May 2004

Objective: CAPSTONE

Paper

Hours: 40

Grade: A

May 2004

Objective: International

Ethics Paper

Hours: 60

Grade: A-

WK4 - After corresponding with Dean McManus, I have been advised to integrate my final two assignments into one robust CAPSTONE paper. After 25 hours of work (this week and last week) I have submitted the work to Ms. Barley for editing. The edits have gone well and I am now submitting the paper (after an additional 15 hours) directly to Dean McManus for final grading. To show respect I have copied my advisor and editor on the final work! The international ethics paper has scored an A- with which I am pleased.

WK3 - Final grade pending, the international ethics paper, with a last 10 hours invested, is completed. Multiple rounds of writing, two rounds of editing (thank goodness for Ms. Marley), and two rounds of grading (Dr. Leigh is very detail oriented). I now move onto the last piece of my doctorate - foundation course (program of study & web site) and capstone course (my final thoughts) - which may prove to be the most formidable assignments!

WK2 - Yes! I have completed my "rough" draft on the ethics paper. Starting with international ethics and ending with situational ethics seems to be par for the course. The topics has proved to be tough to research (another 10 hours) but rewarding in findings.

WK1 - The international ethics research has been quite illuminating. It seems that I cannot find a consensus on the actual definition of the term. I have been hard at work refining some excellent summaries by two fine attorneys. The paper is solidifying (an additional 20 hours) into a firm summary of two legal "acts" within the United States.

April 2004

Objective: International Leadership Paper

Hours: 60

Grade: A-

WK4 - The leadership paper has scored an A-. I am well pleased with the result and grateful for the opportunity to rethink my introductory and concluding remarks within the paper. The end result is a modular approach to leadership which bridges the classroom to the boardroom. I am off to Washington, DC were I will refine my research (about 20 hours so far) on the nebulous topic of international ethics - my final paper.

WK3 - With some excellent input from both my editor (Ms. Barley) and my advisor (Dr. Leigh) I have restructured the leadership paper to be more incorporating of my thoughts and ideas - the second final effort has proved to be much more logical.

WK2 - With the dissertation behind me, my leadership paper has taken on a much more solid form. An additional 20 hours has been put into the final effort of combining the theoretical research (academics) with the practical research (business). The final result should be a nice tight integration going from tactical to practical information.

WK1 - The complexity of completing the "dissertation" process has been a marvelous learning experience. I have official word that my dissertation has been accepted and my defense has proved worthy! The final composite score (on several categories) was an A-, not too bad for a 600+ hour project.

March 2004

Objective: A Practical Field Guide to ISO 9001:2000

Hours: 600

Grade: A-

WK5 - This week I am awaiting word on the results of my efforts for my dissertation. I have made significant progress on the leadership paper which will now include data from the top four (4) international graduate business schools in the United States. Approximately 40 hours has been placed into the paper this entire month. My final paper will seek to illuminate such topics as international ethics and logic.

WK4 - The prelude to my dissertation has taken on quite a bold form. It now comprises approximately 28 pages and over 7,000 words - a long prelude to say the least. However, I have had two "non-technical" sets of eyes read the prelude and both have mentioned how much easier it is to understand the field guide once one has read the prelude. A very good call on Dr. Leigh's part!

WK3 - I have asked to provide a "PRELUDE" to my dissertation as a means of bulking up both the word count and the introductions strength. I will easily surpass my estimate of 600 hours on the dissertation and near the 24,000 work mark!

WK2 - It seems that Rushmore University desires to see "letter grades: on each dissertation - not simply a pass/fail grade. Due to this factor, Dr. Leigh had decided to employ a "multi-faceted" category grading system in order to ensure accurate and fair grading.

WK1 - Well, here I am at the cross roads of my dissertation. It seems that Dr. Leigh's initial pass through the work is favorable. We hit a slight snag on the electronic transmission of the document (nearly 8MB) due to its size. Additionally, we had to correct an e-mail filtering glitch to ensure uninterrupted communication.

