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Top 150 Project Management Dissertation Topics [Updated]

Project management is like the conductor of an orchestra, harmonizing various elements to achieve a masterpiece. Dissertation topics in this field are crucial as they delve into the heart of managing projects effectively. Whether you’re a budding project manager or a seasoned professional looking to deepen your understanding, choosing the right project management dissertation topic is paramount. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some intriguing project management dissertation topics that could spark your interest and contribute to this dynamic field.

How To Pick A Dissertation Topic?

Table of Contents

Picking what you’ll study for your big research project (dissertation) is a really important choice. Take your time and think about it carefully. Here are some steps to help you pick the right topic:

• Reflect on your interests: Consider topics that genuinely interest you and align with your passion and expertise. Your enthusiasm will sustain you through the research process.
• Review existing literature: Conduct a thorough review of literature in your field to identify gaps, unanswered questions, or emerging trends that could form the basis of your research.
• Consider practical relevance: Choose a topic that has practical relevance and real-world implications for your field, industry, or community. Aim to address pressing issues or challenges faced by practitioners or organizations.
• Consult with advisors and peers: Seek feedback from your academic advisors, mentors, or peers to get their perspectives on potential topics. They can give you good advice and assist you in making your ideas better.
• Narrow down your focus: Once you have a broad topic in mind, narrow it down to a specific research question or area of investigation. Make sure your topic is manageable within the scope of your dissertation and aligns with the available resources and timeline.
• Evaluate feasibility: Figure out if your topic is doable by checking if you can find enough information, if you have the right tools to study it, if it’s morally okay, and if there are any real-life limits that might get in the way. Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and support to conduct your research effectively.
• Stay flexible: Stay ready to change or improve your topic as you learn more during your research and find out new things. Your dissertation topic might change as you go, so it’s important to be open to that and be able to adjust along the way.
• Consider your long-term goals: Think about how your dissertation topic aligns with your long-term academic or career goals. Choose a topic that will allow you to develop valuable skills, make meaningful contributions to your field, and position yourself for future opportunities.

150 Project Management Dissertation Topics: Category Wise

Traditional vs. agile methodologies.

• A comparative analysis of traditional waterfall and agile project management methodologies.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of agile methodologies in software development projects.
• Implementing agile practices in non-IT industries: challenges and opportunities.
• The role of project management maturity models in transitioning from traditional to agile methodologies.
• Agile project management in dynamic and uncertain environments: case studies from various industries.
• Integrating hybrid project management approaches: combining elements of traditional and agile methodologies.
• Assessing the impact of agile project management on team dynamics and collaboration.
• Agile project management in large-scale and complex projects: lessons learned and best practices.
• Overcoming resistance to agile adoption: strategies for organizational change management.
• The future of project management: trends and innovations in agile methodologies.

Project Management Tools and Software

• Evaluating the effectiveness of project management software in improving project outcomes.
• Adoption and implementation of project management tools: a case study approach.
• Comparing different project management software solutions: features, benefits, and limitations.
• Customization vs. out-of-the-box implementation: factors influencing the choice of project management software.
• The impact of cloud-based project management tools on remote team collaboration.
• Enhancing project management efficiency through the integration of collaboration platforms and project management software.
• Project management software usability and user experience: implications for adoption and usage.
• Assessing the security and data privacy risks associated with project management software.
• Trends in project management software development: artificial intelligence, automation, and predictive analytics.
• The role of project management software vendors in driving innovation and industry standards.

Project Risk Management

• Identifying and prioritizing project risks: a systematic approach.
• Quantitative vs. qualitative risk analysis: comparing methods and outcomes.
• Risk management strategies for high-risk industries: construction, aerospace, and defense.
• The role of project risk management in achieving project success: evidence from case studies.
• Incorporating risk management into project planning and decision-making processes.
• Stakeholder engagement in project risk management: challenges and best practices.
• Resilience and adaptability: building a risk-aware project culture.
• Emerging risks in project management: cybersecurity threats, geopolitical instability, and climate change.
• Risk management in agile projects: adapting traditional approaches to dynamic environments.
• The future of project risk management: predictive analytics, big data, and machine learning.

Project Scheduling and Planning

• Critical path analysis and its applications in project scheduling.
• Resource leveling techniques for optimizing project schedules and resource allocation.
• The role of project management offices (PMOs) in project scheduling and planning.
• Earned value management (EVM) as a performance measurement tool in project scheduling.
• Lean project management principles: minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency in project schedules.
• Agile project planning techniques: iterative planning, sprint planning, and release planning.
• Time management strategies for project managers: prioritization, delegation, and timeboxing.
• The impact of schedule compression techniques on project duration and cost.
• Project scheduling under uncertainty: probabilistic scheduling models and Monte Carlo simulation.
• Real-time scheduling and adaptive planning: harnessing technology for dynamic project environments.

