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Doctoral students are encouraged to begin identifying a dissertation topic and developing ideas about how to investigate the topic fairly early (e.g., in the second year of study). This helps in preparing for the qualifying exam and may allow formal approval of a student's dissertation proposal to occur soon after the qualifying examination is passed.
The Von Allmen School of Accounting strongly encourages each student to have completed dissertation work before leaving the University of Kentucky to begin employment. Long-distance, part-time efforts at completing a dissertation are problematic for both the faculty and the student. Dissertation efforts may involve theoretical, analytical, and/or empirical (e.g., survey, field, experimental) research.
A dissertation must make a significant contribution to the accounting discipline. It must clearly enlarge the body of knowledge that exists about accounting. The student's coursework provides a foundation for conceiving and carrying out research work. Members of the School of Accountancy faculty serve on the student's advisory committee to offer stimulation, guidance, and feedback over the course of the research work. The committee's chairperson tends to be especially influential in this regard. Successful dissertation efforts also depend heavily on the student's dedication, work ethic, creativity, and ability to communicate effectively.
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