Part VI -- Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript

My preparation for the final defense is more intense than my preparation for the protocol defense.  I pampered myself with a a new hair spa and a corporate attire which I bought on sale.  I managed to buy a laser pointer which I used during my presentation.  Unlike my strategy during the protocol defense, I operated my laptop without any assistance from a third person.  Results were still not perfect but I passed with major revisions.

The race was not yet over.....  I have a deadline to finish all the revisions and my adviser is about to leave for the United States  .... I have to finish writing the manuscript with the proposed revisions in a month's time.

It took me a week to complete all the revisions.  All five members of the panel of evaluators, including the Dean of the Graduate School of Management, have recommendations and suggestions which must appear in the manuscript before everyone signs the approval sheet.  My reader gave the final advise regarding my proposed framework.  I got everyone, including my adviser, reader and the Dean of the Graduate School of Management,  sign my approval sheet in a matter of two weeks.  There was a last minute revision regarding the format of my manuscript, but I was able to to finish in time for Graduation Day. 

So what have I learned during this exercise?  Allow me to share some tips to help you finally earn the degree of Doctor of Business Administration:

• Wear Corporate Attire.  This rule cannot be dispensed with.  Be always at your best during your presentation.
• Organize your presentation within the time limit.  The time limit varies.  But if you go beyond the time limit, you will be asked to stop your presentation to proceed to the question and answer portion.  I was allowed a maximum of 40 minutes to finish my presentation.
• Slides for the presentation must be well-planned.  It would not hurt if you have a prepared script for your presentation.  A proposed script will help you finish your presentation within the time limit.  Moreover, your powerpoint slides must be well-planned.  Emphasize your expertise in the field.  The first three slides must be catchy to explain in an nutshell the objectives of your study.  Present pictures on how you conducted the data gathering.  Tables and figures must be clear and simple.
• The Results of the Study must be clear and concise.  Tables and Figures must be explained clearly.  Should there be new terms that arise in your findings, make sure that these are operationally defined.  Recommendations and Conclusions must be in line with the Statement of the Problem / Objectives.  Lastly, do not forget to use the Harvard Referencing Style for all your references.
• Observe the proper format, margins and pagination when writing your manuscript.  Make sure you use the prescribed format and pagination when writing your final manuscript.  There are a lot of sample works stored at the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School of Management.  Margins are measured at  LEFT=1.75"; RIGHT=1.25"; TOP=1.30" and BOTTOM=1.3".  Use Arial size 12 as the font design, double spaced.   Observe the prescribed color for bookbinding.

Below are photographs during my Graduation Day.  My husband was with me on stage during the placing of the hood.  My parents were seated at the guest side.  

Other Topics:

Protocol Defense 

My Data Gathering Experience

Choosing your Dissertation Title

My Data Gathering Experience

Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for the Protocol Defense

Part V -- My Data Gathering Experience

My experience in data gathering appeared to be hopeful.  I only needed my best friend and father in-law to help out.  My best friend introduced me to the Association of Human Resource Managers in the Hospitality Industry (AHRM)  where I presented my dissertation proposal.  On the other hand, my father-in law had a friend (a former undersecretary of the Department of Tourism) who introduced me to the current Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism whom I can request an endorsement letter to the President of the Association of Human Resource Managers in the Hospitality Industry (AHRMM).    The data gathering experience was fun and exciting.   The people in the hospitality industry circle accepted me with open arms.

The backlog was not in the data gathering, it was in the statistical treatment of data.  I was advised to hire a statistician to perform the statistical treatment, although I was not lucky enough to find the right one.  There was a time when I cried to my husband expressing all my frustration because the statistician I hired takes a long time to finish the revisions.  I was really on a tight schedule, pressured to finish before my adviser leaves for the US, and could not afford to wait for my statistician to finish treating data during her own sweet time.

Good thing my adviser is well-versed in statistics.  My adviser's recommendations regarding presentation of  simple/uncomplicated tables and figures for easy review by the the panel of evaluators proved to be useful and enlightening.  Although I had to learn SPSS and other concepts in Statistics on my own, the experience of doing statistics without any statistical expertise was a challenging quest. 

Nowadays, there are free courses on Statistics that will give you a background regarding statistical treatment of data.  For instance, there are courses on Statistics offered by Coursera  [a website offering  massive open online courses (MOOC)] where you can learn the basics and probably teach you how to perform statistical treatment of data. 

