Final Dissertation Sections
This guide provides information regarding the following sections of the dissertation:
Title Page
Acknowledgments Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 5 or 6 (depending on whether you have combined the findings and discussion chapters): Conclusion
Reference List
Appendices
On page 4 you will also find general advice on the formatting of your dissertation
Please refer to the Dissertation Workshop #1 for details of word counts and grade weighting of chapters.
TITLE PAGE
The first typed page should contain:
The title of your disseration
Your name and USW student number
Your MBA Global cohort name e.g. Sept 2020 cohort
The month and year of completion
The following statement:
“This dissertation is submitted in part fulfilment of the Masters in Business Administration Global”
It should also contain the following signed (this can be printed) and dated declaration:
“I declare that this dissertation is the result of my own independent investigation and that all sources are duly acknowledged in the bibliography.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PAGE
The second typed page can include an acknowledgements page. This will allow you to thank individuals and organisations that have helped you with your dissertation.
ABSTRACT
The third typed page should contain an abstract. This should normally be no more than one page long (max 500 words) and should cover all aspects of the dissertation including the conclusions.
Have a look at the abstracts on the journal articles which you have read and/or seek guidance.
An abstract is similar to an executive summary in that it should summarise the key elements of your dissertation to the reader.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The fourth page should include a table of contents giving chapter and section headings and page numbers. You should include a list of figures such as diagrams and tables after the contents page. Top Tip: Use Microsoft Word’s table of contents function
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Your introduction is the opening chapter or a starting point of your dissertation. The main purpose of writing a dissertation introduction is to achieve these basic goals:
Introduce your topic and purpose/scope of your study i.e. state your research aim
Provide background information and context. Try to convince readers of the dissertation topics relevance. For example:
why is your dissertation topic worthy of further study?
Is there a research gap in our understanding of the topic?
Is there a topical or practical problem which your research can help address?
Follow this up with the specific focus on your research. For example:
Which geographical area are you researching?
What demographics or communities are you investigating?
What time period does your research cover?
What specific themes does your dissertation focus on?
Give an overview of the dissertation’s structure
Approximate word count = 1800 words
CHAPTER 5 or 6*: CONCLUSION
5.1 Introduction
Mention the overall contribution of your study
5.2 Research Objectives
In this section you specify whether your objectives (you can list these) have been achieved
5.3 Practitioners Contribution
In this section you should explain how your research project can assist practitioners in your chosen field
5.4 Theoretical contribution
In this section you should explain how your research project has contributed to relevant underlying theories e.g. reinforced existing research models, added potential new dimensions to current theory etc.
5.5 Research Limitations
In this section you should state the limitations of your research e.g., sample size, data collection method etc.
5.6 Possible Areas for Future Research
These can be linked to Section 5.5. e.g. bigger sample, different respondents etc.
5.7 Conclusion
Approximate word count = 1800 words
REFERENCE LIST
Your reference list should be in alphabetical order according to author surname and MUST follow the USW Harvard Referencing Guide:
https://library.southwales.ac.uk/documents/33/Harvard_Referencing_2021_5.pdf
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: One sample interview / focus group transcript or survey response
Appendix 2: Provide a blank copy of the information sheet given to respondents
Appendix 3: Sample data analysis coding (only if you are using thematic or content analysis)
Appendix 4: If you have collected statistical data include the raw data here (you can provide a link to an online document containing this information)
GENERAL ADVICE ON FORMATTING (This is NOT a section for your dissertation!)
The dissertation should be written in a readable style
Do not try to impress with unnecessarily complex means of expression with difficult words when simple ones would do. At the same time, you do not want your dissertation to read like a children’s book
Remember that your dissertation is a piece of objective research. As far as possible do not use the first person i.e. “I”. Instead write in third person e.g. the author…
Your work should be word processed:
Make sure your proofread your work for spelling and grammar errors prior to submitting it.
Make sure your use consistent formatting throughout the document eg. use consistent fonts
Page numbering should begin on Page 1 of Chapter 1. Do NOT number the Title Page, Acknowledgments Page, Abstract or Table of Contents page
You do NOT need a hard copy of your dissertation as you will be submitting it via Turnitin although you may wish to also produce at least one hard copy for your own record.
A final note: You are advised to retain your raw data (e.g. completed questionnaires, interview transcripts etc.) until the results are formally announced.