Leadership and Team Management

• Transformational leadership in project management: inspiring vision and empowering teams.
• The role of emotional intelligence in project leadership and team performance.
• Cross-cultural leadership in multinational project teams: challenges and strategies.
• Building high-performing project teams: recruitment, training, and team development.
• Distributed leadership in virtual project teams: fostering collaboration and trust.
• Conflict resolution strategies for project managers: mediation, negotiation, and arbitration.
• Motivating project teams: rewards, recognition, and intrinsic motivation.
• The impact of leadership styles on project outcomes: autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire.
• Gender diversity in project teams: implications for leadership and team dynamics.
• Team resilience and psychological safety: creating a supportive and inclusive project environment.

Project Governance and Stakeholder Management

• Project governance frameworks: roles, responsibilities, and decision-making structures.
• Stakeholder identification and analysis: mapping stakeholder interests, influence, and expectations.
• Effective communication strategies for project stakeholders: stakeholder engagement plans and communication channels.
• Managing stakeholder conflicts and competing interests in projects.
• Make sure companies do good things for the community and talk to the people affected by their projects.
• Look at how the big bosses of a project make decisions and handle the people involved.
• Accountability and transparency in project governance: reporting mechanisms and performance metrics.
• Regulatory compliance in project management: legal requirements and industry standards.
• Balancing stakeholder interests in project decision-making: ethical considerations and social responsibility.
• Continuous improvement in project governance: lessons learned and best practices.

Project Finance and Cost Management

• Project budgeting and cost estimation techniques: top-down vs. bottom-up approaches.
• Cost-benefit analysis and return on investment (ROI) in project decision-making.
• Earned value management (EVM) as a cost control tool in project management.
• Managing project financial risks: budget overruns, resource constraints, and market fluctuations.
• Project procurement and contract management: negotiating contracts, vendor selection, and performance monitoring.
• Life cycle costing in project evaluation: considering long-term costs and benefits.
• Value engineering and value management: optimizing project value while minimizing costs.
• Financial modeling and scenario analysis in project finance: assessing project feasibility and viability.
• Funding sources for project financing: equity, debt, grants, and public-private partnerships.
• Project finance in emerging markets: challenges and opportunities for investment.

Project Quality Management

• Total quality management (TQM) principles in project management: continuous improvement and customer focus.
• Quality planning and assurance processes: setting quality objectives and quality standards.
• Quality control techniques in project management: inspection, testing, and quality audits.
• Six Sigma methodology and its applications in project quality management.
• Lean principles in project management: eliminating waste and optimizing processes.
• Measuring project quality performance: key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics.
• Building a culture of quality excellence in project teams: training, empowerment, and recognition.
• Supplier quality management in project procurement: ensuring supplier compliance and performance.
• Benchmarking and best practices in project quality management.
• Continuous improvement in project quality: feedback loops, lessons learned, and process optimization.

Project Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Stakeholder engagement strategies in project management: stakeholder analysis, mapping, and engagement plans.
• Effective communication techniques for project managers: verbal, written, and nonverbal communication.
• Managing virtual project teams: communication tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Conflict resolution strategies for project stakeholders: negotiation, mediation, and collaboration.
• Stakeholder communication in crisis situations: managing stakeholder expectations and maintaining trust.
• Building trust and credibility with project stakeholders: transparency, integrity, and responsiveness.
• Cultural sensitivity and communication in multicultural project teams.
• The role of project managers as communication facilitators and mediators.
• Communication challenges in cross-functional project teams: aligning diverse perspectives and priorities.
• Measuring stakeholder satisfaction and feedback: surveys, interviews, and feedback mechanisms.

Project Human Resource Management

• Human resource planning in project management: resource allocation, skills assessment, and capacity planning.
• Talent management strategies for project teams: recruitment, training, and career development.
• Team-building techniques for project managers: icebreakers, team-building exercises, and bonding activities.
• Performance management in project teams: setting objectives, providing feedback, and evaluating performance.
• Conflict resolution strategies for project managers: negotiation, mediation, and conflict coaching.
• Diversity and inclusion in project teams: fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Leadership development in project management: training, coaching, and mentorship programs.
• Managing virtual project teams: communication, collaboration, and team cohesion.
• Building resilience and well-being in project teams: managing stress, burnout, and work-life balance.

Project Procurement and Contract Management

• Procurement planning and strategy development: make-or-buy decisions, sourcing options, and procurement methods.
• Contract types and structures in project procurement: fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, and time-and-material contracts.
• Supplier selection criteria and evaluation methods: vendor qualifications, bid evaluation, and supplier performance metrics.
• Negotiation techniques for project managers: win-win negotiation, BATNA analysis, and concessions management.
• Managing contracts and contractor relationships: contract administration, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
• Outsourcing and offshoring in project procurement: risks, benefits, and best practices.
• Legal and regulatory considerations in project procurement: compliance with procurement laws, standards, and regulations.
• Contractual risk management: mitigating contract risks through indemnification clauses, insurance, and contingency planning.
• Ethical considerations in project procurement: fairness, transparency, and integrity in procurement processes.
• Continuous improvement in procurement and contract management: lessons learned, process optimization, and supplier feedback.

Project Sustainability and Social Responsibility

• Integrating sustainability principles into project management: environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability.
• Sustainable project planning and design: minimizing environmental impacts, maximizing resource efficiency, and promoting resilience.
• Social impact assessment in project management: stakeholder engagement, community consultation, and social license to operate.
• Sustainable procurement practices: ethical sourcing, fair trade, and supply chain transparency.
• Green project management: reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting renewable energy.
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in project management: philanthropy, community development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Sustainable infrastructure development: green buildings, sustainable transportation, and eco-friendly urban planning.
• Environmental risk management in projects: assessing and mitigating environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.
• Sustainable project financing: green bonds, impact investing, and sustainable finance mechanisms.
• Sustainability reporting and disclosure: communicating project sustainability performance to stakeholders.

Project Innovation and Technology Management

• Innovation management in project-based organizations: fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and learning.
• Technology adoption and diffusion in project management: factors influencing technology acceptance and implementation.
• Managing innovation projects: from ideation to commercialization, stage-gate processes, and innovation ecosystems.
• Open innovation and collaborative project management: partnerships, co-creation, and knowledge sharing.
• Digital transformation in project management: leveraging emerging technologies for project delivery and collaboration.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning in project management: predictive analytics, automation, and decision support systems.
• Blockchain technology in project management: decentralized project governance, smart contracts, and supply chain transparency.
• Virtual reality and augmented reality in project management: immersive training, visualization, and virtual collaboration.
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications in project management: real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and asset tracking.
• Data-driven project management: leveraging big data, analytics, and business intelligence for project insights and decision-making.

Project Governance and Compliance

• Regulatory compliance in project management: legal requirements, industry standards, and certification programs.
• Ethics and integrity in project governance: code of conduct, conflict of interest policies, and whistleblowing mechanisms.
• Corporate governance and project management: alignment with organizational objectives, risk management, and performance oversight.
• Internal controls and assurance mechanisms in project governance: auditing, monitoring, and accountability.
• Project portfolio governance: prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic alignment.
• Regulatory reporting and disclosure requirements: compliance with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and investors.
• Project audits and reviews: evaluating project performance, compliance, and lessons learned.
• Governance of public-private partnerships (PPPs): contractual arrangements, risk allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Continuous improvement in project governance: feedback loops, lessons learned, and process optimization.

Project Resilience and Change Management

• Building project resilience: risk management, contingency planning, and adaptive strategies.
• Change management in project management: managing resistance, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Organizational resilience and project management: lessons from crisis management, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery.
• Agile project management and organizational agility: responsiveness to change, iterative planning, and adaptive leadership.
• Innovation and creativity in project management: fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptation.
• Anticipatory project management: scenario planning, risk assessment, and proactive decision-making.
• Crisis leadership and project management: decision-making under pressure, communication, and stakeholder management .
• Change readiness assessment in project management: organizational culture, capacity building, and change champions.
• Learning from failure: post-mortem analysis, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Resilience in project teams: psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and well-being.

In conclusion, selecting the right project management dissertation topics is essential for exploring new frontiers, addressing pressing challenges, and making meaningful contributions to the field. By choosing a topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and aspirations, you can embark on a rewarding journey of discovery and innovation in project management.

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Capstone Form and Style

Programs: edd dissertation/project study, edd dissertation/project study resources.

• EdD Project Study Template (APA 7)
• EdD Dissertation Template (APA 7)
• Instructions for Using the EdD Capstone Templates (APA 7)

Information on the Prospectus is located on the EdD page of the Office of Research and Doctoral Services website.

To prepare for the form and style review, use the following checklist, which is the same checklist we use when we review capstone manuscripts and the checklist we return to the student and committee along with their completed review.

