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Dissertation Writing

Dissertation Writing. Chapter 1

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Dissertation Writing

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  1. Dissertation Writing

  2. Chapter 1 Introduction1. Introduction –a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 1.1 Background to the problem 1.2 Significance of the study 1.3 Aims of the study 1.4 Objectives of the study 1.5 Problem statement 1.6 Research questions 1.7 Format of the study 1.8 Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this chapter and prepares the reader for the nextNote: Use a minimum of 8 sources to write this chapter. Ensure that the focus is from a BUSINESS MANAGEMENT perspective.

  3. Chapter 2Literature Review2. Introduction – a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 2.1 Use appropriate headings and sub headings from your readings and write out your literature review. 2.2 Evaluate all information obtained from your readings. Link information to appropriate coursework material. 2.3 You need to compare and contrast the views of the various authors in your own words regarding the topic under consideration. 2.4 What is the meaning and purpose of their views to your study? 2.5 Why are you using them? 2.6 How do they shed light on your topic? 2.7 These are some of the many questions you need to ask yourself when writing out your literature review. 2.8 Referencing must be in the Harvard format irrespective of its source.

  4. 2.9 Electronic referencing also follows the Harvard format. No website details must appear in the text 2.10 Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this chapter and prepares the reader for the nextNote: Use a minimum of 25 CURRENT SOURCES to write this chapter. It must be a critical evaluative attempt. It must not be a repetition of the views of other authors/writers.This chapter must be aligned to your objectives and MUST form the foundation for your research instrument.

  5. Chapter 3Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction –a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 3.2 Rationale for study 3.3 The Research design 3.3.1 Types of Research [types, reasons for choosing specific method. 3.3.2 Target Population 3.3.3 Sampling [types, reasons for choosing particular method] 3.3.4 The research Instrument 3.3.4.1 Questionnaire construction 3.3.4.2 The questionnaire items 3.3.4.3 Pilot study 3.4 The Research Process For Example: 3.4.1 Administration of questionnaires. 3.4.2 Collection of questionnaires 3.4.3 Data analysis 3.4.4 How will you ensure validity and reliability

  6. 3.5 Limitations of the study 3.6 Elimination of Bias 3.7 Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this chapter and prepares the reader for the next Note: Focus on how you intend to research the topic, what type of data is required to address the issue, where it will come from, how you will gather it and what are the implications. Use a minimum of 8 sources to write this chapter. This chapter must be written in the past tense. Note: The test items in your research instrument MUST NOT BE MORE THAN 20 ITEMS. The test items must be developed by using your literature review and research questions as a base.

  7. Chapter 4Statement of Findings and Analysis of Data4.1 Introduction -a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 4.2 Present all your findings in graphic form for each of the test items in your questionnaire. The presentation must be in the same order as in the instrument. 4.3 Immediately below each graphic form, present the quantitative results of your t –tests, chi-tests, or correlation tests. – the specific ones you have used. 4.4. Do not separate tables, explanations. Have them on one page. 4.5 All tables and figures must be enclosed in a frame with clear headings and numbers. 4.6 Begin sentences in words eg Fifty percent or A total of 50%..... 4.7. Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this chapter and prepares the reader for the nextNOTE: It is possible to combine chapters 4 and 5 in one chapter. In this case the chapter heading will read as: FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION* NB : Use only ONE mode of statistical analysis.Follow the Research Department’s Guidelines on Basic Analytical Techniques to help you.

  8. Chapter 5Discussion of Findings and Linking to Literature Review 5.1 Introduction –a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 5.2.Proceed to interpret, discuss and analyse your findings for each test item * Why have they agreed? * Why have they disagreed? * Why did they remain neutral? 5.3 It is imperative that you justify, support, and contradict your findings by linking your primary findings to your secondary findings i.e. your literature review. 5.4 This section is dependent upon sound logical reasoning 5.5. Each test item should preferably be analysed in the order it appears in the instrument. 5.5 Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this chapter and prepares the reader for the next5.6 The focus here is on ensuring that you have achieved your aims, objectives and that your study has answered the research question/s

  9. NOTE: It is possible to combine chapters 4 and 5 in one chapter. The heading then reads as: FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION and DISCUSSION.The words analysis and interpretation may be used interchangeably. Note: The critical aspect here is on linking primary and secondary research in an analytical approach. All your findings and analysis must focus on answering your research questions. You may bring in some new literature here to support your current findings.Poor presentation, poor, incorrect language usage, incorrect referencing, bibliography, poor punctuation, poorly illustrated graphs/illustrations and all other incorrect technical details contribute to an unsuccessful dissertation.

  10. Chapter 6Conclusions and Recommendations 6.1 Introduction –a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to follow. 6.2 Findings from the study– This section deals with the overall conclusions of your study as a whole.6.2.1 Findings from Literature Review.6.2.2Findings from Primary Research.6.2.3 Conclusions – This section provides conclusion obtained from the study and should highlight the Research questions and objectives 6.3. You may use headings and sub headings to present your conclusions.6.4 Your conclusions must satisfy your aims and objectives outlined in chapter 1. 6.5. Recommendations. Provide clear, feasible recommendations in keeping with your objectives. Provide a precise action plan for their implementation. 6.6 Conclusion- this is the final conclusion for the study which may make mention of scope for further research in this field of study.

  11. Note: The focus here is on ensuring that you have achieved your aims and objectives. Poor presentation, poor, incorrect language usage, incorrect referencing, bibliography, poor punctuation, poorly illustrated graphs/illustrations and all other incorrect technical details contribute to an unsuccessful dissertation.

  12. Bibliography * All sources cited in the text must appear in the bibliography in STRICT Alphabetical order. * Always commence with the author’s surname followed by his/her initials. For e.g. Smith, P. 2000. * Do not combine first and second names e.g. Smith, Paul 2000. * Ensure you aim for standardization and uniformity. * Pay particular attention to punctuation. Students generally fail in this category. * All electronic sources follow the Harvard Format as well. Write the Author, Initial. Year. Title of article. Electronic address. * It is advisable to have one bibliography. Some students prefer to use headings e.g. Texts, Journals, Electronic sources, Magazines etc. Both forms are acceptable. * Markers generally check the text against the bibliography to ensure that all sources have been cited or acknowledged.

  13. Contents of Annexure * Covering Letter requesting permission from the organization /s that will form part of your research process. Letter from organisation granting permission to conduct research. * Covering letter to respondents/interviewees explaining procedure and reasons for undertaking research. * Copy of the Research instrument/s used. * Transcripts of all interviews conducted including date, time, location and interview questions. * Formulas and calculations of quantitative data. * Additional graphs, illustrations and tables that are too cumbersome to be included in the actual text. * Pictorial evidence that enhances your findings.

  14. Thank You & Good Luck

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