I am not saying that you should hire a trustworthy statistician for the treatment of your data.  I am also not saying that you learn statistics so that you can do your own statistical treatment.  What I am saying is that whenever you will be asked on a statistical question by one of the panel of evaluators during the final defense, you must know how to answer it yourself because your statistician won't be there to give you the answers.

Below are photographs with my colleagues at the AHRMM after an inspiring lecture on best practices by a Human Resource Manager from one of the 5-star hotels in Metro Manila.

Other Topics:

Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript 

Protocol Defense 

Choosing a Dissertation Title

Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for the Protocol Defense

Part IV -- Protocol Defense

The Protocol Defense was the time when I was at my weakest.  Sometime during the preparation stage, I sprained my ankle.   The results were not satisfactory, that is why the panel of evaluators recommended a re-defense.

Nevertheless, my persistence did not stop me from trying.  My second re-defense helped me improve my Statement of the Problem and Objectives.  The backlog was in the questionnaire which I am supposed to use for data gathering.  Validation of the questionnaire had to be done before I was allowed to proceed with data gathering.   I was advised to hire a statistician for the validation of the questionnaire.  Three months after my second re-defense, my questionnaire was validated, paper was approved and I was officially allowed to undertake data gathering.

The protocol defense stage was my most difficult moment.  Allow me to share some basic tips so that your protocol defense can run smoothly:

• Allow yourself with a script when making a presentation.    Your presentation must not go beyond the time limit. The time limit varies for every defense but in my experience I was allowed a maximum of 25 minutes.  A script can be helpful in making a methodical presentation without going beyond the time limit.  Should your time limit expire, you will be asked to stop your presentation so that the panel of evaluators can proceed to the question and answer portion.
• Be sure your laptop is in perfect condition.    Make sure you check your laptop the night before the actual date of the protocol defense.  Your laptop is where all your information will be stored and where you are most comfortable when making a presentation. 
• Bring a pointer for the presentation.  A pointer is an effective tool when making a presentation.   This will be effective especially when you will operate the laptop yourself.  Allowing a third person to operate your laptop may prove to be ineffective during the presentation.
• Wear corporate attire during presentation.  Be at your best during the presentation by wearing corporate attire.  For the women, shoes must be closed with 1 1/2 inch heels; slight make-up will put up a glowing face and will put the panel of evaluators in a glowing disposition. For the men, a coat and tie would be the best, although a long polo shirt with tie is acceptable.  Investing a well-planned wardrobe for the protocol defense is preferred. 
• Prepare a set of questions which can be possibly asked by the Panel of Evaluators.  The panel of evaluators will be asking questions to test your ability to undertake the dissertation.  The questions are not meant to inquire, it is really meant to test.    Preparing a list of questions and possible answers may prove to be helpful.
• Validation of the instrument and questionnaire used in data gathering.  This tip is useful if there won't be any revisions in the Statement of the Problem during the protocol defense.   Should there be any revisions of the Statement of the Problem during the protocol defense, the validation of the questionnaire will be useless and you will be advised to validate the questionnaire again to coincide with the revised Statement of the Problem.

Other Topics:

Choosing a Dissertation Title

Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in Preparation for the Protocol Defense

My Data Gathering Experience

Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript

  

Part II -- Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Now that my dissertation title was approved, the next step is to write Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of my dissertation.  Starting from scratch and with no specific objectives in mind, I have no choice but to work on my approved title and conceptualize the objectives of my dissertation in the meantime.

Initially, I had to conduct additional studies so that I can have an overview of my dissertation topic.  I had to do a lot of internet research plus textbook hunting at Amazon, Powerbooks, National Bookstore, Booksale and Fully Booked.  When I could not find any book related to my topic, I had to go to my alma mater, De La Salle University, where I was given a free facility to conduct journal research. Going to the National Library was the place where I found a gold mine for references, a place where you least expect to find relevant and updated sources of information.    Looking for books and journals was not enough because I have to go to three  government agencies where I can seek secondary sources or an interview with experts to inquire about my topic.  I even devoted time to attend a seminar on actuarial practice so that I can ask experts regarding my dissertation.  To sum it up, it took me two months just to conceptualize the objectives of my dissertation and after conducting overwhelming initial studies.   

