Step by Step Users Review This New Tool . . .

My applied research project seemed too big to tackle until I finally decided just to follow the process exactly as it was defined in Dr. Shields' STEP BY STEP Method.    The method brought clarity to my confusion of notes, sources, names and ideas and made a huge task manageable.  I have continued to use the STEP BY STEP method for large projects I undertake on the job and even as a volunteer and find that it always brings clarity and order.

Jane McFarland, MPA 1994

Program Manager, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

 

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The notebook research method presented in STEP BY STEP: Building a Research Paper is an excellent organizing tool that has practical use in both the academic and professional arena.  STEP BY STEP helped me organize the numerous details involved in research that include note taking, important contacts, deadlines, references, and list of things-to-do.  It  helped me distill the murky sea of information floating through the brainstorming process into a conceptual framework that guided the focus of my research. These organizational skills carry over into the professional realm by providing a framework for designing and evaluating projects, and helping practitioners keep track of their goals and vital information. For me, STEP BY STEP was an indispensable tool for understanding the research process.

        Shivaun  Perez,  MPA 2000
        Education Policy Consultant

As an MPA student I really appreciated the STEP by STEP method. Coming from the practical world of policing I found it difficult to determine where to start when writing an academic paper, much less an Applied Research Project. The STEP by STEP notebook method provided an overall 'system' that enabled me to get started, and more importantly keep focused over an extended amount of time.
Later when I became a teacher I used the STEP by STEP method in a long-term executive development program for police administrators. Prior to implementing the method we were spending about $153,000 each year on the research component of our program and producing about 30 papers per year. We had backlog of about 250 individuals that had finished the course work but not the paper. The most common complaints I heard were: 1) I don't know what they want, 2) I can't seem to find the time to work on it for more than an hour, and 3) after awhile I kind of lose my place and forget what I originally wanted to do. Naturally, when I heard these comments I implemented the STEP by STEP notebook method. It worked great. After the first year we produce 90 papers and spent a little less than $45,000. Each year thereafter we averaged about 80 papers at about the same costs.

        Dr. Brian L. Withrow, Ph.D.
        Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and
        Director, Midwest Criminal Justice Institute
        School of Community Affairs
        Wichita State University

 The the simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the STEP BY STEP
methodology has done much to spread its use in this agency. Our
strategic planning and appropriation request process closely follows Dr.
Shields' model as do most, if not all, of our research projects.

Roy Hale, MPA 1993
Analyst/Planner
TABC Enforcement

        George G. Van Riper,  MPA 1993
        GS-12, Equipment Specialist (Aircraft)
        U.S. Army Operational Test Command
 

• Uses for Serious Projects

I've written a number of research projects over the years and still have vivid memories of scattered note cards, misplaced articles, overdue library books, scribbled legal pads and lost ideas. Indeed, there's nothing worse than an 11th-hour search for that perfect citation... "Where did I put that article!?" Dr. Shields' step-by-step approach to building a research project eliminates all that confusion, and in its place provides a sequential, logical and structured process for conducting and organizing research. What's more, this practical approach to research provides a critical forum for internal debate...an opportunity to write and think about what we have read and to link our analysis to personal experience.

This added value dramatically increases the quality of one's research. It worked for me. My capstone project was conducted following the Step-by-Step process and was awarded the Phi Alpha Alpha (Public Administration National Honorary) Annual Master's Student Manuscript Award. It continues to work for me in my career too, as I manage most of my serious projects following Dr. Shields' Step-by-Step principles. Study this process and use it...it works!

Kevin L. Baum, MPA 1997

Battalion Chief and Assistant Fire Marshal, Austin Fire Department

        Winner Phi Alpha Alpha Award
 

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• Manages Varied Projects

The Step-by-Step Method was one of the best things I took away from graduate school. Dr. Shields' method of planning for and organizing research has multiple real-world applications. I have used it to successfully manage work-related documents and projects, formal weddings for two of my children, and manage the multiple paper and documentation demands of caring for two elder relatives.

