Dissertation structure:
Chapter 1 – Introduction
 Provide an evidence-based reason why you undertook this dissertation? …‘Therefore there is a need to investigate …’
 Clear set out your aim (1 aim– normal the dissertation title) and objectives (4 to 6objectives)
 Brief overview of research methodology
 Outlines structure of dissertation
Chapter 2 – Literature Review
 Introduction – purpose, structure and value added
◦ Same for all chapters (except perhaps Ch 1)
 Cites key relevant writers
 Includes current literature, 5 years or less
Critically comments on the literature, does not simply repeat what the authors wrote
Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
 Structure around Saunders et al ‘onion’
 Explains what concepts entail eg inductive
 Describe and justify choices
 Cites conceptual theory to support discussion, BUT also empirical work that has used similar methodology
 Includes ethics and limitations sections which are based on explanation and linked to cited literature
Chapter 4 – Findings & Discussion
 Findings simply states key points eg 50% aged 16-25 years old, 31% 26-35 …
 Discussions explore what the findings mean in relation to the ideas raised in the literature – synthesise
Chapter 5 – Conclusions
 Conclusion should summarise the key themes
◦ Tip: align to your original aim/objectives
◦ ‘investigate X in order to achieve Y’
 Recommendations (SMART) both in relation to the topic, but also the research process you followed
 Strengths and limitations
 Avenues for future work