CIPS assignment example

CIPS Practitioner Corporate Award Sample

Are you looking for CIPS assignment help for practitioner corporate award? Talk to our CIPS assignment writers in Saudi Arabia for impeccable writing assistance. Our writing service assists CIPS students from Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar in all modules including sourcing essentials, global strategic supply chain management, driving value through procurement and supply, managing expenditure with suppliers, developing contracts in procurement and supply and effective negotiation in procurement and supply. We ensure that the papers are plagiarism free, human written and well researched content to give you an edge.

To demonstrate our ability and capacity to provide you with professional CIPS assignment writing assistance, we have published a sample for CIPS practitioner corporate award on Sourcing Essentials module

CIPS Assignment Example: Sourcing Essentials

Executive Summary

This report evaluates how UN Women (Pakistan) applies four distinct sourcing approaches: E-Sourcing, WEPs-Based Partnerships, Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP), and Direct, Ethical Sourcing to deliver value-for-money while advancing sustainability, gender equality, and ethical procurement. Operating under the stringent UN and local Pakistani regulatory frameworks, the organisation fuses global best-practices with a strong social mandate to ensure procurement decisions achieve transformative social impact and operational efficiency.

When applied to ICT and software license procurement, e-sourcing leverages digital platforms such as UNGM and Quantum ERP to widen supplier participation, achieve procurement transparency, and reduce contract cycle times at UN Women (Pakistan). Although cost-effective and scalable, e-sourcing requires mitigation measures to include the rural and digitally marginalised cohort of suppliers.

WEPs-Based partnerships connect UN Women (Pakistan)’s procurement processes to gender equality outcomes by engaging compliant suppliers with the trademark Women’s Empowerment Principles. When applied to the capacity-building services category spend, this collaborative model builds sustainable, long-term value (but demands major investment in supplier development to avoid dependency).

Notably, the GRP approach inculcates gender considerations across procurement cycles, particularly for goods and services from local women-owned SMEs in rural Pakistan. It drives socio-economic empowerment at the grassroots level; although systematic expansion, targeted capacity-building, and redefinition of value-for-money beyond price alone are required to drive its sustainability.

Lastly, direct, ethical sourcing ensures traceability and fairness in procuring artisan goods or training materials directly from marginalised Pakistani producers. Direct procurement bypasses exploitative intermediaries, thereby delivering strong reputational benefits and consequently sustains local livelihoods – albeit with higher oversight and logistical challenges.

The report also introduces a weighted supplier appraisal checklist prioritising gender equality, ethical standards, service quality, and long-term sustainability. Implementating the proposed appraisal checklist will strengthen supplier selection, manage procurement risks, uphold sourcing transparency, and build readiness among underserved suppliers.

The strategic recommendations call for an integrated sourcing policy manual, province-wide supplier development programmes, data-driven performance dashboards, scaling GRP to high-value contracts, and piloting blockchain-based traceability for ethical sourcing. Collectively, these actions will consolidate UN Women (Pakistan)’s position as a leader in socially responsible and impact-driven procurement.

Introduction

In a complex global procurement landscape, the UN Women (Pakistan)’s mission of inclusive development, gender equality, and sustainable procurement stands out due to strategic choice of sourcing approaches. Unlike commercial entities, however, the UN does not pursue outsourcing or profit-driven sourcing practices but instead uses approaches as dictated by ethical, rights-based, and inclusive frameworks (UN Women, 2022). When powered by underlying frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), procurement goes beyond organisational efficiency to exemplify inclusive, ethical, and impact-driven outcomes (CIPS, 2023). In support of the UN Women (Pakistan) procurement principles are models like the Kraljic Matrix, the Sourcing Continuum, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and Porter’s Five Forces that help to analyse the sourcing environment. Based on factors such as strengths, risks, and opportunities, a comprehensive supplier appraisal checklist was developed with a special focus on locally-produced services recommending a selection practice that complements UN Women’s ethical mandates, Pakistani procurement legislation, and value-for-money standards.

1.1 UN Women (Pakistan) Sourcing Context

Procurement at UN Women (Pakistan) is guided by internal and global frameworks including: UNGM and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) policies (especially Goal 5 and Goal 17); Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) which promote inclusive supply chains; the UN Procurement Manual; and local compliance structures – including partnerships with Pakistani provincial women’s commissions / ministries and national Financial Rules (UN Women, 2024). This intricate sourcing environment presents constraints and enablers: for example, UN Women (Pakistan) faces restrictions on vendor engagement requiring strict due diligence or adherence to UN’s global frameworks that promote transparent, collaborative sourcing as illustrated in the table below:

UN Women (Pakistan) Procurement Drivers and Constraints

Procurement Drivers	Procurement Constraints
Compliance with SDG 5 & Gender Equality Mandate	A limited GRP-ready pool of vendors
Transparency & Accountability Standards (UN Financial Regulations and Rules)	Risk-averse bureaucracy and rigid rules delaying approvals
Stakeholder (Donors, partner agencies and community) scrutiny	Fragmented sourcing systems
Value-for-Money + Social Impact Mandate (supplier inclusion, women’s empowerment)	Resistance to change in sourcing processes

Fig. 1: A table showing UN Women (Pakistan) procurement drivers and constraints.

The procurement categories span across ICT, capacity building, and locally-produced services; with each spend category corresponding to a unique sourcing strategy depending on spend value, risk profile, and supplier availability. For example, collaboration with women-led businesses and social enterprises for catering services and branded materials is encouraged under the Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) Toolkit while an e-sourcing option ensures traceable compliance in high-value ICT procurement (UN Women, 2022). Notably, the UN Procurement Practitioner’s Handbook (2021) discourages outsourcing due to the inherent risks of value dilution, reduced control, and accountability issues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contextual relevance, application, and the implications for value creation to four supplier relationship models including E-Sourcing, WEPs-Based Partnerships, Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP), and Direct, Ethical Sourcing with specific categories of spend as shown in the figure below:

Fig. 2: Sourcing approaches versus spend categories at UN Women (Pakistan).

1.2 Strategic Frameworks and Analysis Models

UN Women (Pakistan) operates under a highly regulated procurement environment governed by the UN Financial Regulations, General Conditions of Contract, and the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM) protocols (UN Women, 2024). All procurement decisions are made pursuant to strict adherence with ethical standards, transparency, value for money, and inclusion especially regarding women-owned businesses and suppliers from underrepresented sectors (UNGM, 2023). The sourcing approaches will therefore be analysed using frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces, the Kraljic’s Matrix, and Sustainable Procurement Maturity Models chosen for their deep strategic lens. The recommended supplier appraisal checklist updates are considerate of risks, organisational / supplier capacity, compliance, and gender equity indicators.

2.0 E-Sourcing

E-sourcing refers to the use of digital platforms and technologies to manage sourcing activities including but not limited to supplier identification, tendering, evaluation, and contract award (Auriemma, 2023) as shown in the diagram:

Fig. 3: A sample E-Sourcing workflow diagram.

2.1 Overview

Primarily, the UN Women (Pakistan) carries out e-sourcing through the UNGM systems and a cloud-based procurement platform, Quantum ERP, to facilitate the key public sector principles of transparency, competitive bidding, and auditability (UNGM, 2023; UN Women, 2024) and cognisant to the CIPS (2023) guidance on digital procurement. The UN Women favours e-sourcing because the approach encourages wider participation from Pakistani SMEs and women-owned businesses, enhances corporate visibility, and significantly reduces procurement cycle times (Ramirez & Lee, 2023).

2.2 Category of Spend: ICT Equipment and Software Licences

UN Women (Pakistan) regularly procures ICT assets like laptops, video conferencing systems, cybersecurity tools, and enterprise software to support programming needs and daily operations across remote offices in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Sindh. Following an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces (Choi & Carter, 2023), this category of spend is ideal for e-sourcing due to the demand for high specification clarity (standardised products), the presence of a strong competition in local and regional markets, the large number of qualified vendors on the UNGM platform, and the relatively low risk, non-strategic classification of ICT equipment and software licenses according to the Kraljic (1983) matrix. At UN Women (Pakistan), e-sourcing follows a structured process where shortlisted vendors are invited via Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Invitation to Bid (ITB). Next, all supplier responses are digitally logged, evaluated, and compared using pre-programmed weighted criteria in the Quantum ERP system for objectivity (UN Women, 2023b).

2.3 Justification and Strategic Analysis

The following table illustrates the rationale behind e-sourcing for ICT equipment and software licences at UN Women (Pakistan) using key sourcing models:

Criteria	Analysis
Kraljic Matrix Classification	● Leverage Item: High supply risk, high impact ● Several suppliers available ● Cost-sensitive.
Supplier Relationship Type	● Transactional: Limited interaction post-contract ● Commoditised market.
Porter’s Five Forces	● High Supplier Competition ● Low Buyer Switching Costs ● Low Risk of New Entrants due to standardisation
Market Type	● Perfect Competition due to multiple prequalified suppliers on the UNGM/Quantum ERP systems
Sourcing Impact	● Enables price discovery ● Fosters inclusion of diverse suppliers including women-led MSMEs
Digital Procurement Trend	● Matches the UN system-wide digitalisation goals and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)

Fig. 4: An analysis of UN Women (Pakistan) rationale for e-sourcing ICT equipment and software licenses.

2.4 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)

E-sourcing can create barriers for small, rural vendors without access to IT tools or digital skills – thus, UN Women mitigates this bias with capacity-building webinars and help-desk support in local languages during procurement cycles in sync with the World Bank (2022) inclusive procurement principles as fully described in the table below:

Aspect	Description
Strengths	● Transparent ● Cost-efficient ● Scalable across categories ● Mitigates corruption
Weaknesses	● Limited flexibility during negotiations ● Assumes digital literacy among suppliers
Opportunities	● Enables procurement analytics ● Supports supplier diversity monitoring
Threats	● Excludes vendors in rural Pakistan with poor connectivity or no UNGM registration.

Fig. 5: A SWOT analysis of the UN Women (Pakistan) e-sourcing approach.

2.5 Evaluative Commentary

The non-strategic e-sourcing strategy demonstrates a high affinity to UN’s public sector procurement goals: value for money, auditability, gender responsiveness, and fairness (UN Women, 2025). However, e-sourcing only suits categories like ICT and basic supplies but is less ideal for services requiring qualitative judgement or co-creation such as research consultancy and behaviour change campaigns at UN Women (Pakistan) according to Chinwe & Batool (2023) literature. Therefore, whereas e-sourcing is efficient on transactional spend, it must be augmented by offline dialogue or pre-bid conferences where the spend category involves strategic or ambiguous deliverables. Additionally, UN Women (Pakistan) must routinely monitor supplier feedback on the procurement platform’s accessibility to confirm the sourcing tools do not inadvertently reinforce structural inequalities particularly among women-owned rural enterprises (Suleiman & Chowdhury, 2022).

3.0 WEPs-Based Partnerships

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) is a joint initiative by UN Women and UN Global Compact which serves as a framework for promoting gender equality across the value chain as UN Women (2023) asserts. Typically, a WEPs-based partnership involves technical assistance, joint training, and shared monitoring as per the UNSDG 5 (Gender Equality) and UNSDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) chapters. Notably, WEPs differ from conventional supplier relationships in that they are developmental, collaborative, and long-term oriented; making them suitable for connecting procurement to sustainable UN Women (Pakistan) development objectives as the figure below illustrates.

Fig. 6: How UN Women (Pakistan) WEPs-based partnerships connect sourcing to the UNSDG development goals.

3.1 Overview

UN Women (Pakistan) actively engages with its WEPs signatories to co-create gender-inclusive procurement ecosystems by applying the principles as a strategic sourcing lens, not just a supplier screening mechanism.

3.2 Application to Category of Spend

UN Women (Pakistan) frequently commissions service providers for capacity building and gender training services like gender audits, feminist training modules, capacity-building of police or judiciary, and national policy consultations (UN Global Compact, 2022). These services are classified as a strategic spend due to their high impact on programming outcomes, the limited number of competent and compliant service providers, and the high co-dependence on shared UN Women (Pakistan) values and the sourcing approach. The organisation, therefore, only seeks local suppliers already subscribing to the WEPs tenets, or those willing to fully adopt feminist principles and participatory ethics to ensure a consistent delivery.

3.3 Justification

The following table uses selected CIPS frameworks to justify the strategic fit of WEPs-based partnerships under this spend category:

Model	Application
Kraljic Matrix	● Strategic Item: High risk, high value ● Tailored delivery ● Long-term relational investment
Sourcing Strategy	● Collaborative/Developmental: Mutual learning, innovation, shared goals
Supplier Preference Matrix	● Core Supplier: Few high-value providers ● Deeply integrated
Contract Type	● Output-based with KPIs: Gender inclusion metrics, training quality, behavioural impact
Supplier Enablement	● Supplier support in WEPs adoption, joint branding in advocacy initiatives
UN Procurement Manual Alignment	● Conforms with “best value for money” through quality and social impact, not just price

Fig. 7: A strategic evaluation of WEPs-based partnerships for gender training services.

3.4 SWOT Analysis

The table below summarises a strategic SWOT analysis of WEPs-based partnerships for capacity-building and gender training services:

Aspect	Description
Strengths	● Enhances brand alignment, quality assurance, and gender impact
Weaknesses	● Long supplier onboarding process ● Requires resource investment in supplier development
Opportunities	● Influences market norms, develops local feminist expertise
Threats	● Risk of overdependence on limited number of aligned suppliers ● Potential for drift in mission

Fig. 8: A SWOT analysis of WEPs-based partnerships at UN Women (Pakistan).

3.5 Commentary

The UN Women WEPs-based partnerships transfigures procurement from a traditionally transactional function into a strategic tool for social transformation. At the “Engage” and “Influence” stages, the WEPs approach exemplifies CIPS’ Responsible Sourcing Model; especially as it significantly shapes supplier behaviour beyond contractual compliance (CIPS, 2022). The capacity-building service category at UN Women (Pakistan) is particularly suitable for a WEPs-based partnership because feminist expertise is rarely found and cannot be commodified – under these circumstances, shared political values, relational capital, and mutual understanding are more valuable than any market competition.

However, UN Women (Pakistan) should continue its efforts to broaden the supplier base to avoid supplier dependency and enhance resilience by nurturing emerging feminist consultancies in underrepresented rural provinces. Furthermore, a tiered partnership model which categorises suppliers as Mentors, Learners, or Champions based on their WEPs engagement level with UN Women could help diversify the impact and to target investments more efficiently (OECD, 2022).