Was there an easier way for me to conceptualize the objectives of my Dissertation?  I could have gone to my adviser to seek guidance.  However, I felt that this is a battle which I alone must fight.  No adviser can help me out in this situation except me.

You need to explore all possible outlet to find what you are looking for.  You can only do this by finding time doing field work.  Planning your activities for the week and organizing your schedule when visiting companies, libraries, government agencies and bookstores should be very helpful.

Below is a photograph of my classmates after a comprehensive learning experience from a professor in Project Planning and Development.  

Part III -- Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for the Protocol Defense

Once you know your objectives for your dissertation, you can start writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for your Protocol Defense.  Chapter 1 presents an Introduction, Background, Statement of the Objectives, and Significance of the Study including its limitations;   Chapter 2 is a presentation of your conceptual/theoretical framework as well as a review of all literature and studies related to your dissertation;  Chapter 3 is the methodology which you will utilize during the implementation process.

In preparation for the writing of the manuscript for the protocol defense, you must be aware of the suggested format as prescribed by the Dean of the Graduate School of Management.

You also need to present your draft (Chapters 1, 2 and 3) to your adviser before you will be given an approval to undergo the protocol defense.

In my experience,  I underwent a total of six revisions before my adviser allowed me for the Protocol Defense.  My first draft was not satisfactory and almost everything I wrote was discarded.  However, succeeding drafts improved.  Advice are given through the notes/comments as written in the drafts every time they are returned to me by my adviser via email.  Feedback is given by my adviser 48 hours after I submit my improved draft via email.  The process of review was less costly and definitely worked for me effectively.

What have I learned from the experience?  Allow me to share some tips while writing your dissertation in preparation for the protocol defense. 

Do

• Listen to every instruction your adviser tells.   Every advise given to you, whether done personally or through email, is very important.  There are instances that you will be chasing the time of your adviser, that is why it is important that you take all advise and instructions seriously and promptly.  If you do not understand the instructions given, you are advised to communicate with your adviser at the soonest so as not to waste time.
• Use the Harvard Referencing Style in making references and citations.  In making citations for your review of related literature and related studies, you are required to use the Harvard referencing style.  This is also known as the Author-date referencing style.  This is the style recommended by international journals whenever they recommend articles for publication.  The Harvard Referencing Style is also used when writing all your bibliography and references.
• Follow strictly the format and pagination prescribed by the Office of the Graduate School of Management.  The office has a collection of dissertation manuscripts which you may use as samples.  You do not need to follow the writing style of the author, what is important is to know the format when writing the dissertation.
• Allow free flow of ideas when writing.  Whenever you write, allow the free flow of  ideas without regard to grammar in the meantime.  Once you have finished writing, that is the time you check for grammar errors before submitting your manuscript to your adviser for review.
  

 Don't

• Make your adviser write your dissertation.  This attitude will not be allowed or tolerated by the adviser himself.  However, if you make him feel that he is already writing the dissertation, including the conceptualization of your dissertation, you will have a hard time finishing.  As a DBA candidate, you are responsible in writing your dissertation and setting the course of the write-up;  Do not allow your adviser to spoon feed you regarding the manner on how you will write your manuscript.
• Allow a third person write your dissertation.  Paying a third person write your dissertation has its disadvantages.  First, the manuscript is written so nicely that you would not understand the concept which would probably lead you to a failing mark if the panel of evaluators would find out, or the manuscript is written so badly that it has wasted a lot of your time revising it rather than doing it yourself.    
• Use a validated questionnaire which has already been presented as a thesis or dissertation or published in peer reviewed journals.  It is a possibility that you might do shortcuts by crafting your Statement of the Problem to coincide with existing validated questionnaires which have been previously presented as a thesis/dissertation or published in any peer reviewed journals.  This is not recommended as you are advised to craft your own questionnaire.  Being "too original" is not bad as you only need the proper recommendations of the panel of evaluators and your adviser.   

The tips above are iron clad and guaranteed as far as my experience is concerned.  Of course, you need to exercise the values of patience, persistence, responsibility and integrity while writing your manuscript.   There is no time for self-pity .... as your focus is to finish your studies for advanced opportunities.

