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Dissertation guidance

The dissertation should guide the reader through the dissertation through to the conclusion.

Your first task is to scope your dissertation to ensure that everything is achievable in the

following way:-

Layout of Classical Dissertation:-

1 Introduction 1,500 2,000 words

1.1Background to your selection/interest in topic.1.2History of topic subject1.3 Importance to current economy/society/organisation.1.4Brief overview of topic.1.5A clear statement of purpose for the dissertation.1.6The research question/ dissertation Aims and objectives of the study.1.7Reasons for the investigation and purpose of the study.1.8Statement of problems.1.9 Introduction to the chapters that follow.2 Literature Review 5,0006,000 words2.1Definition of topic2.2Brief history of topic2.3General discussion of topic2.4At the end lead the reader into a Focus on specific area of the topic to be studied in Chapter

Data and Analysis. This will also give a guide to the Research Methods chapter.

You are looking to document a critical review of the literature e.g use of relevant literature; evidence

of understanding the ideas expressed; development of a critical focus.

3 Methodology 3,000 -4,000 words3.1 Introduction to research methods.3.2Discuss and justify your research philosophy, research approaches, research strategies, time

horizons, and data collection methods.

3.3Discuss in detail your data collection methods that are most appropriate and their design.3.4Discuss and justify the sample size you have selected compared with the total population.3.5Consider how the data will be presented.3.6Ethical Issues of Dissertation data collection/confidentiality etc.

4 Data and Analysis 3,0004,000 words4.1 Description and setting of the study.

4.1Presentation of secondary data (if used) with its analysis link where supported by Lit Rev.4.2Presentation of primary data (if used) and analysis link where supported by Lit Rev and

secondary data.

4.3Presentation of results.4.4Analysis of the findings.4.5Summary of data and analysis

5 Conclusion 20003,000 words5.1Analysis and discussion of findings with reference to purpose of the study.

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5.2 Issues from the literature review.5.3Practical applications of your research.5.4Conclusion should lead the reader through the dissertation of how you have come to your

conclusion.

5.5The reader should be able to tell where the Aims and objectives have been achieved or reasonswhy not.

5.6The research question should have been answered either positively or negatively with adiscussion of its meaning.

5.7Recommendations.5.8Areas for further research.Nothing should appear in the conclusion that is not in the proceeding chapters. We should not

introduce anything new at this stage.

Bibliography- list of Books, Journals, Article, Web-Sites used in the dissertation should show

majority within last 8 years.