Introduces students to interdisciplinary academic perspectives on the study of leadership. Students will become familiar with the program requirements and the expectations of doctoral-level study. Theories and concepts related to executive leadership will be outlined and doctoral-level academic research and writing skills will be introduced.

Explores historical and modern research and emerging trends in executive leadership. Critically analyzes contemporary theories, frameworks, and practices that shape effective leadership in various organizational contexts. Investigates the influence of cultural, technological, political, and socio-economic factors on leadership dynamics.

Provides students with the concepts and tools needed to interpret, analyze, and evaluate quantitative studies. Applies diverse quantitative methods to solve problems and test research questions. Identifies and applies relevant techniques, organizes data for use in statistical software, design analysis, and interpret findings.

Introduces the non-statistical issues of applied research. Delineates the scientific approach including problem definition, hypothesis development, research design, and methodology. Applies various approaches to measurement, survey design, observation, interviewing, interpreting and incorporating secondary sources, experimental design and content analysis.

Doctoral candidates engage in independent research as they develop their dissertation topics. Students identify a research question that aligns with their academic interests and professional goals, guided by the DPS Faculty Director. Students will engage in a preliminary scan of relevant literature and real-world challenges.

Explores existing research within their field, culminating in comprehensive literature review that forms a foundational component, and dissertation chapter. Analyzes relevant scholarly and professional work, identifies key themes and gaps in the literature, and synthesizes findings to establish a contextual framework for research.

Critically examines and refines the methodological approaches students will employ in the dissertation research. Candidates explore diverse research methods, ranging from qualitative and quantitative to mixed methods. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to select and justify the most appropriate strategies for their specific research questions.

Develops a robust research design from one or more of the methods options that serves as the blueprint for students¿ thesis projects. Students engage with key concepts in research methodology, critically assess various approaches, and customize their designs to address their specific, disciplinary and professional research questions.

Prepare, refine, and defend dissertation proposals in a rigorous academic setting. Students engage in critical process of articulating their research objectives, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks, ensuring their proposals meet the highest scholarly standards.

Provides DPS candidates with the opportunity to actively engage in the data collection phase of their research projects. Students will implement the methodologies they have selected and developed in their Research Design chapter, applying best practices to gather empirical evidence that supports their thesis objectives.

Analyzes the data collected for research, transforming raw information into meaningful insights that respond to their research questions and contribute to the thesis objectives. Students engage with various analytical techniques appropriate for their specific methodologies, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.

Guides candidates through the process of drafting the findings and implications of their data analysis. Students will learn to articulate their results clearly and compellingly, translating complex data into insights that highlight the significance of their research. Complete draft of findings and implications chapter of their thesis.

DPS candidates will draft the introductory and concluding chapters of the dissertation. Students learn to articulate the significance of their study, establish the research context, and clearly outline their objectives and questions answered in their thesis.

Focuses on final stages of dissertation preparation, compiling and refining the sources, appendices, and acknowledgement sections of the research project. Students will ensure their dissertation meets academic standards and effectively supports their findings. Students will present their research findings to the dissertation committee and an academic audience.