英国dissertation的格式以及组成部分 DISSERTATION

英国Dissertation的格式以及组成部分 DISSERTATION

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3.1 REQUIREMENTS

开题报告的展开是通过写作一个dissertation来实施的。dissertation必须不超过16000字，不包括表格，图表和附录。
The research proposal is implemented through the writing of a dissertation. This must not exceed 16000 words excluding tables, diagrams and appendices.

Students should justify and examine the research aim and objectives, consider and select from a range of methodologies appropriate to their achievement, demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the literature http://www.ukthesis.org/ygsslwdx/  relevant not only to the issues under investigation but also to the approach adopted, justify the methodological approach; analyse, synthesise, evaluate the data; underpin decisions and findings with appropriate and up to date literature; draw conclusions and make recommendations. Students are also expected to reflect on the research process.  

Each participant will have one dissertation supervisor. The supervisors are responsible for monitoring their students’ progress. Where appropriate, industrial mentors may be involved in an advisory capacity

LEARNING OUTCOMES FROM THE DISSERTATION UNIT DESCRIPTOR:

Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
1. develop aims and objectives for term papers [assessments] and the dissertation / research project
2. review literature analytically and use appropriate citation referencing techniques
3. select and evaluate appropriate research methodologies including ethics for term papers and the dissertation / research project and report appropriately on findings

3.2 一个完整dissertation所包含的必要元素 ELEMENTS OF A DISSERTATION

The following elements should appear at the beginning of the submission.

 (i) dissertation标题页 Title page
 (ii) 独创声明 Declaration
 (iii) 摘要 Abstract
 (iv) 致谢 Acknowledgements
 (v) 目录页  Contents' page/Table of contents
 (vi) 数据表格 Table of figures, tables et al.
 (vii) 摘要名词 List of abbreviations

(i) Title page (See Appendix E)
(ii) Declaration (See Appendix F)
(iii) Abstract 摘要
The abstract provides a short summary of the research to introduce the reader to the Dissertation.  This does not normally exceed one page/300 words. It includes a statement of the topic that has been studied, why the topic was chosen, an overview of the method(s) employed, key results, main conclusion(s) and the key recommendations).
(iv) Acknowledgements  致谢
The acknowledgements should refer to those people who have been of assistance in the completion of the research. For example, thank the supervisor, advisor, industrialists, administrative and technical staff, respondents, interviewees, family et al. and check that you have spelled all names correctly. Remember to take account of ethical issues – companies and individuals who have provided data/personal information must not be named.#p#分页标题#e#
 The abstract and acknowledgements should appear on separate pages before the table of contents. These are not usually numbered.
(v) Contents' page/Table of contents  目录页
The Table of Contents is the “map” of the dissertation. It should list all the chapters, sections and subsections of the dissertation, followed by references and then appendices. The title of each appendix should be given and it is common practice to number the pages in the Appendices A1, A2, and A3 etc. The pages of the Table of Contents are usually numbered in small case Roman numerals.
(vi) Table of figures, tables et al. 数据表格
List of all figures, tables, diagrams et al. by number and title with page numbers.
 All staff does not insist on this list – please check with individual supervisors.
(vii)  List of abbreviations 摘要名词
All abbreviations may be cumulated and listed at the front of the document for reference purposes. Abbreviations should be used in the text only after the first mention of the abbreviated expression, which should be written in full. For example, Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) on first mention, then subsequently use HCIMA. 

3.2.1 A TYPICAL DISSERTATION WILL INCLUDE:
 (Note: These need not be the actual chapter headings.)

 Chapter 1 introduction
 Chapter 2 literature review
 Chapter 3 Methodology
 Chapter 4 Results/findings
 Chapter 5 Conclusions, practical recommendations, reflections/limitations and areas for further research
 References
 Appendices

Note:  The word count boundaries apply to all Students and are indicative and not prescriptive

Chapter 1 Introduction (about 1000 words)

Function

The introduction provides the reader with a background which justifies the need for the research. It raises a series of issues that result in the formulation of an aim and objectives and perhaps the formulation of a preliminary but key research Question or hypothesis.

Process

(i) Begin with an overview of what the dissertation is about; introduce the topic.
(ii) In the background to the study, give the reader a brief insight into the topic – usually a few key references are included.
(iii) Raise the issues that focus on/led to the study of the key area and state the aim/objectives/hypothesis/key research question(s).
(iv) Explain the structure of the document (brief summary of the contents) for the benefit of the reader.

