DCS-601 Selecting a Thesis/Research Project Topic
Greater Alabama Council
2010 University of Scouting
University of Alabama, Huntsville
Huntsville, AL
March 6, 2009
Dr. Rich Goodwin
Talakto District Training Chairman
rgoodwin15@cox.net
(256) 450 0152
SOURCES: BSA “”
Agenda
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Learning Objectives
Introduction
Definitions
Selecting a Topic-First Step
Discussion of Topic Selection
Exercise: Selection of Typical Topic/Initial Development
Preliminary Steps in a Good Thesis or Project
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Examples and Lessons Learned
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Doctor of Commissioner Science Requirements
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Learning Objectives
• The Doctor of Commissioner Science Degree requires
the satisfactory development of a thesis or research
project on any topic of value to Scouting in the local
council, and which must be suitable for publication.
• So, how does one select a thesis/research project topic?
SOURCES: “District Training Workshop”
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I. What are the Requirements?
Thesis or Project
A. 20 pages, double spaced (8 ½ x 11” white paper)
B. Non-permanent binder
C. Meaningful research, development and study
D. Belongs to local council; if published credit given to author
E. Deadline July 1 for review if to be awarded at fall conference
F. Include complete bibliography
Approval. The topic and final paper or project must be approved by the council
commissioner, or assigned assistant council commissioner, or the dean of the
doctorate program and the staff advisor for commissioner service
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II. Definitions
A.
B.
C.
D.
Thesis: 2 a : a position or proposition that a person (as a candidate for
scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument b : a
proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof
Hypothesis: 1 a : an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument
b : an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for
action; 2 : a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical
or empirical consequences
Theory: 5 : a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of
principles offered to explain phenomena; 6 a : a hypothesis assumed for the
sake of argument or investigation b : an unproved assumption
Law: 6 a : a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is
known is invariable under the given conditions b : a general relation proved or
assumed to hold between mathematical or logical expressions
synonyms hypothesis, theory, law mean a formula derived by inference from
scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature. hypothesis implies
insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation <a
hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs>. theory implies a greater
range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth <the theory of evolution>. law
implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be
invariable under the same conditions <the law of gravitation>
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III. Selecting a Topic—The 1st Step
A.
B.
C.
D.
Your area of interest
Your area of experience
An area of need
Something you can research yourself. It is an individual
research project!
E. Limited scope, should plan on completing in one year
Why? Stay tuned to this station….
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IV. Discussion of Topic Selection
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Area of interest
1.
Why? More likely to be completed
2.
Resources—more likely to have adequate personal resources
3.
Knowledge—more likely to have current knowledge
Area of experience and expertise
1.
Why? More personal knowledge
2.
Resource—personal experience
3.
May have greater value
Area of need
1.
Study should be useful to you and other Scouters
2.
Study may be useful to the district, council, area, region or National Council
3.
Makes better use of your time and talents
Area that can be accomplished by you
1.
Availability of reference material
2.
Availability of needed resources
3.
Availability of experienced counselors
Area of research limited by time constraints
1.
Time required to complete research
2.
Time required to analyze material
3.
Time required to write, rewrite, and type in final form
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V. An Exercise
Your Mission
• Teams of three
• Select a topic
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15 minutes
Develop initial stages
What would be done?
What sequence do it?
Not content or how to
do it
Team Reports
• Five minutes each
maximum
• What the team did
• Why you did it
• Group discussion
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VI. Preliminary Steps in a Good Thesis or Project
A.
Define the problem or state the thesis
– “What are Cub Scout advancement motivators”
