Discuss your Dissertation

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  Dr S Loretti 9:04 am on September 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Styles Followed For Citations In The US 

  The word citation is also known as a reference, generally found in books and research reports. It is represented alphanumerically on pages of books and research reports to give credit to whom (or from where) the research, work, or discussion is sourced. It helps you in giving support to your words or discussions. For different subjects and topics there are optimized different styles of citations.

  In different American Universities, for different subjects and streams, there are different systems or styles of citations. Some of the popularly used citation styles include the following:-

  Oxford Citation Style: It is one of the most popular citation styles in America, and in the world, as well. It is, more popularly, known as the documentary-note style, in which superscript numbers are given above the text, and a detailed description about that number (text) is given in the footnote.

  Harvard Citation Style: There are various sub-categories of this citation style but the most common method of this kind of reference citation is giving a little detail in brackets, just after something has been said. It is commonly known as the author-date system.

  American Sociological Association: This style is practiced by the writers of manuscripts, being published under the American Sociological Association’s journal. It is an in-text citation style, for example: The president of America, George W. Bush (2002) attacked Afghanistan, seeking the evil root behind the 9/11 terrorist attack.

  Some other popular American citation styles include MLA, APA, The Chicago Manual of Style, Vancouver system, etc.

  Dennisstumpf, Derek, Rebecca Borone, and 1 other are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Derek 12:22 pm on October 31, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    My university follows the APA style of referencing and I’m facing a lot of issues with it although a few guidelines are provided by my supervisor.

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      Dr S Loretti 12:24 pm on November 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Hi Derek! APA is a widely used referencing style so you can get a lot of help online. There are various samples available which you can go through.

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    Rebecca Borone 12:25 pm on November 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    I am also scanning internet these days to get some help regarding the Harvard Citation style, while which I came across this post.

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    Derek 12:26 pm on January 31, 2014 Permalink | Reply

    Thanks Dr S Loretti! I’ll try to search relevant samples now.

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    Dennisstumpf 11:39 am on May 2, 2014 Permalink | Reply

    These days the most prevalent style is the APA.

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  Dr S Loretti 9:01 am on September 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Importance Of Citing Original Sources Within A Dissertation 

  As goes the saying, being natural and original is the best way. It not only makes the scheme of things appear attractive but also helps the document in retaining its actual charm. This rule is much applicable when it comes to preparing a dissertation. One of the most challenging and critical aspects one can encounter during his/her academic career is preparing a dissertation and the way, the final output gets prepared plays an instrumental role in earning the writer a few brownie points.

  While preparing a dissertation, the approach needs to be absolutely crystal clear in the mind of the writer. Initial hiccups are okay and accepted, but recovering fast from a mistake holds the key. Taking a note of this very point, giving enough due or credit to the original source becomes very essential.

  Citing original sources within a dissertation paves the way for further reference and taking future assistance. Being on the safer side always helps. Itnot only makes you appear honest but also reflects the very fact that you have done your homework pretty well before taking the final plunge. Also, citing original sources makes a piece of dissertation appear attractive and authentic and also lands a dash of originality into the final product.

  Brian Strand is discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Brian Strand 10:55 am on November 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Academic work demands originality; one should never copy any content.

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  Dr S Loretti 9:02 am on September 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Issues in drafting an Accounting dissertation 

  Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging tasks and there are several issues involved in drafting an accounting dissertation.  Let’s discuss briefly some of the key issues involved in drafting an accounting dissertation.

  The best way to begin is by keeping the sections of conceptual part wide open as it lends a helping hand to readers in order to understand the content of dissertation at one go. Besides, the introduction, the way you approach a dissertation is a key issue involved in drafting an accounting dissertation. Introduction makes the readers familiar with the thesis and puts forward the objectives and importance of the research.

  Once you are done with these points, you need to focus on another key issue involved in drafting an accounting dissertation – review of literature. This is one of the most important segments amongst all as it comes up with theoretical knowledge and also goes on to carry a cross check of all previous research done on the concerned topic reducing the chances of error one may commit while drafting an accounting dissertation.

  Last and probably, one of the most pivotal aspects of drafting accounting dissertation is methodology. If you can easily mention the procedure, instruments and participants you brought to play in your process of research, the dissertation gets a fresh lease of life.

  Richard Castillo and Miranda Kirk are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Miranda Kirk 10:54 am on October 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Should I display all the practical part in the data analysis chapter or as Annexure at the end of the dissertation?

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    Richard Castillo 8:25 am on November 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    You can describe the detailed analysis at the end under the Annexures. Data analysis chapter should show only the main part.

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  Dr S Loretti 9:01 am on September 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Choosing The Most Suitable Research Methodology for Dissertation 

  It is often seen in the research write-ups that the researchers miss out on some very important points. Most often, scholars get confused over choosing the correct methodology for their dissertation. They choose the design, with which they feel comfortable, but it would be more beneficial for them to choose an appropriate research design and methodology, which approaches more to the reader and the society as a whole.

  Whether qualitative or quantitative; your research should have a purpose and a direction, that is not only reliable but also valuable and valid. If you are choosing the quantitative RM, your research should have statistically significant conclusions. If it is an experimental quantitative research, it should explain all the steps, previews, results and consequences of that particular experiment or theory.

  On the other hand, if it is a qualitative RM, it should be presented in its natural essence and you should focus on describing the behaviour. You should seek to explain the situation in detail rather than explaining the results and consequences of a theory.

  You should know the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; wherein the former tries to conclude a theory or an experiment, the latter tries to reach at a theory by describing the detailed scenarios.

  Gerald Joyner and Grechin are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Grechin 11:02 am on November 24, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    I’m confused between the use of t or F-test for data analysis part.

