Updates from March, 2016 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • sophiaw740 5:00 am on March 22, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Writing a journal paper 

    Hello, I am starting to write an empirical paper from my thesis. For that, I am taking 2 objectives and research questions out of 5 from my thesis.
    Its turning out to be a tedious task, what do I include, what do I don’t include? As, the objectives are quite interrelated, I am confused as to how should I divide the content. According to my supervisor, I at least need to write 4 research papers. I have also not completed my thesis writing yet and writing one journal paper is turning out to be so time-consuming, how can I write 3 more?
    Any advice?

     
    • davidbergeviin 6:10 am on April 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Writing a research paper from thesis sounds easy but it’s not the same. You need to make a complete plan, how are you gonna divide your thesis into 4 papers? Which paper will contain which chapter? How much time will it require? Which ones are going to be empirical or just review paper? I’ll suggest you plan it out with someone, your supervisor perhaps.

    • terrywellch 10:43 am on April 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, I am starting to do the same thing. I have already written a review paper during my PhD which is now published in a peer-reviewed journal. But now, I have to write papers from my thesis. After my viva, my examiners gave me their advices about the relevant portions of my research that should be published. Though it’s kind of difficult to make these portions into paper.

      My thesis is composed of different aspects and scenarios, combining them makes it complete but segregating them requires a lot of additional work. As now I have to work on individual parts. I suggest you ask your teacher on how to go on about it.

    • sophiaw740 9:40 am on May 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Actually my supervisor is not really showing any interest in my work. All she said was “take your time and think about it”, now whatever that means. I am still working on my first paper and it’s too much work.

    • robertmaxeey 8:00 am on May 9, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      How about you start working on another paper side by side, like preparing a background plan. And why don’t you go for a review paper? Half of the work will be done from your literature review chapter. In that way, you can get more publications and less amount of time. I have published two papers and this is how I did. While writing one, I make a plan of others. You can surely give it a try.

    • jackthomas01 9:09 am on May 17, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am doing my research in medical field preparing research papers. I am not sure whether it will be helpful for you or not, but the following resource explains how to prepare a manuscript on a broad level for medical journals. You can read it though, it’s useful. I am sharing the link:

      Writing for scientific medical manuscript: A guide for preparing manuscript for Biomedical Journals

    • sophiaw740 6:45 am on May 26, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Well, that was somewhat useful. I have been suggested by my friend to start with a review paper, rather than an empirical. I have developed a draft (introduction, literature review) relating to the previous studies done. And for that I have taken my literature review chapter. My doubt is that where do I go from here? What next section do I write? I mean there is nothing new about it. Exploring the studies that have already been done is not new, and I don’t understand its value or contribution to the literature. So, how do I conclude?

    • tedg8 11:38 am on June 1, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      You got provide an interesting synthesis of the related literature on the basis of your objectives. It would be better if you use a blend of older and recent literature. As far as the novelty of the paper is concerned, it will be new as it is your interpretation, which has to be different. Just include an introduction section, literature review, conclusion and future direction. You can include graphs and tables to enhance the presentation. I hope you find it useful. All the best!

  • sharonbaneey1 4:48 am on March 16, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Dissertation Discussion- How do I start this chapter? 

    Hello guys. I have been quite active on this site, but never posted any query. So, I am kind of a first-timer-thread-initiator!

    I have finished my analysis and I am just starting to write my discussion chapter. According to the universities guidelines, I need to write 8000 words of discussion. So, what does it entail? Where do I begin from?

     
    • sophiaw740 9:51 am on March 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, 8000 words is too much, does it include conclusion? I am currently writing my discussion chapter but I only gotta write 2000 words. I am in the middle of it and so far, so good.

      Discussion is basically a method to show how your research is in alignment or contradictory to the previous researches. It’s almost like a comparison. Like, some researcher said “swine flu spreads through birds” and another said that “swine flu spreads through a particular type of bird. Now, your research can either support the two of them, or one of them or no one. So, that’s pretty much. I don’t really know that why do we have to write it. I mean, we have already written the literature review and the findings. This chapter just merges them.

    • alexoliphaant 5:39 am on March 23, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am currently writing my literature review, which is taking a lot of time. All I know about discussion is that you need to show your results backing up with literature. @Sophiaw740 Can you refer any book or some resource?

