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Research Design

Research Approach             The research approach for this study will be a mixed method survey design. Survey research is used when researching the opinions, behaviors, and characteristics are being studied for a large sample or population (Creswell & Guetterman, 2019) . This aligned well with the data that will be needed to answer the research questions presented. Data Collection Methods             For this research project, modifying an existing instrument will be utilized. Creswell & Gitterman (2019) find that finding and reusing or modifying an existing instrument is the easiest way to develop an instrument to collect data. For this project, there are already two mixed methods surveys used in similar research from studies back in 2010, as well as a 2017 survey. This researcher will aim to receive permission to use and modify these instruments for this study. Initial Research Questions 1)       Is succession planning still as uncommon today as it was 3 years
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Purpose Statement and Research Questions

The purpose of this study is to evaluate succession planning in nonprofits today and how effectively they are considering millennial leadership. Factors such as young professional development, current succession planning practices, and millennial interest in leadership roles will be explored.  Initial Research Questions 1)       What is the generational makeup of today’s nonprofit ED/CEOs? 2)       Do these organizations have succession plans in place? 3)       How many organizations with specifically baby boomer leaders have succession plans in place? 4)       Do any of these succession plans specifically identify ways to cultivate millennials into leadership roles? 5)       Are millennials today interested in pursuing ED/CEO roles in nonprofits? Why or why not?

Theoretical Framework and New Problem Statement

The theoretical framework listed below is the framing I used to craft a new focus for my dissertation through a fresh problem statement. There are four general topics that will be explored as the groundwork for this dissertation: Topic 1) Generational makeup of the current workforce According to Purdue University, there are currently 5 different generations active in the workplace today. For this section, I will explore the differences between each generation and the breakdown of the workforce by generation today and in the future. Topic 2) Nonprofit succession planning A study by BoardSource (2017) found that only 27% of nonprofits have a succession plan in place for their Executive Director/CEO. This lack of planning can have dangerous for a nonprofit should something happen to the leadership in place. With this topic, I will explore succession planning today and the effects of both poor succession planning and successful succession planning on nonprofit organizations. Topi

Problem Statement

Having served in the nonprofit industry for the past 8 years from a variety of perspectives, one thing I have come to realize is most nonprofit organizations have very disorganized administrative practices and structures. I was quickly able to identify a way to streamline administrative practices through the use of technology in ways that would increase the mission’s impact and organizational efficiency. This has led me to identify the following for the basis of my problem statement. Nonprofit leadership struggles with running their mission effectively due to poorly designed administrative practices and a lack of technology-based systems.  This problem was identified by some researchers over the years, however, based on initial research there are very few studies focused on this topic. This is surprising considering that of the few that exist, there is a clear need for this level of research. A study by Hackler & Saxton (2007) found that strategic use of IT can increase mission i