What is the topic or research question and why is it interesting and important in theory and practice?
Chapter 1 Introduction is the last main stage in your dissertation research and write–‐up. Since this chapter should provide an overview of the whole dissertation, it can only be finalised after you have completed the other chapters of your dissertation. It will, however, naturally build on the ideas from the introductory section of your Dissertation Research Proposal, and you may also wish to add notes to it as you progress through the previous stages.
An effective introduction should answer three sets of questions (Grant and Pollock, 2011: 873):
“(1) Who cares? What is the topic or research question, and why is it interesting and important in theory and practice?
(2) What do we know, what dont we know, and so what? What key theoretical perspectives and empirical findings have already informed the topic or question? What major, unaddressed puzzle, controversy, or paradox does this study address, and why does it need to be addressed?
(3) What will we learn? How does your study fundamentally change, challenge, or advance scholars understanding?”
Grant and Pollock (2011) offer a detailed guidance on what an effective introduction entails and how to develop an effective introduction, with examples of “best practice”. It is highly recommended that you read their article.
Grant, A. M., Pollock, T.G. 2011. Publishing in AMJ—Part 3: Setting the hook. Academy of Management Journal. 54 (5): 873– 879.
STAGE 6: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The executive summary is a brief statement that encapsulates your dissertation. It should include a clear and succinct account of your dissertation objective, research question, theoretical framework, data collected, analysis undertaken, key findings, conclusions and recommendations. This must be presented in a coherent narrative, not as a list of headings or topics.
STAGE 7: REVISING, PROOF READING AND PRESENTING YOUR DISSERTATION
After you have completed the first draft of your entire dissertation you should:
read and review the entire draft for the accuracy, clarity, logic, coherence and style, • proof–‐read it for any errors in grammar, sentence structure, word usage, and spelling, • check it for completeness and consistency in referencing (including the correspondence between the sources cited in the text and the sources documented in the list of references), • Ensure you have inserted your proposal within the appendices, • check it for the adherence with the format and structure requirements (these requirements are presented in Section 5 of these Guidelines).
You should then revise your first draft to address any issues you have identified in your review and then read your second draft again.