4.0 Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP)

As a routine sourcing approach, Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) infuses gender considerations across the procurement cycle – everything from the market analysis and tender design to the contract award and supplier evaluation – as discussed by the Amos (2024) studies. In the context of UN Women (Pakistan), GRP sourcing for routine spend categories operationalise gender equality both as a criteria and an outcome of procurement decisions (UN Women, 2022).

4.1 Overview of GRP in the UN Women (Pakistan) Context

The organisation has positioned GRP as a core enabler for Pakistani women’s local capacity development, economic empowerment, and intersectional inclusion by redesigning pre-qualification processes to be more inclusive, increasing women-owned or women-led enterprises (WOBs/WLEs) in their supply chains, and addressing barriers to market access for example in finance, registration, and digital literacy.

4.2 Sourcing Goods and Services from Local Women-Owned SMEs as a Leverage Spend Category

The GRP model is most prominently applied in procurement of digital content, event services, catering, textiles, and supplies sourced from community-based women’s cooperatives and small enterprises in rural Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Although these categories are classified as leverage or routine items under the Kraljic Matrix, UN Women (Pakistan) treats them as strategic due to their potential for socio-economic transformation in the respective communities.

4.3 Strategic Justification

The analysis below demonstrates how GRP confers with key CIPS models in support of inclusive procurement without compromising UN procurement principles:

Model / Lens	Strategic Fit
Kraljic Matrix	● Leverage Item: Low risk, high volume ● Used to build local gender equity
UN Supplier Diversity Framework	● Expands procurement to underrepresented women-owned businesses
Triple Bottom Line (TBL)	● Promotes social (women’s empowerment), environmental (local, low-emission sourcing), and economic value
UN Procurement Manual	● When the long-term impact is considered, GRP resonates with “best value for money” (UN Women, 2023)
Risk Mitigation	● De-risks supply chain dependence by expanding the supplier pool and strengthening local area economies

Fig. 9: Analysis models and frameworks justifying GRP sourcing.

Moreover, the benefits depicted in the figure below justify the adoption of GRP as a sourcing approach:

Fig. 10: Benefits of the GRP sourcing model.

4.4 Barriers and Enablers

The following barriers and enablers are specific to the GRP sourcing model at UN Women (Pakistan):

Aspect

Examples

Barriers

● Informality

● Limited financial literacy

● Lack of procurement readiness

● Patriarchal market dynamics

Enablers

● Capacity-building workshops (e.g., via the JAZBA programme)

● Simplified tenders

● Pre-bid coaching clinics

Fig. 11: Barriers and enablers of the GRP sourcing approach.

4.5 Evaluation

GRP as present in the Country Programme Action Plan (2023–2027) is a transformative shift from gender-neutral to gender-intentional procurement for UN Women (Pakistan), linking the organisation’s procurement to national gender policy goals and the Economic Framework for Women’s Empowerment (GoP, 2021). Strategically, GRP supports horizontal equity by targeting historically excluded enterprises. Unlike WEPs-based partnerships which focus on institutional partners, GRP targets grassroots economic actors, many of whom are entering procurement systems for the first time. As a result, tendering designs and evaluation mechanisms have been adapted to reduce technical complexity and instead build in mentoring. However, GRP requires a systems-thinking approach to overcome the inherent procurement biases: for example, defining ‘value for money’ through gender lenses means prioritising impact per dollar spent, not surface cost-efficiency. To institutionalise GRP, UN Women (Pakistan) should expand its GRP Vendor Roster by province and sector, entrench gender-responsive evaluation criteria in all TORs, and launch joint GRP projects with WEPs signatories and provincial women’s chambers.

5.0 Direct, Ethical Sourcing

Direct ethical sourcing refers to a procurement method where goods or services are obtained directly from producers or accredited suppliers (thereby bypassing intermediaries) who meet rigorous ethical, social, and environmental standards (UNDG, 2023). At UN Women (Pakistan), direct, ethical sourcing is strategically used to align sourcing with the agency’s values on anti-exploitation, human rights, and sustainable development (UN Women, 2022).

5.1 Rationale

Direct, ethical sourcing is particularly important in the Pakistani context where informal supply chains and exploitative labour practices (such as child labour and unfair wages) persist in industries including: embroidery, handicrafts, garments, and agriculture (ILO, 2022). The zero-intermediary sourcing approach allows UN Women (Pakistan) to engage transparent, traceable, and gender values-aligned suppliers from marginalised, women-led collectives (UN Women, 2023a).

5.2 Spend Category: Rural Artisan Goods and Training Materials

The UN Women (Pakistan) commonly uses direct procurement to source:

Customised IEC materials, training kits, and handmade gifts from rural women’s cooperatives
Embroidery products, textile gifts, and baskets from micro-enterprises in South Punjab and Northern Sindh.

These are low-value, high-impact procurements that offer ethical and reputational dividends, placing them within the bottleneck quadrant of the Kraljic Matrix (albeit requiring ethical priority).

5.3 Strategic Fit

Direct ethical sourcing strongly supports UN Women’s mandate and SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Below is a table evaluating direct sourcing under four other principles and models:

Analytical Lens	Insight
Porter’s Value Chain	● Strengthens backward linkage to ethical production zones
TBL Framework	● Social: Fair wages ● Environmental: Low-emission logistics ● Economic: Local income generation
UN Supplier Code of Conduct	● Ensures compliance with ethical sourcing practices, including zero tolerance for child labour or gender-based discrimination
CIPS Ethical Procurement Wheel	● Allows higher control across dimensions such as governance, labour, and environment

Fig. 12: Strategic assessment of direct, ethical sourcing at UN Women (Pakistan).

5.4 Risk Management and Control Mechanisms

While direct ethical sourcing enhances procurement transparency, it presents logistical and governance challenges such as:

Limited economies of scale, thereby increasing unit cost
Cash-flow fragility of micro-suppliers require pre-payment for goods or flexible terms of settlement
Monitoring and verification burdens, especially in Pakistani remote districts

To mitigate these, UN Women (Pakistan) uses pre-engagement audits and periodic spot checks, ethical supplier registration with simplified compliance forms, and partnerships with CSOs for record-keeping and ethical standards training.

5.5 Analysis

Sourcing directly from ethical producers compliant with UN standards of fairness, gender equity, and decent work allows UN Women (Pakistan) to model integrity-driven procurement and de-risks reputational exposure from third-party misconduct. Compared to e-sourcing and GRP, direct ethical sourcing requires a deeper investment in time and relational capital. However, the impact is profound and similar to WEPs: the approaches convert every procurement transaction into a tool for justice and dignity, with the 2024 procurement of handcrafted dignity kits from a women’s cooperative in Jamshoro a case in point: besides providing essential supplies, the procurement sustained 28 households and funded local literacy classes.

To further deepen the reach of direct ethical sourcing, UN Women (Pakistan) should consider creating a Verified Ethical Supplier Platform to reduce vetting time, piloting blockchain traceability for artisan supply chains, and collaborating with ILO and UNDP on training modules for rural suppliers.

6.0 Supplier Appraisal Checklist

Focus Category: Locally-produced Services (Catering, Security, Gardening, Housekeeping)
Sourcing Approach: Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP)

6.1 Strategic Importance of Supplier Appraisal

A structured supplier appraisal process ensures procurement decisions correspond to the UN Women (Pakistan)’s organisational mandate, specifically upholding ethical sourcing standards and advancing gender equality. In the context of locally produced services where suppliers are often informal or underdeveloped, proactive appraisal is necessary to avoid exposure to quality, compliance, or reputational risks (OECD, 2023). Notably, GRP-driven appraisals filters out vendors without a proven commitment to equity or sustainability and promotes inclusive economic participation.

6.2 Appraisal Criteria and Dimensions

Based on the UN procurement principles and Sustainable Procurement Frameworks (SPFs) of the UNGM (2023) report, the following six dimensions formed the foundation of this proposed supplier appraisal checklist:

Dimension	Key Indicators
Legal and Regulatory Compliance	● Business registration ● Tax compliance ● Adherence to local labour laws
Ethical Standards	● Commitment to UN Women Supplier Code of Conduct ● Zero-tolerance for discrimination and forced labour
Gender Equality Performance	● Women-owned/led status ● Gender balance in workforce ● Explicit policies on gender-based violence
Sustainability Practices	● Waste reduction ● Energy usage ● Ethical sourcing of inputs ● Local hiring
Service Quality & Capacity	● Past performance ● Ability to meet SLAs ● Qualifications ● Technology used
Financial Viability & Risk	● Years of operation ● Financial health ● Risk of disruption ● Insurance coverage

Fig. 13: Foundational dimensions for the proposed UN Women (Pakistan) supplier appraisal checklist.

See Also: Fig. 14 – proposed checklist with weighting; Appendix 5 for gap analysis between current and proposed appraisal standards).

6.3 Proposed Supplier Appraisal Checklist (Weighted)

Appraisal Area	Sub-Criteria	Weight (%)
Legal Compliance	● Registration ● Tax ● Licences ● Labour compliance	10%
Ethical Practices	● Conformity to UN Code ● No history of corruption or discrimination	15%
Gender Equality	● Women-owned/led ● Gender-sensitive workplace policies	25%
Sustainability	● Environmental management ● Local economic contribution	15%
Service Quality	● Track record ● Certifications ● Capacity ● Reliability	20%
Financial Soundness	● Cash flow ● Solvency ● Continuity planning	15%
TOTAL		100%

Fig. 14: Proposed weighted supplier appraisal checklist for UN Women (Pakistan).

6.3.1 Weighting Rationale

The highest weight (25%) is assigned to gender equality in resonance with the UN Women’s GRP agenda and WEPs (UN Women, 2023). Service quality remains pivotal to service delivery integrity at 20%, while ethical and sustainability indicators share balanced emphasis due to the increasing scrutiny of UN supplier conduct (ILO, 2022). Though an essential consideration, legal compliance carries less weight (10%) due to the deliberate focus on informal community suppliers who, rather than disqualification, may require capacity-building support.

6.4 Alignment with UN and Public Sector Standards

The proposed supplier appraisal checklist aligns with the UN Secretariat Procurement Manual (UNPD, 2022), the WEPs self-assessment toolkit, and Pakistan’s Public Procurement Rules (PPRA, 2024). Furthermore, it showcases the TCO approach by recognising the 5 Rights of Procurement (insisting on the right quality, source, and conditions) and non-price value. Additionally, the proposed checklist embodies the supplier diversity principle as promoted by the UN’s “Leave No One Behind” pledge; ensuring micro and women-owned enterprises in Pakistan are competitively appraised but not excluded.

6.5 Implementation and Strategic Impact

Operationalising the proposed supplier appraisal checklist requires deliberate orientation of supplier sensitisation, procurement staff, and digital tracking through UN Women’s e-procurement portal. Once institutionalised, the checklist will improve supplier selection transparency / consistency, strengthen audit-readiness (accountability), expand participation of ethical women-led suppliers, and significantly reduce procurement risks while increasing value-for-money. Notably, capacity-building workshops can support marginal suppliers to meet threshold scores in line with the UNSDG 5 and 17 obligations.

7.0 Conclusion

The study critically examines four sourcing approaches currently deployed by UN Women (Pakistan): E-Sourcing, WEPs-Based Partnerships, Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP), and Direct Ethical Sourcing. Each approach reflects the organisation’s mandate to advance social value through its procurement functions, deliver tangible gender equality, and to uphold ethical integrity.

Applying models like the Kraljic Matrix, Porter’s Value Chain, CIPS Ethical Procurement Wheel, and the UN Supplier Code of Conduct, the analysis revealed that sourcing at UN Women is a lever for structural change and not transactional. In fact, the approaches discussed prove a proactive organisational design that goes beyond price efficiency to entrench inclusivity, transparency, and gender justice into procurement lifecycles (Ramirez & Lee, 2023). Each sourcing strategy serves a unique purpose: E-Sourcing enhances compliance, efficiency, and global accessibility; WEPs-Based Partnerships foster sustainable alliances that multiply impact; GRP directly addresses systemic inequities in public procurement; and Direct, Ethical Sourcing offers value-led engagement with grassroots suppliers. Together, these strategies make a holistic procurement philosophy that ensures that what UN Women (Pakistan) buys, how it buys, and from whom it buys conform with normative goals and global sourcing commitments.

8.0 Recommendations

Based on analytical consideration of the modern procurement scene, the initiative makes the following strategic recommendations: firstly, UN Women (Pakistan) should institutionalise an integrated sourcing policy manual. Developing a consolidated sourcing policy that formally defines the four (and other) approaches, outlines when each can best be applied, and standardises procedure across programmes or operations teams will reduce procurement inconsistency and strengthen UN Women (Pakistan)’s strategic alignment.

Secondly, the organisation should build supplier capacity in underserved regions because whereas inclusive procurement is a priority, many potential suppliers in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lack readiness. UN Women (Pakistan) should, therefore, partner with ILO, SMEDA, and local chambers to deliver capacity-building programmes focused on WEPs adoption, e-tendering literacy, and audit-readiness.

Additionally, UN Women (Pakistan) should implement dashboard-driven analytics that capture WEPs-aligned spend, sourcing trends, compliance ratios, and GRP achievements to allow for evidence-based decision-making and easier reporting to UN HQ or donors.

Currently, GRP is primarily applied in small-scale procurements. To amplify its impact, UN Women should upscale GRP in large, high-value, multi-year framework agreements – especially those involving consulting, logistics, and security services. A formal SRM model will also significantly improve supplier engagement, ensure post-contract support, and breed long-term collaboration in WEPs-based partnerships and direct sourcing scenarios.

Lastly, to address traceability and verification challenges in ethical sourcing, UN Women (Pakistan) could pilot blockchain-led transparency mechanisms for assorted rural suppliers. This would compound auditability and demonstrate innovative leadership to other UN agencies.

References

Amos, H. (2024). Gender Mainstreaming in Procurement: A Policy Audit of the UN System. International Journal of Gender Policy, 19(1), pp. 33–49. https://doi.org/10.2139/ijgp.2024.0002

Auriemma, V. (2023) E-procurement and transparency in international development agencies: The UN experience. Journal of Public Procurement, 23(1), pp. 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOPP-12-2022-0083

Chinwe, A. & Batool, N. (2023). Sourcing Strategies for Gender Equity: An Empirical Study from South Asia. Asian Journal of Procurement Studies, 17(4), pp. 104–121. https://doi.org/10.28945/12234

Choi, Y. & Carter, C.R. (2023). Ethical Sourcing and Supplier Monitoring Mechanisms in Humanitarian Logistics. Journal of Business Ethics, 188(2), pp. 559–577. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05293-7

CIPS (2022) How to appraise suppliers. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. [online] Available at: https://www.cips.org/Documents/Knowledge/Procurement-Topics-and-Skills/10-Developing-and-Managing-Contracts/Performance-Analysis-and-Management/ [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

CIPS. (2023) Ethical and Sustainable Procurement Guidance. [online] Available at: https://www.cips.org/sustainability/ethics [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

Government of Pakistan (GoP). (2021) Public Procurement Rules 2004 (as amended up to 2021). Islamabad: Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. [online] Available at: https://www.ppra.org.pk [Accessed 8 Aug. 2025].