    • sophiaw740 12:44 pm on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I found this PPT on a website regarding discussion chapter. It describes what this chapter entails and how to write conclusion too. I have shared the link below, hope it’s of some use.

      http://www.resourcesvalley.com/discuss-your-dissertation-or-thesis/

    • sharonbaneey1 10:40 am on April 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @Sophiaw740 I went through the PPT and it has given me quite an idea about the discussion chapter. Thanks.

    • sharonbaneey1 9:31 am on May 17, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey guys, I have another doubt regarding the same issue. As I have started this chapter, I am understanding the meaning behind it. And I wanted to know that do I just have to agree or disagree with other researchers?

    • dolliejgandy 10:49 am on June 28, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Your question is rather confusing. How about you read this post on how to deal with a discussion chapter:

      http://www.dissertationtutors.co.uk/blog/dissertation-discussion-the-horror/

      And if still you don’t understand, then you can converse with a tutor from the same, above site. A subject expert will be more useful for that matter.

    • terrywellch 12:06 pm on June 30, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Discussion basically elaborates on the analysis section of a study, with a relevant connection to the literature, you know, like a back-up type. You gotta show that your research has some value to the literature. A discussion is a way to do exactly that.

  • tappedward 11:26 am on March 15, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Rejected PhD Thesis! 

    Hello Everyone
    Last time I posted, I was waiting for my Viva. But unfortunately, my thesis got rejected so I got a lot more to worry about now.
    To put it broadly, the comments of the examiners were something like these:

    1. The hypothesis are not well supported by the literature
    2. Not well development of the questionnaire and research methods without the linkage of the literatures. There is no clear explanation of the sample size
    3. Chi square should not be used for ordinal or scale type data. Correlation test or regression should be used. The reliability tests should be detailed
    4. Conclusion is fairly formed but due to the hypothesis the value of this chapter is low

    Now what do I do? I am so worried, I can’t even sleep. I can do the corrections, yes, but the analysis? I can’t do that all again. I really need some advice now.

     
    • sharonbaneey1 7:12 am on March 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Sorry to hear that, but its kinda normal. There are only few who get it all ‘right’ in the first go. Just do whatever you can, and talk to your professor or supervisor about what should be done of the analysis part. I think u’ll have to redo it all again as the comments clearly state that Chi-square test is wrong. How much do you have to make the corrections?

    • dolliejgandy 9:31 am on March 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am so demotivated due to my rejected proposal, I can only imagine what you must be going through! We got no option, but to research and make the god damn corrections. Though, I am planning to take a professional help.
      Good luck to you!

    • tappedward 5:27 am on March 23, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @dolliejgandy Are professional services trust-able? Whom are you referring to?

    • dolliejgandy 8:00 am on March 28, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @tappedward: I haven’t consulted a professional yet, I am still looking for a trustable one as there are so many online services available. Though, I have heard about Dissertation India from a friend who opted for an editing service and he claimed that the work is pretty decent. So, I will interact with them and only after going through their policies will I think about hiring them. Are you too looking for online help?

    • tappedward 6:15 am on April 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am making the possible changes but I am not confident about it. I am thinking of taking a professional editing service. It would be helpful if someone can suggest me a trustful editor.

  • tedg8 11:44 am on March 10, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Methodologies and data collection help! 

    Good afternoon

    I am in first year of my PhD in management studies and need to select an appropriate data collection and analysis method. My problem is that I can’t really understand the methodologies like grounded theory, phenomenology, thematic analysis etc.

    What I have thought is to use a mixed method approach for data collection (qualitative + quantitative). For that, I am thinking about conducting semi-structured interviews with the key participants of my study. I settled for this as most of the researchers have used interviews and surveys as the means for data collection. I have also prepared the questionnaire but I am unable to get my head around the theoretical perspective. How will I analyse the qualitative data?

    Any help regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

     
    • sophiaw740 11:55 am on March 15, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey tedg8, I can very well understand your difficulty as I have too struggled with methodologies. It’s too grey and complex and massive, I must add. There are so many methods that are can be used in management studies. Have you read all the methods? Ever considered observational and case study as data collection methods?
      The best means to select the methods is to read the previous researches. Look what methods they opted for. And for the methods you don’t understand, read this amazing book by Creswell, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Sage Publications. All the research methods are clearly defined, which methods to use, when to use, which one is best for which type of study and so on. He has explained with examples and is quite useful and maybe it’ll solve your doubts.

