Instruction for the Colgate Max Case Analysis .Please Do as the below instruction says. 12-15 pages in-depth analysis of the case. Please find attached the highlighted instruction. The first order of the business or case is Exploration of the Issues/ Problem that are embedded in the case. What I expect to see is truly exploration, not just identification of a problem and its statement. It is here that the student must introduce the interrelationships between the problems themselves and the various causes of the problem. The next section should be dedicated to understanding the internal workings of the company and dynamics of its external environment. In the Inward look at the company, I expect to see an exploration of the resources, capabilities, and shortcomings of the firm. In the Outward look of the market, I expect to see a healthy discussion of the prevailing sociological/cultural, political/legal (PEST) and micro and macro-economic trends in the market that might have an impact on the firm’s operations, structure and strategy, the dynamics of the competitive landscape, the role of intermediaries and any consumer behavior issues that might be relevant to the case. In the next section devoted to Target Market analysis, I expect to see exploration of product differentiation, product positioning, and market segmentation issues that are relevant to the firm’s current, as well as its possible future strategies. As effective marketing strategy requires explicit choice of which markets serve, students should define the relevant current and suggested segments, describe any differentiation that might be appropriate, and chart out positioning recommendations. The Next section should focus on Alternative strategic options the firm might follow to deal with the issues as play in the case. Here, the greatest focus should be on the strategy that is being recommend, with deep exploration of the market mix variables. A comprehensive description of the recommended marketing strategy should be presented with in depth rationale explaining its choice. The Last section of the analysis should be dedicated to summarizing the strategic recommendations along with any quantitative presentations of the expected costs of, and benefits from the recommendations. Charts and graphs, and any other quantitative work can be added to this section or embedded into the narrative of the analysis. Things to to keep in mind while writing. Read these questions, Make sub topics from it and add to other topics you Acreated and absorb your understanding of it in the various sections above while writing your case analysis. Do not just answer them and give to me as you see it. What do you think of the CMF launch in the US? Was the choice of Mexico and china as the next countries in which to launch after the US a good one? How should CP priorities the additional countries in the CMF rollout? Were CP China’s changes to CMF marketing launch program justifiable? What do you think of the Global roll-out of CMF? Did CP Mexico manage its CMF launch better than CP China? What are standardization vs. adaptation, STP, Competition, global rollout, and marketing strategy issues (ie, the marketing investment vs. the marginal market share gained etc) issues in the case? What are the cost and benefits of adaptation? What are they for standardization? What are Burton’s roles and responsibilities in the entire launch process? What are those of the country managers? Would you change any of these if you were the CPO? Prepared four charts in support of your analysis and put it at the end. INSTRUCTIONS Dissertation Research Plan QUALITATIVE STUDIES ONLY SoBT Proficient - 85% Criteria Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide insight into expectations for successful completion of Milestone 5. Specific instructions about using the Qualitative Dissertation Research Plan form are found in the form itself. Expectations of performance ratings are detailed in each section of the document. Sections in this document correspond directly to sections in the Qualitative Dissertation Research Plan form. At the end of this document you will find the 16 evaluation criteria including performance rating descriptions at each level (Non-Performance, Basic, Proficient, and Distinguished). Scientific Merit Overall scientific merit of the Dissertation Research Plan (DRP) based on three overarching criteria: 1. Advances the scientific knowledge base. 2. Makes a contribution to research theory. 3. Meets certain “hallmarks” of good research methodology. The specifics of scientific merit are further described in the DRP Rubric. DRP Rubric The DRP Rubric is used to determine whether the research plan meets the scientific merit criteria. Each performance level is described for each “core” criteria in the rubric. **All Rubric criteria must be assessed at the “Proficient” 85% level or greater to obtain approval. DRP Rubric Scale: Non- performance Basic Proficient Distinguished 0% 70% 85% 100% Based on the rubric, the reviewer will designate the DRP as one of the following: Approved or Not Approved. Reviewers provide feedback specific to each criterion that was marked Non-performance or Basic. Learners will also find other helpful resources in the feedback document. Reviewers will use the SoBT Proficient – 85% Criteria in this document to help them define the “minimum” requirements for each DRP section. Milestone 5 (SMR approval) is achieved with a rubric score of 85% and all performance criteria marked Proficient or Distinguished. SoBT Proficient - 85% Criteria This document is a “supplement” to the DRP Rubric by providing additional details on the “definition” of Proficient - 85% for each DRP Section in the DRP template. The 85% criteria are intended to “assist” both SoBT learners and faculty in assessing a DRP to ensure it meets the “minimum” requirements of scientific merit. Resource Documents Programs of Research SoBT PhD Dissertation Guidebook 16 Evaluation Criteria **Note – This document describes the criteria for QUALITATIVE DRPs. If you are proposing a quantitative study use the SoBT Proficient – 85% Criteria for quantitative studies.   