Issues in order to succeed with a dissertation

1.   Delineate a specific issue (problem) to research/ resolve: ·    Hypothesis/ hypotheses. ·    Central research question. ·    Timeframe and affordability.

2.   Present a summary of the appropriate body of existing knowledge about specific problem at hand. ·    Appropriate literature review strategy. ·    Academic writing style — intro, present and summary.

3.   Use of the appropriate referencing (in-text and list of) 100% correctly.

4.   Plan an appropriate research design: ·    Select from the qualitative-quantitative range what would be appropriate to the study (problem). ·    Ontology and epistemology.

5.   Select or develop data collection instruments/ strategy(ies): ·    Instrument/ strategy must be suitable. ·    Test the instrument/ strategy and refine as required. ·    Ensure equipment availability and good working order.

6.   Determine the population and appropriate sampling frame: ·    Identify the population that applies to the problem. ·    Select an appropriate sampling strategy.

7.   Plan the data analysis methods — ensuring appropriateness. ·    Select appropriate statistical methods for quantitative data, ·    or relevant qualitative analysis design.

8.   Submission of research proposal for approval.

9.   Upon approval of proposal. execute the data collection (or research undertaking in the case of participatory action research). ·    Ensure systematic and orderly data capturing. ·    Analysis of the data and interpretation.

10. Produce the research report — dissertation/ thesis or article.

11. Editing — language and technicalities.

12. Post-examination (peer review in case of an article for publishing) review and making the required changes.

13. Final editing, proof reading, printing and binding.