Jo Wicker, MPA 1995

Texas Association of School Boards

Award-winning author of Going, Going, Gone: A Handbook of Practical

Responses to the Texas Teacher Recruitment and Retention Problem

• Gives Clear Focus

 STEP by STEP helped articulate hypotheses, organize supporting evidence, and gave clear focus to my first 100-page paper. Writing an Applied Research Paper, Thesis, or Dissertation can be a painful struggle, but STEP by STEP will make the experience systematic, manageable, and best of all -- doable.

Adrienne Arnold, MPA 1996

        Planner, Texas Department of Human Services

• Sees Pieces Fit Together

I used the STEP-BY-STEP technique in developing my applied research project. It helped me keep organized by focusing on the big picture (outline), while allowing me to build all the detail into the right places. One advantage of STEP by STEP is that it is "high touch" and physical, instead of vague and virtual. You can see how all the pieces of the whole project fit together, from action plans to supporting documentation to final draft. It is so practical I still use it as a manager.

Jeff Kaufmann, MPA 1994

Director, Planning and Project Management

Texas Rehabilitation Department

• Provides Set of Principles

Professor Shields' STEP by STEP provided me with not only an invaluable tool in organizing my academic research and preparing my master's thesis, but has also provided a useful set of principles to aid in conceptualizing and developing professional plans, policies and reports. It makes relationships much more clear and enables the transformation of large amounts of information into clear, well-defined categories. I have incorporated STEP-BY-STEP principles into my work routine and use them for everything from sorting files to planning major projects.

Bobbie Owens, MPA 1996

Commander, Austin Police Department

• Works in Short Blocks of Time

 Step by Step works. The process makes it possible to organize and access materials easily. Busy students or professionals will find the system enables them to work in short blocks of time and develop a cohesive, thoughtful product.

Cherry Beth Leudtke, MPA 1999

Librarian, Austin Community College

• Stimulates Thinking

STEP by STEP is a valuable tool for students undertaking an applied research project. In addition to assisting the student in organizing his or her project, it also stimulates fertile and productive thinking in a critical manner. I know that the quality of my paper benefited from the order and discipline that flowed from the STEP-BY-STEP process.

Sam Wilson, MPA 1999

        Bluebonnett Community Mental Health Center

STEP by STEP proved to be an invaluable aid during the course of my research project. I had always done well in prior research papers, so I didn't think that the organizer would help my work in a significant way. I soon realized, however, that the STEP by STEP helped me focus on the research in a much faster way than I had previously experienced. The real pay-off was when I began to write the research paper. Thanks to all the "up-front" work of the organizer, the transition from research to writing was very smooth, and I was able to organize the research paper very quickly.

Cindy Cavazos, MPA 2000

Legal Assistant, Texas Attorney General's Office

• Led to Award-Winning Project

I received a Master in Public Administration in December of 1997 from Southwest Texas State University. During my time there, I had the privilege of attending classes under the direction of Dr. Patricia Shields as the Public Administration Program Director, Professor and a Mentor. Working with her has changed the way I approach projects every day in my career. Having gone directly from my undergraduate years into my graduate education, I was desperate to retain knowledge that I knew would be beneficial to my career.

I needed a way to organize my projects -- and more importantly, my thought process. Dr. Shields' STEP by STEP method enabled me to do this. It wasn't until I began the yearlong research process to complete my Applied Research Project that I recognized the value of a structured approach to doing the research. The behind-the-scenes organization the STEP by STEP method provides is ultimately what led to my award-winning product.

Once Dr. Shields introduced me to the Notebook, I realized I had found the tool I had been missing throughout my undergraduate education. And it was this tool that made me realize that research is in fact a simple, organized process. By using Dr. Shields' method, I literally was walked through the most intensive research project I've ever tackled -- in a step-by-step process. I trusted the technique and the guidance of Dr. Shields, and I have been rewarded both academically and professionally. My new found confidence and ability to tackle large projects by using the STEP by STEP process has changed the way I approach events planning, budget compilation and most importantly -- on-going research, both for personal and professional. I have only one regret as it relates to the STEP by STEP notebook. I would have liked the opportunity to have had such a valuable tool and resource much earlier in my academic pursuit.

Rebecca E. Giello, MPA 1997

Public Information Specialist, City of Austin

1998 McGrew Student Public Policy Research Award Recipient

• Viewed as Systematic Organizer

As a student of the MPA program, I found the "notebook method," or Step-by-Step, to be both beneficial and handy. It can be viewed as a systematic organizer that allows anyone to incrementally approach, assemble and ultimately complete a major project. I would highly recommend it to other college students, authors or writers, and professors.

Catherine Gorham, MPA 2000

Planner III - Strategic Planning

Texas Workforce Commission

• Note-Taking Section Most Helpful

I found the "Step-by-Step" method extremely helpful in getting organized to write my research paper. The part that I found the most helpful was the note-taking section. This aided immensely in organizing my information into chapters and ensuring that all contributors were recognized.

Donald Hall, MPA 2000

MCPS Manager, Texas Rehabilitation Commission

• Kept All Materials in One Place

As a student of the Southwest Texas State University MPA Program, I found the "Step-by-Step" notebook method to be an excellent time management and organizing tool. The "things to do" and note-taking components were extremely beneficial in helping me complete my applied research project.

This method allowed me to keep all relevant materials in one place. I could easily pick up where I had left off without much interruption. I highly recommend the "Step-by-Step" notebook method for anyone charged with tackling major projects at school or in the workplace.

Patricia Hicks, MPA 2000

Chief Clerk, Texas Senate Finance Committee

• Eliminates Paper Shuffling

I found the notebook method a useful in several ways. First, it is an effective tool for organizing tasks to be completed. Following single items on a "to-do" list makes a large project easier to tackle. Second, writing notes that highlight only the useful details of journal articles and filing them in alphabetical order makes finding information quick and easy. The notes eliminate the need to shuffle through photocopied pages of articles. The page numbers included in the detailed notes allows the student or professor to easily refer to the exact point of reference in the original article. Also, by maintaining notes in alphabetical order, this section organizes the bibliography. I typed the reference as it would appear in the bibliography at the top of my note pages. That way, I just copied the reference from the notes to make the bibliography.

The notebook method can be beneficial to any project, not only research papers. It organizes any large project in to small "do-able" increments. It also provides a reference during a project for quick status checks. After a project is completed, the steps that were taken are easy to ascertain from the notebook.

Christine McCormick, MPA 1999

Criminal Justice, Policy and Research Consultant

Winner, Mcgrew Student Policy Research Award

CenTex chapter of American Society for Public Administration

• Tool Against Procrastination

 STEP by STEP is an important tool against the battle of procrastination. It can transform a habitual procrastinator into a person who is cognizant of all the important items involved with a detailed project. The STEP BY STEP notebook enabled me to be keep track of all-important documentation involved with the applied research project. The note taking section (if properly done) makes the task of outlining and writing the paper a very simple process. I will continue to use the framework structured by the STEP BY STEP method throughout my professional career.

David Rejino, MPA 2000

Special Assistant for State Affairs

The Texas A&M University System

• Critical to Graduate Student Success

Dr. Shields, I wanted to take this opportunity to endorse your STEP by STEP notebook. During my graduate work, I discovered three issues which are critical to performance success as a graduate student: 1) sorting and organizing a project or course at the beginning of the semester into a logical pattern, 2) estimating the approximate amount of time to dedicate to each part, and 3) evaluating progress and adjusting the time or amount of work necessary to successfully complete the project. I found the STEP by STEP notebook to be an excellent guide for all three of these issues. I would also recommend it as a management tool in actual practice.

Wayne Thornton, MPA 2000

Service Director, Austin State Hospital

Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

• Recommended for Those Supervising Students

I used Dr. Shields' notebook method for my research project and have used it several times later in my academic career and for personal research projects. The STEP by STEP method has been my first step toward several successful research projects. It has helped me organize my work, keep deadlines, and most importantly, stay true to the outline agreed upon with my supervisors. Dr. Shields' idea of reading and taking notes with the outline in mind made researching and writing my project more efficient and effective. I highly recommend this method for students undertaking a research project of any size, and perhaps more importantly, those people who are supervising student work or teaching research methods.

The Rev. Michael W. Michie, MPA 1992

Assistant Vicar, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Austin TX

• Organizes Research from Different Resources

The STEP by STEP method is a wonderful way to systemize large projects and research papers. I found the note-taking examples to be very helpful in organizing research from several different resources. The ability to keep research notes, outlines, and the "to do" list together in the notebook format was a very beneficial and timesaving. I would recommend Step by Step to anyone who desires a practical method for approaching educational or work-related tasks.

Harold Stone, MPA 2000

Budget Analyst, Senate Finance Committee of Texas

• Manages Diverse Projects

I was introduced to Dr. Shields' STEP by STEP method as part of my applied research project eighteen years ago. I have continued to use variations of it to manage such diverse projects as integrated system implementation, strategic plan development, and annual budget preparation.

Vicki Skinner, MPA 1982

Director of Administration, Travis County District Attorney's Office

• Literally a Lifesaver

The STEP by STEP notebook was literally a lifesaver for me as I was identifying and researching resources, compiling data, and writing my Applied Research Project/thesis (ARP)!! I was balancing a full time job at Texas Education Agency, taking graduate classes two nights a week, and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) two nights a week for Austin Community College. I was a single parent of an active pre-teen and had committed to teaching Sunday school that semester!!
I thought my research project was a "good" one (perceptions of year- round schools in Texas) and I was excited to explore the possibilities. Initial research revealed little in my specific topic and this ARP suddenly became overwhelming - and directing me toward more original research than I anticipated.
Da Dah!! The Notebook Method came to the rescue - allowing me to "CHUNK" my research project into more manageable BITES. The NOTEBOOK BECAME A working APPENDAGE, always with me. I could easily access photocopied articles to highlight and put in bibliographic form. The checklist/time frame gave me operating parameters. I was so fortunate Dr Shields took the time to organize me FIRST -- because everything after that became so much easier to track and write!!
As a result of completing the ARP/thesis, I was asked to present my original research to the American Society of Public Administrators' (ASPA) national convention in San Antonio. I have also had my research published in professional journals - as CO-AUTHOR!! Pretty exciting ---
Professionally, I've grown also!! I'm on the Organizational Development staff of the Texas Department of Health and I now teach United States /Texas Government at Austin Community College. I've shared the Notebook Method with my college students - and students have commented how much it helps them with major papers.
Personally, my daughter Brooke (that once active pre-tee) used the NOTEBOOK Method to complete the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program in high school and final research project. As a direct result of a finely written research paper, Brooke earned about 12 hours of college credit -- "placing out" of all college English requirements and an elective or two. ( saving me money!!) And that daughter is getting ready to select a graduate school for a combination MPA/JD...
Many thanks Dr Shields!!

Kristine Hopkins Mohajer, MPA 1994
Texas Department of Health
Human Resources -- Organizational Development & Learning
Southwest Texas State University

 

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• Helped to "Wrap Arms Around" Research

Working with Dr. Shields as an advisor -- and using her STEP by STEP Notebook Method -- really helped me to wrap my arms around the research process and break it
down into manageable pieces, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Kelly Boyles Headrick, MPA 1993
Director of Government Relations -- American Cancer Society, Texas Division

The STEP by STEP system was, and still is, an excellent organizational tool for inquiry. While working on my Applied Research Project (ARP) the STEP by STEP method allowed me to see specific patterns in the literature. I was thus able to organize articles and information into more specific categories. When a particular category was deemed weak, by Dr. Shields, or myself because there was not enough supporting documentation, I simply had to perform more inquiry to strengthen the noted deficiency. I use the STEP by STEP method of inquiry approach even today. I may not use a notebook specifically, but I still research concerns, categorize findings, and offer recommendations and solutions based on those findings. This same method allows me to develop solutions more rapidly and present them in a clear and organized manner. As a Safety Manager, this is essential for the success of my safety program at Raymond W. Bliss Army Heath Center.

Ralph E. Revello, MPA 1996
Safety Manager
Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center
Ft. Huachuca, Arizona
Winner McGrew Research Award, 1997
CenTex Chapter, American Society of Public Administration