MEAL plan
Main idea: Topic sentence stating the focus of the
paragraph (no citation).
Evidence: Paraphrase from source(s) to support the
topic sentence.
Analysis: Explanation and evaluation of the evidence
cited and its relevance in the student’s own words.
Lead out: Wrap-up for the paragraph, leading the
reader to transition to the next paragraph (and the
next point/topic sentence).
MEAL plan: Example I
Researchers have studied the effectiveness of a
variety of leadership theories in different
contexts. Transformational leadership has been
shown to be more effective than transactional
leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2012). Supervision, a
form of transactional leadership, is a also
successful leadership practice (Kai, 2012).
Executives from Citibank and Target to local mom-
and-pop hardware stores use transformational
leadership in their executive models (B. Rye,
personal communication, May 1, 2010). Both the
leadership style and the organizational context
can affect which leadership style is the best
choice for each organization.
MEAL plan: Example II
Supervision, one practice in transactional
leadership theory, is effective for small
business owners. The form of reward and
punishment associated with this practice
increases employee retention rates (Duffy,
2011). Improved retention not only contributes
to an efficient workplace, but it promotes local
commercial stability and cultural unity (Smith,
2012). Other management styles that are
informed by transactional theory can also
benefit communities.
Literature Review
1. A literature review is a research paper about your topic.
Using at least eight (8)
professional (subject matter expert) and/or scholarly references.
2. This section is three to four pages long using a themed (topic
sections) presentation
approach with as much detail as possible.
3. Depending on your topic, specific examples or literary
support may be difficult to find. In
cases where there is little current research, describe how this
was handled.
a. You may need to use a surrogate (somewhat related) topic in
order to complete
the literature review. For example, improving the ‘needs
assessment’ process in
organization XYZ may not yield research results, so you will
need to generalize
the topic. Generalizing the topic could may require examining
research on the
value of need assessments, the processes associated with needs
assessment, or
how to a conduct needs assessment.
The literature review section/paper must include:
4. Provide a concise synopsis of the current literature that
establishes the relevance of the
problem.
5. Describe studies related to the constructs of interest and
chosen methodology and
methods that are consistent with the scope of the study.
6. Describe ways researchers in the discipline have approached
the problem and the
strengths and weakness inherent in their approaches.
7. Justify from the literature the rationale for selection of the
variables or concepts.
8. Review and synthesize studies related to the key concepts
and/or phenomena under
investigation to produce a description of what is known about
them, what is
controversial, and what remains to be studied.
9. Review and synthesize studies related to the research
questions and why the approach
selected is meaningful.
10. Concisely summarize major themes in the literature.
YOUR PROJECT TITLE HERE 5
Project Title
Action Research
Student Name
Running head: YOUR PROJECT TITLE HERE 1
Table of Contents
Action Research Project Overview 4
Introduction Overview 4
Methodology 5
Literature Review 6
Proposal 7
Iteration 1 7
Iteration 2 7
Iteration 3 8
Iteration 4 8
Iteration 5 8
Iteration 1 – Brainstorming 10
Plan 10
Action 12
Contact reporting. 12
Observation 13
Reflection 14
Iteration 2 - Division 15
Plan 15
Action 15
Observation 15
Reflection 16
Reflective Statement 17
References 18
Appendix A 19
Contact Reporting Form 19
List of Tables and Figures
Figure 1. Iteration flow diagram9
Figure A1. Contact Reporting Form19
Action Research Project Overview
The non-portfolio or non-internship action research project
involves actively researching a current technological problem or
issue. The problem or issue can be internal or external to a
business; however, the research requires fieldwork. This
project’s duration must be at least eight weeks (four, two-week
iterations of at least 40 hours of activity per iteration).
Introduction Overview
The introduction, as the minimum, is one to two pages long and
should not have an APA heading. The introduction must
include:
· A brief history/background of the business if the problem
involves a business or the background support for your
technological problem or issue if the problem does not involve a
business
· A discussion about the circumstances of the situation that you
plan to improve or change
· You may want to discuss, ‘what is wrong or deficient…and
why you think making changes will result in improvements.
Include why the improvement is of value to you (the
stakeholder)
· Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional
assignment criteria
Methodology
The methodology section of the paper, as a minimum, is two to
three pages long. Essentially, this section is a mini-research
paper defining and explaining the Action Research (AR)
Methodology including its application to technology research.