• Form and Style Review Checklist (APA 7)

About the EdD Dissertation/Project Study

A dissertation or project study is a formal manuscript written to address a gap in educational practice, thus resolving a local problem. Walden dissertations consist of five chapters (Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study, Chapter 2: Literature Review, Chapter 3: Research Method, Chapter 4: Reflections and Conclusions, Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations). Walden project studies consist of four sections (Section 1: The Problem, Section 2: The Methodology, Section 3: The Project, Section 4: Reflections and Conclusions).

Access samples of published dissertations through the Walden library website under Databases. You can also access the Office of Research and Doctoral Services's Doctoral Capstone and Project Resources for additional information on the dissertation and project study process, including the rubrics and the EdD Project Guide. If you have writing or APA questions about the proposal or final doctoral study, contact [email protected] .

Doctoral Capstone Template Guidance

To accompany the doctoral capstone template document, here is some information to note when first beginning to use the template.

• The document may contain various front matter elements (i.e., two title pages, the abstract, a Dedication page, and an Acknowledgements page), a Table of Contents (TOC), Lists of Tables and Figures, the document body text, a References list, and Appendices.
• Students should ensure that the text in brackets [ ] on the two title pages is changed to reflect their own information and then remove the brackets. This includes the title, name, degrees earned, degree program, and date of anticipated completion.
• Begin using the template by copying and pasting the text from a working document into the appropriate headings of the template and references to the reference list.

How to tag headings (so that headings show up in the TOC):

• Most headings are already placed into the document. Headings students add (i.e., primarily for the literature review and results chapters and sections) should be added by creating a new heading and tagging it so that it appears in the TOC when updated.
• Add a heading by first ensuring that the pilcrow [ ¶ ] is turned on—this allows the writer to see hidden formatting in the document that should not be deleted (e.g., page breaks and section breaks).
• Add the heading by placing the cursor where the heading should be inserted and creating a hard return.
• Then type the text for the heading and highlight it with the cursor, ensuring that you do NOT highlight the pilcrow.
• Once the text is highlighted, choose the appropriate APA Style heading from the Styles box on the Home tab. This is called tagging a heading. HINT: The Styles tab may need to be expanded by clicking on the small box with the arrow at the bottom of the Styles section. 

How to update the TOC (to bring in new headings and update page numbers):

• Once new headings have been added or text created or inserted such that the page numbers have shifted, the TOC should be updated.
• Update the TOC by clicking on it with the cursor so that the section becomes grey.
• Then, right click (or control click on a Mac) and choose “Update field.”
• Depending on whether headings or just text has been added, choose “Update entire table” or “Update page numbers only.”

Template and Formatting Resources:

• Form and Style Document Formatting Expectations , including information on APA, margins, pagination, etc.
• SMRTguide on Fixing Errors in the TOC
• Academic Skills Center (ASC) Capstone Template Formatting Videos
• For questions regarding layout formatting in the doctoral capstone, contact [email protected]  
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Dissertation Versus Project Study: What’s the Difference?

There are alternatives to writing a dissertation. One of these is a project study, or an applied study. Most students in advanced studies have a general idea of what a dissertation is, but fewer people know what a project study is. It is good to know the difference between a dissertation and a project study before you make the choice to pursue one or the other. If you have already chosen a project study, however, and are still not sure what it entails, this blog may help you.

Discover How We Assist to Edit Your Dissertation Chapters

Aligning theoretical framework, gathering articles, synthesizing gaps, articulating a clear methodology and data plan, and writing about the theoretical and practical implications of your research are part of our comprehensive dissertation editing services.

• Bring dissertation editing expertise to chapters 1-5 in timely manner.
• Track all changes, then work with you to bring about scholarly writing.
• Ongoing support to address committee feedback, reducing revisions.

Most of us know that a dissertation is an extended piece of research. A typical structure for a dissertation in the social sciences is five chapters: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. A central feature of the dissertation is the research problem. The research problem is the impetus for conducting a study: there is inconclusiveness about a topic in the literature or a gap in our understanding of a phenomenon. This inconclusiveness or gap serves as a rationale for conducting the study and drives the research questions, which are designed to collect information to add to our understanding of the topic.

The key difference between a project study and a dissertation is that a project study does not proceed from a research problem. The purpose of a project study is not to add to our understanding of research on a topic. The purpose of a project study is to help solve an existing local real-world problem, which is why project studies are also called applied studies. The purpose of a project study is to collect information to help address an identifiable problem in a specific setting.

Let’s say, for example, graduation rates at a particular high school are lower than state and national averages. Low graduation rates, likely the result of dropout, would be the specific local problem. A project study would be appropriate to collect information on how to address the problem of low graduation rates at that school. Information collected from the study culminates in an applied document, such as policy recommendations, curricular design, or a program evaluation. The applied document is a key feature of the project study and offers evidenced-based ways to address the local problem.