    • tedg8 6:24 am on April 5, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hi, I am sorry for replying so late. Got a bit engrossed in the studies. I read a lot of literature and the book suggested by you. Thanks for that, it’s quite informational. But I am still facing some difficulties. What if the research method I choose is wrong and my findings turn unreliable due to that? Even after studying so much about it, I am still not sure. Can’t anyone just do it for me??

    • sophiaw740 6:06 am on April 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      We aren’t professionals, so no I can’t tell you the correct method. Every research is unique and demands different approaches and it’s the perspective of the researcher that makes the complete difference. As you said, you have read a lot of literature and its still confusing you, then take help from a friend or discuss it with your supervisor. Later on, if you feel you chose the wrong approach, then you can always trace bake to where you started.

  • minttyt 12:23 pm on March 7, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Power Analysis- Help 

    Hey all, this is the first time I am initiating a thread and it’s nice to know that there are other people sharing similar difficulties. So, I’ll get to the point. I am having some difficulties getting my head around statistics and methodology.

    I have read a lot of books and decided on my methods but the road-block is choosing the appropriate statistical test and the sample size. I am thinking about conducting survey with simple random method and then do regression analysis as it would be most suitable as per my research. But how do I do the power analysis and choose the sample size? How to I justify it? It’s really confusing to me.

     
    • davidbergeviin 6:23 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey minttyt, I can understand how confusing it is to justify your research and statistical methods. If you want to select a sample size, then you can just find an online calculator for that. If you Google ‘online power/sample size calculator’ then you will find a whole load of different ones, so you should find one to suit!

    • terrywellch 6:03 am on March 9, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I used an online power calculator, the one at
      http://www.danielsoper.com/statcalc/ and also the one at
      http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm.
      I was using it for a correlation sample size calculation, I’m not sure if it does sample sizes for every different kind of analysis.

    • minttyt 4:47 am on March 11, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Are these calculators efficient? And there’s no formula in it. I think if I use them, it won’t be that conclusive you know? Using a proper formula for the matter can be more valid. Can you refer me any book or paper regarding the same?

    • terrywellch 11:42 am on March 14, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Sure, this is the first PDF I got on sample size formulas. Here’s the link:

      Click to access PD00600.pdf

      The formulas available on other sites are similar as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know any other books for calculating sample size, maybe you can ask your librarian? That might help

  • dolliejgandy 5:25 am on March 7, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Thesis Research Proposal- Corrections! 

    Hello everybody,
    I constructed my thesis research proposal on management related topic where I’ll be analysing the impact of new technologies and social networking on the customer’s relationship in hotel industries. But it needs to be corrected and I am in a desperate need for help!

    I have studied the background on the related topics.

    I have analysed the methods adopted by other researchers

    From the previous researches, I have estimated that technologies and social networking can strongly influence the CRM in hotel industries and they can be used to boost its growth

    The teachers who read my proposal said that the topic was below the standards of a PhD course. It lacked the critical analysis and a lot of studies have already analysed the impact of these two variables in the hotel industry. They asked me to present a better argument. Any advice on the matter would be sincerely appreciated. Thank You!

     
    • sophiaw740 5:47 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      What is your topic? Maybe they want something fancy? Try revising it. And the think the best way to present your literature review is in the form of a concept matrix. It is a tabular form of data that explains the concepts in a research and what all has been discovered by researchers on those concepts. It basically summarizes the complex aspects of knowledge that can be easily understood.

    • alexoliphaant 11:51 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Critically analysing the previous study is essential to find the gap in that research domain. If your examiners are saying that there is no critical analysis and it means that you haven’t criticized the previous studies of your research domain. Well, it shouldn’t be that difficult. Read the literature again, point out their methods and then describe their limitations. Explain what where the researchers lack at, what methods would have been better implemented, stuff like that. And yeah, literature in matrix is quite effective. Good luck!

    • dolliejgandy 6:11 am on March 9, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey thanks for the replies! My topic is “Internet technology and social media as tools in CRM.” I have read about concept matrix but can you critically analyse the previous studies in a matrix? I mean, aren’t we supposed to just present the concepts and the work done in those domains?

    • alexoliphaant 11:49 am on March 10, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Of course you can critically analyse the literature review in the matrix form. The only difference that I feel in using matrix is that it’s more presentable. And your topic looks too broad, try to use words like “assessing impact” and “analysing”. Also, in which industry are you going to study these tools? Mention the name! The topic should be precise yet give elaborative!

c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel