In the thread DBA vs PhD and more http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25308 , there were some posts about significant differences between the learning processes leading to AACSB-accredited business doctorates as opposed to the processes of RA, but non-AACSB-accredited doctorates from the likes of NCU, NSU, and Argosy. I'm referring to differences other than the delivery method of courses. Has anyone taken the comprehensive exam at one of these schools? What did the exam cover? I'm especially curious as to what would be on comps for an accounting student at one of these programs. I'm curious because the description of the coursework for a couple of these programs suggests that comps are an entirely different animal than what they are at an AACSB-school. Anyone??
I've taken comps in NSU's program. They were challenging. I appreciate Nova's approach which included double blind grading (that is - I didn't know who graded my paper and the graders didn't know who wrote the paper). NSU's approach covered the required course work and, in my mind, were a very good, very general exam. Typical questions were known - NSU made prior exams available. Some B&M schools have an oral component to their comps. This can introduce bias. However, I suspect that comps in this format can allow the exam to become more detailed. Regards - Andy
Yes - didn't mean to slight Capella. What I'm really interested in is the content of the questions. To what extent do the comps cover the literature in the discipline?Research methods? Can anyone post an example of a comp question they received?
Foobar - if you PM me your e-mail, I will e-mail you my exam. My exam was 4 questions, 1 methodology and 3 subject matter. Shawn
IMHO, yes - because the exam process at Capella is extremely individualized. I submitted a list of sample questions to my mentor and we went back and forth on them before they were finalized. In other words, my comp exam is unique to me and my program. In fact, I am presenting one of my comp questions at a the IUS-Canada Conference: http://www.iusafs.org/ Shawn
Why not just post the questions here then? Usually comps are designed by your committee, so trying to study from another's question can be a BIG mistake. You could be asked anything, but usually it relates to your area of research.
Fair enough - will post the questions on Tuesday. (I perform the bulk of my research at my office). BTW, I agree that generally it is not wise to perform extensive study from another's question. It is good though to at least get a general feel of what a comp answer should look like. Shawn
Comp Exam Questions for Capella Rocks: Mixed method research has gained popularity because the optimum answer to a research question often results from blending qualitative and quantitative methods (Thomas, 2003). Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Interpret the effectiveness of each as valid methodology for measuring employee retention. Anecdotal evidence suggests many United States Army Reservists did not believe they would be deployed for over one year in a foreign combat zone and that some military recruiters have not been forthright in explaining the possibility of extended wartime deployment. Steel, Griffeth, & Horn (2002) state that a key reason why employees leave an organization is due to poor morale caused by unrealistic expectations about job requirements. Describe the challenges faced by Army Reserve recruiters. Evaluate steps which the Army Reserve components can use to increase retention with realistic job previews. As of July 2005, the National Guard has a 23% shortfall in meeting recruiting goals (Hearing on Military Recruitment, 2005). Previous research indicates the moonlighting theory, when people work a second job, is a significant factor for enlistment in the Army Reserve components (Grissmer & Kirby, 1984; Gorman & Thomas, 1991). Identify the key components of the moonlighting theory in relationship to Army Reserve Component enlistment. Based on Reserve Component enlistment anecdotal data, analyze and evaluate if the moonlighting theory is still a significant factor for enlistment in the Army Reserve Components. Ambrose (2005) states Operation Iraqi Freedom is a dramatic paradigm shift in the Army Reserves. Huy and Mintzberg (2003) believe organizations experience dramatic change initiatives in time of crisis or great opportunity. Examine the challenges the Reserve components have and evaluate how the Reserve components can adapt to the new paradigm.