International Labour Organization (ILO). (2022) Fair Procurement and Decent Work: Toolkit for Ethical Sourcing. Geneva: ILO Publications.

Kraljic, P. (1983) ‘Purchasing must become supply management’, Harvard Business Review, 61(5), pp. 109–117.

OECD. (2022). Unlocking the Power of Gender-Responsive Procurement: Case Studies. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/67e1a8d0-en

OECD. (2023) Gender-Responsive Public Procurement: Policies and Practices. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/98b4a3e0-en

Ramirez, M. & Lee, S. (2023). Digital Tools in Development Procurement: Beyond Cost Efficiency. Development Policy Review, 41(2), pp. 250–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12648

Suleiman, M. & Chowdhury, R. (2022). Procurement Reform and Gender Equality: A Critical Review. Public Money & Management, 42(5), pp. 380–387. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2022.2041257

UNDP (2022). Digital Procurement and E-Sourcing: Innovations in Public Sector Transparency. [online] Available at: https://www.undp.org/publications/digital-procurement-transparency [Accessed 8 Aug. 2025].

UN Global Compact. (2022) Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs): Implementation Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.weps.org [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). (2023) What is the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM)? [online] UNGM Help Center. Available at: https://help.ungm.org/hc/en-us/articles/360012897239-What-is-the-United-Nations-Global-Marketplace-UNGM [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

United Nations High-Level Committee on Management’s Procurement Network (HLCM-PN). (2021) UN Procurement Practitioner’s Handbook. United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) Knowledge Center. [online] Available at: https://www.ungm.org/Shared/KnowledgeCenter/Pages/PPH2 [Accessed 9 Aug. 2025].

UN Women. (2022) Strategic Plan 2022–2025. [online] Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/accountability/strategic-plan [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

UN Women. (2023) Procurement Manual: Policies and Procedures. [online] Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/01/procurement-manual [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

UN Women. (2023a) Gender-Responsive Procurement Framework and Implementation Toolkit. New York: UN Women. [online] Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/01/grp-toolkit [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

UN Women. (2023b) Procurement Manual (Pakistan Country Office). [Confidential internal document].

UN Women. (2024) Annual Procurement Report: Asia-Pacific Region. [online] Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/procurement [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

UN Women. (2025). Supplier Diversity Strategy: Progress and Challenges. Internal Briefing Note. [Restricted circulation].

World Bank. (2022) Leveraging Public Procurement for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. [online] Available at: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/991711641664033655 [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

10.0 Bibliography

Ahmed, N., Siddiqui, F. and Khan, A. (2022) E-Procurement in Developing Countries: Challenges and Adoption in Public Sector Organisations. Government Information Quarterly, 39(3), 101743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2022.101743

European Institute for Gender Equality (2021) Gender-responsive public procurement. [online] Available at: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gender-responsive-public-procurement [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

Fairtrade Foundation (2023) Gender and Trade: Empowering Women Through Ethical Supply Chains. [online] Available at: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources-library/gender-and-trade-empowerment/ [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

GIZ & UN Women (2022) Inclusive procurement and gender equality: Guidance Note for Public Institutions. [online] Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/06/inclusive-procurement-and-gender-equality [Accessed 8 Aug. 2025].

Jalal, M. and Qureshi, S. (2022) Digital Transformation and E-Sourcing Readiness in the UN System: Evidence from Pakistan. Information Systems Frontiers, 24(6), pp. 1535–1552.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10275-9

OECD (2020) E-procurement: Towards more inclusive, efficient and transparent procurement. [online] Available at: https://www.oecd.org/governance/e-procurement.htm [Accessed 6 Aug. 2025].

UN Women Pakistan (2024) Annual Report 2023. [online] Available at: https://pakistan.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/04/un-women-pakistan-annual-report-2023 [Accessed 8 Aug. 2025].

World Bank (2021) Gender-Responsive Procurement: A Framework and Global Lessons. [online] Available at: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099125312082238312/p1706260a8c66c0090c9d7080e2d69fc5ef [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].

Yawar, S.A. and Seuring, S. (2021) ‘The role of supplier development in sustainable supply chain management: empirical evidence from Pakistan’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 279, pp. 1–11.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123489

Zhu, Q., Geng, Y. and Lai, K.H. (2020) ‘Circular economy practices among Chinese manufacturers: Contributions to the UN SDGs’, Journal of Environmental Management, 268, 110686.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110686

Research Methods in Psychology

From your requests, I can now say choosing the right research methods in psychology is as important as getting reliable results. Thank you for contacting us, folks. I dedicate this exclusive guide to you (keep it ExpertWritingHelp.com for more of such updates). I’ve come to appreciate that in the world of behavioral science, the right methodology impacts the validity of your study. If it comes down to it, a handpicked research framework by our experienced psychology writers can mean your findings stand the rigorous tests of peer review, ethical scrutiny, and real-world application before publishing.

And if you’re reading this but not part of us, hurry and join your medical college buddies here!

Research Methods in Psychology

We welcome learners struggling with research methods in psychology to Contact Us for expert assistance 24/7/365. Don’t feel shy. Whether you’re designing the very first study of your life or preparing for graduate-level fieldwork, place a clandestine order and open limitless assistance from practicing psychology consultants, professional proofreaders, and writers who speak and dream psychology. We’re home to the largest database of peer-reviewed psychology journals, textbooks loaded with trending research methodologies, and a vault of verified tech tools that make things alot easier for you.

Pssssttt: All our writers are crowned PhD holders in their respective psychology disciplines. You get A+ grades for every assignment you drop on our easy-to-use dashboard, even with a 12-hour deadline. Did I mention we’re the most affordable online Research Methods in Psychology service, and the only one with a working REVISION and MONEY-BACK policy?

Beyond the Textbook: Why Research Methodology Matters

Mastering research methods in psychology isn’t optional, buddy. It’s the barest minimum any professor expects of you! We mentor you to understand the purpose of psychological research methods, prepping you for academic and career control over:

Causality: Can you say A causes B, or only that they’re alphabets?
Generalizability: Will your findings apply beyond the current sample?
Bias and Error Minimization: Are you gathering real data, or is yours some wishful thinking that shouldn’t be written on any paper?

Your research design affects funding eligibility, publication likelihood, and client outcomes in clinical or organizational settings. Guard it with your all!

🔗 Ready to apply real-world methodology in your next psychology paper or thesis? Check out our APA-compliant Research Design Toolkit!

❖ Experimental Research for Causal Inference

The gold standard for psychologists and assessors interested in “what causes what,” our Lab Reports scream “Excellence” from a heap. This is how we do it:

Structure: Expert data analysts manipulate the independent variable (IV) and observe changes in the dependent variable (DV) in a way that produces ethical, duplicable, and verifiable results
Control: Sign up for a highly structured control dataset with random assignment and control groups
Disciplines Where It Shines Best: If you’re in Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Studies, or Treatment Effectiveness, crowd here!

Example: “A lab study measuring attention span after different doses of caffeine.” (You didn’t see this one coming, did you?)

Strengths:

Highest internal validity ratings
Replicable and justifiable results
The most powerful statistical conclusions amongst all research methodologies in psychology

Limitations:

Experimental research may lack ecological validity
Notable ethical constraints, especially with manipulation

🔗 Need help designing your lab-based experiment? Get our IRB-Ready Template package NOW!

❖ Descriptive Research

Want to describe behavior, not necessarily explain it? Descriptive research is best for observation and discovery (one of our speed-dial consultants just whispered this, let’s flatter them with positive Reviews😋)

This methodology includes:

Naturalistic observation (watch natural behavior without interference)
Case studies that dive deep into single individuals or selected small groups.
Surveys and questionnaires, when scale and speed are your research concerns

Strong points:

Excellent for hypothesis generation
Useful when experimentation is impractical or unethical

Shortcomings:

No causal conclusions
Highest potential for observer bias risks

Example: “Documenting behavior patterns of children in a bilingual classroom.”

🔗 Curious how to build a publishable case study? Talk to Us and link up with the best Psychology Case Study Builders

❖ Correlational Research

Best known for relationship mapping, I advise psychologists to use correlational studies when their research question starts with “Is there a connection between…?”

The Method:

Measures the extent of relationship between two or more variables
Uses correlation coefficients to assess research strengths and direction

Pros:

Non-invasive, and the overall most cost-effective method
Useful for researchers engaged in large-scale surveys and epidemiological studies

Cons:

No causation (correlation ≠ cause)
The Third Variable problem which has beaten scientists since 1901 (I made that date up, don’t go quoting yours truly!)

Example: “Exploring the link between daily screen time and anxiety in adolescents.”

🔗 Learn the secrets of building high-impact correlational studies. Enroll in our 3-Day Crash Course and walk the path with our psychology gurus!

❖ Quantitative Research

Perfect for psychologists looking to generalize findings, quantitative research is best for studies that call for measurable outcomes.

Possible Application:

The methodology of choice in experimental, correlational, and survey research
Since it relies heavily on statistical analysis, quantitative research is best for t-tests, ANOVA, regression, etc.

Best Used When:

Comparing group means
Tracking changes over time using longitudinal designs

Argument For:

Objective and scalable
Allows for hypothesis testing and replication

Argument Against:

In certain cases, quantitative research oversimplifies complex psychology phenomena
Assumes all variables are quantifiable

🔗 Ace SPSS and Data Interpretation with the upcoming “Statistics for Psychology Majors” workshop. See our dashboard notifications for dates and time.

❖ Qualitative Research

Psychologists exploring meaning, identity, or trauma from lived experiences for thematic insight will find qualitative methods irreplaceable. Just like I did some 17 years ago. Methodologies under qualitative research include:

Semi-structured interviews
Thematic analysis
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Strengths:

Offers a rich, narrative-based insight
Qualitative research is ideal for under-researched populations

Limitations:

Research results are hard to replicate
Relatively high potential for researcher bias

Example: “Exploring post-traumatic growth in war veterans using IPA.”

🔗 Writing a qualitative dissertation chapter? Buy cheap IPA Coding template from us!

❖ Mixed Methods are Best for Depth + Breadth!

Mixed research methods combine the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research. They’re, therefore, best for research that demands both depth and breath.

Structure:

Researchers use quantitative surveys for general trends
Later, they follow up with qualitative interviews to add context

Mixed research methods are recommended for:

Complex, real-world problems, And
Studies where both numerical data and contextual meaning are called for

Example: “Survey and diary study on the emotional effects of remote work on therapists.”

🔗 Learn how to design a dual-strategy study. Place an Order for a Mixed Methods Planning Guide here.

Evidence-Based Assessment & Psychometrics

If you’re working in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology, using validated instruments is the minimum best practice. Below are 3 Key elements of psychometric testing:

Reliability – Consistency across time and settings
Validity – Measures what it claims to measure
Standardization – Normed on a relevant population

Examples:

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
WAIS-IV for IQ Testing
MMPI-2 (Personality Inventory)

🔗 Need fast access to licensed psychological instruments? Unlock our Test Bank and Admin Guide TODAY!

A Decision Guide to Choose the Right Research Method

You’ve got the tools, but which method fits your study? Lemmie nudge you to decide like a pro…

Decision Matrix

Research Goal	Best Method	Example
To determine cause-effect	Experimental	Impact of therapy on PTSD symptoms
To explore personal experience	Qualitative (IPA)	Identity formation after divorce
To find associations	Correlational	Social media use vs. academic performance
To describe a phenomenon	Descriptive	Sleep habits of adolescents
To combine breadth and depth	Mixed Methods	Remote work effects on therapists’ well-being

🔗 Want a fillable version of this decision tool? Get customized Research Planner PDF Templates at a fraction of the cost!

Key Concepts That Shape Every Research Method

Whether you’re choosing experimental or descriptive designs, we have just the right expert to assist you. Our niche psychology research experts understand the mechanics behind making your essay shine with academic rigor. Here’s a sneak-peak:

Variables and Operational Definitions

Independent variable (IV): Manipulated variable
Dependent variable (DV): Measured outcome
Operational definitions: Specify exactly how variables are measured

Why it matters:

Enhances reproducibility
Reduces ambiguity
Improves ethical transparency

3 Key Sampling Techniques and Sample Designs

Random sampling: Every member has equal chance
Stratified sampling: Proportional representation
Convenience sampling: Easily accessible subjects

Factors to consider:

Sample size
Population diversity
Sampling bias

🔗 Don’t guess your sample size. Use this Psychology-Specific Sample Calculator for starters!

Major Ethical Considerations in Psychological Research

As future professionals, you must uphold ethical standards. Not just for IRB approvals, but to ensure human dignity and scientific credibility with every research!

Core Ethical Principles

Informed Consent ensures participants know what they’re signing up for
Confidentiality clauses keep personal participant data private and anonymized
Minimize Harm (physical and psychological risks must be addressed to the full)

⚖️ Landmark Ethical Cases to Study

Milgram’s obedience study taught the importance of emotional debriefing
Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment showcased the necessity of early intervention
Facebook Emotion Study (2014) raised concerns around online manipulation and consent in digital spaces

Modern Ethical Challenges

AI-generated data collection tools
Facial recognition in emotion tracking
Data scraping from social media without user knowledge and/or consent

🔗 If you’re planning a study with vulnerable populations, get our Ethics Approval Fast-Track Checklist

4 Emerging Trends in Psychological Research Methods

Psychology is no longer confined to clipboards and lab rats (someone lay a rose stem on Pavlov’s grave and send me the check!) The future is digitized, automated, and collaborative – and so are research methods in psychology.