The methodology paper must include:
· Five (5) professional (subject matter experts) or scholarly
references
· A discussion about the history of AR and application/uses
along with its applicability to researching technology issues
· A transitional paragraph at the end of the section describing
how AR is an appropriate methodology for the research you are
doing
· Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional
assignment criteria
Literature Review
A literature review is a research paper about your topic.
This section, as the minimum, is three to four pages long using
a themed (topic sections) presentation approach with as much
detail as possible. Depending on your topic, specific examples
or literary support may be difficult to find. You may need to
use a surrogate (somewhat related) topic in order to complete
the literature review. For example, improving the ‘needs
assessment’ process in organization XYZ may not yield research
results, so you will need to generalize the topic. Generalizing
the topic could may require examining research on the value of
need assessments, the processes associated with needs
assessment, or how to a conduct needs assessment.
The literature review section/paper must include:
· At least eight (8) professional (subject matter expert) and/or
scholarly references
· Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional
assignment criteria
Proposal
The proposal section contains a high-level overview of your
project as laid out in a minimum of four iterations. Each
iteration should represent approximately two weeks, with a
minimum of 40 hours of activity in each iteration.
Do not try to layout your full plan at this point, keep this
to one or two paragraphs for each iteration description. At this
point, you should focus on the big picture.
Hypothetical situation…Let’s say your proposal deals with
improving the ‘needs assessment’ process in organization XYZ.
You know the process is weak and requires improvement, but do
not know what the weak points are or how to correct them. You
assume you will need the following iterations:Iteration 1
In iteration 1, you anticipate two or three brainstorming
sessions with representatives from each of the three divisions
with each session last a maximum of two hours. The session
discussions will include identifying current process flow, a gap
analysis, gathering process requirements, and communication
flow. In addition, the iteration will include compiling,
analyzing, and reporting the results of each brainstorming
session. At this point you can go into a little more detail but
not too much…keep this statement to one or two paragraphs.
Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
for an iteration.Iteration 2
You expect there will be several one-hour follow up session
with each of the division representatives to discuss the outcome
of the brainstorming session, clarify information, and gather
more detail about their division’s requirements. Again keep
this to one or two paragraphs, I encourage you to focus on the
big picture.
Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
for an iteration.Iteration 3
This iteration will be a two-hour follow-up meeting with the
three division representatives to discuss identified common
requirements, possible integration of requirements, and
discussion of how unique requirements will be managed at the
division level. The researcher will manage common and
integrated requirements, and the appropriate division must
manage unique requirements. At the conclusion of this meeting,
the division representatives will be tasked with formulating a
solution for all unique requirements.
Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
for an iteration.Iteration 4
You need to fully analyze the feedback concerning the
requirements from each of the divisions. Then, document a
final process to collect ‘needs’ from each of the divisions,
Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
for an iteration.Iteration 5
A final two-hour meeting is needed to present the new process.
Copies of the new process will be provided to each division.
Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
for an iteration.
A figure, see Figure 1, showing at least four iterations of your
Action Research project’s flow must appear at the end of your
proposal. The figure shown here should be used as a template
for the information needed in the figure. Remember to revise
the information in each of the Iteration number blocks!
Figure 1. Iteration flow diagram
Iteration 1Brainstorming & Requirements
GatheringPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteratio
n 2Divisional Meetings, Data Analysis, & Other
ResearchPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteration
3Coordination Meetings & Data
AnalysisPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteration
4Data Analysis &
DocumentationPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIt
eration 5Project Finalization, Report Finalization, & Findings
PresentationPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflection
Iteration 1
Brainstorming & Requirements Gathering
Plan
Act/Actions
Observation
/Results
Reflection
Iteration 2
Divisional Meetings, Data Analysis, & Other Research
Plan
Act/Actions
Observation
/Results
Reflection
Iteration 3
Coordination Meetings & Data Analysis
Plan
Act/Actions
Observation
/Results
Reflection
Iteration 4
Data Analysis & Documentation
Plan
Act/Actions
Observation
/Results
Reflection
Iteration 5
Project Finalization, Report Finalization, & Findings
Presentation
Plan
Act/Actions
Observation
/Results
Reflection
MEAL planMain idea Topic sentence stating the focus of th.docx

MEAL planMain idea Topic sentence stating the focus of th.docx

  • 1.