– “Why some boys don’t graduate from Cubs to Scout
B. Review literature (BSA and others)
A. Education
B. Management
C. Voluntarism
D. Motivation
E. Do not limit to BSA literature alone!
C. Observations, surveys, interviews
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Watch den / pack / troop meetings to spot leadership skills used /
not used
– Interview boys / parents / leaders
– Survey samples of new / experienced leaders
D. Field testing — see if the idea works
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Examples 1
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Examples 2
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Example 3
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Examples 4
Dr. Richard C. Goodwin
A Guide to Range Safety
Dr. Goodwin is the Chief, Integration Division, Plans, Program and Integration Directorate in the
Missile Defense Agency. He joined the MDA government team in 2009. After completion of a
distinguished military career, Dr. Goodwin served at HQ Supreme Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on
all US/Allied Extended Air Defense (EAD) working groups, drafted the Commander’s EAD Mission
Need Statement, directed SHAPE Counter-proliferation studies, and supported DTRA's Counterproliferation ACTD. From 1996 to 2001, in the AEGIS Program Office, Goodwin developed Missile
Defense requirements, coordinated with services/Allies on BMC4I and conducted advanced warfighting
analysis. In 2001, Dr. Goodwin joined DTRA as Chief, Strategic and Conventional Forces Branch, and
directed RDT&E supporting conventional through strategic nuclear arms control, interagency and intergovernmental non-proliferation activities and initiatives. In 2002, he returned to the private sector in the
Navy’s AEGIS Training and Readiness Center as a Senior Systems Engineer. In 2003, Dr. Goodwin
joined USSTRATCOM staff as their Global Missile Defense Analyst. There, he created an entirely new
joint missile defense training system, drafted operational concepts and requirements, and served as an
expert planner for global wargames and exercises. He drafted the first Joint Capabilities Document and
the Military Utility Assessment—BMD’s first ever commander’s report card! In 2006, Dr. Goodwin led
the GDAIS Nuclear Technology Program supporting the DOD, SMDC, and the United Nation’s
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Office. As the Director of Operations ITT Advanced Engineering and
Sciences in 2007, Dr. Goodwin served as regional ITT lead for business development with focus on US
Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). He provided policy, scientific and systems engineering support
to USSTRATCOM in key missions including Global Strike, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction,
and Integrated Missile Defense. In 2009, Dr. Goodwin formed Goodwin Research Limited—a servicedisabled veteran-owned small business whose focus is to push technology to the warfighter by drafting
concepts, developing technologies and innovative methods.
Lt Col Goodwin, a graduate of the Military Academy, was commissioned in the Air Force in 1971. He
progressed thru the ranks, serving at Squadron, Wing, Major Command, Air Staff, and Interagency
levels and held military specializations in scientific research, engineering development, operational
planning, and nuclear weapons development. He served as ACDA’s Political-Military Affairs Officer
supporting the NATO High Level Ground, INF and CFE Treaties. He served on B-52D/F/G/H aircraft.
Dr. Goodwin received his BS, Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy, in 1971; MS,
Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, in 1977; MS, Nuclear Engineering, Air Force
Institute of Engineering, in 1978; and DPA, Public Administration, University of Alabama, in 1991. He
graduated from the Air Command and Staff College in 1985; Air Force War College in 1988; and
National Security Management, National Defense University in 1988. He is co-chair of the Military
Operations Research Society Air and Missile Defense Working Group, a member of Pi Sigma Alpha,
National Honorary Society for Public Administration, a Certified Project Management Professional
(PMP®), and Defense Department Acquisition Professional. Dr. Goodwin has been honored with
numerous awards for distinguished service to Boy Scouts including the Scoutmaster Award of Merit,
District Award of Merit, Distinguished Commissioner’s Award and the Episcopal St George Award.
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Conclusion
The commissioner is the mainstay for Scouting program administration. It is
commissioner service that ensures that units are healthy, productive, and
assist in the growth of the program.
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Doctorate of Commissioner Science Knot Award
Justification
Objectives
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The commissioner is the mainstay for Scouting program
administration. It is commissioner service that ensures
that units are healthy, productive, and assist in the
growth of the program.
The College of Commissioner Science program is
designed to have a commissioner learn, through a series
of training classes, followed by work experiences to
ensure a quality program throughout Scouting. This
training will take a number of years to complete. The
commissioner finalizes his/her training with an approved
thesis or project for the benefit of the Scouting program.
This assists both new commissioners as they learn, and
seasoned commissioners as they train others.
A well-trained commissioner staff better serves the
Scouting program.
The College of Commissioner Science program is a
guideline for councils to adapt as they determine will fit
their needs.
Having a knot award for the program requires that the
commissioner complete, as a minimum, a training
program standardized for all BSA programs.
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To further involve commissioners in providing support to
units in their delivery of a quality program experience
for all youth in Scouting.
To provide councils an opportunity to recognize
commissioners for their tenured service, their
involvement in learning more about delivery of quality
Scouting, and their involvement in support of others.
Knot really—we are to better deliver the Scouting Program to youth!!!15
Doctor of Commissioner Science Degree (DCS)
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Prerequisites
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– Completion of master’s degree.
– Have been awarded the Commissioner’s Key.
– Current registration as a commissioner.
Course Requirements
– Complete a minimum of ten (10) additional
courses of instruction not used to qualify for
other college awards (total of 24), at least
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five (5) of the courses at the doctor’s
program level as listed in the Continuing
Education for Commissioners manual.
Thesis or Project
– 1. Completion of a thesis or project on any
topic of value to Scouting in the local council.
– 2. The topic and final paper or project must
be approved by the council commissioner, or
assigned assistant council commissioner, or
the dean of the doctorate program and the
staff advisor for commissioner service.
Performance
– 1. Serve on the College of Commissioner
Science faculty (instructor or support staff) or
work with training support for commissioners
for at least one year.
– 2. Recruit at least three new commissioners at
any level.
– 3. Approval of Council or assigned Assistant
Council Commissioner
– 3. Approval of Scout Executive or Advisor to
Commissioner Service
Knot really—we are to better deliver the Scouting Program to youth!!!
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