💻 Online and Web-Based Research

Web platforms now support:

Virtual experiments using tools like PsyToolkit or Gorilla
Crowdsourced participants via Prolific or MTurk
Cyber ethnography for studying digital behavior

Strengths:

Fast data collection
Access to diverse (actually, global) samples

Caution:

Risk of inattentive participants
Consent processes need stronger UI/UX designs

🔗 Contemplating your first online study? Get Our Step-by-Step Web Research Manual

📊 Bayesian Analysis in Psychology

Bayesian methods are becoming a respected alternative to frequentist statistics in behavioral science. They characteristically:

Update probability as new data comes in
Are useful in small sample sizes or exploratory studies
Fit snugly with tools like bayes4psy (R package)

Applications:

Reaction time analysis
Psycholinguistics
Memory studies

🤖 AI and Automation in Research

Large Language Models (LLMs) and other AI tools now assist with:

Literature reviews
Variable operationalization
Hypothesis generation using causal graphs

Cautions:

AI lacks contextual understanding (it’s a bot, duh!)
Ethical issues in plagiarism and manipulation

🌍 Crowdsourced Psychological Science

Collaborative platforms like Open Science Framework (OSF) allow:

Real-time study replication
Peer-reviewed protocol uploads
Data transparency and reproducibility

Benefits:

Reduces “researcher degrees of freedom”
Promotes evidence-based assessment (EBA)

Psychology Research Methodology Limitations and What to Watch Out For

No method is perfect. But you’d do yourself good to avoid these pitfalls:

🚫 Common Errors

P-Hacking – Cherry-picking data to reach significance
Small Sample Sizes reduces generalizability
Unclear Operational Definitions leads to unreliable measures
Sampling Bias – Over- or under-representation of key groups

✅ Mitigation Tactics

Pre-register studies on OSF
Use pilot testing to validate tools

Apply blind coding in qualitative research

Use stratified random sampling when possible

🔗 Avoid career-killing research mistakes. Download a “What Not to Do” Psychology Checklist from our dashboard

GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning

GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning & Management

Are you a GIS student in the United States of America or Canada or United Arab Emirates? Then you need to consider application of GIS techniques in urban planning and management for your dissertation or thesis or capstone project.

In 2025, the role of GIS in urban planning & management can’t be over-celebrated. I mean ~ you’ve heard of the mythical London subway, or spent a lazy afternoon at a public park within your city. All that is resilient GIS urban planning and management at work! For example, Dickinson (Texas) are revitalizing their downtown with an ambitious vertical, mixed-use plan. Know what? some of the GIS expert in such teams sought GIS assignment help to assist with their GIS coursework for four years ~ ask them!

Did you even know the city of Portland (Oregon) is living proof of GIS-aided city planning and management? The initial zoning plan perfectly balances environmental preservation with urban developmental needs. Cool, huh?

So, What is this GIS Thing?

The most student-friendly explanation is “a tool that combines maps with data to solve real-world problems.” Geographic Information System (GIS) quietly changes the inhabited world through precision mapping, modelling, and meticulous geospatial data analysis. The gray-haired urban planner can’t hide their joy ditching the fossilized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for ultra-modern softwares like ArcGIS and QGIS according to Geo Week News.

Definition: GIS (Geographic Information System) is integration of various data sources into a single spatial platform enabling specialists to analyze complex relationships, visualize potential impacts, and make informed decisions regarding sustainable urban development, efficient infrastructure projects, and community planning.

(See an abridged list of American universities offering GIS qualifications here).

Why GIS?

The indispensable application of GIS in urban planning presents city planners with powerful data analysis / visualization capabilities for evidence-based decision-making. To counter complex urban challenges, GIS adds value in addressing zoning, environmental management, infrastructure development, and disaster management.

For this reason GIS professionals are highly sought worldwide in development of smart cities and future cities. By focusing your GIS dissertation/thesis/capstone in urban planning and city management you will be setting yourself to success and a high-paying career.

What does it take to succeed as a GIS professional in urban planning?

Be a graduate from an accredited institution in your region
Spatial and attribute data for the specific location you’re planning for (Hey, we’ll also help you collect GIS data! (You can hire our GIS assignment writer for assistance)
Computers and GPS devices fitted with software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

Benefits of Learning GIS for Students

GIS skills are in high demand across numerous industries, making it a priority value-addition to your academic toolkit. Here are 4 major benefits you’ll enjoy after bagging GIS-related credentials:

● Wider Career Opportunities

Urban planning & management, environmental consulting, private consultancy earning bundles of crisp Benjies in fees, and government institutions are some employers where GIS skills are in very high demand.

● Additional Academic Advantages

GIS can enhance research projects, theses, or dissertations – thereby adding to the existing authoritative literature. This comes with bonus academic advantages such as learning to concisely communicate ideas to an academic (or the general) audience.

● Skill Development

Interactions with GIS softwares gives you technical skills and proficiencies no school will ever teach you. Most trending data analysis tools will intuitively train you in soft skills like critical thinking and data-driven problem-solving.

● Networking

GIS, more than any other discipline, creates exclusive opportunities to connect with urban planning and management professionals. GIS conferences, workshops, and even their online communities are virgin minefields for trending practices, up-to-date tech innovations, and the most recent methodologies.

Expert Writing Help helps high-school graduates to write winning applications for those aspiring to join GIS-related programs. No school has ever turned down our expertly-crafted personal statements and statement of purposes!

GIS Dissertation Topics that Focuses on Urban Planning & Management in 2025

Are you a GIS student in Canada or United States? Below is a list of 5 prominent applications of GIS in urban planning that you can use for your GIS dissertation/ thesis or capstone projects.

➔ Land Use Planning

Students can use GIS to analyze and amend state zoning laws. We assisted a Brazilian student to write a dissertation proposing land use changes, little did they know it’d find a way to the heart of government policy! SUBSCRIBE now to enjoy top-of-the-table land use planning homework help!

➔ City Traffic Planning

Using GIS to model traffic flow and to design public transit routes, our previous clients have made footprints in UAE, Canadian, American, and European city transportation planning and management. Go on, PLACE AN ORDER and enjoy massive 2025 discounts!

➔ Environmental Management

In an era of “Going Green” and sustainable environmental management, our professional GIS consultants are willing to share their experience to students. Analyze urban green spaces, pollution levels, or climate change impacts in your coursework like a pro you’ll soon become! Contact Us TODAY for GIS assignment help in environmental management.

➔ Disaster Preparedness

What if the city planners in Los Angeles had been our alumni? Maybe, just maybe, our GIS experts would have conducted better risk assessment and emergency planning to avert the inferno. From Manila to urban centers located within ‘The Ring of Fire,’ you’re a CLICK away from support with GIS disaster management projects!

➔ Smart Cities

Explore IoT and GIS integration for futuristic urban planning like your counterparts involved in the legendary Dubai Smart City. Now that the Emirates one has been built, be a part of the next one in your region!

Check out the full list of our ArcGIS coursework assistance services here.

Other Applications of GIS in Urban Planning and City Management

Other functions of GIS in urban planning and city management include:

#1: GIS urban planning integrates and overlays multiple geospatial data layers e.g. zoning regulations, tectonic movement indicators, and population density to identify possible conflicts, geological patterns, or hotspots allowing for composite spatial analysis.

#2: City planners use GIS to track the location and condition of infrastructure such as roads, public utilities, and buildings. Infrastructural management prioritizes maintenance activities and isolates facilities requiring upgrades.

#3: Creating interactive maps that visualize urban dynamics in areas that need targeted interventions. GIS allows planners to visually represent urban trends like crime rates, population growth, and traffic patterns in real time. GIS-based planners share pertinent data with resident associations during public participation exercises to gather community input for every proposed project.

Specific Applications of GIS Techniques in Modern Urban Planning

Urban planners allocate proportionate resources using GIS-based conclusions that target the right populations after pinpointing the most prime location for such developments. Among the many activities of a GIS professional in urban planning and management are mapping, geospatial information analysis, and data visualisation & modelling. They do this through:

Identifying suitable development sites after analyzing factors like proximity to other services, land availability, ergonomic regulations, or environmental suitability.
Conducting impact assessment (social and environmental) for proposed projects to comply with municipal estate restrictions.
Tracking land use changes and monitoring urban growth patterns over time to establish city sections with rapid development needs.
Creating equitable access to social services in underserved areas through investments in essential services such as building healthcare, sanitation amenities, and educational institutions.

Fun Fact: The helmets different GIS scientists wear distinguishes their profession. See the image below and tick where you belong…

A chart depicting color codes for helmets and their respective reflective jackets (Source: PosterMyWall).

Reasons GIS Techniques are Integral in Urban planning

Unending cases of severe traffic congestion (rush-hour New York, is that you? Haha!)
Inadequate access to essential services leading to the growth of densely-populated slums and unplanned informal settlements that lack basic sanitation and infrastructure. Poor public health, inadequate water and sanitation, and absence of recreational parks are detrimental to city dwellers’ well-being.
Closely related to (2) above, poor planning and segregation leads to social exclusion / marginalization of whole communities. There’s evident disparity in access to quality housing, education, and healthcare between different socioeconomic groups.
Poor urban planning directly leads to high cost of living. For example, housing prices rise due to limited developable land which is in very high demand.
Environmental degradation and habitat loss, maturing into the dreaded ‘Urban Heat Island Effect.’ No wonder certain towns have higher urban temperatures ~ what with the lack of green spaces and excessively paved surfaces?
Cities planned without GIS face an increased risk of disasters. Fortunately, GIS software like QGIS or Google Earth Engine and datasets such as OpenStreetMap or NASA Earthdata can help alleviate this.

Important Factors to Consider in your GIS Dissertation Project in Urban Planning

Data quality, accuracy, and reliability heavily influences the meaningfulness of your GIS analysis.
Engage the community and involve stakeholders throughout the planning process by providing accessible GIS data tools.
Technical expertise ~ only skilled GIS professionals should manage or analyze complex spatial data.

What Future GIS Students Should Watch Out For

In 2025 and beyond, keep an eye out for the following:

AI and Machine Learning will be integrated into GIS for predictive analytics.
Real-Time GIS applications in smart cities and IoT.
Open Data, Crowdsourcing, and the growing importance of community-generated data will take center-stage.
3D GIS and Virtual Reality are emerging tools for visualizing urban environments and their time is now!

Common Challenges Students Face While Using GIS

The learning curve for GIS software e.g. ArcGIS and QGIS is quite techy for most students.
Finding accessible, reliable and affordable spatial data for GIS academic projects is a notorious uphill climb.
Balancing GIS projects with hard coursework, lectures, and still remaining with me-time is one hell of a migraine you don’t want to risk!

Useful resources for students struggling with GIS homework and projects

How To Create Map in ArcGIS Pro

Learn 10 Epic Difference Between ArcGIS and QGIS

16 Geoprocessing Tools To Use In GIS Homework Like GIS Pro

Practical Solution: To overcome the above challenges, Expert Writing Help is on the other end of the line 24/7/365 with discounted online GIS assignment writing assistance, tutorials, and unlimited access to authoritative data sources. We deliver A+ quality papers way before the submission deadline, avoiding unnecessary clashes with serious GIS faculty!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner

Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner

Before we go on, are you ready to prove your procurement skills at the international playground? Oh – I can hear your heart beating for the coveted MCIPS membership or Chartered Status. I wrote this step-by-step guide to writing CIPS corporate award practitioner to give you the much-needed headstart.

Every procurement professional taking this virtual (online) program may be ready for flexible arrangements and seminars. As for the assessed assignments such as CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner ~ well, you need us more than ever. This guide will make the daunting task of writing this all-important assignment manageable for professionals with a packed diary.

Did You Know?

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a modular, work-based learning program leading to a CIPS Diploma. Upon completion, procurement professionals qualify for MCIPS membership, a prerequisite for Chartered status.

Why the CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Matters

You’re probably wondering how the rigorous CIPS training will benefit you in the end. Over 50% of job ads for Supply Management in America quote a CIPS qualification OR continuing studies towards the same. Moreso, CIPS candidates build procurement professionalism, consequently helping businesses to reduce risk and deliver greater organizational value.

Why Buy CIPD Assignments from Us? We’ll Help You Rise Through the CIPS Ranks!

If you’re an apprentice who doesn’t wish to struggle with CIPS grades, you’ve made the right decision early in your study path. Below is what lurks ahead ~ but there’s absolutely no reason to freak out so long as you’re subscribed to our CIPS assignment help in Saudi Arabia

There are 6 distinct CIPS levels, and our expert assignment assistants are ready to support you with:

CIPS Level 2: Certificate in Procurement and Supply.
CIPS Level 3: Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. This is an entry-level apprentice position, specially designed for Procurement and Supply assistants.
CIPS Level 4: Diploma in Procurement and Supply, the most suitable qualification for becoming a Commercial Procurement and Supply officer. It is also the summit of CIPS apprenticeships and the start of professional procurement accreditation.
CIPS Level 5: Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply leading to MCPIS status.
CIPS Level 6: Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply, whose completion earns Chartered Member recognition.
CIPS Level 7: Executive Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management, the highest possible level of qualification.

Onboard Us to Overcome the Rigorous CIPS Corporate Award Assignment Requirements

Last January, we received an SOS order from a guy who flunked all 5 modules of Level 3. They couldn’t imagine retaking 8 core modules after every 12-14 months to complete their CIPS Level 7. Am happy to report here that Ahmed Sayegh al Zayed from UAE is preparing for the 2025 CIPS Level 5 March intake!

Onboard us today and relieve yourself from the tough CIPS assignments, leaving extra hours to battle professional chores and to live life!

What’s Expected of CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Students?

To successfully complete CIPS Level 3 for example, al Zayed had to:

Attend 100% of all online classes and seminars in 4 Core Modules and 1 Elective Module from the two available options.
Pass in all 30 Credits (six for every module) with a score not less than 70% in Objective Response (OR) tests.

Read more on CIPS Assessment Criteria and Grading Rubric here.

Complete 300 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT) distributed as follows:
200 Guided Learning hours
90 self-study hours, And
10 hours of computer-based exams.
Perform office duties at work and still create time for personal life. It’s hell of a roller-coaster, I tell you!

Stop wishing for a 13-month calendar year because it’s not happening in this life. Instead, outsource tough CIPS assignments. Click here to Place an Order TODAY!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Assignments

Prep like a pro and get started on the right foot with your CIPS corporate award practitioner assignment. Am confident this step-by-step guide, developed by the cream of our experts, will redefine how you write future CIPS assignments.

Step #1: Give it a Thorough Preparation

Start with picking the perfect project. You may also seek guidance on the ideal topic.
Use contemporary, ethical procurement practices to choose a category of spend that reflects your organization’s goals.
Do your homework. Review extensive (multi-disciplinary) and intensive literature on the chosen thesis statement. Before writing the first word, conduct a SWOT or PESTLE analysis of the title.
Gather your resources. Organize procurement policies, supplier records, and market research materials for your assignment. Budget time and finances. Estimate and allocate consultants or mentors their respective assignment tasks. List required software and tools.

Important Tip: Rely on programs like Tableau for data visualization and SurveyMonkey to analyze stakeholder feedback. MS Excel is good with quick spend analysis.

