of consensus or disagreement and underscores the importance of the current research. An effective review critically appraises studies, highlighting their relevance, methodological strengths, and limitations. For example, a review on educational leadership might synthesize findings from various studies on transformational leadership, noting methodological variations such as case studies versus surveys, to justify the chosen approach in the current study.

Alignment across all dissertation components is paramount. The problem, purpose, questions, hypotheses, methodology, and theoretical framework must consistently reference the same key variables and constructs. Misalignment can undermine the study’s validity or impede approval processes. For instance, if the research aims to examine the relationship between transformational leadership and employee motivation, all components must reflect these constructs explicitly and coherently.

Resources such as the Northcentral University Dissertation Center, librarian support, and faculty guidance assist students throughout development. The Dissertation Candidacy Resource Guide provides detailed instructions and examples, while milestone templates help monitor progress. The IRB process ensures ethical standards are upheld, requiring clarity on participant protections, data security, and informed consent.

The dissertation process involves multiple review stages, with committee feedback guiding revisions. These reviews are iterative, and students must be prepared for multiple rounds of editing. The process emphasizes scholarly rigor, clarity, and alignment, all of which are essential for successful defense and degree conferral. Recognizing the non-linear nature of research is beneficial, as modifications often reveal new considerations or opportunities for refinement.

In conclusion, developing a comprehensive and aligned concept paper is fundamental for doctoral success. It encapsulates the research question, methodology, and scholarly rationale, and sets the foundation for subsequent stages. Through careful articulation of the problem, purpose, questions, and review of relevant literature, candidates demonstrate their readiness to undertake rigorous research that advances understanding either in theory or practice, depending on the degree program.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.
• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Yin, R. K. (2017). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Northcentral University. (2014). Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide. NCU.
• Northcentral University. (2014). Dissertation Proposal Guide. NCU.
• Northcentral University. (2014). Institutional Review Board (IRB) Procedures. NCU.
• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
• Lee, M. Y. H., & Renzetti, C. M. (Eds.). (2002). The Routledge Handbook of Applied Ethnography. Routledge.