MPS Organizational Leadership: MPS Capstone Project
MPS Capstone Project: Start Early
The Library has many resources available to assist you with the MPS Capstone Project. You should start thinking about potential topics for the project early in the MPS program. See the "Narrowing Your Research Topic" box below for tips.
If you have not done many large-scale research projects before, we recommend you check out one (or several) of the books listed below in the "Applied Research books & ebooks" box.
Narrowing Your Research Topic
A research topic must be both broad enough to allow sufficient research but still focused enough to not be overwhelming--this is the most difficult but also most important step of any research paper/project. There are many resources in your coursework to assist you with this, but here are some basic tips:
1. Topic MUST be focused on Leadership, since the degree is in Organizational Leadership. (If the degree was in music, you would not research a medical topic.) If you can direct your research toward a topic relating leadership to your current employment, that is highly encouraged, but not all students are currently in that type of job/role.
2. If your current job does not spark any topic ideas, think about what it is about Leadership that has most interested you during the program. Then think about how to narrow that idea to a specific type of job/position, type of leader, and/or type of leadership.
3. Consider the following MPS Capstone Project titles. (These have already been used and are listed for example purposes only--you will not be able to select any of these for your project.) Look at how they focus on several different ideas to create narrowed topics.
- Developing Ethnic Minority Leadership Through Mentorship (ethnic/minority leader, mentorship in leadership, leadership development)
- Women in Leadership: The Influence of Maternal Self-Efficacy On Daughters (women leaders, influence of mother/parent on a leader)
- Is Transformational or Transactional Leadership More Effective in a Virtual World (types of leadership, leadership in virtual vs. physical world)
- Leadership Styles: A Qualitative Review of Styles that Can Improve Incident Reporting (specific job/employment focus on incident reporting)
Applied Research books & ebooks
Applied Research and Evaluation in Community Mental Health Services: An Update of Key Research Domains by Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9780773537958Publication Date: 2011
Applied Research Methods in Public and Nonprofit Organizations by Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9781118737361Publication Date: 2014
Applying Social Science: The Role of Social Research in Politics, Policy and Practice by Call Number: 300.722 BYRISBN: 9781847424501Publication Date: 2011
The Handbook of Applied Communication Research, 2 Volume Set by Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9781119399858Publication Date: 2020
Planning an Applied Research Project in Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports by Call Number: 338.4791 MAYOISBN: 9781118637227Publication Date: 2013
Qualitative Methods in Public Health: A Field Guide for Applied Research by Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9781118834671Publication Date: 2016
Research for Designers: A Guide to Methods and Practice by Call Number: 745.2072 MURISBN: 9781446275146Publication Date: 2016
The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods by Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9781412950312Publication Date: 2008
Studying Your Workforce: Applied Research Methods and Tools for the Training and Development Practitioner by
Even though this is an older book, you could still find good suggestions on topics and basic methods
Call Number: Ebook CentralISBN: 9780803973213Publication Date: 1997
Links to Library & Research Resources
- Academic Integrity Guide Guide to having academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism
- APA Style & Grammar Guide Covering format, language, tables, and references "the style and grammar guidelines pages present information about APA Style from the American Psychological Association."
- APA Style and Citation Guide 7th ed. How to format your paper and cite your sources using 7th ed. APA style.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Learn how to request articles and books that Central Penn does not own
- Online Resources Guide Not sure how to use one of the databases? This guide to all of our online resources provides tips, and can help you navigate each resource.
Contact the Library
The Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 10AM - 5PM and Wednesday from 1PM - 8PM.
If you need help from the librarian or need to access the library resources outside of those hours let us know!
Call or text 717-728-2500 or email Library@centralpenn.edu to make an appointment.
Remember the Learning Hub is also open with lots of great faculty and staff willing to help with tutoring, advising, and general questions.