Chapter 2 Literature review (about 5000 words)

Function

To explore the aim/objectives/hypotheses/key research questions in the context of previous research / documented evidence.

 Note:   Keywords are essential in order to identify the topics for exploration. These     may be used, perhaps in combination, to structure the content. #p#分页标题#e#

The literature review should ascertain and evaluate current knowledge and provide necessary background information to study. It involves a survey of existing work on the topic in order to “set the scene” in the context of current knowledge. The literature review should culminate in a series of research questions or hypotheses related to an “unknown area” which is to be explored by the student. Therefore, there is a need to classify, summarise, synthesise and comment on the existing literature (books, academic and industrial journal articles, trade magazines, newspapers, company information,  refer to http://www.ukthesis.org/ygsslwdx/2592.html and electronic sources. Where there may not appear to be much existing literature to review, there are always associated areas that can be consulted, for example: theories and practices from other industries or disciplines. This approach can sometimes be used to demonstrate gaps or to apply alternative approaches or theories. In some cases, in the absence of existing literature, some preliminary primary data may have to be generated, for example by preliminary interviews.

The review should not only cover the topic itself (and associated areas) but also associated concepts. It should be a source of theoretical ideas and should establish the theoretical and conceptual context of the study. The findings from the review might necessitate modification/refinement of the initial key research question or hypothesis. Whether these are modified or not, at the culmination of the literature review, specific research questions/hypotheses to be answered/tested through the methodology should be identified.

Process

Collect information on previous research in the field, or in associated fields, together with any other background information necessary to put the study into context. In diagrammatic form, the literature review may be thought of as a triangle on its apex, i.e. begin with the broader issues and sequence the topics to focus the reader’s attention of the key issues that might impinge on the chosen topic. Collate information in sections and subsections (maybe linked to keywords) paying particular attention to similarities and differences. Highlight key information, which is especially useful to the development of the study in question. Either quote directly (with full acknowledgement including page number) or paraphrase (and acknowledge author or group of authors). Remember to comment on previous work. Do not just import quotations and string them together – effectively or otherwise!

Structure

The literature review comprises a number of sections and subsections. It is usually written in one chapter but may be divided into two or three chapters if appropriate. It is of great benefit to the reader if the structure and specific purpose of the literature review is explained at the outset.

On completion

At the end of the literature review, a summary of the key findings helps the reader to focus on the topic under study. Also, at this stage, the objectives may be refined in the light of the findings from the literature. A set of research questions or hypotheses for exploration may be included also.#p#分页标题#e#

Insufficient literature?

If it is considered that there is `insufficient’ literature within hospitality, tourism or consumer marketing on the topic under study, it may be necessary to explore other applications or profiles, such as: (i) similar applications in the service sector generally; (ii) systems in other locations or industries; (iii) visitors to, or consumers in, other areas; (iv) workers in other fields. Furthermore, the collection of some preliminary primary data to identify key dimensions for exploration is sometimes of value.  

Chapter 3 Methodology (about 2000 words)

Function

The methodology comprises an explanation of how the research was carried out, including: research design; population and sampling methods; the selection and collection of secondary and primary (if applicable) data and an outline of the method(s) of data analysis. Comment on and give reasons for any restrictions encountered and analytical procedures, with justification from the literature (and appropriate references) for the methods selected. Is the methodology appropriate and will it yield the information required to satisfy the appropriate objectives? This chapter should not only argue for the methods used but include discussion as to why certain potential methods were not used. (Include libraries used, bibliographies, abstracts and databases consulted).

Process

Begin with an overview of what is in the chapter. Include information on:
 (i) research design; nature, type and form of requisite data;
 (ii) definition of research population and discussion of sampling method(s) with justification;
(iii) secondary and primary data collection, including justification of method(s) chosen and of  the content of
 instrument (underpinned by literature);
 (iv)   method(s) of analysis;
 (v) limitations.
 
The selection of methods in this chapter should be underpinned by a few references. Also, if primary data are employed, the literature should be used to underpin the content of the data collection instrument.

Chapter 4 Results/findings, including analysis, evaluation and discussion (5000 words)

Function

In this chapter, the hypotheses is tested/research questions are answered. The aim/objectives should be kept in mind. There statement of the results must demonstrate ability to analyse and synthesise not just to regurgitate information collected. Alongside or following the results, there must be discussion/evaluation of the findings.

