Dissertation Plan

Dissertation Plan

Dissertation Title

Final word count 10,000 words +/- 10%

Dissertation Structure

The dissertation should contain the following in this order:

• Title page
• Acknowledgements
• Abstract or Executive Summary (250 words)
• Table of Contents
• The body of the work divided into chapters (e.g. Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Result, Analysis, Conclusions)
• References
• Bibliography
• Appendices (if any)
• Annexes (if any)

 The following sets out the indicative headings within the main body and the approximate word count to enable structure.

Abstract or Executive Summary – (250 words)

 Abstract or Executive Summary tick list

• Write this last
• Short overview of the complete work
• Purpose is to allow other researchers to do a quick check on the relevance of the work
• Should include a concise statement of scope of the subject matter and key conclusions.

Introduction – 10% (or 1000 words)

 Introduction tick list

• Give your reasons for investigating the subject
• Provide a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the dissertation
• Introduce relevant background information
• Define key terms and concepts
• Provide an overview of the scope of the literature on the subject
• Justify your choice of research methodology

 Literature Review – 20% (or 2000 words)

 Literature review tick list

• Demonstrate that in undertaking your research, you have consulted other work that has been done in the subject area.
• Here, you are placing your own work in the context of that done by others
• You compare and contrast what you are doing with the particular approach, or methodology, of what has been done elsewhere.
• Use existing sources and data as much as possible
• Be careful to put the emphasis on interpretation and analysis rather than regurgitation.
• Use up to date sources that reflect current thinking
• Use important historical work
• Articles from refereed journals
• Critically evaluate all your sources and use them with due caution

Research Methodology – 20% (or 2000 words)

Research methodology tick list

• Describes the way in which the research has been carried out
• Analytical research often extends the descriptive approach to suggest or explain

why or how something is happening, e.g. underlying issues surrounding why         communication is important in the workplace.

• Showing what methods and approaches were used
• Explaining why they were more appropriate than other methods and approaches
• Use existing sources and data as much as possible
• It also describes the participants involved (how many/how they were selected/their

characteristics etc).

• It is also an opportunity for you to present an objective reflection on the limitations of

the methodology and methods used. This is important, as all research has its limitations and there is no shame in admitting this; indeed, it will be expected of you.

• All methods have advantages and limitations and these should be discussed in the methodology section of your work.

  Research Methodology Sub Headings

 Qualitative research (Interviews)

• Quantitative research (Survey)
• Literature research
• Desk research

 Triangulation of data research with at least 3 types

 Results – 20% (or 2000 words)

 Result tick list

• The results section presents a summary of the data or other information you gathered.
• This section presents the data information without discussion of the implications of

your findings – this goes into the next ‘Discussion’ section.

Results section sub headings

• Results from Qualitative research
• Results from Quantitative research
• Results from Literature research
• Results from desk research

 Analysis – 20% (or 2000 words)

 Link analysis to questionnaire and research methodology questions

 This section presents analysis and discussions of the result, including implications, consequences and issues raised. It will also compare and contrast results with previous research findings, identified and discussed earlier in the Literature Review.

 Conclusions 10% (or 1000 words)

 Conclusion tick list

 It is the end of your report, but, hopefully, the beginning of positive contribution to knowledge or organisational change as a result of your work. This need not be on a grand scale; some of the best projects focus on affecting small but important changes within the business concerned.

• The conclusion to the report reminds the reader of the main aim of your research, your methodology, the findings and what this means for the business community or organisation studied.
• You are also likely to point out the limitations of your research findings and how

future researchers might take your work a stage further.

References

 This is where you list all of the academic materials that you have used in the Dissertation in Alphabetical Order by Author’s Surname.

Bibliography

 This is where you list all of the additional materials that you have read but have not used as academic references in the Dissertation in Alphabetical Order by Author’s Surname.

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Formatting

Title Page

Citation

Outline

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