Identifying a Culminating Project Topic and Option
- Begin writing down possible topics and questions that interest you by the end of your first semester in the PPA program (consider keeping a journal or smartphone notes file for easy access).
- Practice refining a topic idea by structuring it in the following way:
Feature |
Example |
Issue or Phenomenon |
Public stakeholder engagement in technology planning initiatives |
Perspective |
Technology managers' use of stakeholder engagement efforts to increase system access and efficiency and reduce user complaints |
Context or Case Questions |
What types of stakeholder engagement practices are likely to increase the efficacy and efficiency of major technology initiatives? What factors might make these practices easier or harder to implement in X state agency? |
3. Determine which Culminating Project option best fits your topic and interests.
4. Finally, assess your proposed policy or administrative topic to make sure it is:
4. Finally, assess your proposed policy or administrative topic to make sure it is:
- Relevant to your professional interests and/or employment.
- Something you will be able to study and/or address effectively with information that is already accessible or reasonably easy to access (check on possible sources).
- Aligned with your skills and interests.
- Likely to generate social value/impact or information to support future research.
- Something you can address in a reasonable timeframe.