February 2004

Objective: International Entrepreneurship Paper

Hours: 60

Grade: B+

WK4 - The Entrepreneurship paper scored a B+, not to bad considering this is one of my weaker subject areas. Overall, I learned a great deal about entrepreneurship from Foley's work. My federal contracts made data collection much more straight forward.

WK3 - The final tally on my dissertation has been made, I may be required to add additional material depending on how Rushmore grades a dissertation.

WK2 - This week I have submitted the Entrepreneurship initiative paper for initial grading and comments. It has been decided to remove two of the appendices, rework the second part of the paper into my case study and keep the initial section.

WK1 - The dissertation is almost there (98%)! I am hopeful that Rushmore will look favorably on the effort. I have certainly learned a great deal about myself working on this project (paper). It takes a great deal of initiative, discipline and creativity on such a work.

January 2004

Objective: Complete the editing of my Dissertation

WK4 - This week has been spent working on the final aspects of the 1) dissertation (flowcharts and text boxes as well as 2) the final content of my next paper. An additional 10 hours of work has been placed into the Entrepreneurship  initiative paper. I have traveled to Washington, DC to gather data and potential case study material!

WK3 - The ISBN numbers for both a published book (full size and in color) and a published e-book (PDF) have been confirmed and paid for - what an interesting process. Once the dissertation is graded  and recorded, we can then publish both versions. I have spent countless hours (~600) on the draft manuscript (2000) to final field guide (2004) all well worth the effort! An additional 20 hours have been placed into the next paper as well. I am simply awaiting some data from my federal contacts (USDOC) to finalize the effort.

WK2 - I have now had confirmation on my dissertation from both my advisor - Dr. Leigh and the dean - Dr. McManus! The topic is my field of practice (international standards) in which I have over twelve years of practical experience to date. The dissertation has received some excellent "professional" support such as - graphical layout, flowcharting, technical editing and content review. It is an entirely new piece of knowledge (as well of the graphical & text layout).

WK1 - The global nature to my next paper has really taken shape! I am using my Federal government contract as a primary source of data and as a potential case study using my own company.

December 2003

Objective:

Finalize the format of my Dissertation

WK4 - I have been working diligently on my Entrepreneurship  initiative paper. 30 hours of research, interviews and data collection have been completed throughout this month - holidays are great for getting ahead!

WK3 - The initial publication contact - The Informed Outlook - loves the conceptual idea but believe themselves too small to publish adequately. They have brought me to - Paton Press - a much more diversified publication house - timing will be crucial.

WK2 - I have been working on the publication aspects of my dissertation (book). The initial research actually began in 2000 with the release of the revised quality management system standard - ISO 9001:2000. The interviews/surveys I have conducted to date point to the broad need for a practical tool for the field.

WK1 - The paper on integrating ISO, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma has scored an "A" - this was a solid foundation on three primary management tools.

November 2003

Objective: ISO, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Paper

Hours: 80

Grade: A

WK4 - My bid for "Fellow" through the American Society for Quality has met with some resistance. It seems I am a couple of years short on the experience category - so we wait until the time is right. I am pleased with the completed case studies for the ILS paper. The next three papers will pose the greatest challenge yet! The dissertation is coming along nicely. I have two sets of feedback from two different publishers, I have obtained all necessary permissions to use material and I have finally received the much needed ISBN numbers for both the hard copy and the e-book formats.

WK3 - The ISO 9001 paper scored an "A-" which included two original works related to the subject. I have allotted the remaining 20 hours for the ILS paper to complete the two client case studies - lean manufacturing and six sigma. I would like to attempt an anthology of illogical thinking for the final paper. A sort of "non-box" exercise - if possible, research will tell.

WK2 - The aeronautics paper has been picked up by the AZDOC for use in their European aeronautics/aerospace exchange process. I have signed up for some advanced Lean training at ASU in the College of Engineering as well as some internal courses taught by some of my clients. A potential third and final paper might concentrate on "ill-logical" thinking! Working trips to California and South Carolina are planned with regards to the two proposed case studies.