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Thesis / graduate project / dissertation.

The GRAD Center provides a variety of resources and funding support to students that are working on their thesis/graduate project/dissertation.

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The GRAD Center collaborates with the Learning Resource Center to offer writing support to students working on their thesis/graduate project/dissertation during the summer and winter breaks.

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• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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• Capella University Blog
• PhD/Doctorate

The difference between a dissertation and doctoral capstone

May 30, 2023

Estimated reading time:  3-4 minutes

If you’ve been researching doctoral degrees, you may notice that virtually all PhD programs require a dissertation, while some professional doctorates require a doctoral capstone or an alternative doctoral project.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

What do a dissertation and doctoral capstone have in common?

All doctoral programs help prepare students to contribute evidence-based practice in their field. Students learn to apply leadership principles and strategies that promote community support, diversity and individuality in the workplace, and the community.

Completing either a dissertation or a doctoral capstone requires intense preparation and a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking. Both culminate in a final document or project that demonstrates a broadened knowledge of relevant theory and practice. 

What are the main differences between a dissertation and a doctoral capstone? 

The Capella doctoral experience offers a good comparison of the two types of final project.

The Capella dissertation is a traditional five-chapter research document that you’ll develop as you work with a faculty mentor and dissertation committee members. It’s meant to be a work of high-quality academic research that contributes to your field of study.

The doctoral capstone can take many different forms depending on your program, your specialization or area of interest within your subject and other variables. Working with a faculty mentor and committee, you’ll complete a project that offers solutions or improvements to a real-world problem relevant to your field of study. 

• Project focus
• Project deliverable
• Deliverable detail

Doctoral Capstone

• Extends or applies research to solve a real-world problem
• Provides a solution to a problem within a specific organizational setting
• Presents the results in a deliverable (paper, product, or portfolio) and a final report that describes the creation of the deliverable

Dissertation

• Involves a quest for new knowledge to solve a real-world problem
• Addresses a research problem in one field of specialization
• Involves either quantitative or qualitative research methods
• Paper, Product or Portfolio
• Action research
• Clinical Research Paper
• Program Curriculum
• Change Management Plan
• Chapter 1. Introduction and Statement of the Problem
• Chapter 2. Literature Review
• Chapter 3. Methodology
• Chapter 4. Data Analysis and Results
• Chapter 5. Conclusions and Recommendations

Ready to explore the doctoral path that could work best for you? Capella University offers PhD and professional doctorate degree programs ranging from business and education to health care and technology.

Learn more about Capella’s online doctoral programs.

You may also like

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January 8, 2020

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December 11, 2019

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November 11, 2019

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• How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

On this page

What is a phd research proposal.

First things first, do you need a research proposal for your PhD? It depends on the kind of project you want to do:

• If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
• But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

• Your PhD is worthwhile
• Your PhD is feasible
• You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

• Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
• Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
• Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
• Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

• Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
• Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
• be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

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Understanding the Differences Between Dissertation, Thesis, and Capstone Projects

This article explains the key differences between dissertation, thesis, and capstone projects, and offers insights into how to approach each project to ensure academic success.

If you're pursuing an advanced degree, you may be required to complete a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project as part of your program. While these projects share some similarities, there are also important differences to understand.

A dissertation is typically required for a doctoral degree, while a thesis is required for a master's degree. Both involve extensive research, data collection and analysis, and a written report that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of study. A capstone project, on the other hand, is typically a culminating project required for a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It may involve original research, but can also take the form of a creative project or a community service project.

Dissertation: A dissertation is a research project required to complete a doctoral degree program. It is a comprehensive study that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field of study. A dissertation typically involves original research, data collection and analysis, and a written report that is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of study.

Thesis: A thesis is a research project required to complete a master's degree program. It is usually a shorter and less complex study compared to a dissertation. A thesis may involve original research, but it can also be a literature review, a case study, or a critical analysis of existing research in the field of study.

Capstone: A capstone is a culminating project required to complete a degree program. It is typically undertaken in the final year of study and integrates the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. A capstone can take various forms, such as a research project, a creative work, or a community service project. It is designed to demonstrate the student's ability to apply what they have learned to real-world problems.

To successfully complete a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project, it's important to have a clear understanding of the project's purpose and requirements. For example, a dissertation will require a more extensive literature review, data collection, and data analysis than a thesis or capstone project. A thesis may require more original research than a capstone project, but less than a dissertation.

