Chapter 39 — Dissertation III: writing

Chapter 39 — Dissertation III: writing

Lesson map

Lesson 39 published. Map, example, EX115.

flowchart TD
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["39.1 Structure"]
  N2["39.2 Limitations"]
  N3["39.3 Recommendations"]
  N4["39.4 Revision"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4
  N4 --> EX["Worked example"]
  EX --> Q["Exercise EX115"]

Logical drawing

flowchart LR
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["39.1 Structure"]
  N2["39.2 Limitations"]
  N3["39.3 Recommendations"]
  N4["39.4 Revision"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4 --> Q["EX115"]

[Learning outcomes]
    |
    v
[39.1 Structure]
    |
    v
[39.2 Limitations]
    |
    v
[39.3 Recommendations]
    |
    v
[39.4 Revision]
    |
    v
[Worked example] --> [Exercise EX115]

Learning outcomes

You will (1) structure a dissertation clearly; (2) write limitations honestly; (3) revise from feedback.

39.1 Structure

Aisha structures her dissertation: introduction, literature review, method, results, discussion, limitations, recommendations and conclusion. Each chapter opens with its purpose and closes with a summary. She places her research question on the first page. Dr. Carrow reads a draft and suggests moving the investigation of temporary staff delays into results, since it is a finding, not just discussion. She also adds a short list of abbreviations at the start, because examiners from outside security may not know terms such as multi-factor authentication or access review. A classmate from another subject reads the introduction and confirms it is clear.

39.2 Limitations

Aisha writes her limitations specifically: one organisation, a before-and-after design without a comparison group, possible effects of the new IT staff member, and human resources dates that may themselves be late. For each, she explains how it might affect her conclusions. Dr. Carrow notes that specific limitations help readers judge findings, while vague statements such as more research is needed add little. She places the limitations section before the recommendations, so readers consider the limits before reading what she suggests Ashfield should do next.

39.3 Recommendations

Aisha separates findings from recommendations. Her recommendations for Ashfield are: require end dates for temporary contracts, review the automated process yearly and include contractor accounts in the same process. For other small organisations, she suggests measuring removal times before and after changes. She labels recommendations as judgements based on evidence, so readers can weigh them. She discusses the recommendations with the IT manager before submission, who confirms they are practical for Ashfield. She records his comments in an appendix, noting that one recommendation, including contractor accounts, will need agreement with suppliers.

39.4 Revision

Aisha revises her draft three times. A classmate's review points out unclear terms, and Dr. Carrow's feedback improves the structure. She checks every citation against its source, confirming editions and identifiers. She reads the final version aloud to catch awkward sentences. She learns that revision often improves a dissertation more than additional analysis would. She keeps a revision log listing each change and its reason, which helps her explain decisions in the viva. Dr. Carrow reads the final draft and confirms it is ready for submission, noting that the citations are accurate and complete.

Worked example

Aisha structures the dissertation, writes four specific limitations, separates recommendations from findings and revises three times, checking every citation.

Synthetic case. The dissertation is synthetic.

Errors and limits

Vague limitations such as more research is needed add little.

Exercises

• EX115 — Moved section. What is moved into results? Rubric: 3 = temporary staff delay investigation;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.
• EX116 — HR limitation. What limitation concerns HR dates? Rubric: 3 = they may themselves be late;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.
• EX117 — Revision count. How many times does Aisha revise? Rubric: 3 = three;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = wrong;; 0 = none.

Continue studying — lesson 39 (chapter 39 of 40)

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