Section 1. Topic Endorsement 1.1 Research Topic (2 paragraphs) FIRST PARAGRAPH: Describe the specific topic to be studied. SECOND PARAGRAPH: describe the significance of this topic to your program/field (e.g., Psychology, Counseling, Business, Technology, Public Service Leadership, Education, etc.) AND your specialization within your program. The Research Topic should be correctly formed:  The Research Topic should be appropriate for the specialization.  The Research Topic should use appropriate language for key concepts/phenomena.  Relationships between/among the concepts should be clearly specified (e.g., correlation).  The target population should be named  The concepts should be appropriately focused. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • The topic falls within the learners’ specialization field o Key constructs are identified. o Key relationships among the constructs are identified o Identifies the target population. o Discussion is supported with current peer reviewed references (last 5 to 7 years). 1.2 Research Problem (1 Paragraph) Write a brief statement regarding the need for the study that fully describes the problem or need being addressed. The “need for the study” is what we often refer to as the Research Problem. In simplified terms, the research problem should take this form: “The research literature on _________ indicates that we know ________, we know __________, but we do not know ______________.” The Research Problem should be correctly stated:  Existing literature and key findings should be summarized  Gaps or problems in the existing literature should be clearly formulated  The Research Problem should be explicitly stated, not implied. . • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • What is known relative to the phenomenon/experience/event from the scholarly research in the peer reviewed literature is made evident o Discussion of existing knowledge must be supported with solid peer reviewed references including both seminal and current citations o The symptoms of the problem in organizations/population must be supported with solid peer-reviewed references • What is not yet known, the specific gap in knowledge concerning the phenomenon/experience/event in the peer reviewed literature is identified o A lack of research for a particular population, by itself, is not a theory gap o A lack of research for a particular management practice, by itself, is not a theory gap o The theory gap has to be specific enough to allow the reader to identify the research questions • The symptoms of the problem in organizations/population must be clear. o The theory gap preventing us from solving the problem must be supported with solid peer-reviewed references Section 2. Research Overview 2.1 Research Problem Background (3 paragraphs) Provide a brief SUMMARY of your review of the research literature on the topic. This should include citations from at least 10 articles, but should indicate that you have performed a full review of the literature (minimum of 75 articles) on the topic. This should be demonstrated by providing a statement about the body of existing literature on the topic, then, summarizing recent research findings on the topic, highlighting the findings that are most relevant to your proposed study, demonstrating how your proposed research could add to the existing literature on the topic. Be sure to provide appropriate in text citations and include references in the reference section. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. • This will not be your full dissertation literature review but an initial foundation. You will continue to add to your literature review throughout your dissertation process. Proficient – 85% Criteria • A coherent scholarly discussion is presented • Discussion identifies and summarizes current, most relevant and significant research on the topic/issue under study • Presents a logical credibly supported argument connecting findings in this brief review of the literature to the research problem • Discussion is specific to the problem and knowledge gap. Avoids high-level “global” problems of society and focuses on the dimensions relevant to organization/population 2.2 Research Question List the primary Research Question. Your Research Question (s) should be correctly formed:  The Research Question(s) should be aligned with your Research Problem, the Research Topic, and the Dissertation Title.  There should be separate Research Question(s) and/or subquestions identified for each intended analysis.  