The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

Foreword by Kenneth R. StevensonPreface to the Second EditionPrefaceA Note to Doctoral CandidatesAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorPart I: Quests and Questions1. Do You Have What It Takes? Why Take This Journey? Do You Have What It Takes to Journey to the Peak? Avoiding the Hazards of High Altitude Climbing Procrastination Emotional Barriers Writer's Block What are the Inner Essentials? Summary2. What Exactly Is a Dissertation? What Is a Doctoral Dissertation? Typical Dissertation Structure Studies Using Quantitative Methodology Sample Format Studies Using Qualitative Methodology Sample Format Alternative Formats Components of a Typical Dissertation Major Steps in the Dissertation Process Roles and Responsibilities Summary3. What are Ethical Considerations in Research? Rights of Human Subjects Ethical Considerations in Data Collection Ethical Issues in Data Analysis and Interpretation Ethical Issues in Reporting Research Findings Ethics of Writing Up Research Other Ethical Considerations SummaryPart II: Preparing for the Climb4. Choosing a Dissertation Topic Approaches to Choosing a Topic Where to Look for Potential Topics Some Criteria for Topic Selection Replication Studies Replication Studies Do's and Don'ts Summary5. Creating Your Dissertation Team Peak Principle: Always Climb Fully Equipped Selecting a Dissertation Advisor Selecting the Committee The Care and Nurture of Advisors and Committee Members How to Approach a Potential Advisor What If No One Agrees to Be Your Advisor? Choosing Outfitters and Bearers (Other Specialized Consultants) Where to Locate Specialists Summary6. Dissertation Support Groups Critical Decisions Strategies and Structures of Successful Support Groups Other Considerations Summary7. Organizing Yourself Organize Your Workspace Organize Your Time Working Smart Maintain Balance Strategies for Getting a Life While Dissertating SummaryPART III: BEGINNING THE CLIMB8. Using the Internet and

<p class="Biography" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%">Carol M. Roberts is Professor in the University of La Verne's Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership where she advises doctoral students, chairs dissertations, and teaches research plus a variety of courses focused on leading organizations. Carol is a speaker, consultant, and seminar leader specializing in organizational and team development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, coaching, and personal mastery. She has been a trainer for the California School Leadership Academy and the California School Boards Association. She received her doctoral degree in planning, policy, and administration from the University of Southern California. Carol served on the Executive Board for the Southern Counties Women in Educational Management and was awarded its Woman of the Year award.</p>

"The Dissertation Journey is a must-have resource for any doctoral student venturing out on his or her own. Dr. Roberts presents a systematic approach that transforms what at first seems insurmountable into achievable. Trust the process, it works!"