WK1 - The integrated paper of - ISO, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (ILS) is running very smoothly. I have about 25 additional hours invested in the research and refinement process. The culminating factor will be the addition of one or two case studies from my practice. One will come from the aerospace sector and one from the plastics industry - it now depends on each group President for approval. These case studies will also highlight some of the research noted in the previous ISO 9001 paper.

October 2003

Objective: ISO 9001 Paper

Hours: 80

Grade: A-

WK4 - I am awaiting confirmation from Rushmore regarding my "A" on the aerospace paper. I have completed the ISO 9001 paper and have just sent it off to Dr. Leigh for final grading. As each paper passes, I appreciate the value of a sound editing process more and more. I have thoughts on the final three papers needing to be formally identified - I am considering international ethics, applied physics and illogic - as possible themes.

WK3 - The integrated paper of - ISO, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is coming along nicely. I have invested about 25 hours in the collection of data and sound visual examples of each discipline (or tool). The ISO 9001 paper is complete with the remaining 20 hours coming from refining the three appendices - especially my "W" Factor. I have really enjoyed brining this paper to light!

WK2 - I have completed the edited portion of the 9001 paper. There has been an additional 20 hours placed into the paper. Like some of the previous papers, I have broken completely new ground in the sense that this paper, and its attachments, are original work. The next paper will deal with two live examples from my current practice.

WK1 - My theory on the Core (C⁴) Four has met a slight set-back. I attempted to get a trademark (TM) from the US Government but someone has a "too" similar name and the application/rebuttal was refused. I have another 20 hours into the research and I am verifying the results with actual clients using my theory.

September 2003

Objective: Aerospace Paper

Hours: 90

Grade: A

WK4 - The aerospace piece is through the editing process and Ms. Barley has done an excellent job not only reviewing my work but also encouraging my efforts. Dr. Leigh is off to England and the paper should be graded shortly. The initial research efforts, about 20 hours, on the ISO 9001 paper are coming along very nicely.

WK3 - I am planning on using my CA and PRC contacts to complete my research on manned space flight programs. 2004 should prove interesting to the space community given the Chinese advances, the Russian budget issues and the accidents with the United States.

WK2 - NASA has proved to be a solid case study especially the Ames R&D facility in CA who has been very forth coming with data. My contacts in China continue to help me refine my information. I have now obtained several excellent photographs from the CAS. The remaining 35 hours of required research time has come and gone - this is a very interesting topic.

WK1 - my research on manned space flight programs has led me to Russia, the United States and now to China. I have appreciated using my evenings, weekends and holidays to work on my written projects. My concept of working on dual research topics is still in full swing.

August 2003

Objective: Missions Paper

Hours: 80

Grade: B+

WK4 - The perspectives paper has earned a grade of B+ - a solid grade considering it is far out of the mainstream "business" person's thinking! The research on manned space flight programs has revealed several interesting aspects of international relations I had not thought of before. I have added and additional 35 hours on the paper to bring in the current thoughts of the PRC and the United States.

WK3 - For the fourth paper, I am focusing on the aerospace piece from China. This is going to prove to be the most challenging piece of my program of study with Rushmore. Beginning in 2001, I began to investigate and collect research on manned space flight within the United States and Russia and then comparing that data to the current situation within China. I was invited to come to Beijing, China to present a three-day lecture concerning ISO and manned space flight programs. I have invested nearly 30 hours in the paper thus far.

WK2 - The remaining 25 hours has been applied to the perspectives paper. This has proved to be a delight to research and write. I do realize that the content of the paper is unusual for a traditional degree however, since this is a rather non-traditional degree and non-traditional paper might be well received. The editing process with Ms. Barley has been very worthwhile.

WK1 - The aeronautics paper has been refined through Dr. Leigh and has been awarded the grade of A. It seems the additional on-site research conducted both here in the USA and in France paid off! I should have the missions paper ready for technical edit in the next two weeks. I am submitting additional evidence with the aeronautics paper.