    MEAL plan Main idea:Topic sentence stating the focus of the paragraph (no citation). Evidence: Paraphrase from source(s) to support the topic sentence. Analysis: Explanation and evaluation of the evidence cited and its relevance in the student’s own words. Lead out: Wrap-up for the paragraph, leading the reader to transition to the next paragraph (and the next point/topic sentence). MEAL plan: Example I Researchers have studied the effectiveness of a variety of leadership theories in different contexts. Transformational leadership has been shown to be more effective than transactional leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2012). Supervision, a form of transactional leadership, is a also successful leadership practice (Kai, 2012). Executives from Citibank and Target to local mom- and-pop hardware stores use transformational leadership in their executive models (B. Rye, personal communication, May 1, 2010). Both the leadership style and the organizational context can affect which leadership style is the best choice for each organization.
  • 2.
    MEAL plan: ExampleII Supervision, one practice in transactional leadership theory, is effective for small business owners. The form of reward and punishment associated with this practice increases employee retention rates (Duffy, 2011). Improved retention not only contributes to an efficient workplace, but it promotes local commercial stability and cultural unity (Smith, 2012). Other management styles that are informed by transactional theory can also benefit communities. Literature Review 1. A literature review is a research paper about your topic. Using at least eight (8) professional (subject matter expert) and/or scholarly references. 2. This section is three to four pages long using a themed (topic sections) presentation approach with as much detail as possible. 3. Depending on your topic, specific examples or literary support may be difficult to find. In cases where there is little current research, describe how this was handled.
  • 3.
    a. You mayneed to use a surrogate (somewhat related) topic in order to complete the literature review. For example, improving the ‘needs assessment’ process in organization XYZ may not yield research results, so you will need to generalize the topic. Generalizing the topic could may require examining research on the value of need assessments, the processes associated with needs assessment, or how to a conduct needs assessment. The literature review section/paper must include: 4. Provide a concise synopsis of the current literature that establishes the relevance of the problem. 5. Describe studies related to the constructs of interest and chosen methodology and methods that are consistent with the scope of the study. 6. Describe ways researchers in the discipline have approached the problem and the strengths and weakness inherent in their approaches. 7. Justify from the literature the rationale for selection of the
  • 4.
    variables or concepts. 8.Review and synthesize studies related to the key concepts and/or phenomena under investigation to produce a description of what is known about them, what is controversial, and what remains to be studied. 9. Review and synthesize studies related to the research questions and why the approach selected is meaningful. 10. Concisely summarize major themes in the literature. YOUR PROJECT TITLE HERE 5 Project Title Action Research Student Name Running head: YOUR PROJECT TITLE HERE 1
  • 5.
    Table of Contents ActionResearch Project Overview 4 Introduction Overview 4 Methodology 5 Literature Review 6 Proposal 7 Iteration 1 7 Iteration 2 7 Iteration 3 8 Iteration 4 8 Iteration 5 8 Iteration 1 – Brainstorming 10 Plan 10 Action 12 Contact reporting. 12 Observation 13 Reflection 14 Iteration 2 - Division 15 Plan 15 Action 15 Observation 15 Reflection 16 Reflective Statement 17 References 18 Appendix A 19 Contact Reporting Form 19 List of Tables and Figures
  • 6.
    Figure 1. Iterationflow diagram9 Figure A1. Contact Reporting Form19 Action Research Project Overview The non-portfolio or non-internship action research project involves actively researching a current technological problem or issue. The problem or issue can be internal or external to a business; however, the research requires fieldwork. This project’s duration must be at least eight weeks (four, two-week iterations of at least 40 hours of activity per iteration). Introduction Overview The introduction, as the minimum, is one to two pages long and should not have an APA heading. The introduction must include: · A brief history/background of the business if the problem involves a business or the background support for your technological problem or issue if the problem does not involve a business · A discussion about the circumstances of the situation that you plan to improve or change · You may want to discuss, ‘what is wrong or deficient…and why you think making changes will result in improvements. Include why the improvement is of value to you (the stakeholder) · Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional assignment criteria Methodology The methodology section of the paper, as a minimum, is two to three pages long. Essentially, this section is a mini-research paper defining and explaining the Action Research (AR) Methodology including its application to technology research. The methodology paper must include: · Five (5) professional (subject matter experts) or scholarly references
  • 7.