The Research Question(s) should be phrased in a way that it can be answered by the intended methodology and analyses. • Define the terms of the research question referencing the definitions with references from the literature. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • There is a clear link between the research problem and research question o The constructs in the question(s) are identical to those discussed in the problem and specific theory gap o Questions are appropriate for the theory gap and current state of our knowledge regarding the constructs and relationships • Primary research question re-casts the purpose in question form • Sub-questions, if needed, represent deeper/further inquiry into relevant sub-issue such as constructs of the overarching phenomenon/experience/event under study • Research question is characteristic of the research methodology • When answered, questions will make a contribution to theory. Specifically the contribution to theory that is needed to help fill the theory gap identified in the problem statement (1.2 and 2.1) 2.3 Purpose of the Study State the purpose of the study. The purpose of the study will be to answer the research question in order to solve the research problem and to contribute information about the wider social or community problem to a specific audience or audiences. Note: Describe the purpose using the language of your specific study, topic, research problem, and research question. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Type of study is identified (e.g., case study, phenomenology, grounded theory) • Basic purpose is identified (e.g., understand, explore, develop, or discover) • Main phenomenon being studied is identified and defined • Participants, groups, organizations, and locations or sites are identified • The expected contribution of the study (theory and practice) is described and aligned with the problem (2.1) and research questions (2.2) • Supported with peer-reviewed references specific to the phenomena and methods 2.4 Methodology and Basic Design Overview Provide an overview of the basic research methodology and the research model proposing. Also state how this methodology is a good fit for the question being asked and the phenomena being studied. • Describe the qualitative methodology (for example phenomenology) and research model (for example Giorgi – empirical phenomenology or Moustakas – transcendental phenomenology) you propose to use. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resource. Proficient – 85% Criteria • There is a specific and precise naming of the methodological approach as well as the model within the methodology—not just the general category o Identifies acceptable and established qualitative research methodologies as described in the SOBT Dissertation Guide • Explains the methodological approach and how it is appropriate for the research purpose and question in terms of the phenomenon/experience/event under study • Supported with peer-reviewed research methods references specific to that methodology. For example: o Case studies follow established methods such as Eisenhardt, Yin, Stake, etc. o Phenomenology studies follow established methods such as Moustakis, Giorgi, etc. o Grounded Theory studies follow established methods such as Strauss, Corbin, etc. o Exploratory Qualitative studies follow methods as described by Miles and Huberman and others focused on qualitative methods to develop theory. o Generic qualitative methods references such as program evaluation are not used to support the generic exploratory design (e.g., Patton). • Note – the specific methodology/model identified must be followed throughout the DRP. 2.5 Dissertation Title Your Dissertation Title should be correctly formed:  Dissertation Title should be aligned with your Research Problem (1.4) and Research Question (1.5), (use the same terminology for all).  The Dissertation Title should reflect the key variables or constructs to be studied.  The Dissertation Title should reflect the method to be employed in the research.  The Dissertation Title should be concise (12 words or less). Proficient – 85% Criteria • Identifies the topic o Title is concisely descriptive of inquiry into phenomenon/experience/event of the study • Identifies the methodology as specified in 2.3 • Identifies the population/sample Section 3. Research Theory 3.1 Advancing Scientific Knowledge Demonstrate how the study (a) will advance the scientific knowledge base; (b) is grounded in your field; and (c) addresses something that is not known, something that is new or different from prior research, something that extends prior research, or something that fills a gap in the existing literature. Describe precisely how your study will add to the existing body of literature on your topic. It can be a small step forward in a line of current research but it must add to the body of scientific knowledge in your specialization area and on the topic. To respond to this question you will need to: 1. Provide a paragraph that describes the background for your study and how your research question relates to the background of the study. 2. Then, in a second paragraph discuss previous research and demonstrate exactly how your study (answering research question) will advance the scientific knowledge base on this topic. Include in-text citations and place the references in the reference section. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Describes how the answer to the research question(s) helps to fill the gap in the literature identified in the problem (1.2) and purpose (2.3). o Identifies and describes the key theories that provide the foundation for the study o Describes in a diagram and text the theoretical or conceptual framework including key constructs and relationships • Aligned with the specific theory gap identified in the problem statement 1.2 • Describes the specific contribution to theory and how it advances scientific knowledge. • Discussion supported with peer-reviewed references related to the specific theories. 3.2 Theoretical Implications Describe any theoretical implications that the proposed study may have for understanding phenomena. For example, will the study generate new theory, provide a description of the lived experience of the participants or provide a description of a cultural phenomena? • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Describes how understanding of the phenomenon/experience/event under study: o Relates to and represents an addition to current theory  Explains the contribution to building theory and whether it is the inductive development of new or revise frameworks or deductive explorations of existing frameworks and theories. o Enhances conceptual understanding of phenomenon/experience/event • Discussion supported with peer-reviewed references related to the specific theories. 3.3 Practical Implications Describe the practical implications that may result from your research. Specifically, describe any implications the research may have for understanding phenomena for practitioners, the population being studied, or a particular type of work, mental health, educational, community, stakeholders or other setting. Relate these back to the your Research Problem. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Explains how the knowledge created by the study will inform those in practice with regard to the phenomenon/experience/event as expressed by the research problem o Identifies how the contribution will help address the symptoms in the problem identified in 1.2 o Identifies what practitioners will be able to do, or do better, once they have the benefit of the new insights described in 3.1 and 3.2 • Discussion supported with peer-reviewed references specific to the problem and theories. Section 4. Research Methodology 4.1 Research Design Describe the qualitative design (for example grounded theory) and research model (for example Strauss and Corbin or Charmaz – constructivist grounded theory) you propose to use, supported and referenced by primary sources. Describe in detail the method(s) will you use to collect the data, such as: structured, unstructured, and semi-structured interviews, journaling, letters, pictures, observations, field notes, focus groups. Describe the philosophy underlying the methodology and model. Briefly describe how the study will be conducted. (Describe how you are going to carry out the study.)  The Research Design should be clearly identified.  The Research Design should be appropriate to the Research Question. *Use primary sources as resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Philosophical tradition underlying the research methodology is described o Provides scholarly rationale for the chosen methodology within the context of the study supported by relevant citations • The methodological approach and corresponding model within that approach is outlined in detail o Aligned with the specific method identified in 2.3 o Specific step-by-step methodology described. o Step-by-step methodology is consistent with the specific model identified in 2.4 (e.g., Eisenhardt Case Study Methodology). 4.2 Population and Sample Describe the characteristics of the larger population from which the sample (study participants) will be drawn. Include sampling strategy such as purposeful. State the estimated sample size needed for the study. Justify the sample size with support from the literature. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • The larger target population is named and described • The sample frame used to identify & access potential participants from the population is evident • The inclusion/exclusion criteria of selection is delineated and credibly supported • The method of sampling/selection (e.g. type of purposive sampling, snowball) is described and is consistent with the research purpose & question • The stated size of the sample is consistent with established practice for the research methodology in the scholarly literature • Sample size must be based on saturation and supported with peer-reviewed references. • Interview designs require at least 12 to 15 homogeneous participants. • Case study samples includes two phases: (a) selection of the case(s) and (b) the number of participants for each case. 4.3 Ethical Considerations Describe any ethical considerations given the sample, population, and/or topic. Please explain as fully as possible (i.e., How do you plan to protect human participants while identifying the sample, while collecting the data, while analyzing the data, after data are collected, and during data storage?) Is the proposed population or research topic greater than minimal risk? 0 Yes 0 No If yes, has the researcher had a consultation with the IRB office? 