Note:  it is not appropriate to merely list the responses to questionnaires/interviews in question order (q1, q2, q3 etc) but presented as `results’.
Try to determine the key elements of the study (perhaps from the literature base) or utilise the objectives for section headings.

Process

Analyse the research findings and evaluate the data/information generated; synthesise the data/information into summaries using appropriate and recognised (underpinned by literature) analytical technique. The outcomes should at some point be subject to evaluation/testing/discussion/interpretation as applicable and as appropriate with reference to the research objectives/questions/hypotheses. The results should be written as a coherent whole in academic style, not merely reported. A summary of the key findings makes a useful conclusion to the results chapter.#p#分页标题#e#

It is tempting to include all the material/information collected. Ensure that only material which helps achieve the aim is included. Be relevant! Any material, which is not relevant, should be discarded. The inclusion of irrelevant material will affect the overall mark since it will suggest lack of thought, logic or focus.

All raw data should be included in an Appendix. In the case of qualitative research one complete example, such as a transcript, should be included in an appendix plus an aggregated summary of the all of the data.

The whole study should be balanced and objective; evidence should lead to the conclusions and not vice versa. Researchers should not start with pre-conceived ideas and set out to confirm them, however strongly and earnestly those ideas are felt or believed in. They should be “enquiring” and be prepared for outcomes and conclusions contrary to the beliefs and ideas initially expected.

Chapter 5 Conclusions, practical recommendations, reflections/limitations and areas for further research (1500 words)

The conclusions should be based on the research findings and should identify the extent to which the aim/objectives have (or have not) been met. The examiner should be able to see easily where and why the conclusions originated. They should not be produced out of `thin air’! The research process (es) should lead naturally to the conclusions. Conclusions should relate not solely to the problem(s) or question(s) that has/have been explored but also related to the body of knowledge generally and theories, models, etc. They should be considered in the context of the literature review so that the previous findings of other researchers/theories/models/systems can be confirmed, further refined or refuted. If the research is of an applied nature, the practical implications of the findings should also be identified and the implications discussed. Also include an appraisal of the significance for the field of study/domain within which the research has taken place.

Recommendations should consider applications to current industrial practice. Appropriate recommendations should be made for all interested parties, for example, the industry (specific subgroups of personnel, such as company directors, group or unit managers or operatives as appropriate) and the customers (if applicable).

The research reflections/limitations are an evaluation of the research process, for example: methods used including how they could have been improved. The student is expected to comment on any mistakes, errors and/or omissions. Are there any lessons to be learned? How might the study have been done differently in the light of experience? Are there any other sources of information that might have been tapped? The reflections should indicate whether the researcher has learned how to research. Self-criticism is valuable but should be made with care – how could the research be improved it if it were to be started again? What problems were encountered? How were they dealt with? What internal/external limitations were imposed and how did they affect the work – the process and the product? Finally, recommendations for further research should be considered. What is left to do for future researchers? What are the future avenues for research?#p#分页标题#e#

References
References and citations should follow a recognised system. Harvard (school style as per Appendix C) is recommended. All those references used, i.e. cited either directly with quotation marks and page numbers or indirectly (paraphrased or summarised) in the main body of the dissertation should be listed. The list of references is compiled in alphabetical order by authors’ surnames.
 
Note: If an author is cited more than once, chronological order is used. If the author has two or more references from the same year differentiate this by year followed by a letter, i.e. 2003a, 2003b, 2003c etc. 

Appendices
The appendices include additional material or supportive information to expand on the content or to assist the understanding of the text. They should be numbered for reader to refer to or to expand on text. Material necessary for the reader to understand the text should be in the main body not in an appendix. The appendices might contain information that would be too ‘bulky’ or complicated to include in the main body of the dissertation, or detail, which might distract the reader. In the main body of the text, briefly summarise the detail and then refer the reader to the appendix for further information.

Appendices are placed after the reference list and are listed in alphabetical order (A, B, C, D, etc.).

3.3 PLANNING, RECORDING AND WRITING

Planning the work schedule

Students are advised to arrange a regular day/time to meet the supervisor and to plan a schedule for the completion of tasks with dates, interim and final deadlines.

