Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Researching and Writing Dissertations

Roy Horn Researching and Writing Dissertations Introduction to Dissertations WEEK 1

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Reading Recommended text: Researching and Writing Dissertations Horn, R CIPD: London 2 nd Edition, 2012 ISBN: Chapter 1: Preface and Introduction

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Lecture outline l Recommended reading. l The nature of dissertations. l Basic planning using charts. l Developing a topic idea.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Learning objectives l Understand the stages of completing a dissertation. l Understand the necessity for planning and control. l Understand the teaching and workshop inputs to this module.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Module outline [1] Week 1:Introduction to the module and getting started Week 2:Strategies for finding and developing a dissertation topic Week 3:The key skills tested in a dissertation Week 4:The research proposal Week 5:Completing on-time Week 6:Theory and literature

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Module outline [2] Week 7:Methodology Week 8:Data analysis Week 9:The craft of writing Week 10:Reviewing your work before submission

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Research ice breaker Pair up and produce a small vignette which summarises: l Your experience of carrying out research. l Your understanding of what research is. l Your hopes for this module. (For my benefit) Let me know: l Your name. l Company.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Dissertations

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn What is a dissertation? It is an original piece of work to demonstrate your ability to research and learn independently. No two dissertations will ever be the same even if they are investigating the same topic area! It involves designing a piece of research to find the answer to a question or explore a topic in depth. Your research must use theories, models and concepts as a foundation. It involves choosing appropriate theory and research methods and carrying out some primary research.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn It involves three submissions l Dissertation Proposal Formative, 1,000 words, early November, electronic submission l Extended Synopsis Formative, 3,000 ‒ 5,000 words, early December l Dissertation 100% weighting, up to 15,000 words, due date 18 months after enrollment

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn First submission Dissertation Proposal l Intended topic. l The proposed title. l The rationale for your choice. l How you intend to study the subject, ie the proposed methodology. l Intended sources – the theory, concept or model you intend as the main theoretical approach – a short annotated bibliography. l Dissertation time plan – Gantt chart. This proposal will be submitted electronically to enable the course team to consider your supervision requirements, and to enable a supervisor to be allocated.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Second submission Extended Synopsis l Clear statement of the aims and objectives of the research. l Evidence of extensive research of published research and related theories and models. l Detailed description of methodology. l Developed outline of dissertation structure including chapter contents. l Planned, detailed timetable for the research.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Final submission This will include the following:- l An introduction to your topic with your aims and objectives or hypotheses set out clearly. l An in-depth critical review of the relevant theories, models and concepts and research already existing into the topic area. l An outline and critical justification of your chosen methodology for your primary research. l A representation of the data and analysis method. l An analysis of your results, comparing your findings to existing research and linking with your theories. l Appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Examples of completed dissertations Work –l ife balance: rhetoric or reality. l Flexible working and the psychological contract. l The measurement of work related stress and its impact. l Acquisitions and mergers – impact on company culture. l Employee involvement versus employee voice. l Change management and competitive advantage. l Perceptions of leaders: an employees view.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn l Changing corporate culture – a case study of Marks and Spencer’s. l Perceptions of homeworking. l An investigation of the dimensions of the learning organisation. l Management of culture change in the post acquisition period of company mergers in the house- building industry. l An examination of the factors/barriers affecting the introduction of a positive reinforcement performance management system. l Perceptions of systems of staff appraisal from lead nurses at the Royal Free NHS Trust. l The balance of individual and team working in the IT services industry.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Breakdown of our teaching sessions

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Breakdown of our sessions Likely activities: Web based research Data gathering Source selection and critique Investigation of methods Practical research

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Activity Write down the topics or topic areas where you imagine you might complete your dissertation Work alone 15 minutes Discuss with your nearest neighbour

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Planning your dissertation – why ? l Predict start or end point of the project. l Enable communication of progress. l Highlight problems and issues early. l Help manage risk. l Predict on-time completion.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Gantt charts l Named after Henry Gantt. l Around since 1st World War. l Commonest graphical representation of plans. l Can show critical path. l But not great at showing precedence. l Easy to construct and interpret. l Other charts/views are available in MS- Project.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Plans need tasks, and tasks need durations l Brainstorm tasks. l Subdivide tasks until each is about 1 or 2 weeks in duration. –If you can get down to days then great, but beware of the need for contingencies. l Tasks (examples): –Hand in proposal (7 days). –Critically review the related theory (21 days). –Design method (10 days). –Have ridiculously long holiday (1 day).

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Dependency/precedence relationships l Describe what activities must be done before another activity can take place –Boil kettle before adding water to cup. –Pick up handset before dialling number. –Buy computer system before installing it. –Write dissertation before submitting it.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Engagement with your supervisor l Valuable dissertation management opportunities. –Check progress. –Make decisions. –Agree changes to plan. l Supervisor style. –your supervisor should adopt your preferred engagement method. –remember it is your dissertation and you are responsible for it. l Frequency and duration varies from supervisor to supervisor and student to student. –The relationship will change as the project progresses.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Pragmatic realities of dissertations l All dissertations are unique. l None will run exactly to plan. l All involve people. Dissertation management involves change and decision making – people like neither! l A structured approach and using tools make things easier. l Do not be a slave to your plans. –They should be living artefacts. –Change them as necessary. All dissertations have an element of risk – don’t worry about it – manage it.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Activity Web searching: Search the Web for material relevant to your topic area. Work alone 30 minutes prep 5 minutes feedback Feedback to the group – ‘my dissertation topic will most likely be?’

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Preparation activity for next week Developing my topic area Prepare three slides of PowerPoint presentation setting out: 1. Why I have chosen my topic area. 2. Where will I do this research. 3. The immediate issues I must solve to progress this topic. Work alone Prepare for next week’s workshop

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Conclusion Dissertations can be fun – enjoy them. l Planning will reduce the risk and increase the enjoyment. l Develop a healthy relationship with your supervisor. l Action Now! To progress my ideas.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Next Week l Structured ways to develop a dissertation topic. l Dealing with common dissertation issues. l Attributes of good dissertation topics. l Early access issues. l Auditing your skills and motivation. l The common habits of high achievers.

Researching and Writing Dissertations Roy Horn Researching and Writing Dissertations The End