In addition, it's important to work closely with your advisor or instructor throughout the project to ensure that you are meeting the requirements and expectations. You may also want to consider seeking out additional resources, such as writing support or statistical analysis services, to help you complete the project successfully.

By understanding the differences between dissertation, thesis, and capstone projects, and approaching each project with a clear plan and support, you can successfully complete your degree program and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. In summary, a dissertation is a research project required to complete a doctoral degree program, a thesis is a research project required to complete a master's degree program, and a capstone is a culminating project required to complete a degree program.

Online Doctor of Education Dissertations and Doctoral Capstone Projects

Traditionally, the Doctorate of Education (EdD) dissertation is one of the most important elements of an EdD program. It is a five-chapter document that details a student’s intensive investigation into a specific issue in education. The dissertation seeks to contribute new insight into this issue through an examination of existing research on the topic, an original study utilizing qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, and an analysis of the results of this study. Though rigorous and time-intensive, the dissertation constitutes the culmination of students’ doctorate-level knowledge and skills, and results in a substantive contribution to the existing scholarly literature on building, maintaining, and improving education systems and sound pedagogical practices. The dissertation is also students’ opportunity to apply their graduate education to a research project that can have a positive impact on an area of education, whether it is education accessibility, education financing, or curriculum development and improvement.

With the establishment of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate ( CPED ) in 2007, schools and colleges who offer EdD programs have been working to improve the curriculum and focus of the Doctor of Education degree. Part of that reassessment has included both the topic and structure of the traditional EdD capstone: the doctoral dissertation. Some EdD programs now feature what is known as a dissertation-in-practice, while other programs have replaced the dissertation with a project option or other form of applied capstone.

The dissertation-in-practice maintains the formal five-chapter structure of the scholarly dissertation, but is distinct from the traditional dissertation in that its focus is both narrower and more directly applied to a professional context. For a dissertation-in-practice, students typically choose an education issue or challenge specifically within their place of work, with the aim of applying a scholarly lens to a problem of practice that impacts their students’ educational outcomes or their organization’s goals. In contrast, traditional dissertations typically seek to examine a phenomenon that occurs on a broader scale (by examining, for example, multiple schools within a district, or a phenomenon across higher education institutions nationwide). Therefore, while traditional dissertations and dissertations-in-practice share the same structure and scholarly rigor, the content and objectives of their studies differ.

While a dissertation (either a traditional dissertation or a dissertation-in-practice) is the most common capstone for EdD programs, including online EdD programs, a small number of schools now allow students to work on a less traditional research project in place of a dissertation, which are often referred to as capstone projects. Typically called a doctoral capstone, this project requires research that is similar in rigor to that of a dissertation; however, the project focuses more on the application of research to an implementable education solution that can take multiple forms. In this way, the capstone project differs from the formal five-chapter structure that defines the doctoral dissertation. Examples of doctoral capstone projects may include but are not limited to proposed curriculum plans, education technology solutions for the classroom, community education initiatives, published research papers, or a proposed teacher training plan. Below are more detailed descriptions of EdD dissertations and doctoral capstone projects.

Overview of Traditional EdD Dissertations and Dissertations-in-Practice

The steps to completing a dissertation are methodical and rooted in longstanding traditions of academic research and faculty mentorship. Students begin their dissertation by formulating their specific research question, reviewing past studies in the field(s) relevant to their question(s), and examining the theoretical frameworks underpinning their understanding of their issue of interest. Students then design and conduct a study that aims to answer their question.

For students of a traditional dissertation, their research query will typically be designed to help the educational community gain insight into a particular educational phenomenon, challenge, or opportunity. For students completing a dissertation-in-practice, their research query will generally concern a challenge that they have witnessed or experienced in their place of work or other sphere of influence (such as a student’s volunteer work). Therefore, while students completing a traditional dissertation apply education research methods and advanced theories to a research project that aims to contribute to the larger literature on effective pedagogy, the dissertation-in-practice will consist of research that is largely focused on one school, district, or other single organization or local education system.

Prior to commencing their study for their dissertation, students select individuals to be a part of their dissertation committee. The dissertation committee is comprised of faculty members and other subject matter experts who can speak to the student’s research and provide useful feedback on their dissertation. Members of the committee serve as invaluable resources for students throughout their research. The committee reviews students’ research proposal, and also attends and evaluates students’ final dissertation defense.

The Chapters of an of EdD Dissertation

As mentioned above, the EdD dissertation is traditionally comprised of five chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results and Analysis, and Discussion and Conclusions. The Introduction provides an overview of the student’s research query and objectives, and the broader applications of the student’s research to real-world situations. It also summarizes the existing literature on the student’s topic of research, and explains the general results of his or her research study.

