1. MA and MSc: Mapping, planning and structuring
This workshop will:
Develop your understanding of the ‘pre-writing’, planning phase when producing a dissertation or project report
Provide strategies to enhance mapping and organising potential content
Identify common features of the way whole dissertations and reports are structured
Offer tips on managing basic structural components of extended pieces of writing, such as chapters and sections
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
20/09/2018
Academic Skills Advice

2. Academic Skills Advice
Today’s plan
Differences between mapping, planning and structuring
The process of planning and structuring
Mapping your research project
Macro-planning: dissertation/report structure principles
Micro-planning: planning chapters and substantive sections
Micro-planning: handling parts and sub-sections
All in one click
20/09/2018
Academic Skills Advice

3. 1.Difference between mapping, planning and structuring
Mapping: laying out and connections Planning: ordered arrangement Structure: specific format
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Academic Skills Advice

4. 2.Mapping your research project
Activity 1 and b
Click for full concept map
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Academic Skills Advice

5. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
Introduction
Details of your research and why the topic is of interest. Include aims and objectives; hypothesis and/or research questions; scope and justification of your research. Provide definitions and dissertation structure
Abstract/
Background 
Provide contextual information regarding the field and how your topic and research fits in to the landscape, and why you are the right person to do this research now.
Literature Review/ Theoretical Perspectives
Focus on the ideas, issues, arguments and findings in the literature, and the main debates, research and authors in the field. Do not focus on single items or authors unless there is good reason for doing so. Link and synthesis the main elements in the literature. Identify gaps in the literature and ways in which you can add value to the research (i.e. add something new). Explain how answering your research question/s adds to knowledge. 
Methodology/ Research Design
Give details of the method/s you have used and justify your choice/s as well as its/their strengths and limitations.  To what extent, if any, will you be able to generalise on the basis of your research? Discuss sampling, ethics, etc. Describe the data set you are using and relevant variables. Include analysis method/s, and a schedule of your procedures.
Results/Findings
Present data. Do not include discussion or analysis.
Discussion
Discuss how far your research has answered your research questions or ‘proven’ your hypothesis. If concepts or theories were applied during your study, discuss the implications of their effect on the findings. Relate the findings to literature to show what contribution your research makes to a given field, and conversely, what the literature can do to show the meaning of your results.
Conclusion
Shows the contribution your study has made to the literature. Evaluate to what extent your aims and objectives have been achieved. Include your reflections on the research process.
Recommendations
Include ideas for further research and suggestions for action in practice.
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Academic Skills Advice

6. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
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Academic Skills Advice

7. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
Focus down
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Academic Skills Advice

8. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
Opening up
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Academic Skills Advice

9. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
Compromise
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Academic Skills Advice

10. Academic Skills Advice
4.Macro-planning
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Academic Skills Advice

11. Academic Skills Advice
5.Micro-planning:
chapters and sections
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Academic Skills Advice

12. Academic Skills Advice
6.Micro-planning:
Sub-parts and sub-sections
3. Literature Review
3.1. Introduction (includes structure of chapter/section)
3.2. Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice
Habitus and maintenance of attitude and action
Social Capital and decision to attend
Other sub-part/section
Activity 2a and Activity 2b: Family tree and contents page
Click for graphic
Click for content listing
Click for activities
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Academic Skills Advice

13. Academic Skills Advice
References
Abraham S.Fischler School of Education. (2015) Template for mixed methods designs. North Miami Beach: Nova Southeastern University. Accessed 22 January 2015.
Hart. C. (2006) Doing a literature review. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Hart. C. (2007) Doing your masters dissertation. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
LSE (2014) The dissertation. London: University of London. Accessed 22 January 2015.
Silyn-Roberts, H. (2000) Writing for science and engineering. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Study Advice. (2014) Writing up your dissertation. Reading: University of Reading. writingdissertation.aspx Accessed 29 January 2015.
Wallace, M., and Wray A. (2011) Critical reading and writing for postgraduates. 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
20/09/2018
Academic Skills Advice

14. Academic Skills Advice Service
Location: via B0.23, Chesham Building
Website:
Phone:
This is a link to Academic Skills’ induction film. Check if they’ve seen it and if not, show it. If have, get an open discussion about anything going.

15. Academic Skills Advice
Any questions?
Developed by Louise Livesey January 2016
20/09/2018
Academic Skills Advice