How to Finish and Defend Your Dissertation

Daniel R. Tomal, Ph.D.is a Professor at Concordia University Chicago teaching in the educational leadership and doctoral programs and serves on many doctoral committees. He is a consultant and an author of thirteen books such as Action Research for Educators, Managing Human Resources and Collective Bargaining, and Resource Management for School Administrators (with Craig Schilling) and Leading School Change (with Marge Trybus and Craig Schilling) by Rowman & Littlefield Education, and has made guest appearances on many national radio and television shows. Cynthia Grant, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., is an Associate Professor of Research and Chair of the Department of Research in the Division of Research and Doctoral Programs at Concordia University Chicago. She has worked with many doctoral candidates in various disciplines, including educational leadership, higher education, organizational leadership, psychology, and social work. She is a licensed clinical social worker and is highly attuned to the emotional perseverance and resiliency required to successfully complete a dissertation.

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Realities of What it takes to Finish Your Dissertation
Chapter 2. Your Relationship with the Committee and Your Chairperson
Chapter 3. Refining Your Dissertation Proposal for the Final Manuscript
Chapter 4. Presenting Your Results and Discussion in the Final Manuscript
Chapter 5. Using Cloud-Based Virtual Communities in the Dissertation Process
Chapter 6. Preparing for the Final Defense Presentation
Chapter 7. Developing Effective Communication and Motivation Skills
Chapter 8. The Dissertation Defense: The Day has Arrived
Chapter 9. Passing the Defense and Editing the Final Dissertation Manuscript
Chapter 10: How to Publish and Present Your Dissertation
Epilogue: Advice to Candidates from Those Who Made It
Appendices
Index