Step #2: Gather and Document Relevant Data

Select an appropriate category of spend within your company using organizational analysis tools. SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis, and other engagement strategies are good examples. You can gather relevant, documented data from:

Procurement policies and procedures.
Contractual agreements and supplier performance records.
Market research and benchmarking data.

Some helpful tools include Tableau or Power BI for visualizing organizational and market data.

Step #3: Bring Theory to Life: Develop the Assignment!

Always remember to keep the CIPS assignment structured. I’ve found the ideal structure to be:

Begin with a catchy introduction and set the background scene for the reader.
For the main body, submerge the audience in deep analysis of the spend profile, supplier market analysis, and discuss sourcing strategies. Explain contract development, negotiation and implementation plans, and risk mitigation / sourcing strategies.
The conclusion summarizes and justifies recommendations. Make this section sharper than a chef’s cleaver!

Tip: Blend Contract Management Strategies Theory with Practice!

Learn how to use frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces or the Kraljic Matrix. Weave in real-world examples and case studies, but keep to CIPS ethical standards and professional best practices. Tools to help you shine include Miro, Monday.com, Jira, Google Scholar, and Lucidchart.

Step #4: Review, Refine, and Submit

It’s an academic norm to have someone proofread your CIPS assignment for clarity, coherence, and concise statement of facts. Refine the paper and check keenly for compliance with the assignment guidelines. Source feedback from peers, software, your CIPS mentor, or professor.

Prepare for potential revisions based on assessor feedback. I recommend tools like Copyleaks, Calendly, Turnitin, and Hemingway App to create simple, impactful content that scores highly on readability. Only submit the CIPS assignment for evaluation if it can’t be improved further!

Also see CIPS Practitioner Corporate Award Assignment Example

Bonus Tips to Ace Procurement and Supply Chain Management Assignments

Make use of trending digital technology. Forums such as LinkedIn Groups, Quora forums, professional Reddit CIPS Communities, are the best to connect with practicing professionals. Coursera and edX offer supplementary online courses.
Stay organized and keep to strict assignment timelines. Try apps like Trello or Asana to manage overlapping deadlines.
For organizing references and citations, I recommend Zotero.

Psssstttt: Our databases overflow with recommended CIPS reading and reference materials. You can also access CIPS learning resources and support services here.

Do Things the Pro Way!

After checking the “Write My CIPS Assignment” tab, our experienced writing team immediately starts with the intricate job. To deliver an illustrious CIPS assignment that’ll win our clients A+ grades, we do things the pro way. Here’s a simplified order process:

Place an order on our easy-to-use interface, giving exclusive order details. We urge our clients to upload the whole assessment brief in confidence since our platform has multiple security layers. We need order-specific data such as word count and formatting guidelines from the instructions.
Make a payment using a convenient, secure payment method from the provided list. Ours is the most affordable CIPS assignment writing service in KSA for the quality. We also have a working refund policy ~ you’ll never lose your money with us!
We scramble a writing team for your order. As early as this stage, we assign expert niche writers, editors, and proofreaders for your order!
The task team breaks down the assignment requirements and communicates a phased timeline to the client. You can easily track the progress of an order at any writing stage.
We dispatch a research team to review the literature in key assignment focus areas such as sourcing, contracts, supplier management, and driving value. We want to use only the most current CIPS evidence for the order.
The writing team takes over. You don’t have to worry about stringent CIPS assessment criteria like content clarity, concurrence with professional procurement practices, and ethical considerations.
The leader of the writing team hands the final manuscript to line editors and proofreaders. Any slight errors that escaped the scribes are sifted out by our hawk-eyed CIPS perfectionists.
Our tech geeks run your assignment through the latest AI detectors and current versions of anti-plagiarism The TurnItIn report you get alongside the final paper comes free of charge.
Days before the submission deadline, we’ll deliver a final copy ready for submission after getting a second opinion from practicing consultants. Go through it, and if you feel there’s a need for revision, feel free to tell us immediately. We’ll gladly do it at no extra charge!
Ask your mentor what they think of the assignment. They’re going to commend you on finally becoming a model for CIPS academic writing. If you or your mentor can get others to sign up, we’ll give you a hefty discount on the next order!
Hand in your CIPS assignment through your center’s member dashboard.
You can now remind the travel agent that your vacay is due in a few weeks. A day after the A+ list of your year’s CIPS is released, kindly leave a Review on our website!

Also read

CIPS: How To Progress Procurement Career in Dubai

PRISMA Framework for Systematic Literature Review

The most prominent systematic literature reviews (SLRs) for healthcare research in 2024 is the PRISMA framework for systematic literature review. The role of identifying, synthesizing, and evaluating review results for evidence-based studies is best left to a PRISMA statement.

In healthcare research, PRISMA is an acronym for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. It’s a 27-item checklist designed to help clinical research authors improve transparency in their systematic literature reviews. A PRISMA statement elaborately covers aspects of a manuscript including the title, introduction, abstract, approaches, findings, discussion, and funding models.

The Four Key Elements of a PRISMA Framework

For a systematic literature review to record success, it should manifest these four key traits:

A well-formulated, specific question.
A reproducible methodology that avoids bias.
Sources review data from multiple databases.
An inclusion and exclusion criteria that is standard and predetermined.

From 1986 to 2024: A Brief History of PRISMA SLR Framework

The earliest known form of the PRISMA framework dates back to April 23rd, 1986, in Lima. A multidisciplinary group of researchers set the threshold for evidence-based reporting to assess the benefits and dangers of healthcare interventions. We’ve chronic childhood malnutrition and its risk factors to thank for this ingenious SLR!

The Swift Evolution of PRISMA SLR

A 29-man group of research methodologists, review authors & editors, consumers, practicing clinicians, and medical journal publishers developed PRISMA in 2005. After a three-day meeting and electronic correspondence, they drew a 27-item checklist and flow diagram to review literature evidence.

Ever since, there have been consented extensions notably in 2009, 2015, and 2020. There are adaptations as young as 2024; with future prospects of further extensions to cater for emerging clinical research needs.

Notable Updates in PRISMA Statement

Adjustments in previous PRISMA statements feature enhancements such as:

Tailored diagrams for updated reviews.
Additional scoping reviews.
Flexibility to account for evolving methodologies.

Some common extensions and adaptations of PRISMA since 2015 include:

#1: PRISMA-P

These adjustments are protocol-specific. PRISMA-P, as published in 2015, aimed at facilitating the development and reporting of systematic review protocols.

#2: PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)

Scoping reviews helps to justify a systematic review of the literature. The intent is to help readers develop an understanding of core concepts, relevant terminology, and key items to report.

#3: PRISMA-S

This adjustment focuses on the unique role of information specialists and librarians in literature searches’ reproducibility.

#4: PRISMA DTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) Studies

The main objective is reinforcing diagnostic and specific requirements of reporting for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (test accuracy studies) in abstracts.

#5: Outcome Measurement Instruments (OMIs) and COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) Initiatives

Previous PRISMA statements missed key outcome information in published reports. This extension aims to plug those leaks.

How Beneficial are PRISMA Guidelines to Healthcare Research?

Of all available SLRs, PRISMA is taunted as the most efficient, trustworthy, and with the highest reproducibility rates. The other five major benefits of using this SLR include:

PRISMA framework has the highest scientific merit of all meta-analyses/ scientific review models due to its high transparency.
Most scholarly journals endorse and reference the PRISMA statement in their guidelines to clinical research authors.
PRISMA reviews identify and prioritize future nursing research.
Addresses questions and deficiencies that individual studies under other SLRs miss.
PRISMA statements generate and evaluate theories on why and how medical phenomena occur.

Question: Can I Use the PRISMA Framework for Qualitative Healthcare Research?

Answer: Yes. The PRISMA statement contribution to existing knowledge necessitates its application in systematic literature review checklists for qualitative clinical data analysis.

The Components of a PRISMA Framework

The PRISMA framework for systematic literature review has three main components:

A checklist with 27 elements.
A four-phase flow diagram, And
An elaborate explaining document.

The PRISMA (2020) Checklist and Explanation Document

The table below details the 27 key elements of a PRISMA (2020) checklist. There’s also an expanded column that details updated reporting recommendations for each item.

Section and Topic	Item #	Checklist Item	Location (Where Item is Reported)
TITLE
Title	1	Identifies report as a systematic review
ABSTRACT
Abstract	2	See Abstracts checklist
INTRODUCTION
Rationale	3	Rationale for review in context of existing knowledge
Objectives	4	Explicit statement of objective(s) or question(s)
METHODS
Eligibility Criteria	5	Inclusion and exclusion criteria, how studies are grouped for syntheses
Information Sources	6	Databases, registers, websites, organizations, reference lists, or other sources. State date of last search / consultation
Search Strategy	7	Search strategies, filters and limits used.
Selection Process	8	Inclusion criteria assessment methods, retrieved report / record / data’s independent reviewers, and automation tools used
Data Collection Process	9	Data collection methods, obtaining / reviewing / confirming data from investigators, and any automation tools used
Data Items	10a	List and define outcomes for which data were sought
Data Items	10b	List and define variables e.g. participant & intervention characteristics and funding sources. Describe assumptions about missing or unclear information
Study Risk of Bias Assessment	11	Specify methods of assessing risk of bias including tool(s) used, reviewers who assessed each study, if they worked independently, and automation tools used
Effect Measures	12	Specific outcome effect measure(s) such as risk ratio or mean difference in results synthesis or presentation
Synthesis Methods	13a	Describe processes that decided which studies were eligible for each synthesis e.g. (tabulate study intervention characteristics against planned groups (See #5)
	13b	Explain data preparation methods for presentation / synthesis. Include information such as handling missing summary statistics and data conversions
	13c	Describe tabulation methods or visual displays of results in individual studies and syntheses
	13d	Describe methods used to synthesize results and rationalize choices. Describe the model(s), method(s) to identify the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity, and software package(s) used in meta-analysis
	13e	Methods used to explore possible causes of heterogeneity among results e.g. subgroup analysis and meta-regression
	13f	Describe sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of synthesized results
Reporting Bias Assessment	14	Methods used to assess risk of bias due to missing results in a synthesis arising from reporting biases
Certainty Assessment	15	How to assess certainty (or confidence) in the body of evidence for an outcome
RESULTS
Study Selection	16a	Describe results of search and selection process from the number of records identified in the search to the number of studies included in review, ideally using a flow diagram
Study Selection	16b	Cite studies that meet the inclusion criteria, but which were excluded, and explain why they were excluded
Study Characteristics	17	Cite each included study and present its characteristics
Risk of Bias in Studies	18	Present assessments of risk of bias for each included study
Results of Individual Studies	19	For all outcomes, present: (a) summary statistics for each group (b) An effect estimate and its precision e.g. Confidence /credible interval using structured tables or plots
Results of Syntheses	20a	For each synthesis, briefly summarize the characteristics and risk of bias among contributing studies
	20b	Present results of statistical syntheses conducted
	20c	Results of investigations of possible causes of heterogeneity among study results
	20d	All sensitivity analysis to assess robustness of synthesized results
Reporting Biases	21	Assessments of risk of bias due to missing results (arising from reporting biases) for each synthesis assessed
Certainty of Evidence	22	Present assessments of certainty in the body of evidence for each outcome assessed
DISCUSSION
Discussion	23a	Provide interpretation of results in context of other evidence
	23b	Discuss limitations of evidence in the review
	23c	Limitations of the review processes used
	23d	Implications of results on practice, policy, and future research
OTHER INFORMATION
Registration and Protocol	24a	Registration information for the review, including register name and registration number, or state that the review wasn’t registered
	24b	Indicate where the review protocol can be accessed, or state that a protocol was not prepared
	24c	Describe amendments to information provided at registration or in the protocol
Support	25	Describe sources of financial or non-financial support for the review, and role of funders in the review
Competing Interests	26	Declare any competing interests of review authors
Availability of Data, Code and Other Materials	27	Report which of the following are publicly available and where: template data collection forms; data extracted from included studies; data used for all analyses; analytic code; other materials used in the review.

Fig 1.1 : An adapted PRISMA (2020) Framework Checklist

( Source: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71 )

The PRISMA Flow Diagram

Fig 1.2: The PRISMA Flow Diagram ( Image: Courtesy)

A PRISMA diagram has two main parts: a flow diagram and a checklist. A checklist has specific items that ensure transparency and completeness in the literature review report. The flow diagram is a visual representation of the search processes and criteria, from identification to inclusion or exclusion.

The Article in Summary

To make a systematic review valuable to its consumers, authors should prepare an accurate, complete, systematic, and transparent literature review. PRISMA statements account for what, how, and why the review was done and the outcomes.

The 27-item PRISMA 2020 checklist provides updated reporting guidance for systematic literature reviews. It reflects advances in identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis methods of medical studies.

PRISMA is likely to evolve in response to new research methodologies, including AI and machine learning. We anticipate that adjustments will benefit authors, peer reviewers, editors, guideline developers, patients, policy makers, and healthcare providers to optimize their practice. This article hopes for broader use and wider adoption in diverse academic fields beyond clinical research.

Glossary of Literary Terms

Systematic Literature Review (SLR): The academic practice of connecting the research topic to existing knowledge.

Reporting Guidelines: A term in systematic literature review linked to the purpose of PRISMA statements in ensuring structured and complete reporting.

Risk of Bias: A measure of assessing the study’s quality and transparency.

Protocol Registration: Pre-registration of systematic literature reviews for transparency and adherence to legislative / ethical standards.

PRISMA Extensions: Specialized adjustments such as PRISMA-P, PRISMA-ScR, and PRISMA-S for modern systematic literature reviews.

Preferred Reporting Items: Another term for topic relevance in a literature review.

Methodological Rigor: The emphasis on a structured, intensive approach in conducting reviews.

Research Validity: The trustworthiness and reliability of research methodology or its outcomes.

Search Strategy Documentation: Important for extracting systematic review details, especially in PRISMA-S.

Outcome Reporting Bias: A specific type of bias PRISMA addresses, useful in NLP models detecting bias patterns.

Knowledge Translation: The PRISMA framework indirectly contributes to this concept by promoting clear and standardized reporting of findings.

How to Write Evidence Synthesis for DNP

There’s enough inbox requests on how to write evidence synthesis for DNP this past year to patch this article. Seems faculty heads are rolling eyes behind badly-scripted DNP literature, integrative, and scoping reviews more than any other annual averages. Before another instructor cusses, I’ll save your hide with this comprehensive, evidence-based practice information synthesis guide.

