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  • Unknown's avatar

    davidm34 10:59 am on January 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Editor for APA formatting of my thesis 

    Research is difficult, true, but formatting makes me run for the hills! I am currently in 3rd year of my EdD programme and finding it really difficult to format my thesis according to the APA guidelines. I have tried doing it myself, I have tried influencing my friends into doing it, I have ‘begged’ my advisor to help me out, but well ‘she’s busy’ and so are my friends. So, I am trying to look for editors that can solve my problem, but again, whom should I trust? I would really appreciate if someone could refer an editing service that is ethical and reliable.

     
    • sophiaw740's avatar

      sophiaw740 12:48 pm on January 14, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey David, I can understand what you must be going through. My thesis even got rejected due to formatting issues. I had to format my thesis in MLA format and it was completely out of my hand. So I too started looking for a formatting service. There are tons available online! But, you need to be aware of fabricated companies. I opted for online formatting services of 24×7 Editing and it turned out to be great! They took 3 days and I was good to go! I am sure they have editors who can format your document in several writing styles. You can contact them at: contact@24x7editing.com

    • robertmaxeey's avatar

      robertmaxeey 12:43 pm on January 27, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, why don’t you opt for the formatting services of “Edit n Publish”? Let me share with you my experience. A year back, I was stuck with my thesis due to poor layout and structure. My university was quite strict about the thesis presentation. The deadline to submit my thesis was close that I had no option, but to find an editor. What did I found? Countless formatting and editing websites on the internet! Identifying a genuine one was a task in itself. Like you, I didn’t trust these online services. What if they took my money and didn’t do the proper work?
      Here’s what I did, I consulted my seniors! You see, like so many online services, there are a lot of stuck ups like us too! So, I consulted with my seniors who also opted for editing or formatting services. That’s what led me to Edit n Publish and this is me advising you to trust your thesis with them! They formatted my thesis on time and there prices were reasonable too depending on the length of your thesis. I would highly recommend them. You can check out their website to know more: http://www.editnpublish.com/

    • davidm34's avatar

      davidm34 12:41 pm on February 1, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @robertmaxeey Whom should I contact in Edit n Publish? How many days will they take to complete my work? And what if they didn’t do my work properly? Will they refund my money?

  • Unknown's avatar

    adamflindeers 9:45 am on January 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    My Messed Up Research Proposal!! 

    I have made a mess of my research proposal and have no idea of how to make it right! Let me start it from The Start. I enrolled in a PhD program and chose a topic “Performance analysis of an inventive, efficient synchronization algorithm for distributed MIMO-OFDM based communication systems”. When I selected this topic, I didn’t really give it much thought and assumed that I’ll deal with it when the time comes. Pretty careless of me, true, but now the time has come and gone! I am stuck in the middle of my proposal because the point is, I don’t know what to PROPOSE! I have the existing literature, I know the shortcomings in this area but I don’t know a way out!! I don’t know how to build an algorithm that can be more productive and better than the others. So, what should I write in my methodology when I don’t know what to do? I probably have a week’s time to solve this riddle! Please Help!!

     
    • sharonbaneey1's avatar

      sharonbaneey1 4:58 am on January 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey! First of all, stop panicking as there is always a loophole. What I can understand is that you’re falling short of ideas. Well, how about, you pick any random algorithm and just change a part of it. For example, you pick up a well-known synchronization algorithm and propose to change the routing mechanism of that algorithm to make it more effective. It’s not necessary to build an entirely new algorithm; even small changes can make a huge difference. A proposal need not to be perfect, you can change your proposed methodology later if your solution seems infeasible. So relax and Good luck!

    • terrywellch's avatar

      terrywellch 6:22 am on January 11, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I too faced some problems with my research proposal. It got rejected the first time and I was really disappointed, but then, I came up with an idea. Here’s what I did. I was literally on to my supervisor. I used to go to her daily and discuss every-single-doubt I had, I showed here every-single-changes I made. She was tired of me, true, but impressed by my efforts. My proposal got accepted the second time. I am not an expert, but your supervisor plays the most crucial role in your research, so I think you should seek his/her help. Maybe he/she can ‘propose’ something and get you out from the mess! And if your supervisor is not available then you can look up to anyone that can help you, even your parents.

    • adamflindeers's avatar

      adamflindeers 11:01 am on January 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Terry, I like your advice and I am working on it. I went to my guide yesterday and today also. I think he appreciates my efforts, maybe he can help me out!

  • Unknown's avatar

    morry1 7:50 am on November 17, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    How to handle your supervisor? 

    Can anyone help me regarding my Concept paper which is taking toll on me? I have this huge task of getting my concept paper approved by my supervisor, but somehow the guy doesn’t seem to understand that I am tired of taking reviews on it. Though he is very cooperative but whenever I present my concept paper with revisions, the only remark I get is that you should not beat around the bush. I am stuck in a very disappointing situation. Either it’s me who is a complete bimbo or him. Can anyone of you offer me a suggestion as to how to hit the spot and get through this challenge? Pls. suggest!

     
    • jackthomas01's avatar

      jackthomas01 6:28 am on November 24, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Morry, don’t get panicked. Even I was walking in your shoes last year when my supervisor didn’t seem to understand my situation. But then a friend of mine suggested me a strategy. He advised me to correct one section of dissertation in one go and then consult the guide if it is right or not. I used to interact regularly with my guide via skype chats. This strategy helped me and my supervisor get grasp of every section of my dissertation. I completed my dissertation by taking my guide into confidence and everything became a cakewalk for me.