0 Yes 0 No If yes, please paste the IRB’s e-mail response or a summary of the response. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • Identifies the risks to the participants o Describes the mitigation of the risks o Sample and date source ethical issues are addressed including respect for persons and justice. • Describes how participants will be protected throughout the collection and analysis of the data o Data collection issues of participant and organization anonymity and/or confidentiality are addressed with specific issues identified and specific procedures identified to address those issues. • Quality and credibility of the research is discussed and how it addresses the principle of beneficence. • Describes how the integrity of the research will be maintained particularly how the researcher will conduct him/herself as the research instrument.   Section 5. Research Data 5.1 Data Collection - Sampling Procedures Describe in detail each step that you will take from the beginning of recruitment to consent from the participants to participate. You must provide specific details and present the details in the order in which they will occur. You must include all of the following (if applicable): • The recruitment site(s), acknowledgement of any permissions needed from the sites, and if there is an IRB at any of the sites. • All of the means by which recruitment will occur (i.e., flyers, e-mails, social media) • How potential participants will contact you. • How the potential participants will be screened and how you will proceed if they do qualify and if they do not qualify for the study. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • The specific type of sampling is clearly stated and supported. • The process of recruitment is described in detail o Step-by-step procedures in sequence are described for the entire process from participant recruitment to informed consent. Details are sufficient for replication. o Permissions from organizations (sites) are obtained and included in the appendix o All media used to recruit participants is described and included in the appendix o Participant contact and selection procedures are described in enough detail for replication 5.2 Data Collection Procedures Describe where and how will you get the data and describe the exact procedure(s) that will be used to collect the data. This is a step-by-step description of exactly how the research will be conducted. This should read like a recipe for the data collection procedures to be followed in your study. Be sure to include all the necessary details so that someone else will be able to clearly understand how you will obtain your data. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. **Use APA style in citing all resources Proficient – 85% Criteria • Unambiguous and detailed step-by-step procedure for data collection o Identifies the source (s) (i.e. interview subjects, organization, documents etc.) o Identifies the type of data (i.e. interviews, observations, text etc.) to be collected o Describes the method (s) as to how each data type will be gathered/collected  Step-by-step procedures specific to the research project are included for each data collection method (interviews, document reviews, observations) • Data collection is specific and detailed enough to replicate without additional information beyond the DRP • Data collection follows the guidelines in the chosen methodology • Description is supported with references specific to the methodology identified in 2.4 and 4.1 5.3 Guiding Interview Questions Describe the interview method will you use and how you will conduct the interviews. List the guiding interview questions to be used in the qualitative interviews with the participants. Provide a rationale for how and why you are using the interview technique you will use to address the primary research question. Be sure to discuss the results of any field test that was conducted as a part of the process of developing the final version of the guiding interview questions. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources Proficient – 85% Criteria • Identifies the type of interview to be conducted and how it aligns with the study’s purpose o The rationale for the interview approach and guide is described. • The qualitative interview guide and protocol: o Presents a topical conversational flow, not a list of direct questions. • The connection between the interview questions and the research questions is described and explicit. 5.4 Data Analyses Provide a step-by-step description of the procedures to be used to conduct the data analysis. Support this process by identification and reference to primary descriptive sources, such as Moustakas, Giorgi, Stake Yin, Charmaz, or Braun et al. Check that that the data analysis process is consistent with the accepted analytical steps for the specific qualitative methodology chosen to conduct this study. If you plan to use Qualitative data analysis software, list the software you will use and describe how it will be used. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources Proficient – 85% Criteria • Provides a detailed step-by-step process from collecting/compiling data to coding to interpreting to concluding results o Describes in detail the data analysis procedures based on the selected methodology identified in 2.3 o Description goes beyond coding and the identification of themes and includes specific data analysis techniques and tools • The specific Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) software that will be used is identified (e.g., NVivo, Atlas ti…) • Description is detailed enough for replication • Process of analysis is credibly supported with citations from the relevant literature 5.5 Role of the Researcher Provide a description of the researcher’s pre-understandings, preconceptions and biases about the topic and about how the researcher will set them aside? • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. • Use APA style in citing all resources. Proficient – 85% Criteria • The researcher’s understanding of the role is clear o Discussion includes role as data collector o Discussion includes role as analyzer of data o Fully acknowledges the responsibility (maintaining rapport, listening, maintaining flow of the conversation, analyzing…etc) he/she has as the researcher o Makes clear his/her background’s relationship/connection to the phenomenon/experience/event under study including previous experiences with the phenomenon and/or setting and participants. o Describes how he/she will minimize bias and maximize validity of the data/results.  Includes personal biases and how those will be addressed. 5.6 Credibility, Dependability and Transferability Present a strategy to ensure credibility, dependability, and transferability in the proposed study. Because the researcher is the primary instrument of research in qualitative studies, describe how you will establish credibility for the research. Describe the training and experience you have in regards to your methods for collecting and for analyzing your data. Credibility refers to confidence in the accuracy of the data as reported as well as a systematic and thorough interpretation by the researcher. Credibility involves carrying out the study in a way that enhances the believability of the findings of the data over time and over conditions. Credibility is assessed by how well you demonstrate your understanding of your research methodology and how well you apply the methodology to data collection and data analysis. Credibility is assessed by how well you demonstrate your understanding of your research methodology and how well you apply the methodology to data collection and data analysis. Describe how you will demonstrate your expertise in regards to your research design. Transferability is demonstrated by showing that the sample fairly represents the target population, as well as by showing that the sample participants have the knowledge, experience, or expertise necessary to provide information that the discipline or field and the target population would find meaningful in regard to the topic. Dependability is demonstrated by providing clear, detailed, and sequential descriptions of all procedures and methods, such that another researcher could repeat each of them faithfully. • Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Use APA style in citing all resources Proficient – 85% Criteria • Describes how triangulation will be used to address the bias and validity threats specific to this study. • Describes how the accuracy and validity of the data collected will be addressed. • Describes what process information will be reported in the findings to support the evaluation of the study findings. o e.g. Memoing, epoche, member checking, etc.   Section 6. References In the field below, provide your references for the research about your topic, and key theorists/researchers associated with the selected methodology. You will continue to build on this list of references for your Chapter 1 Background of the Problem, Chapter 2 Literature Review and Chapter 5, where you will discuss your findings in the context of the literature. *Use APA style for all references. Proficient – 85% Criteria • The topic areas including conceptual framework must be supported with 20 to 25 solid peer reviewed references. • Of those topic related references, 15 must be dated within the last 5 to 7 years at the time of DRP submission for approval. • The research methodology sections must be supported with 10 to 15 solid peer reviewed or research method specific references. • The most recent versions should be cited. 16 Criteria # RP Criteria Non-performance Basic Proficient Distinguished Criterion Proficiency Wrights > 0.00 3.50 4.25 5.00 Wt 1 Topic Endorsement The research topic is appropriate for the specialization and correctly formed: Key concept(s) or phenomena are stated in appropriate language; Relationships between/among the concepts are clearly specified (e.g., correlation, etc.). The target population is named; the concepts are appropriately focused. DRP (1.1) One or more elements of the topic statement are incorrectly formed. Topic not endorsed by learner's specialization. All elements of the topic statement are correctly formed, but one or more elements is unclear or too broadly focused. Topic not endorsed by learner's specialization. The research topic is appropriate for the specialization and correctly formed: Key concept(s) or phenomena are stated in appropriate language; Relationships between/among the concepts are clearly specified (e.g., correlation, etc.). The target population is named; the concepts are appropriately focused. DRP (1.1) All elements are exceptionally well-formed, eloquently stated and appropriately focused; and there are no errors in APA-compliant grammar, usage or spelling. Topic endorsed by learner's specialization. 