Other Topics:

Protocol Defense

My Data Gathering Experience

Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript 

Choosing a Dissertation Title

Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Part I -- Choosing a Dissertation Title towards the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

In my experience,  I had to undergo a dissertation title defense for two times.  During my first title defense, I presented for approval:  "The Development of Future Labor Force: A Blueprint for Ethical Practices in Managing Selected Tertiary Level Business Schools."  The panel of evaluators had to disapprove the title because it does not appear to be business related.  Worse, I had a hard time defending the title which made me look unprepared.  I was advised to go back to the drawing board and think of a title which would be business related.  A member of the panel, however, suggested that I think of a research title involving an early retirement program.  Being a trusting soldier and an obedient student,  I readily obliged and started thinking of a title related to an early retirement program.

During my second title defense, my confidence level rose a little bit to 10%.  I was hopeful but still felt that I would still walk through a needle's hole. However, God was already on my side that day.  One of the members of the panel of evaluators was helpful to neophytes like me by providing a suggested title which eventually was unanimously approved by the panel of evaluators.  The approved title is:  "Benchmarked Framework Towards Strengthening the Early Retirement Program for the Hotel Industry in the Philippines." 

That being said, what lessons can be derived from such experience?  Allow me to share with you some tips in choosing a title for your dissertation towards the degree of Doctor of Business Administration:

• Choose a title which is business related.  You can choose any topic as long as it is business related.  Examples of business related topics may refer to: accounting, human resource management, strategic management, enterprise analysis, economics, business enterprise analysis, business industry analysis, etc.
•  Choose a topic which is related to your field of expertise.  While thinking of a title for your dissertation, you must have a mind map on how to implement the research output.  It will be easy for you to think of a mind map on how to go about the implementation process if you are an expert in the field.  By way of illustration, you cannot devise a topic regarding an accounting framework if you are not an accountant and with no expertise in the field of accounting.   But a topic relating to a human resource management framework can be easily devised by a person who has 15 years of human resource management experience because the topic is within the level of his expertise.  If you choose a topic which you are passionate about and within your level of expertise, you can easily create a mind map for the implementation process.  Moreover, you will save a lot of time and effort during the implementation process and data gathering if your selected topic is something which you are passionate about and within your level of expertise.  
• Make sure your proposed title would coincide with business related issues that is reflected in your Statement of the Problem / Objectives.  Objectives of your dissertation must be clear when presenting a title for approval.  Moreover, your Statement of the Problem must also relate to business-oriented issues, otherwise your title can be completely changed during the protocol defense (for the Approval of Chapter 1, 2 and 3 of the Dissertation) and a possibility that you will create new set of Statement of the Problem / Objectives, which will eventually constrain you to undergo a second protocol defense. 

Other Topics:

Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for the Protocol Defense

Protocol Defense

My Data Gathering Experience

Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript

My Experience as a Dissertation Writer-- a Prelude

It has been a year ago ever since I graduated my Doctor of Business Administration.    Time flies when I was in a stressful situation of finishing my doctorate degree so that I can fulfill my commitment to my employer.   It was during that time that I had to make a leap of faith, use all my resources, and talk to some influential people so that I can be granted a sabbatical leave with pay by my employer.  My commitment is to serve my employer for two years after my sabbatical leave and submit my research project (dissertation manuscript) worthy of publication.   I already submitted my research project a.ka. dissertation manuscript to my employer.  Luckily, my research project has already been published by the International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management.    So I am already down to one commitment . . .  to serve my employer for two years after my sabbatical leave.

Anyway, my commitment is about to be fulfilled.  Allow me to share what I have experienced and learned throughout my dissertation writing.  My experience was definitely not something that you do through simple networking.... it is not.  Passing the dissertation writing stage and defending it to at least 8 panel members was not a joke.  It was like jumping through a lot of hoops or passing through the needle's hole.  It was a challenging experience, but it was worth it.

My subsequent posts of six parts will discuss my experience on dissertation writing.  Though my experience is subjective, you might learn a thing or two when reading my posts.  It would not hurt if you read my posts, and maybe you won't commit the mistakes which I have committed.

Below are the photographs of my classmates while I was taking my Doctor in Business Administration.   They were a great bunch which inspired me to write my posts.

Other topics:

Part I-  Choosing a Dissertation Title towards the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

Part II --Conceptualizing the Objectives of the Dissertation

Part III -- Writing Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in preparation for the  Protocol Defense

Part IV -- Protocol Defense 

Part V -- My Data Gathering Experience  

Part VI -- Final Defense and Writing the Final Manuscript