Dissertation Writing
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
Introduction –a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to
follow.
Background to the problem
Significance of the study
Aims of the study
Objectives of the study
Problem statement
Research questions
Format of the study
Conclusion – A paragraph focussing on salient issues that round of this
chapter and prepares the reader for the next
Note: Use a minimum of 8 sources to write this chapter. Ensure that the focus is
from a BUSINESS MANAGEMENT perspective.
Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
Introduction – a short paragraph that prepares the reader for what is to
follow.
Use appropriate headings and sub headings from your readings and write
out your literature review.
Evaluate all information obtained from your readings. Link information to
appropriate coursework material.
You need to compare and contrast the views of the various authors in your
own words regarding the topic under consideration.
What is the meaning and purpose of their views to your study?
Why are you using them?
How do they shed light on your topic?
These are some of the many questions you need to ask yourself when
writing out your literature review.
Referencing must be in the Harvard format irrespective of its source.
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 next
Note: 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.
Chapter 3
Research 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
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.
Chapter 4
Statement of Findings and Analysis of Data
4.1 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 next
NOTE: 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.
Chapter 5
Discussion 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 next
5.6 The focus here is on ensuring that you have achieved your aims, objectives
and that your study has answered the research question/s
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.
Chapter 6
Conclusions 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.
6.2.2 Findings 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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank You & Good Luck