在本课程中，学生将学习搜索学术文献和构建合理论证的基本技能。 学生将在感兴趣的领域制定详细的主题大纲和带注释的资源参考书目。 本课程将使学生有机会发展研究技能，以在他们的课程中取得成功并完成应用博士项目或论文。

本课程展示了循证实践的价值，它是制定跨多个学科的研究和政策时不可或缺的一部分，包括人类服务、教育和组织领导。 课程作业检查了基于证据的政策的当前定义，并通过研究改变方法。 该课程还考察了进一步推进循证政策的行动，包括更有效地准备和传达数据、使用现有的分析工具、进行政策监督以及使用不同类型的证据跟踪结果。 本课程强调行动研究、质量改 进、项目评估和其他现实世界研究方法中的循证实践。

该初步研究课程旨在使学⽣适应应⽤博⼠论文的关键组成部分和项⽬论证模板（例如问题、⽬的、问题）、信息素养和⽂献回顾过程。 学⽣将在他们的应⽤研究论文的⼀般⽔平上开始主题选择过程。

Students writing an Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) must complete a minimum of 5 credits by registering for five terms of ADP courses, 1 credit per course. Students will work with their doctoral committee members to complete milestones in each course resulting in a doctoral project centered on rigorous, ethical research that makes a meaningful contribution to the student's professional field of study. To successfully complete the ADP course sequence, the required milestones for each course must be met within the designated time frame.

*Students satisfactorily progressing (PR) through the ADP experience, but not meeting the required milestones in the designated timeframe, will be allowed two reenrollments in the same ADP course. Students must earn a (P) in subsequent reenrollments or receive a not progressing grade (NP). Three NP grades earned will result in dismissal from the University and will require an approved appeal to reenter the program. For complete policies regarding doctoral degree completion and research requirements, see the Applied Doctoral Project and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbooks.

RES 8780 will build upon fundamental skills and knowledge gained throughout the doctoral program of study. Students will advance their research aspirations by constructing concept and literature maps leading to a research design. Key outcomes include research background and rationale, testable research questions that are aligned to appropriate methodologies, and proposed data visualization. Students will demonstrate mastery of the research design life cycle including research and writing skills as applied to their respective program content.

Based on current thinking in systems theory and its application, this course applies systems thinking to organizational development. Topics include system dynamics, system archetypes, dynamic links, loops, and the application of chaos theory to improving organizational performance.

In this advanced seminar in ethical decision making in the workplace, students will examine a variety of moral problems that arise in organizations through case studies. Students will apply three ethical theories to guide them in identifying solutions that are consistent with their own values but also logically sound and impartial to emotional appeal. This work will prepare students to identify and confront practical moral problems, especially regarding corporate social responsibility and moral leadership, and to articulate their moral positions in argumentative essay form.

This course provides an overview of group theory, processes and dynamics in organizations. It will also examine effective behaviors and characteristics of facilitating/leading groups in an organizational setting. Students will be afforded the opportunity to participate in group simulations both as participant and facilitator. Students will receive evaluation and feedback on their group facilitation skills. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical standards and behavior in groups along with legal issues. The impact on groups of factors such as diversity, culture, distance, and others are explored.

This course develops students’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary leadership and management theory and practice. Students gain an understanding of the differences between leadership and management as well as implications of and reasons for these differences. Students analyze core leadership and management practices and evaluate and communicate their relevance to effective organizational performance in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing globalized business environment. This class will encourage students to develop and reflect on their own leadership and management competencies and experiences.

Students will develop a plan to research, identify, and acquire the financial resources required for successful funding of the new venture. Funding the new venture will require students to examine business valuation, deal development, debt planning and structure, and the acquisition of venture capital from government agencies (Small Business Administration for example) or interested investors. A clear and succinct plan for funding the new business venture will be paramount to the successful acceptance of the new venture business plan by interested parties such as investors, stakeholders, bankers, or angel funds. Upon completion of the course, students will have a detailed financial plan that can be presented to investors and other interested parties.