July 2003

Objective: Aeronautics Paper

Hours: 80

Grade: A

WK5 - Tremendous strides have been achieved with regards to the missions strategy paper. I have made solid contact with organizations such as the Joshua Project, Caleb and several federal government agencies. An additional 35 hours has been placed into the statistics of the paper.

WK4 - The third paper will focus on worldwide missions as requested by my pastoral staff. The paper has begun to take a sharp "research & prayer" orientation - quite out of the mainstream I realize. 20 initial hours have been placed into the foundation of the paper. I have opened an on-line account with an excellent research library - net library - and I have brought my local library credentials up to date. The result of the 1st paper was an A-!

WK3 - I have submitted the aeronautics paper for initial edit. The remaining 30 hours on this paper has been comprised of interviews and technical research within the Boeing and Airbus corporations. Pictures of the new "design aircraft" have been requested and received. I am awaiting results on the first paper by Dr. Leigh, his initial feedback seemed promising.

WK2 - The aeronautics paper has reached critical mass. I have been able to update my data collection with both European and American sources. An addition 30 hours has been placed into the paper to ensure accurate data on both Boeing and Airbus - this should prove to be a useful and informative paper for aeronautical suppliers.

WK1 - I intend to use holidays, weekends and sporadic hours to invest time and energy into a dual research approach. I will be overlapping two papers at a time in order to maximize study/research time. The third paper will be at the immediate request of our pastoral staff who requires a research "template/methodology" for global missions activity with an historical twist.

June 2003

Objective: ISO 14001 Paper

Hours: 80

Grade: A-

WK4 -  The ISO 14001 paper is through the editing process and ready for grading! Research is now underway on the aerospace paper. The 14001 paper looks great - the remaining 30 hours have been spent refining and updating the data.

WK3 - Research has been underway for the ISO 14001 paper and should be ready for draft edit this month. I have looked into which books (texts) might be recommended throughout my program and have purchased them all. The second paper will be the European aeronautics one - currently I have 20 or so hours invested in the outline.

WK2 - I have also posted my "personal profile" as well as my newly approved "program of study"! The 14001 paper is coming together nicely - approximately 40 additional hours have been added since the initial data collection began.

WK1 - Having studied the other web sites associated with Rushmore, I have built mine. The Rushmore portion of the Moorhill (business) web site if operational!

May 2003

  Objectives: Course Outline & Web Site Design

Hours: 20

Grade: __

WK4 - Rushmore has also assigned Ms. Laurel Barley as my "technical editor" - she seems to have exceptional editing ability.

WK3 - The request has been put in for Dr. Laurence Leigh to act as my "advisor of record". His style of learning and background appear to be very complementary to mine.

WK2 - I have completed the application, acceptance, financial and profile processes. My lead-off paper will be the 14001 one - I have invested about 10 hours thus far doing initial research.

WK1 - I have spent considerable time researching potential avenues at the Ph.D. level. A virtually located, experience based program of study would be the best fit for me. Having weighed the several options, I have decided to go with Rushmore University.

Year of 2002

Research Collection

This year offered the opportunity to further explore my research abilities and level of professional work. I have now been published several times (articles and papers) with positive feed back. We are now looking at the professional opportunity a Ph.D. would offer my teaching path as well as the financial strain on the family. It can be done! I have been teaching more on an ad hoc/guest basis and I would like to solidify my future opportunities.

Year of 2001

Research Collection

At the beginning of this year I began to focus on the potential of publishing an ISO book. Two instances occurred which lead me to believe I might be able to complete my Ph.D.

1) An aeronautical exchange to Europe near Toulouse, France in which I became fully aware of the differences and capabilities of the two global primes - Boeing and Airbus.

2) An aerospace lecture in Asia at the CSSAR in Beijing, China in which I prepared for and executed a scientific dissertation on manned space flight evolution.