The Best Evidence Synthesis Methodologies (2025)

An evidence synthesis for DNP capstone papers refer to a succinctly distilled summary of appraised empirical literature, whether quantitative or qualitative. Its main purpose, according to Terri A. and Karen H’s 2018 paper, is to guide recommendations for practice improvement. Although content clarity is emphasized, nurse students should also outline and present their review in an easy-to-follow format.

And that’s where expertwritinghelp.com comes knocking with the best online DNP evidence synthesis writing service!

Want to gather the best background data from divergent sources and disciplines in support of your DNP project’s thesis statement? Contact Us NOW for the most accurate, current, and affordable DNP evidence synthesis writing help!

There’s a whole list of ways to organize and structure key findings from research studies methodically such as the Critical Interpretive Synthesis. In this article, I’ll expose final-year DNP students to 3 major methodologies, namely:

★ Cochrane’s ‘Summary of Findings’ Table

The 2023 Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice evaluation table expands Cochrane’s concept of a DNP project’s ‘summary of findings’ evidence table. However, most DNP students undertaking evidence-based practices using the Cochrane library raise concerns with its comprehension and result presentation. Yet others squawk about the imbalance of precision and simplicity.

Many scholars format Cochrane’s presentation summary either as a traditional abstract, infographics, a podcast, plain-language summaries, or podcast transcriptions. Each format suits different DNP projects and results in the individual audience’s best understanding of the literature review.

A summary of findings table has debatable differences in measures of acceptability (reading experience and user-friendliness) for different med schools.

★ V. R. Bowden’s (2022) DNP Literature Review Strategy

If you closely read the Literature Review section of Pediatric Nursing, 48(2) at pages 97~98, you’ll find 3 distinct DNP-EBP project evidence synthesis styles namely:

Scoping Reviews
Literature Review Summaries, And
Integrative Reviews.

DNP academia isn’t clear on the best evidence summary format from the above three styles. This is because choosing a guideline development heavily depends on the target audience for the individual capstone project report.

★ Mixed Method Systematic Reviews

Lastly, I recommend the mixed methods systematic reviews (MMSR) approach. This is a personal favorite since it offers a deeper understanding of the pre-study findings. Also, a researcher can easily catch evidence discrepancies while using a variety of methods rather than a singular synthesis technique.

Further, mixed method systematic reviews pinpoint how quantitative randomised controlled trials (such as cluster, parallel, stepped-wedge, and crossover) or qualitative research will focus on particular areas of interest in the final report.

11 Golden Steps You Shouldn’t Miss While Writing a DNP Evidence Synthesis

To make things super-easy for you, I’ve chronicled 11 golden steps you shouldn’t miss while writing a DNP evidence synthesis.

Step 0: Start with Developing a Solid Protocol

At this stage, rationalize the hypothesis and lay down a methodology framework plan. A planning worksheet for structured literature reviews ensures empirical transparency, reproducibility, and reduction of bias. Include a protocol template and checklist in the first few pages of your DNP project paper such as PRISMA framework for systematic literature review.

A 27-item Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist ideally covers the title, abstract, methods, results, discussion, and funding.

See Also: PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and PRISMA Extension for Network Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-NMA).

Step 1: Design and Develop Practical Project Research Question(s)

After identifying a knowledge gap in your DNP specialty, the next step is formulating a clear, well-defined research question. From a practical research question, identify 2~5 possible search concepts for the strategy discussed under (Step 3).

Use a research question framework to structure your evidence synthesis question. Here are 4 most common DNP project research question development frameworks:

❖ PICO for a Quantitative DNP Project

The research question is based on these metrics:

P (Population / Problem)

I (Intervention / Exposure)

C (Comparison)

O (Outcome).

For example, “Is gabapentin (Intervention) better at decreasing pain symptoms (Outcome) than placebo (Comparison) in middle-aged male amputees suffering phantom limb pain (Population)?”

❖ PICO for Qualitative DNP Projects

Contrary to quantitative studies, PICO for qualitative DNP projects stands for:

P – Population / Problem.

I – Phenomenon of Interest.

Co – Context.

Sample DNP project research question: “What are the experiences (Phenomenon of interest) of American (Context) caregivers providing home-based nurse services to Alzheimer’s patients (Population)?”

❖ SPIDER

This strategy covers 5 major elements of a DNP project evidence synthesis, namely:

S: Sample.

PI: Phenomenon of Interest.

D: Design.

E: Evaluation.

R: Study Type.

Example of a SPIDER-founded practical research question: “Evaluating the experiences (Evaluation) of Caucasian women (Sample) undergoing IVF treatment (Phenomenon of Interest) as assessed in Canada.”

❖ SPICE

Lastly, the 5-way SPICE model wholesomely addresses the project question under these components: Setting, Perspective, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Evaluation.

Example: “What are the benefits (Evaluation) of a doula (Intervention) for low income mothers (Perspective) in the developed world (Setting) compared to complete non-support (Comparison)?”

Step 2: Pick Out All the Grey Literature

Although not peer-reviewed, gray literature presents valuable information that’s critical when synthesizing and evaluating available research evidence. You may consider non-academic or not-for-money literature published by organizations or individuals.

Any clinical literature from graduate dissertations, newsletters, government / NGO reports, conference proceedings, and unpublished clinical trials makes for gray literature. The following are some databases where a DNP student can source gray literature:

OpenGrey
Conference proceedings like CINAHL
Thesis databasesg EThOS
Other open sources such as Overton and trade magazine editorials.

Whenever you include gray literature in your evidence synthesis, document where you’re searching including the resource name, search strategies, specific URL, search terms, and the date. Also, strictly adhere to inclusion and exclusion criteria when selecting gray sources.

Step 3: Note Down a Workable Search Strategy

Writing down a workable search strategy takes intimate knowledge of bibliographic databases equivalent to our expert writers. We use the Boolean logic as an important component of writing your DNP project’s search strategy. When you Order DNP project evidence synthesis, we help you design a comprehensive search strategy across a variety of healthcare databases.

An Example of an Evidence Synthesis Search Strategy

Research Question: What are the health benefits and safety of folic acid fortification of wheat and maize flour (i.e. alone or in combination with other micronutrients) on folate status and health outcomes in the overall population, compared to wheat or maize flour without folic acid (or no intervention)?

Search Strategy: Key concepts from the question combined with AND: (folic acid) AND (fortification).

Protocol on PROSPERO.

Published systematic review for this question with search strategies used in 14 databases.

Step 4: Translate the Search Strategy

The DNP project paper requires the nurse student to search multiple databases, but not all research vaults accept the same search syntax. Every database has inbuilt, specialized search languages. Therefore, keywords for a DNP project evidence synthesis search strategy should be translated to pull similar empirical evidence between databases.

For example, a research question like “What is the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplements in reducing morbidity in pregnant women with HIV infection?” can have the following ‘searchable’ terms:

Key Concept 1 Distilled Terms: B12, Cobalamin, B 12.
Key Concept 2 Distilled Terms: Pregnancy, Pregnant, Gestate, Gestation, Gestational.
Key Concept 3 Distilled Terms: HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Distilled Search Strategy: (B12 OR “B 12” OR cobalamin) AND (pregnan* OR gestat*) AND (HIV OR “human immunodeficiency virus”)

Examples of Search Syntax Translation Resources

Polyglot (translates search strings across multiple databases).
MEDLINE Transpose for translating MEDLINE (PubMed) searches to / from MEDLINE (Ovid)
Cochrane’s Database Syntax Guide for multiple database keyword translation.

Step 5: Register the Framework Protocol

Prior to conducting the full-blown DNP project evidence synthesis, first register your protocol. Registration improves research reproducibility and transparency, reduces bias, and ensures other project teams don’t duplicate your research efforts. Online protocol registration collaborates, documents, archives, registers, and shares your DNP research project, data extraction forms, and study materials.

Some software tools to connect and support research workflow includes:

Open Science Framework (OSF) connects and supports multidisciplinary research workflow. You can also pre-register a systematic review protocol and share Zotero library documents.

PROSPERO, an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care, doesn’t accept scoping reviews. The protocol records key DNP project review features and maintains a permanent online record. PROSPERO works best with Public Health, Education, Health and Social Care, Welfare, Crime, International Development, and Justice.

Step 6: Explain the Evidence Synthesis Citation Management Procedures

Once you’ve finished translating the DNP project search strategy to conform with each database’s syntax, the next step is to run the search. Next, export and save the search results in BibTeX, MEDLINE, RIS, or XML file format. Lastly, import the file information into a citation management program such as Endnote, Zotero or Mendeley.

A citation management software organizes and stores and all quoted evidence during screening. It further duplicates results and automatically formats in-text citations and bibliographies ready for your manuscript.

Step 7: Data Extraction

Establish a regimented data extraction approach / tools depending on the type and amount of DNP empirical evidence needed for your project. Most nurse student researchers we assist often prefer a table or a form to capture data for later analysis or summary.

Data extraction methodologies use electronic databases such as:

The most common data extraction tools in 2024 are:

Systematic Review Toolbox
Excel
RevMan
JBI Sumari (Joanna Briggs Institute System for the United Management, Assessment and Review of Information)
DistillerSR
Covidence

Step 8: Screen your DNP Project Evidence Synthesis Article

Article screening plucks unrelated studies from your DNP project topic and research question by using your abstract’s inclusion or exclusion criteria. Once you’re through screening the title and abstract, retrieve the full text and definitely decide whether your DNP-EBP fits the eligibility criteria of the draft synthesis.

Here, you may use tools such as:

Covidence
Rayyan, and
Excel

Step 9: Address the Risk of Bias Assessment

A DNP project evidence synthesis’s quality assessment (aka the critical appraisal) helps researchers to establish the transparency of evidence synthesis findings and results. Conduct a risk of bias assessment for every included study in your review. This eliminates individual study findings’ conclusion bias, for example design flaws that trigger ‘overestimation of intervention effect’ questions.

Important Note!

Scoping reviews DON’T include a risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane Handbook.

You may present the risk of bias assessment in a table format, clearly depicting the strengths of each study and how it relates to multiple quality criteria. If a high percentage of reviewed studies have a high bias risk, be cautious when interpreting or using those results for your DNP evidence synthesis!

Step 10: Finally, Map, Synthesize, and Describe the Literature Review Results

You may present the main findings of your DNP project evidence synthesis through a number of ways including:

Use meta-analysis for homogenous evidence synthesis studies.
Narrative (descriptive) synthesis is the best approach to format literature review results where a student uses dissimilar studies.
Recently, major med schools prefer meta-synthesis for qualitative DNP project research. This is mostly due to the rigid processes underpinning meta-analysis and the likelihood of descriptive synthesis bias from its subjective nature.

Whether a DNP project evidence synthesis is qualitative or quantitative, I recommend you use a PRISMA Flow Diagram. The many adaptations in this evidence synthesis method is handy for audiences struggling with meta-analysis or systematic review components.

Still Can’t Make Head or Tail of DNP Evidence Synthesis Writing?

Your local librarian can only help you as much. You may also try to engage statisticians for data synthesis, but they will burn a crater in your wallet. expertwritinghelp.com will help you write this section of your DNP capstone paper ready for publication at a fraction of the cost.

Contact our writers 24/7/365 customer care TODAY and cement your DNP project’s evidence synthesis with search process clarity and transparency!

5 Signs You Need to Hire DNP Project Writer

The diagnosis is out, and here are 5 signs you need to hire DNP writer NOW! Every nurse student needs a professional DNP assignment writing service if they’re to pass the hard DNP coursework. Believe you me, it doesn’t get better than this!

Everybody can write, right? Wrong! Like cooking, just because you can scramble eggs doesn’t make you some Michelin-star chef. We’ve handpicked the best expert nursing paper writers with tons of niche DNP experience.

There’s a long list of DNP practitioners from the 14 disciplines on our CONSULTANTS speed-dial. We’ll also let you in on a limitless vault of nursing scholarly papers for the literature review.

DNP Scholarly Writing is Especially Rigorous

During my med school days, nothing scared the daylights out of us like DNP scholarly writing. Most of our clients cite 7 key challenges, including:

The DNP world can do with more protocol development trainers for quality improvement (QI) projects, especially at the design stage.
Defining a practice gap is very difficult. Don’t try it solo, you’ll surely fail! Contact us NOW for an insightful analysis of existing healthcare literature!
It’s also hard to identify and access DNP project sites. Securing a credible and dependable practicing mentor is an even bigger headache.
Let’s be honest: we’ve limited academic faculty support at the DNP project’s implementation stage. Throw in strict submission timelines plus a limited budget, and you’ve perfectly described disaster.
There’s as many evaluation criteria for DNP projects as are medical schools. Seems we’ll wait for another couple centuries before everybody reaches a consensus.
Newbies fumble with both the choice and use of QI measurement tools at the DNP project evaluation stage.
Other major challenges hindering successful completion of DNP projects include:
Choosing the best scholarly writing format
Problems with referencing techniques
Inability to develop practical research question(s) and an unsuitable DNP project topic choice
Inadequate faculty preparation, and
Presenting a sustainable, evidence-based practice research.

We offer tailored solutions to every DNP student who presses “ORDER NOW” including:

We supplement faculty support by offering intensive DNP project training and mentorship at no extra charge.
Expert writers who integrate tech tools with practical strategies to support your framework plans and the overall organization of the DNP project.
A task team for every order we receive, making sure your professor doesn’t wait for the DNP project paper submission.

GET YOUR DNP CAPSTONE PROJECT PAPER WRITTEN TODAY. HIRE A WRITER HERE.

5 Instances When You Need to Hire a Professional DNP Project Writer

Early on at lower medical levels, healthcare students can get away with average quality papers. Things turn immediately after DNP school; writing exceptional academic coursework is the rule. Topic choice mistakes, embarrassing misspells, or misrepresentation of medical facts, and citation errors will lead to heavy academic consequences.

After careful observation, here’s 5 warning signs that you need to hire a professional DNP project writer.

Scenario #1: A Looming Submission Deadline

Nurse school coursework, the endless lectures, ward rotations, and personal obligations can make you lose both time and your mind. As a rule, never allow a professor to hunt you down college hallways for delaying a DNP project paper. Instead of trusting scammers who’ll fail you at the last minute, press here and get timely, professional DNP practicum help.

Stop praying for a 26-hour-day because it’s not going to happen. Instead, quickly dial our experienced writing team. We let you focus on other pressing matters as we efficiently handle the DNP-EBP, ensuring timely delivery despite the constricting timelines!

We’ve delivered an A+ DNP project paper from scratch in a record 72 hours, and yours will be a top priority! Get a quotation for your DNP project NOW.

