1. The Robert Gordon University
MSc Project
Writing-up
The Robert Gordon University
School of Engineering
Dr. Mohamed Amish

2. Writing-up Thesis Planning: Depending on the nature of the
research, the five main components of a
research report are:
Abstract;
Introduction;
Literature review;
Methodology;
Data analysis;
Conclusions and recommendations;
References;
Appendix.

3. Abstract
Describe the hypotheses tested and indicate their theoretical and practical importance;
Explain how the hypotheses were tested;
Summarise the main features of the results;
Summarise the discussion and key implications of the findings;
Highlight any important conceptual development or theoretical insight;
Summarise briefly, wider considerations or implications, including strengths and weaknesses of the data and methods.
The abstract should never introduce new material which is not already contained in the body of the report.

4. Introduction Three essential parts of a good introduction are:
Rational;
Purpose (objectives);
Research question(s).

5. Literature Review A good literature review comprises:
a comprehensive survey of existing relevant work;
a detailed review of the best (most important) contributions;
a critical comparison of these contributions;
a synthesis of new knowledge from existing work.

6. Literature Review
Your report should review the work. For example, it should comment on the:
relevance;
strengths and weakness;
reliability;
accuracy.

7. Organising the review By topic Problem - solution Cause - effect.
The purpose of the literature review is to set the stage for your own research. You should, therefore, conclude the review with a statement of the hypothesis, or focused research question. When complete, you are ready to proceed with part three of the research report, in which you explain the methods used.

8. Design & Methodology
This section of the report is where you explain to the reader how you carried out your research in order to achieve the objectives. You should describe the subjects, the instruments used, the conditions under
which the tests were conducted, how the tests were scored, how the results were analysed etc.

9. Discussion & Results What have you found?
How well does it compare with previous work?
Present your findings and discuss the possible reasons for these findings.
Use your knowledge of the subject in order to make intelligent comments about the results.

10. Conclusion & Recommendations
Summarise the main points made in the introduction and literature review;
Review (briefly) the research methods and/or design employed;
Summarise the findings in the form of a list of concrete statements (effectively bullet points). Keep this list short, focussed and technical. Do not include vague ‘educational’ conclusions e.g. ‘I learned a lot from doing this project’;
Discuss the broader implications of the findings;
Mention the limitations of the research (maybe due to its scope or its weaknesses);
Offer suggestions for future research related to the report.

11. Arrangement of Thesis Sections
Title page;
Confidentiality statement;
Declaration;
Abstract;
Acknowledgments;
Table of contents (include page numbers);
List of figures (if applicable);
List of tables (if applicable);
Lists of symbols, abbreviations, nomenclature, conversion factors (if applicable);
Main text;
References – all references must be cited in text;
Bibliography – useful material not cited in text;
Appendices– background and/or supporting material.