Note: It is extremely important that:
 Comprehensive and accurate notes are kept from the outset
 A plan, with interim deadlines, is adhered to – this is a test of competence in self-management and should impress the supervisors /assessors.
 Writing begins and sections are handed to the supervisor for comment as soon as possible.
 Electronic backups are kept as well as hard copies of all the work, including the primary data collected and the computer printouts of the data analysis

All students have a maximum period (normally one to three years according to the mode of study and the nature of the course) within which they need to complete the course. Below is a draft-plan for consideration by the student who wishes to complete the Dissertation in seven months. This plan is merely indicative and should be adapted or changed subject to suit the individual’s needs.

3.4 SUGGESTED DRAFT PLAN FOR STUDENTS (Full-time over 12 months)

MONTH 1 & 2    Generate ideas for topic
(September / October)  Begin preliminary research in field(s) of enquiry, i.e. background reading and initial information collection
    Select topic and agree supervisor

MONTH 3   Complete proforma (Form A) to confirm choice of topic#p#分页标题#e#
(November)   Determine focus of study and begin to draft the Research Proposal (i.e.
(12th November, 2010)  background, aim, objectives and proposed methodology) in consultation with supervisor

MONTH 4; 5 & 6  Focused in-depth reading and detailed information collection on topic area
(Dec; Jan; Feb)   Plan methodology; refine the Research Proposal

MONTH 7   Complete and submit the Research Proposal (with Form B to confirm supervisor
(March)    – 19th March 2010).
(18th March 2011)  Start write up of Chapters 1; 2 & 3 and seek supervisor advice
    Design data collection instrument and conduct pilot study (if applicable)

MONTH 8 & 9    Collect secondary/primary data and supportive information
(April / May)    Draft table of contents (chapters and sections)
    Draft literature review (review of previous research) chapter
    Draft methodology chapter

MONTH 10   Analyse data and information
(June)    Evaluate results
    Edit/update table of contents (chapters, sections and subsections)
    Draft statement of results, analysis, discussion and interpretation.

MONTH 11   Re-visit introduction; literature research and methodology
(July)    Draw conclusions, reflections and make recommendations.
    Write abstract
    Submit draft to supervisor
Tidy up tables, figures, diagrams, citations, references; insert page numbers; attend to presentation etc.
  Write acknowledgements
    Complete appendices   
  
MONTH 12   Incorporate supervisor's final comments
(August)  Complete final edit. Make two ring-bound copies.

(2nd September 2011) Submit the Dissertation for assessment

3.5 PREPARATORY READING AND WRITING

The literature review
In the literature review, it is important to show evidence of critical thinking (e.g. compare, contrast, analyse, evaluate, synthesise, and integrate) and to question the underlying assumptions and body of knowledge that authors employ.

 When reading a text or article, consider the following questions:
• Is the writing objective?
• Do(es) the author(s) use a theoretical base?
• Do(es) the author(s) use the results of previous studies to build an argument?
• Is the literature current and relevant?
• Is the research issue stated and explained clearly?
• Is the research issue worthy of exploration?#p#分页标题#e#
• Is the hypothesis clearly or implicitly stated?
• Is the hypothesis clearly measurable?
• In the research method applicable?
• Are the data clearly presented and consistent?
• Are the data relevant?
• Are the results consistent with those of other studies?  Why, or why not?
• Have appropriate conclusions been drawn?
• Have the limitations been stated clearly?
• How might the study have been improved?
• Has/can someone else research a similar issue in a similar or different setting?
 (Hint: also, use the above criteria to judge the completed work)

Plagiarism and Quotations

Students are encouraged to consider and develop the ideas of other authors. Quotations are used when copying word for word (verbatim) what someone else has said and the page number should be given. If paraphrased (put into our own words) text, the original author(s) should also be acknowledged. If someone else’s work is copied word-for-word, or if the ideas of someone else (for example, a researcher, author or a previous student) are used without acknowledging that person, you have committed plagiarism–the most serious academic offence equivalent to cheating in an examination.

Plagiarism is not tolerated at MMU – it is very easy to detect and results in no marks for the dissertation and no MSc/MA!

The Plagiarism Advisory Service at http://www.ukthesis.org/

Students work may be checked for plagiarism using TurnitinUK. The Plagiarism Advisory Service provides generic advice and guidance on all aspects of plagiarism prevention and detection to institutions, academics and students.