    · A discussionabout the history of AR and application/uses along with its applicability to researching technology issues · A transitional paragraph at the end of the section describing how AR is an appropriate methodology for the research you are doing · Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional assignment criteria Literature Review A literature review is a research paper about your topic. This section, as the minimum, is three to four pages long using a themed (topic sections) presentation approach with as much detail as possible. Depending on your topic, specific examples or literary support may be difficult to find. You may need to use a surrogate (somewhat related) topic in order to complete the literature review. For example, improving the ‘needs assessment’ process in organization XYZ may not yield research results, so you will need to generalize the topic. Generalizing the topic could may require examining research on the value of need assessments, the processes associated with needs assessment, or how to a conduct needs assessment. The literature review section/paper must include: · At least eight (8) professional (subject matter expert) and/or scholarly references · Refer to the assignment on Blackboard for additional assignment criteria Proposal The proposal section contains a high-level overview of your project as laid out in a minimum of four iterations. Each iteration should represent approximately two weeks, with a minimum of 40 hours of activity in each iteration. Do not try to layout your full plan at this point, keep this
  • 8.
    to one ortwo paragraphs for each iteration description. At this point, you should focus on the big picture. Hypothetical situation…Let’s say your proposal deals with improving the ‘needs assessment’ process in organization XYZ. You know the process is weak and requires improvement, but do not know what the weak points are or how to correct them. You assume you will need the following iterations:Iteration 1 In iteration 1, you anticipate two or three brainstorming sessions with representatives from each of the three divisions with each session last a maximum of two hours. The session discussions will include identifying current process flow, a gap analysis, gathering process requirements, and communication flow. In addition, the iteration will include compiling, analyzing, and reporting the results of each brainstorming session. At this point you can go into a little more detail but not too much…keep this statement to one or two paragraphs. Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient for an iteration.Iteration 2 You expect there will be several one-hour follow up session with each of the division representatives to discuss the outcome of the brainstorming session, clarify information, and gather more detail about their division’s requirements. Again keep this to one or two paragraphs, I encourage you to focus on the big picture. Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient for an iteration.Iteration 3 This iteration will be a two-hour follow-up meeting with the three division representatives to discuss identified common requirements, possible integration of requirements, and discussion of how unique requirements will be managed at the division level. The researcher will manage common and integrated requirements, and the appropriate division must manage unique requirements. At the conclusion of this meeting, the division representatives will be tasked with formulating a solution for all unique requirements. Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient
  • 9.
    for an iteration.Iteration4 You need to fully analyze the feedback concerning the requirements from each of the divisions. Then, document a final process to collect ‘needs’ from each of the divisions, Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient for an iteration.Iteration 5 A final two-hour meeting is needed to present the new process. Copies of the new process will be provided to each division. Remember, this is an example and one meeting is not sufficient for an iteration. A figure, see Figure 1, showing at least four iterations of your Action Research project’s flow must appear at the end of your proposal. The figure shown here should be used as a template for the information needed in the figure. Remember to revise the information in each of the Iteration number blocks! Figure 1. Iteration flow diagram Iteration 1Brainstorming & Requirements GatheringPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteratio n 2Divisional Meetings, Data Analysis, & Other ResearchPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteration 3Coordination Meetings & Data AnalysisPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIteration 4Data Analysis & DocumentationPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflectionIt eration 5Project Finalization, Report Finalization, & Findings PresentationPlanAct/ActionsObservation/ResultsReflection Iteration 1 Brainstorming & Requirements Gathering Plan Act/Actions Observation /Results
  • 10.
    Reflection Iteration 2 Divisional Meetings,Data Analysis, & Other Research Plan Act/Actions Observation /Results Reflection Iteration 3 Coordination Meetings & Data Analysis Plan Act/Actions Observation /Results Reflection Iteration 4 Data Analysis & Documentation Plan Act/Actions Observation /Results Reflection Iteration 5 Project Finalization, Report Finalization, & Findings Presentation Plan Act/Actions Observation /Results Reflection