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    Gerald Joyner 8:34 am on December 13, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Decide as per your sample data, Grechin. Or ask for some guidance from statistical experts.

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  Dr S Loretti 5:30 am on August 31, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Ordinary research skills mark a dissertation 

  In the course of your dissertation completion; right from topic selection, your main objective, primary research, compilation to the final conclusion; every step plays a vital role in making your dissertation an exceptional piece of writing.

  If you go ahead with your research study in an ordinary way using irrelevant sources and methodologies, your dissertation will lack the emphasis and the substance it deserves. In order to create an exceptional dissertation, your research skills must be well-polished so that you can exploit all possibilities in formulating the perfect study. Your research tutor will also play a very important role in ensuring that your dissertation does not succumb to ordinary measures.

  Doing research the right way:

  • Pick the right research sources from books, monographs, text books, online studies, journals, internet sources, etc.
  • Make sure to give due credit to your sources and utilize them to your full advantage
  • Use content that is relevant to your subject and adds value to your dissertation. Choosing unique and interesting content will engage your reader
  • Another thing to keep in mind while researching your subject is one-to-one research. Pick connoisseurs from the industry of your subject and speak to them regarding your study. Their interview will help in taking your dissertation a notch higher.
  • Use academic literature, professional literature, formal publications, data sources and subject matter to compile an all-round research
  • The wider and deeper you go into your subject, the better you use your research skills
  • Take help from your tutors in formulating the right research methodology

  In order to prevent your dissertation from being run-of-the-mill, pay careful attention to details and your research skills.

  Jose E. Hall, sophiaw740, Rebecca, and 1 other are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Samuel Hawkins 10:50 am on November 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Before beginning, one must read as many research writing tips as possible to have clarity of what you are required to do.

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    Rebecca 8:21 am on December 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Writing consultants also guide in a better way about how to initiate your research.

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    sophiaw740 12:05 pm on May 19, 2014 Permalink | Reply

    Dr S Loretti, you have given very useful tips for research students.

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    Jose E. Hall 6:43 am on August 1, 2014 Permalink | Reply

    Tutors are very useful in preparing research methodology as well as other sections of your research.

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  Dr S Loretti 5:26 am on August 31, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Is choosing a broad dissertation topic viable? 

  A dissertation is one of the most crucial steps in your graduation or post-graduation programme. In the course of your dissertation, you will come across a number of hurdles and regrets about your topic selection and the scope to work within your topic. One of the most debatable issues in dissertation topic selection is whether you should take a focused selective topic or go ahead with a broad topic that allows you to extend your research.

  Choose a topic that interests you, raises your curiosity and makes you want to find out more. It is wise to start with a broad topic as you can explore greater possibilities and have a larger canvas to work on. However, in the process of your dissertation, you might realise that you can narrow down the broader topic to a more precise one, thus enabling a better conclusion to your study.

  Discuss your topic with your supervisor so that you are alarmed on time if you are on the wrong track. Don’t choose a topic that is so broad that it makes it impossible for you to study. Go for a realistic scope of topic research so that you can do justice to your topic and break the chains of an average dissertation to create something extra-ordinary.

  sophiaw740, Robert Earls, and Kate are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Kate 10:59 am on October 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    No, topic should always be narrowed to ease the study.

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    Robert Earls 8:31 am on November 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    Yea, rightly said Kate!

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    sophiaw740 11:42 am on January 19, 2014 Permalink | Reply

    I’m planning to consult online topic assistants for my paper.

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  Dr S Loretti 9:31 am on June 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply  

  Can a dissertation topic determine your future? 

  The topic that you choose for writing a dissertation can certainly impact the course of your career and its growth. You must choose a topic keeping in mind your genuine interests and skill sets. The research that you create at the PhD or master’s level counts as a factor when you are trying for a job, as the recruiter will judge a lot from the research report.

  If you are making your dissertation on the subject that you wish to pursue as a profession, then it will support your candidature, as you already have in depth knowledge about at least some aspect of the domain. You will have already studied practical problems in the field and interacted with people related to that domain. So, answering the questions posed by the interview panel will be comparatively easier.

  Your dissertation topic will not just reflect your interest in the area that you wish to take up as a profession; it will also reflect the accuracy with which you have been able to cover the idea. Let me explain; if you have a topic that is wide in scope and does not point out the core idea of research, then this will be counted as a generalist approach towards any problem. On the other hand, if your topic is drafted in a clear cut manner and the reader can understand the research question from it, then it will be a plus point. Recruiters will assess you as someone with a clear focus and targeted approach towards problem solving. It will also show that you care for precision in all that you do. Hence, the chances for selection increase manifolds.

  Therefore, be very careful when you pick a topic for dissertation. You don’t want to waste a golden opportunity that comes your way.

  Lopamudra, editingpublishing, Rohit, and 1 other are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Ankit 5:53 am on July 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    What has a coffee machine got to do with research project? A lot! It’s been down since two days, and it’s hard to keep awake during afternoons and late night. Result, documentation going slow.

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    editingpublishing 5:56 am on July 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply

    All the best with your coffee machine. However, if you want to complete your documentation real quick, then you should consider getting help from professional academic writers. They will also guide you with the formatting issues.

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      Rohit 6:24 am on July 13, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      APA format is the most widely followed style. Is there some reliable way I can learn about the style for applying to my project?

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        editingpublishing 3:30 am on July 15, 2013 Permalink

        The best way to learn about APA (American Psychology Association) style of referencing is by reading the tutorial given on the website and the APA publication manuals that are published by the association. You can also take guidance from editors who are expert in following APA style.

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        Lopamudra 6:38 am on July 17, 2013 Permalink

        I would suggest you to apply APA as much as you can, since practicing is the only good way to learn it effectively. Get the document checked from an editor, who will tell you the mistakes.