The Literature Review chapter provides an in-depth description of the past studies conducted in the student’s field of interest, and the theoretical frameworks and principles that underlie the student’s understanding of the education issue at hand. The Research Methodology chapter explains the student’s methods for collecting the quantitative and/or qualitative data necessary to answer his or her research query, while the Results and Analysis chapter focuses on explaining the results of the study and their implications. The Discussion and Conclusions section places the results of the student’s study in the context of existing research developments, and discusses the relevance of their findings to different education settings.

For students completing a traditional dissertation, the discussion section will generally be framed as being applicable to a larger educational community, whether that be faculty at institutions of higher education, secondary school students, online adult learners, or first-generation college students. For students completing a dissertation-in-practice, their Discussion and Conclusions chapter will often discuss how the insights the student gained through their study will be applied to improving educational and/or organizational outcomes within their place of work.

EdD Doctoral Capstone Projects

Similar to EdD programs, doctoral capstone projects require a great deal of intensive research and writing. However, capstone projects differ from dissertations in that they do not follow the five-chapter format, and can take multiple forms–for example, a new curriculum for students, a teacher or staff training plan, a new piece of software that addresses a learning need, or an in-depth research paper on solutions to a particular education issue. Capstone projects tend to focus more on developing an implementable solution to an existing problem in education.

Both the dissertation and the doctoral capstone result in the completion of important and impactful work, but the emphasis of each is different. Below is a discussion of the structure of doctoral capstone projects, and important considerations for students who are interested in programs that offer the doctoral capstone as an option in place of a dissertation.

The Structure of Doctoral Capstone Projects

The structure of doctoral capstone projects varies depending on what students wish to create for their project. For example, a sample curriculum plan may involve a lot of writing and lesson plans, while a piece of learning management software would require considerable coding and/or design work. Some students may even elect to create a proposal for changes in the organizational structure, employee training, or management practices of a corporate setting. In general, the components of a doctoral capstone project include a paper that explains students’ research and its purpose, existing research in their area of study, students’ project plan, and explanations of their work’s application to real-world situations. Students must clearly show how their project is grounded in theoretical frameworks and established principles in their field of study.

The process for completing a doctoral capstone project is similar to that of completing a dissertation, in that students must seek the mentorship and guidance of one or more faculty advisors, meet certain research and writing milestones, and ultimately present their capstone deliverable to a committee of evaluators. However, specific guidelines regarding the capstone project and accompanying paper may differ among schools that offer this option. As the capstone project is a recent and innovative development in EdD programs, this option is currently only offered by a relatively small number of programs.

For more information on schools that allow students to complete a doctoral capstone project in lieu of a dissertation, check out our FAQ on online EdD Programs that do not require a dissertation .

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The balashikha ripper, the hippopotamus,   active for 6 years (1988-1993) in russia, confirmed victims, possible victims.

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Sergei Ryakhovsky (Sergei Vasilyevich Ryakhovsky) a Soviet-Russian serial killer known as the Balashikha Ripper and The Hippopotamus. Ryakhovsky was convicted for the killing of nineteen people in the Moscow area between 1988 and 1993. Ryakhovsky's mainly stabbed or strangulated his victims, he mutilated some bodies, mainly in the genital area. Allegedly Ryakhovsky carried out necrophilic acts on his victims and stole their belongings. Ryakhovsky standing 6’5" tall and weighting 286 pounds, gaining him the nickname, The Hippo. Sergei Ryakhovsky died on January 21st 2005 from untreated tuberculosis while serving his life sentence in prison.

Sergei Ryakhovsky Serial Killer Profile

Serial Killer Sergei Ryakhovsky (aka) the Balashikha Ripper, The Hippopotamus, was active for 6 years between 1988-1993 , known to have ( 19 confirmed / 19 possible ) victims. This serial killer was active in the following countries: Russia

Sergei Ryakhovsky was born on December 29th 1962 in Balashikha, Moscow Oblast, Soviet Union. He had a physically defect. During his education he had academic, social or discipline problems including being teased or picked on.

Sergei Ryakhovsky a necrophile male citizen of Russia.

Prior to his spree he had killed, commited crimes, and served time in jail.

In 1988 (Age 25/26) Sergei Ryakhovsky started his killing spree, during his crimes as a serial killer he was known to rob, commit acts of necrophilia , torture , strangle , rape , mutilate, and murder his victims.

He was arrested on April 13th 1993 (Age 30), sentenced to death by firing squad at a maximum-security penal colony in Solikamsk, Perm Oblast, Russia. He was convicted on charges of murder and other possible charges during his lifetime.