Scenario #2: When Colleagues, Mentors, or Third Party Consultants Recommend Decisive Editing for Your First Draft

While rewriting may look like an easy thing, it’s the most intensive part of any DNP project paper. Luckily, we have hawk-eyed DNP editors and proofreaders who are native English speakers. These guys will polish your grammar to a high shine and frisk your first draft for field-specific informational inconsistencies. The result is a DNP capstone paper that screams excellence.

Our proofreaders, editors, and writers will create a new edge on your DNP project paper. Engage us today and let your DNP practicum submission click with the audience. If your DNP project paper needs redesigning, connect to our 24/7/365 help desk immediately!

Scenario #3: Some DNP Students Just Have to Hire a Writer

Let’s face it: there is a crowd out there that can’t put an academic paper together. You’re most welcome to buy a cheap custom DNP project paper instead of delegating. Any number of reasons could lead you to our inbox for nursing capstone help, including:

You’re stuck in a rut, and there’s no time for serious academic writing.
You don’t have fresh ideas, there’s no energy left in you, or writing just ain’t your thing. This doesn’t mean you’re incapable or are a lazy bum ~ DNP students are also human!
Previous experiences with your masters and undergraduate scholarly writing tells you to hire a pro for the big one. We pride ourselves in providing the most affordable, premium DNP writing

Scenario #4: Your Grades are at Stake

This one is a no-brainer. There’s no reason you should knowingly deny yourself an A+ grade, not at this level! A properly-written DNP project paper earns you top marks, much-deserved academic respect, and contributes to healthcare literature.

Our team of highly specialized niche writers know every trick to wow your assessor. A pro writer will help put your evidence-based research atop the class with duplicable, ethical, practical, and sustainable findings. Beyond assistance with writing the DNP capstone project paper, we help with viva voce preps.

Scenario #5: You Can’t Write Without Using AI

Yet another reason you should holla me immediately! An assessor sulks whenever they taste AI in a serious academic piece such as a DNP project paper. Methinks AI is for the plain lazy, and should feature in the infamous “academic integrity fails” together with plagiarism and poor referencing.

Nowadays, everyone seems to want some machine or bot to do things for them. However, professors want to read a human behind the screen, not some dry AI-generated stuff. Oh, you shouldn’t use GPT to make a DNP project paper outline (even if you indicate so in the bibliography).

One Last Reason You Should Hire Us

For the unlucky few whose DNP project papers were returned unmarked, there must’ve been glaring errors. It may be a diamond in the dirt, why not bring it to the jeweller for cutting and polishing? Subscribe to our DNP writing service today and let’s stencil your name in healthcare’s hall of fame!

Hire a Professional DNP Project Writer Today!

If you exhibit any or all of the 5 signs above, you need to hire a DNP project writing assistant immediately! Hiring a professional DNP project paper writing service is just what you’ve been missing. You have enough on the tray already, so let a DNP-qualified healthcare writer shoulder the heavy burden!

Get in touch TODAY and start polishing your shoes for graduation day!

Pathways to Becoming a DNP Nurse Practitioner in Canada and USA

So many clinicians write to us wanting to know the pathways to becoming a DNP nurse practitioner in Canada and USA. In this article, we’ll see seven different routes, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the duration of each course. I’ll go one further with tips to survive DNP school and how to translate into a medical doctor (MD).

Are you ready? Read through this guide and make an informed decision about your DNP aspirations!

Also read: Reasons to Earn DNP Degree

Let’s Start with Application for a DNP Program

According to AACN, American and Canadian medical schools admit their DNP nurse candidates from wide study and professional backgrounds. These steps will scrub you if a DNP program is in your aspirations:

Choose a university or a medical college AND the specific DNP course of your interest.
Check the enrollment eligibility criteria for the chosen school’s DNP program.
If you meet the thresholds, write a formal application. According to the chosen institution, a DNP application document may include;
A curriculum vitae.
A clear DNP goal statement.
Previous academic transcripts.
Certified copies of your nurse practitioner license.
Reliable references or recommendation letters.
Any other on-demand proof to ascertain your academic and skill levels.
Attend and pass an interview; either in-person or online.
The faculty’s Admissions Review Committee stage sifts your application through a fine sieve.
Once you’re approved, grab your books and join the qualified few for DNP lectures!

Common Admission Requirements for DNP

If you want to upgrade your nursing skills or career in Canada and the USA, do a CCNE– or ACEN-accredited DNP course. But before that, there’s the little matter of admission requirements and eligibility criteria.

Note that these admission requirements vary with universities, enrollment pathways, or the chosen DNP program. However, certain academic and skill expectations are fairly consistent, including:

#1: Most medical colleges only admit students to DNP programs if they’re MSN-qualified (Master of Nursing Science). A growing number is taking Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) graduates directly into the DNP program. For skipping MSN, the latter take applicants through additional (bridging) coursework.

#2: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.5 ( grade B or better), with evidence of core nursing courses and statistics. Keep in mind AP credits are NOT acceptable.

#3: Some schools need to see your GRE scores, require a specific minimum GPA, and ask for recommendation letters besides the nursing licensure. Other institutions require DNP applicants to pass a background clinical placement check before letting you in.

Note: Whereas the GRE Score isn’t a mandatory admission requirement, many institutions would rather you submit it!

So, How Long Before I Graduate?

Depending on the program you choose and the pathway, a DNP can take anywhere from two years to four years. The table below shows the average completion times for different DNP entry pathways:

Entry Pathway and Mode of Study	Pre-graduation Requirements	Average Entry to Graduation Time
From MSN to Leadership-focused DNP (Online, Hybrid, or In-person)	– Coursework in health systems and practice – DNP capstone project	2 Years
In-person, Hybrid, or Online MSN to Clinical APRN	– Core DNP curriculum – DNP project – Specialized coursework – Clinical hours (fixed) – Licensure exam(s) in your specialty	2 – 4 Years
Online and Hybrid BSN to DNP	– DNP coursework – Specialty coursework – Clinical hours (flexible) – Licensure assessment – Capstone Project	3 years full-time, and upto 6 years part-time (depending on candidate or online institutional scheduling)
Direct Entry Programs (Online, Physical, Hybrid)	– Bridging coursework – Core nursing coursework – Specialty coursework, Licensure tests, and Clinical hours (where applicable) – DNP capstone project	4 years (minimum)

Fig 1.1: A table showing estimated graduation time against different DNP pathways in Canada and USA. (Source: AACN)

8 Pathways to Becoming a DNP Nurse Practitioner in Canada and USA

These 7 routes depend on the degree(s) you have; and the status (or lack thereof) of your nursing license. Whether you’re looking to improve your salary, change careers, or specialize in a nursing field, here’s how:

❖ Direct Entry DNP (BSC, MSC, and Others)

Don’t crush that healthcare dream because you didn’t make it to med school for a BSN, yet. Some 20-odd universities I know in North America offer direct DNP entry avenues. You can still become an in-demand nurse leader with a BSC or an MSN certificate!

This pathway is for non-clinical DNP professionals. You didn’t imagine doing ward rounds and all that after graduating from a biomedical technician college. Or did you?

All you need is a minimum bachelor’s degree – or higher – from an accredited institution with a 3.0+ GPA. A GRE is optional, and you also don’t need a nursing license! You’ll then sit out requisite healthcare bridging courses, something that’s going to cost you extra time and money.

❖ Take a Pre-licensure Route

Similar to direct entry, you first clear core nursing practice program courses. After the first five semesters, you take an NCLEX exam and become a licensed RN. Next, you take the advanced nursing generalist (Master of Science) and earn a generalist master of science in nursing title.

The final phase of the 107 credits is the normal DNP curriculum. This is the longest, most intensive, and expensive pathway to certification as a DNP practitioner one can take.

❖ Post-Master’s DNP (MSN to DNP)

This is the most conventional route. Simply earn an accredited MSN degree, and automatically enroll for a DNP specialty. It’s also the shortest pathway to a culminating clinical career as you’ll take two short years (full-time)!

❖ Skip the MSN Bit – Jump from a BSN Directly to a DNP!

There are more than 300 schools in the USA alone ready to move you from a BSN directly to a DNP program. You can cut the two years of an MSN certification to a short eight months. This pathway is also prime for nurses with a BSN and a non-clinical Masters. But they won’t let you go on without prerequisite MSN coursework.

❖ Earn Your DNP Partly (Hybrid) or Fully Online!

According to an AACN report, 72% of PhD nurse graduates earned their degrees partly or fully online in 2022. Although you can’t do online clinical hours or miss the DNP capstone project, everything else is flexible. This pathway is best for nurses already at work but wish to further their studies.

Statistics Corner

Only 9% of DNP students take a full in-person course in Canada!

❖ From FNP Nurse to a Doctorate APRN

Those Family Nurse Practitioners taking care of your family at the local clinic can take online classes and become DNP. Because they are masters’ and doctorally prepared, FNPs only need a licensure certification exam in their state or province. After obtaining a nurse license, one can choose a specialization path and run away with a DNP certificate!

❖ And Lastly, Transform that RN into a DNP!

An ambitious RN with enough clinical hours but no bachelor’s degree can apply for a DNP course of their interest. In Canada, for example, there’s two streams to do this:

A yearlong, full-time Post-Master’s Certificate (PHCNP).
Other students opt for a Master of Nursing-Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (MN-PHCNP) which takes at least 2 years (full-time).

Before admission, you must meet the following basic qualifications:

112 course credits (70 credits in nursing specialty knowledge, and 42 in general education).
An accredited associate nursing degree with Grade B or better, plus a mandatory Statistics course (AP credits DON’T apply).
An updated RN nurse practitioner license.

Can I go from DNP to a Registered MD?

Yes, you can go from being DNP to becoming a registered MD. It’d come down to whatever med school prerequisite courses you’ve taken in nursing school, and your tenacity.

Depending on the specialty the applicant doctor wants, you may have to start with undergraduate med school. After attaining the prerequisite coursework, take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Next, apply for an MD program that interests you in a university of choice.

Changing from DNP to MD takes four full-time years of study and the mandatory residency years depending on your state. The whole translation means 7-8 years of coursework despite the long journey to becoming a DNP.

Tips to Survive DNP School

Here’s 16 tips to help you keep your sanity during the DNP college years:

1) Never fall behind on either coursework or capstone projects. Professors at this level don’t take excuses.

2) Make friends, but don’t compare yourself to any of them.

3) Invest in quality DNP learning resources and online DNP assistance services for DNP coursework help services.

4) Start planning using a calendar and stick to deadlines. If you’re a spendthrift, prepare and follow a budget. Years have a way of becoming shorter once you start!

5) Search for your clinical site as early as the next day after admission.

7) Get the most out of lectures, campus life, and clinical practice. It’s these cumulative experiences that’ll determine who you become in your career.

8) Always be proactive, inquisitive, and never give up. Make use of credible online support services and resources like our free DNP project topic ideas .

11) Enroll and participate in professional nurse forums. Join nursing associations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NP Association for Continuing Education (NPACE), International Council for Nurse Practitioners, and other online nursing platforms.

12) Create some “me-time” amidst all the turmoil. Eat healthy, and get enough zzz’s – it helps, I tell you!

13) Know your DNP program’s requirements and prioritize your schedule. Set personal goals. Keep your focus on the ultimate graduation party!

16) Place value on constructive feedback from peers, mentors, and especially from instructors.

17) Must ensure you hire expert DNP project writers to assist you write high quality DNP proposal and project

Don’t Wait Any Longer!

Now that you’ve known the different pathways to becoming a DNP nurse practitioner in Canada and USA, start looking for a college pronto! Upon completion of the 2-6 years of DNP, you have a chance at translating into a medical doctor. Use the invaluable tips in this article to help you survive clinical coursework.

See y’all at the graduation square!

13 Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects

Most Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects and Nursing Scholarly Projects

Healthcare students choose a quality improvement methodology depending on what and why they’re looking to improve scholarly processes. Today’s article dwells on 13+ most commonly used quality improvement models in DNP projects and other nursing scholarly projects. For each, I’ll detail the respective measurement and evaluation tools.

The 4 Core Quality Improvement Metrics

There are four metrics that measure the effectiveness of changes leading to quality improvement, namely:

The Structure (infrastructure, facilities, and physical equipment).
Process of improvement / activities.
Measurable and predicted Outcomes
Balance: negative, unintentional impacts on another part of the nursing project.

What are the 4 P’s of Quality Improvement?

An effective assessment framework must holistically address the four dimensions of quality (the 4 Ps) which are:

The final Product, which is the nursing scholarly paper.
The Processes used to develop the above product.
The People (project team) involved, And
The Propellers (enablers) of high quality products and processes.

The Best Approach to Nursing Quality Improvement (QI) Processes

A good QI framework is consistent, provides common thinking, and offers a universal language for the project team. According to ResearchGate.net® the following stepwise approach yields the best quality improvement results for healthcare projects.

A Six-Step Quality Improvement Process Workflow

Identify the area of the process to improve. Discuss and understand the bundle element in the context of your units.
Gather data on current process performance. What do you want to achieve? How much? By when?
Analyze data and sort out root causes of problems.
An approval of the quality improvement framework bound by rigorous data analysis and empirical findings.
Design and build improved process solutions. How will you measure the benefits? (Driver diagram / action plans / success communication strategies).
Pilot the improved process. Experiment! Be creative and change ideas using the Test and Learn

The Six Pillars of Nursing Project Quality Improvement

Every nursing scholarly project stands on all of these six pillars.

Avoids harm and is safe for all participants.
Is effective, evidence based, and appropriate.
Respectful and responsive to individual needs (people-centered).
An effective QI process is timely.
Avoids waste, i.e it is highly efficient.
Provides an equal chance (equitable) at similar outcomes regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location of the participants.

Importance of Quality Improvement Frameworks to Nursing Scholarly Projects

You may ask yourself why nursing students use quality improvement models for their scholarly projects. Here are two strong reasons.

Reason #1: QI Frameworks Help the Nursing Project Team to Focus

One, QI models provide healthcare researchers with a step-by-step guide to identify focus areas. It therefore helps the team to design improvement ideas and to schedule their implementation. A QI framework adjusts the project, keeping it within the local context and health community systems.

Reason #2: A Functional Framework Standardizes Nursing Research Procedures

Quality improvement seeks to standardize processes and the entire nursing project structure. In return, this reduces results variation. It’s a path to predictable research findings, thereby improving outcomes for patients, healthcare systems, and whole medical institutions.

13+ Most Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects & other Nursing Scholarly Projects in 2025

Before you start a project, choose a guiding improvement framework(s) that provides unbiased feedback on your progress. The 14 Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects below are the most commonly used for nursing scholarly projects. Check out Number 9!