7% 2 The research problem is correctly stated; Existing literature and key findings are summarized; Gaps or problems in the existing literature are clearly formulated; The research problem is explicitly stated, not implied. DRP [1.2, 2.1] The research problem statement lacks either a summary of what is known or a summary of what is not known, or the research problem itself is not explicitly stated. Both key findings and gaps or problems in the existing are stated, but the research problem itself is not explicitly stated. The research problem is correctly stated; Existing literature and key findings are summarized; Gaps or problems in the existing literature are clearly formulated; The research problem is explicitly stated, not implied. DRP [1.2, 2.1] The research problem is eloquently stated; Existing literature and key findings are summarized and well supported; Gaps or problems in the existing literature are clearly formulated; The research problem is explicitly stated, not implied, and there are no errors in APA-compliant grammar usage, or spelling. 7% 3 Research Overview The research questions are correctly formed: The research questions are aligned with the research problem, the research topic, and the title; Separate research questions and/or subquestions are identified for each intended analysis; The research questions can be answered by the data derived from the intended analysis. DRP [2.2] The research questions are not aligned with the research problem, research topic, title, and/or analyses. The research questions are aligned with one or more, but not all of the other elements of the study (research problem, research topic, title, and/or analyses). The research questions are correctly formed: The research questions are aligned with the research problem, the research topic, and the title; Separate research questions and/or subquestions are identified for each intended analysis; The research questions can be answered by the data derived from the intended analysis. DRP [2.2] The research questions are exceptionally well-formed: The research questions are aligned with the research problem, the research topic, and the title; Separate research questions and/or subquestions are identified for each intended analysis; The research questions can be answered by the data derived from the intended analysis, and there are no errors in APA-compliant grammar usage, or spelling. 13% 4 The basic methodology is named and is correctly selected for the research problem and question. DRP [2.3] The basic methodology is unnamed. The methodology is named but is incorrect for the research problem and question. The basic methodology is named and is correctly selected for the research problem and question. DRP [2.3] The basic methodology is named and is correctly selected for the research problem and question, and its selection s logical and well supported. 7% 5 The title is correctly formed: It is aligned with the research question, it reflects the key variables or constructs to be studied, it reflects the method to be employed in the research, and it is concise (12 words or less). DRP [2.4] One or more elements of the title are incorrectly formed. All elements of the title are correctly formed, but one or more elements is not aligned with the other elements of the study. The title is correctly formed: It is aligned with the research question, it reflects the key variables or constructs to be studied, it reflects the method to be employed in the research, and it is concise (12 words or less). DRP [2.4] The title is exceptionally well-formed, eloquently stated, and fully aligned with the research question; It reflects the key variables or constructs to be studied; It reflects the method to be employed in the research, and it is concise (12 words or less). 3%   6 Research Theory The contribution to the field, including theoretical and practical implication, is articulated clearly. DRP [Qual 3.1-3.4, Quant 3.2-3.4] The contribution is not articulated and both theoretical and practical implications are missing. The contribution is articulated clearly but either theoretical or practical implications are missing; or both implications are included, but the contribution is not articulated clearly. The contribution to the field, including theoretical and practical implication, is articulated clearly. DRP [Qual 3.1-3.4, Quant 3.2-3.4] The contribution to the field, including theoretical and practical implications, is articulated clearly and completely. 7% 7 The theoretical framework is articulated clearly and is appropriate for the specialization and topic. DRP [Quant 3.1] The theoretical framework is not articulated. The theoretical framework is articulated clearly and is appropriate for the specialization and topic. (Quant 3.1) The theoretical framework is articulated clearly and is appropriate for the specialization and topic. DRP [Quant 3.1] The theoretical framework is clearly and fully articulated, and is appropriate for the specialization and topic. 