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2007 INFORMS/Organization Science Dissertation Proposal Competition:

Call for Submissions

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2007

We invite you to submit your dissertation proposal to the INFORMS/Organization Science Dissertation Proposal Competition.  Now in its 16^th year, this competition is one of the most prestigious available to doctoral students studying organizations. Finalists will present their dissertation proposals in a workshop on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Fall INFORMS Conference held in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Seattle</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">WA</st1:state></st1:place>.  During the workshop finalists will receive detailed feedback from a panel of respected organizational scholars who act as final judges for the competition. The all-day workshop also provides a good opportunity to interact with a small group of future colleagues. At the workshop, the judges will award a first and second prize.  The First Prize winner receives a free trip to the Organization Science Winter Conference (registration, lodging, and $500 toward airfare and expenses).  Second prize is a $250 honorarium.

To be eligible, students must have defended their dissertation proposal by August 31, 2007, but have not defended their dissertation by that date.  We encourage all eligible doctoral students who are studying topics related to organization science to apply.  Proposals addressing issues related to any aspect of organization theory, organizational behavior, strategy or entrepreneurship are welcome.

The dissertation proposals will be judged based on soundness of theory, methodological rigor, and contribution to the field of organization science. In keeping with the mission of the INFORMS College on Organization Science, boldness and innovation will be important criteria in the judging process.

The competition is being coordinated this year by Heather Berry of the <st1:placename w:st="on">Wharton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype> at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:placename></st1:place>.  We are fortunate again this year to be using Organization Science's ScholarOne manuscript submission system to manage manuscript submissions and reviews. The web address for submissions is http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/orgsci.  If you do not already have an account you will have to create one. This is a quick and easy process.

Applications must be received by August 15, 2007.  Proposals may be no longer than 15 double-spaced pages in 12-point Times font.  Up to 7 additional pages containing references and exhibits may be included. In addition to the proposal, each application must include a nomination letter from the applicant's advisor certifying that the student has advanced to candidacy and is likely to complete their dissertation by December 31, 2008 – we do not need a detailed recommendation letter.  (If you are defending your proposal between August 15^th, 2007 and August 31^st, 2007, please have your advisor indicate the date for which your proposal is scheduled, and also send a follow-up e-mail to Heather Berry (berryh@wharton.upenn.edu) after you have successfully defended your proposal.)

Please follow Organization Science's instructions for submitting your proposal. A couple of important things to note:

• Your manuscript type is PROPOSAL
• Under section 2, Attributes, please select a few key words to aid in assigning reviewers
• Under Section 4, Reviewers and Editors, do not recommend any reviewers. However, you should indicate Heather Berry as your preferred SENIOR EDITOR.
• Under section 5, Details and Comments, Paste your cover letter into the window and use the browse attachment function to attach your COVER PAGE as well as YOUR ADVISOR'S NOMINATION LETTER
• Under section 6, Upload Files, upload a copy of your proposal WITHOUT ITS COVER PAGE OR OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. The first page should include only your dissertation title and abstract.

Please direct any inquiries to:

Heather Berry, berryh@wharton.upenn.edu