The service promotes a holistic approach to plagiarism prevention, incorporating consideration of institutional policies and procedures, teaching practice and study skills. The approach is supported by:
 Identification and dissemination of examples of best practice.
 Sourcing and evaluation of appropriate learning materials.
 Supporting an electronic discussion forum to stimulate awareness and debate.
 Organising regional training workshops designed to promote prevention and detection strategies.
 Providing access to, and support for, the TurnitinUK plagiarism detection software.

Writing objectively

The writing in a dissertation should flow logically with evidence of reasoning, objectivity and a well-developed argument. The author’s personal opinion or experiences should not be used to generalise or to make a point. Consider the following criteria:

• write in the third person (i.e., do not use “I”, “We”);
• base writings on fact, observation or evidence and not the student’s personal opinion;#p#分页标题#e#
• base writings on the established knowledge of experts;
• use gender-inclusive language.  In other words do not say, “the manager….he”;
• do not use stereotyping of any kind that makes reference to gender, race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, etc.;

When making deductions, based on the literature, use:

“It is evident” or “As can be deduced” or “As cited in the literature” or “Based on the previous arguments” or “It can be ascertained that” or “As the evidence suggests” or “Based on these observations”, “As the literature suggests”, et al.

Interim submissions/drafts

It is advantageous to begin writing as soon as possible in order that an acceptable quality may be determined. Students are encouraged to submit drafts of their writing for discussion at least 48 hours before each meeting. In particular, it is suggested that at each interim stage (draft/pilot and main study), the student should submit data collection instruments for checking and comment by the supervisor. Students should not wait until they have completed all or even most of the Dissertation before they obtain feedback from the supervisor, as it may be too late to rectify any serious deficiencies in either content or style. Although the work is normally submitted in parts, it is suggested that students supply their supervisors with the final draft document (including a contents page) at least one month prior to the submission deadline so that sufficient time is left to incorporate changes.

 Note:  This final task takes longer than imagined

3.6 GENERAL PRESENTATION AND LAYOUT OF COURSEWORK

• After full-stops (periods) leave one or two spaces free;
• Brackets (parentheses) should not have any spaces between them and the first/last word they are enclosing;
• Never begin a sentence with a number – e.g., 3 managers …...   write instead – Three managers....... ;
• Spell out numbers fewer than ten, e.g. There were four responses….…..;
• Do not use contractions, e.g. “did not”, not “didn’t”;
• Do not use the Latin acronyms “i.e., e.g., viz………”.  Spell them out: “that is, for example, namely…..”;
• Spelling and punctuation should be consistent (English not American) throughout the paper;
• Use commas to separate every three digits in numbers, e.g. 2,000 or 350,000;
• When using bullet lists, sentences should end in semi-colons (;), except for the last sentence which end in a full stop (just like this example); and
• Write in the past/present as opposed to the future tense.

Note:  #p#分页标题#e#
 1. There should be an argument running throughout the document
1. It is common to draft the chapters as units but then the whole should be linked together
  with checks to ensure effective sequencing of information and no repetition
2. Check spell and grammar including the consistency of the tenses
3. Number pages
4. Take care with the presentation

 Preparation of the dissertation for submission

 Work (TWO complete copies required for submission) should be word-processed on A4 paper.
 Word processing should be 1.5/2.0 spaced (except in the case of references, tables and appendices, which may be, single spaced). Students should confirm their intentions with their supervisors some of whom insist on double spacing. Some supervisors prefer the students to save paper
 There should be a margin of 3 cm on the left-hand side and 2 cm on the right hand side. Please leave 3 cm margin at the top of the page and 2 cm at the bottom of the page
 Pages should be numbered sequentially. A font size of 10 to 12 is ideal for the main text
 Chapters, sections and subsections and appendices should be indexed. Sub-subsections within subsections do not need to be numbered
 All tables, figures and diagrams should be titled and numbered. There is no need to index these although some supervisors request them so check with the supervisor
 The dissertation must be no more than 16,000 + / - 10% words in length.
 Students are requested to state the word length excluding contents, tables, diagrams, list of references and appendices and to submit a copy on diskette or CD. The internal assessors and the external examiners will not be impressed by work that is more than 10% outside these specified guidelines
 The minimum pass mark is 50%. A student will be awarded credit for this unit when the Dissertation has been moderated and the mark has been ratified at an MSc or MA Examination Board as applicable
 The final copies should be ring-bound with a card cover.

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