Constructing a Good Dissertation, Essay Example

There are some similarities and differences between completing the KAM  project and writing a proposal for literature review. Some of the goals of the  two projects are overlapping, but the KAM project focuses more on drawing conclusions and creating a framework that can be implemented in educational institutions focusing on creating a positive social change, such as Walden. Completing the literature review and examining the related theories and studies would not be enough to complete the KAM project, though.

The main purpose of the literature review, according to  Hofstee (2006)  is to evaluate the research and published literature related to the knowledge area. According to the Walden University’s guidelines (Walden, 2009), it should also include a critical analysis of the related theories and ideas. Only this way can an author determine the effectiveness of the strategies.

Completing the literature review, however, is not enough to successfully write a dissertation that focuses developing an argument related to knowledge area modules. It is also necessary to complete observation and research related to the area of study.  However, without reviewing the related studies and theories while completing the literature review, important patterns and trends aiming for social change could not be successfully identified.

I believe that studying theories and ideas without applying them has little use, therefore, in my KAM project I would like to synthesize the results of the literature review completed. The study areas or core elements of KAM determined by Walden, such as the role of people  in the larger society, people as individuals, and the role of people in groups and organizations (Walden, 2015) will provide the KAM project a great perspective and focus. The KAM also has three different parts: breadth, depth, and application (Walden, 2015). In the light of the above, it is important to note that completing the literature review provides the  student with only  one dimension: breadth. In order to successfully complete the knowledge area module dissertation, the author needs to “dig deeper”, draw conclusions, and review the practical dimensions of the theories and ideas included in the literature review part. KAM also helps students complete their dissertation, therefore, it is viewed as a preparation for further work, and shows professors the skills of the writer, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and working independently (Walden, 2015).

While writing the literature review requires mainly analytical and research skills, the complete KAM project’s development involves more than that. It requires independent development of ideas and critical thinking skills; something that future leaders will need to successfully develop strategies for positive social change.  Therefore, based on the contents of the completed literature review, authors will need to question the theories and test their validity, applicability, by completing the knowledge area module. As it has been stated by the Writing Center of the Walden University Website (Writing Center, 2015), KAMs need to include unique  elements apart from the Breadth and Depth (literature review) component, reviewing the literature and theories. The Application component of the KAM focuses on identifying opportunities for social change, requiring independent work and project framework development (Writing Center, 2015).

As a conclusion, the literature review part of the KAM project will be the ideological foundation of the study, however, the findings related to transformational and social change leadership will be tested on some of today’s organizations. While reviewing related literature is important, summarizing the findings and applying knowledge for implementing positive changes is equally important.

References

Hofstee, E. (2006). Constructing a good dissertation: A practical guide to finishing a master’s, MBA or PhD on schedule. Bethesda, MD: Editorial Projects in Education, Inc.

Walden University (2009). The proposal and dissertation guidebook. Retrieved from http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/Documents/PhD_Spring_2009_Guidebook_050410(1).pdf

Walden University (2015). Literature review and annotated bibliography basics. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate#s-lg-box-2773873

Writing Center. (2015) Common Course Assignments: KAM Applications. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/kams/applications