13% 8 Research Method The research design is clearly identified and is appropriate to the research question. DRP [4.1] The design is either not clearly identified or it is inappropriate for the question. The design is clearly identified OR is appropriate for the question, but not both. The research design is clearly identified and is appropriate to the research question. DRP [4.1] The research design is clearly identified and is appropriate to the research question, is logical and well-supported. 7% 9 The sampling plan is stated fully, including the design, its method, and estimate sample size. DRP [Quant 4.2, 4.3] The sampling plan is missing. The sampling plan is incomplete, or it is complete, but at least one element is incorrect or inappropriate for the research design or question. The sampling plan is stated fully, including the design, its method, and estimate sample size. DRP [Quant 4.2, 4.3] The sampling plan is stated fully, including the design, its method, estimate sample size, how the sample size was estimated, and includes a recruitment plan. 7% 10 The ethical challenges related to the specified sampling plan are discussed fully. DRP [Quant 4.4] The ethical challenges in the sampling plan are not discussed. The ethical challenges related to the specified sampling plan are discussed in a general way, but the challenges are not directly applicable to the proposed study. The ethical challenges related to the specified sampling plan are discussed fully. DRP [Quant 4.4] The ethical challenges related to specified sampling plan are discussed fully, providing specific examples and well thought out strategies for addressing them. 7% 11 Research Data Data collection methods are described, are appropriate to the design, will provide the data necessary to answer the research question, and are supported by appropriate references. DRP [Qual 5.1-5.2, Quant 5.8] Data collection methods are not described. Data collection methods are either insufficiently described, are not appropriate for the design, or will not provide data necessary to answer the question. Data collection methods are described, are appropriate to the design, will provide the data necessary to answer the research question, and are supported by appropriate references. DRP [Qual 5.1-5.2, Quant 5.8] Data collection methods are described in detail, are appropriate to the design, will provide the data necessary to answer the research question, and are supported by appropriate references. 7% 12 Data analysis methods are described, are appropriate to the design, will allow the research question to be answered, and are supported by appropriate references. DRP [Qual 5.5, Quant 5.10] Data analysis methods are not described. Data analysis methods are described, but are not appropriate to the design or will not answer the research question. Data analysis methods are described, are appropriate to the design, will allow the research question to be answered, and are supported by appropriate references. DRP [Qual 5.5, Quant 5.10] Data analysis methods are clearly described and well documented, are appropriate to the design, will allow the research question to be answered, and are supported by appropriate references. 7% 13 Refs The reference list is correctly formatted according to APA 6th edition. (6.0) The reference list contains less than 25 entries and/or is not correctly formatted according to APA 6th edition. The reference list contains a minimum of 25 citations and/or is not correctly formatted according to APA 6th edition. The reference list is correctly formatted according to APA 6th edition. (6.0) The reference list is comprehensive, within scope, and correctly formatted according to the APA 6th edition and has no errors. 3% 14 All Sources are correctly cited using APA 6th edition. Sources are not correctly cited using APA 6th edition. Sources are inconsistently cited according to APA 6th edition format standards, containing more than two errors. Sources are correctly cited using APA 6th edition. he reference list contains a minimum of 75 entries and is correctly formatted according to the APA 6th edition and has no errors. 3% 15 The writing in each item is sufficiently scholarly in tone, and contains few editorial or mechanical (grammar, usage, typography, etc.) errors. The writing is insufficiently scholarly in tone, and contains more than two editorial or mechanical errors per page. The writing is sufficiently scholarly in tone and contains fewer than two editorial or mechanical errors per five pages. The writing in each item is sufficiently scholarly in tone, and contains few editorial or mechanical (grammar, usage, typography, etc.) errors. The writing in each item, is sufficiently scholarly in tone and in, and contains no editorial or mechanical (grammar, usage, typography, etc.) errors. 3% 16 The Research Plan form is complete: Study information is filled out, all the items have been completed, and there is a reference list. The Research Plan form is Incomplete, lacking more than half of the required items. The Research Plan form is incomplete, lacking no more than four items. The Research Plan form is complete: Study information is filled out, all the items have been completed, and there is a reference list. The Research Plan form is complete; Study information is filled out; all items have been completed, and there is a reference list. Ideas presented are exceptionally well thought out, well-supported, and has no errors in APA compliant grammar, usage, or spelling. 1% TOTAL % 100%