Sergei Ryakhovsky died on January 21st 2005 (Age 42), cause of death: natural causes, untreated tuberculosis at a maximum-security penal colony in Solikamsk, Perm Oblast, Russia.

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Torture is when someone puts another person in pain. This pain may be physical or psychological. Tourturers touture their victims.

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Strangulation is death by compressing the neck until the supply of oxygen is cut off. Stranglers kill by Strangulation.

Sergei Ryakhovsky Serial Killer Profile:

Updated: 2019-06-30 collected by killer.cloud.

8 Timeline Events of Serial Killer Sergei Ryakhovsky

The 8 dates listed below represent a timeline of the life and crimes of serial killer Sergei Ryakhovsky. A complete collection of serial killer events can be found on our Serial Killer Timeline .

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The following serial killers were active during the same time span as Sergei Ryakhovsky (1988-1993).

Jose Antonio Rodriguez Vega 16 Victims during 2 Years

Terry rasmussen 5 victims during 25 years, peter woodcock 4 victims during 36 years, arthur shawcross 14 victims during 18 years, serial killers by active year.

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External References

• Sergei Ryakhovsky on en.wikipedia.org , Retrieved on Sep 18, 2018 .
• Juan Ignacio Blanco , Sergei Vasilyevich RYAKHOVSKY on murderpedia.org , Retrieved on Sep 18, 2018 .
• Q372816 on www.wikidata.org , Retrieved on Oct 9, 2018 .

Sergei Ryakhovsky is included in the following pages on Killer.Cloud the Serial Killer Database

• #3 of 45[ Page 1 ] of Serial Killers with birthdays in December
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• #10 of 55[ Page 1 ] of Capricorn Serial Killers sorted by Confirmed Victims
• #11 of 89[ Page 1 ] of Serial Killer Torturers sorted by Confirmed Victims
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Properties of Urban Soils after Decontamination Measures on the Radioactively Contaminated Territory of the City of Elektrostal

• Published: 04 June 2024
• Volume 79 , pages 167–176, ( 2024 )

Cite this article

• D. N. Lipatov 1 ,
• V. A. Varachenkov 1 ,
• D. V. Manakhov 1 ,
• G. I. Agapkina 1 &
• A. I. Shcheglov 1  

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We studied the morphological properties, pH, organic carbon content, and specific activity of 137 Cs and natural radionuclides ( 40 K, 226 Ra, 232 Th) in the upper horizons of soils in deactivated and slightly damaged areas of the city. The studies were carried out in the urban ecosystems of the city of Elektrostal (Moscow oblast) in 2019, i.e., 6 years after local precipitation of 137 Cs due to a radiation incident. The morphological features of the upper horizons of urban soils were the following: brownish-gray color, light-loamy composition, and small-lumpy and lumpy structure, with inclusions of construction and household waste. In the upper horizons of urban quasizems and urban soils, a low carbon content (less than 1%) with high coefficients of variation were detected. In the studied urban soils, a wide range of water pH values was noted: from an acidic (4.6–5.5) to highly alkaline (>8.0) reaction. Correlation analysis showed that, in the upper horizons of UR, the content of organic carbon was reduced and alkalinization of the soil environment was observed. The accumulative type of distribution of 137 Cs was recorded for soil profiles of polluted urban ecosystems in which decontamination measures were not carried out. The profiles of urban soils that were subjected to decontamination revealed low values of the specific activity of 137 Cs in surface bulk layers and maxima in buried contaminated horizons. In the bulk horizons of UR, which include a large amount of crushed stone, there was an increase in the specific activity of 226 Ra. Some technogenic horizons of UR and TCH, consisting mainly of quartz sand, are characterized by very low values of specific activities 226 Ra and 40 K. Correlations of chemical and radiation indicators in the profiles of urban soils reflect the different compositions and properties of upper horizons formed as a result of excavation and decontamination work.

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Spatial Variations of the Activity of 137Cs and the Contents of Heavy Metals and Petroleum Products in the Polluted Soils of the City of Elektrostal

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The research was carried out within the framework of R&D program no. AAAA-A21-121012290189-8 carried out under a state assignment and with the support of the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow State University “The Future of the Planet and Global Environmental Changes.”

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Lipatov, D.N., Varachenkov, V.A., Manakhov, D.V. et al. Properties of Urban Soils after Decontamination Measures on the Radioactively Contaminated Territory of the City of Elektrostal. Moscow Univ. Soil Sci. Bull. 79 , 167–176 (2024). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0147687424700030

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Received : 21 September 2023

Revised : 20 November 2023

Accepted : 18 January 2024

Published : 04 June 2024

Issue Date : June 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.3103/S0147687424700030

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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