1. Business Process Management (BPM)

The latter-day Business Process Management model feeds on:

The 1970’s Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy which largely remains relevant to this day.
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) alongside the Six Sigma model that successfully merges QI processes with statistical quality control techniques.

The original BPM model builds on three traditions – Quality Control, IT, and Management – to simplify industrial engineering. The healthcare version uses CQI & TQM functions for non-clinical management at the organizational level.

Important Note:

Only some limited, unsustainable, small-scale improvements in clinical areas use BPM methodologies.

2. Donabedian’s Framework for Quality Improvement

Donabedian (1966) believes that the three components of measurement breed an additional ingredient: balancing measures. According to this philosophy, the structure affects the processes. In turn, these two influence the model’s outcome measures.

3. Kaizen’s QI Model in Healthcare Scholarly Projects

In healthcare, Kaizen belongs to Lean quality improvement philosophies, which emphasize small, continuous improvements throughout the project. Each small change brings a minor improvement. Cumulatively, these micro improvements coalesce into significant efficiency, safety, quality, and workplace culture milestones.

4. The Fishbone Framework

The Fishbone framework runs on a cause analysis tenet. It is the spinal column of “the seven finest quality improvement tools” in nursing research projects.

The five-prong fishbone diagram – also known as an Ishikawa Diagram – identifies varying possible causes for a single effect / problem. In a brainstorming session, this is a perfect tool to sort random ideas into meaningful categories.

The Fishbone methodology separates the project problem from provisions, procedures, patrons, and the measurement environment. Through this tool, nursing project teams answer the 4 fundamental Ws of QI research: What, Why, When, and Where to improve.

5. The 5S Methodology of Quality Improvement

The 5S system improves a healthcare scholarly project’s efficiency by eliminating waste. To maintain an organized work environment, nursing researchers should:

Earmark and Sort out areas that need change.
Set the change process in order.
Polish and Shine the transformation.
Standardize improvement procedures.
Sustain the improvements during the scholarly project.

6. Total Quality Management Strategy

In medical studies, TQM ensures the project team works towards a common goal of improving research procedures and the final report. The increased need to raise research quality stems from faculty regulations, nursing academia demands, and trending hospital management initiatives.

Application of the SERVQUAL technique in TQM frameworks help nursing researchers to satisfy both the project assessors and end consumers of the scholarly report.

7. The Famous Six Sigma Model

Also known as the “Zero Defects” framework, Six Sigma expects a 99.99966% error-free success in all nursing scholarly projects. The research defect levels stay sub-3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO).

In medical research, Six Sigma blends well with other QI frameworks to help you meet strict faculty research requirements. Through this model, hospitals can send out nurses to study their niche products and services with an aim to improve or sustain them.

Important Alert!

The DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) strategy isn’t applicable in nursing scholarly projects. Use the “Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control” (DMAIC) approach to improve existing processes and procedures instead.

8. The PDCA Quality Improvement Framework

PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle is a four-step model for carrying out nursing scholarly project changes. The framework is a go-to technique in the initial planning stages of your research.

The cyclic nature of the PDCA model perfectly complements the Kaizen framework.

9. The Lean QI Model in Healthcare Research

Lean quality improvement strategy improves both the quality and safety of a healthcare project by standardizing work practices and driving out avoidable waste (“muda” in Japanese).

The Lean model identifies 8 types of waste, namely:

Transportation
Motion
Over processing
Inventory
Waiting
Overproduction
Skills
Defects

There are 8 Lean tools to help you identify & eliminate waste in nursing project processes and procedures, namely:

The A3 Report
5S Technique
Bottleneck Analysis
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Approach
Jidoka Method
Kaizen Strategy
Kanban Technique
Poka-Yoke

10. Rapid Cycle Improvement (RCI) Model in Nursing Research

True to its name, Rapid-Cycle Improvement performs rapid, multiple PDCA cycles for a small target group in a 90-day initiative. Rather than the standard 8 – 12 months, you plan, execute, measure, and entrench transformations in less than three months.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, RCI is a “quality improvement method that identifies, implements and measures changes made to improve a process or a system.”

Very Important!

Nursing researchers, be alert for “scope creep”. To overcome this malady, conduct multiple cycles of PDCA whilst improving processes.

11. Model for Improvement Framework

This one comes in two doses. Phase One sets the project aims, establishes measures, and selects an appropriate intervention. The second phase runs these interventions in real-life research settings using the PDSA cycle (See Number 12 below).

Phase One Activities

Ask yourself this: What changes will equal quality improvement? What do I want to accomplish? How long until I know whether a transition means an improvement?

The most scholarly way to answer these questions in a nursing project is through the sequence below.

Set Specific Goals

Use the SMART goal format to set the aims. Each objective should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Establish Measures

As a critical part of testing and implementing changes, measures inform the team if a change is effective. Measurement tells nursing researchers whether the transformation translates to an improvement in quality.

Select an Intervention

First discover the root cause of your problem by conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

The project team can agree to use any tool(s) below for an RCA.

Cause and Effect Diagrams (See The Fishbone Framework above)
Driver Diagrams
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Pareto Charts.
Phase Two Events

This is where the PDSA cycle comes in, something I’ll discuss immediately below.

12. The PDSA Approach to Nursing Scholarly Projects

Before you carry through the interventions in your nursing scholarly project, test small process changes using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle.

Plan. Start by identifying stakeholders. Next, build your project team. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) framework recommends a representative from the three levels of expertise: system leadership, technical experts, and day-to-day leaders. Decide who’s going to do what, when, and the resources they’ll need.

Do it! Cautiously set the interventions in motion on a small scale. Collect and document critical improvement data.

Study the data for results after implementation. Compare the findings to your initial predictions using a graph or chart such as a control chart, histogram, run chart, or a scatter diagram.

Act on what you’ve learned. Did it work? Adopt the change. Not quite to your expectations? Adapt by starting another PDSA cycle. Abandon the darn thing if there’s no observable improvement, or the outcomes are negative.

13. The Hybrid Lean Six Sigma QI Framework

For optimal results, use a hybrid of Lean and Six Sigma frameworks in nursing scholarly projects. Although there are core differences, the two models have complementary underlying philosophies.

Lean Six Sigma targets both waste and defects in all components of your nursing project!

Another Important Note…

Any tool in Model for Improvement, Six Sigma, and Lean frameworks apply. The best way is to use a balanced mixture!

14. Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model

Improvement combines two popular QI models: Total Quality Management (TQM) and Rapid-Cycle Improvement (RCI)

Standard Definition of Common Quality Improvement Tools

Histogram: The most common graphical representation for showing frequency distributions or how often each different value occurs in a set of data.

Pareto Chart: A bar graph that shows which factors are more significant than others.

Scatter Diagram: A graph with pairs of numerical data (one variable on each axis) that looks for a relationship between the two data sets.

Driver Diagram: A visual display of a team’s theory of what contributes to the achievement of a nursing scholarly project’s aims.

SWOT Analysis: An analysis tool that evaluates the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, and Time.

Get DNP Project Assistance for Best Quality Improvement Framework

Do you confuse between theoretical framework and quality improvement framework? then you need to hire expert DNP project writer to write your QI framework for your DNP project. Expert Writing Help is a specialist DNP project writing service that has extensive experience spanning over 13 years assisting DNP students in US and Canadian nursing schools write excellent quality improvement projects. Our writers are have extensively used the following QI models in their projects that include: fishbone framework, PDSA approach, PDCA quality improvement framework and six sigma approach.

Talk to us today for assistance

Related articles

Mastering Research Methodologies for DNP Projects

Nursing Leadership Practicum Project Ideas

9 Tips To Ace your DNP Project Oral Defense

Now that you have a well written DNP project and PowerPoint presentation slides it is time to present your project. Oral defense is a near final step in your pursuit of DNP degree journey. It is less than one hour activity that determines if you partially fulfill the requirements to earn the coveted DNP degree. It offers you unique platform to demonstrate ability to synthesize, translate and apply clinical knowledge into practice, which are vital skills in DNP practice. In your DNP project oral defense you will be required to show mastery in your chosen research topic, deep understanding of the chosen clinical nursing scope and effectively communicate the findings and patient outcomes to the DNP committee.

Key DNP Project Oral Defense Expectation

Is this your first time to do an oral defense? Then you might be wondering what the chair and DNP committee expects from me during the defense. Based on my prior experience as a DNP tutor your final oral defense should focus on chapter 4 (results and findings) and chapter 5(Discussion, Conclusion, recommendation and future research). Be able to connect the results and findings to your research questions and explain how your results answer the research questions and hypothesis and support your conclusion and recommendations.

However, if you are at proposal stage, your defense should address chapter 1 (Introduction), chapter 2 (literature review) and chapter 3 (research methodology). In this case, your defense should able to show how your DNP research will fill the existing research gap and enhance patient care outcomes.

Our DNP project writing service will provide you with excellent tips on preparations to successfully pass your DNP Project Oral Defense

Tips To Ace your DNP Project Oral Defense

You’ve probably been to a crass DNP viva voce which made you cringe. Avoid embarrassing yourself before the committee by learning these actionable tips to ace through DNP oral defense.

It’s two short hours before the curtain falls on a tedious study program littered with tomes of clinical books and a nerve-racking DNP project. Make the years of midnight reading count when you take to the podium.

Also See: Excellent Tips to Master the Art of Nursing Capstone Paper Writing

Tip #1: Open the DNP Project Oral Defense With a Compelling Statement.

Choose an opening statement that grabs the attention of every professor in the room. Perch in their spotlight, and don’t budge until they are convinced you know your stuff. The following is a sample template of a memorable expository.

“Welcome to the DNP project defense on ( title of your capstone paper ) this morning / afternoon. On the podium is ( your full name ) If you ask around college, they’ll also tell you ( a brief description of your academic background and occupation ) Thank you for attending, and may we please begin.”

Tip #2: Approach the Mic With a Structured Format

After earning the ear of your audience, clearly explain the logic behind your research statement choice. Ponder on the DNP project’s significance to clinical practice and dive deep into the theoretical framework of your study. Whet the appetites of the audience with solid justification to your methodology and the extent of your findings.

Impress the DNP oral defense committee with a deliberate show of deep, contextual understanding of the research question. Roll out the key DNP project issues in a logical, concise, and fluid narration.

Remember This!

Before the dreaded Q&A session, settle any anticipated questions by structuring your presentation around the question areas.

Tip #3: Know Your Research Inside Out

Know your DNP capstone paper by rote. Be vigilant of any new developments in your area of clinical research and be sure to highlight it. The last thing a good ole’ professor wants is listening to a discordant DNP oral defense from what they read in your final project paper!

In as much as you are defending your DNP research, subtly communicate a willingness to learn and improve. It’s a hint to a great DNP practitioner in the future.

Ensure you are conversant with every detail of your research methodology and be prepared to explain every aspect. This include: research design, research methods, data collection instruments, data analysis tools, ethical considerations and limitations.

Keep in mind that this is an examination, albeit oral.

Tip #4: Simulate a DNP Oral Defense and Prepare Essential Materials

Create a mock DNP oral defense with your peers and project team supervisor. Let them cosplay the committee as you make your presentation. A simulation helps you to sharpen public speaking skills, improve time management, and to build confidence in readiness for the real deal.

Remember that cliché about 1000 words for a single visual? Make your DNP oral defense a visually-engaging event. My advice is to focus your slides on methodology, key findings, and recommendations segments of your research.

Practice spoken and non-verbal communication skills, solicit objective criticism, and incorporate it in your final presentation. Make your DNP oral defense visually engaging. Test every piece of equipment you’ll need before the big day!

Here are some of the common DNP project oral defense questions you can anticipate from your panel. Practice answering them today

Take us through the research design of your study?
Give us a step by step approach of your research methodology?
Why did you choose the stated methodology for your study?
Are there discrepancies between your findings and previous researches?
What limitations did you have during your research and how did you overcome them?
What was your sample size and how did you arrive at your sample size?
Is your research generalizable? And if not why?
Walk us through the data collection and analysis phases?
Discuss the ethical considerations in your research and how you overcame them?
Do you think your research has clinical implications in nursing practice?
How do you intend to disseminate your findings to other nurses?
Recommend future research areas based on your research findings
Identify key stakeholders who can benefit from your research besides patients

Tip #5: Focus on The Audience

Know your audience, and factor them in the DNP oral defense. The whole sense of the occasion is to convince them, anyways. When a particular professor crowds you, you’ll know how to answer them in short, laser-like answers and in the most confident way.

Maintain eye contact and use formal body language. A little stage fright is normal, and a bead of cold sweat means you’re doing fine already. Engage the professors throughout the DNP oral defense without ceding control.

Overall, focus on engaging the audience. Demonstrate confidence and an ability to think critically throughout the DNP oral defense.

Tip #6: Get Ready for Questions

If you sneak in on a public DNP oral defense in your discipline, you’ll soak in lots of expected (and obvious) questions. Some supervisors will hint at pertinent questions for your specific DNP oral defense. I advise you to subtly solicit for the questions from your instructors.

Contextual questions devour the hourglass. They also present unexpected, discomforting moments during the oral defense. Get ready for them.

Sample this calm response when answering a contextual DNP oral defense question:

“ I’m not sure the project concerned itself with your question, but this study led me to Dr. A.N Other. Based on their evidence, I would confidently conclude….”

Tip #7: Manage Time Effectively

Practice ensures that you deliver the DNP oral defense within the allocated time. Too little time on the podium means under-preparation. Stretching allocated time is an indicator of one too many digressions.

Make your 1-or-2 hours of fame count. Set aside enough minutes in your DNP oral defense schedule for the Q&A session. A good simulation and practice will effectively sort this out.

Tip # 8: Articulate the Significance of Your DNP Project

It’s why you are here in the first place – to publicly showcase the impact of your research to real-world clinical practice. Demonstrate the impact of your project outcomes on shaping the future of nursing, while recognizing and addressing the encountered limitations. Use the DNP oral defense as a platform to highlight the symbolic importance of your expertise.

Tip #9 : Dress, Speak, and Behave Formal

A DNP oral defense is a formal event. Appear in formal wear, speak formal, and use formal non-verbal communication. Nursing practice is best carried out in formal etiquette.

While addressing the never-lacking DNP oral defense inquisitors, remain calm. Listen carefully to their questions. Ask for clarification where necessary. Respond honestly and if possible, cite examples from the particular interrogator’s research.

Wrap Up

Acing the DNP oral defense requires meticulous planning and deliberate preparation for a winning presentation. Embrace objective feedback, stay composed, and highlight your contributions.

Approach your DNP project oral defense as an opportunity to shine. Always provide clear examples to support your answers and amplify your points. Stay calm and demonstrate mastery of your topic.

Best of luck on the podium!