    • Lucy Watson's avatar

      Lucy Watson 4:27 am on November 26, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      I think you should refer for some professional advice as well. You can refer to “dissertationpal.com” for seeking help on this issue. I got my concept paper written from them and they are really expert in providing work within the deadlines.

    • Michael's avatar

      Michael 10:56 am on November 27, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks very much Lucy. I was also looking for some help in this regard. I second you!!

    • morry1's avatar

      morry1 6:38 am on November 28, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey guys, thanks for all the suggestions. I am in constant contact with my supervisor now, I consult with him on every doubts and changes that I make, and it’s working!! He’s still critical but well, its better. So, Jack, your technique kinda works. Thanks!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Rosaline 11:10 am on October 24, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    Query regarding APA formatting 

    Hi, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in “Medical Waste Management in Florida”. I have written my dissertation and submitted it 2 times to my chair but always faced rejection. The major issue of my rejection is APA formatting. No matter what I do, I am not getting the format right. I have read several guidelines and online tutorials to understand the formatting but still I seem to miss on something. I am afraid I’ll fall into the ABD category!! I also thought about hiring an editor, but I am not too confident about their reliability and confidentiality. Can anyone please suggest as to what I should do to come out of this situation???

     
    • Thomas's avatar

      Thomas 10:15 am on October 28, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      When I was writing my dissertation I faced trouble in formatting the references. I am sure that you are aware of the two forms of referencing. One is known as in-text citations wherein the sources of information are mentioned in brief in the text of the dissertation. Second form is reference list which is found at the end of the publication. This list provides full bibliographic information of each source cited in the text.
      To get the referencing right I searched for some freeware software programs available for referencing. At the end, I used “citethisforme.com”. Using such online free software made my job convenient and saved a lot of time. It did wonders for me and I hope this will work for you as well.

      • Rosaline's avatar

        ritawatson1 5:33 am on October 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply

        Hey Thomas, the site recommended by you was really helpful. The reference section of my dissertation is now according to APA format. Can you please suggest any other free service for formatting tables and figures?

    • Steve's avatar

      Steve 9:09 am on October 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      APA formatting is not just about the references, but title page, abstract, main Body, and then at the end appears the references. I can know what u must be going through, as I have also suffered the same burns. I would recommend you to take some help from http://www.24x7editing.com/APA_formatting.html. They provide amazing services and within the promised deadline. M sure u won’t have to seek help any further once you reach them and the best part is that your work would also remain confidential.

    • Rosaline's avatar

      ritawatson1 4:57 am on November 7, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Steve, I would like to thank you for directing me towards 24X7editing. I was so stuck before; it made me sick. It’s been almost a week since I contacted them and now I have my APA FORMATTED thesis in my hand…!! Phew, its like I am on the surface again. They were quite understanding, and I am satisfied with their services. I have also given my edited thesis to my chair. Hopefully, it won’t come back now. Thanx again Steve!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Dr S Loretti 1:02 pm on March 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    Your brain needs a break 

    Working consistently on your laptop for hours, struggling with drowsiness is not the solution to complete your research writing. The result won’t come out best even after putting your 100%. Because there is a limit to putting 100%. Your mind undergoes dormancy after a certain period of time , if you are focusing on the same thing for a longer time. You need some diversions. These diversions could be your favorite past time activities or even a short nap.

    Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty. Inculcate positive attitude. This requires a shift in perspective for those who are more naturally pessimistic. Problems are often a question of perspective. If you change your perspective, you may see your situation from a more positive point of view.”

    Good time management means quality work rather than quantity. Our long-hours culture is a well-known cause of workplace illness. Take some break for music, sports, going for a brisk walk, watching a movie or giving your best tweets.

    Have some “me time”. Keeping by all your thoughts of worry, relax, and think about your positive skills. Find out how can you overcome the obstacles instead of running on the unknown road aimlessly.

    Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and enabling you to deal with your problems more calmly.

    A problem shared is a problem halved. A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.

     

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    Dr S Loretti 8:00 am on February 1, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    What is a “bad” thesis? 

    If you thesis has any of these elements, its probably a bad one and you are most likely to face rejection.

    1. A repetition of previously presented work.

    2. Inadequate or vague theoretical framework.

    3. A conclusion inconsistent with the introduction or vice-verse.

    4. Largely descriptive implying only a mere data collection exercise.

    5. A confused methodology.

    6. Absence of confidence and assurance in writing.

    7. A clumsy presentation.

    Absolutely avoid all of these to save yourself from rejection!

     

     

     
    • Cindy's avatar

      Cindy 5:30 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      My supervisor keeps telling me i lack expression in writing. How do i improve my writing? please help. I do not want my thesis to be rejected!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Dr S Loretti 12:03 pm on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    PhD scholarships : 5 places to focus 

    Here are 5 PhD scholarships to look out fr. They are from the around the world and have varying deadlines. Keep a track of each one if you’re aiming at a funded PhD.

    1. University of Otago, /new Zealand

    2. DFID (Department of International Development), United Kingdom

    3. Macquarie University, Australia

    4. Canadian universities, Canada

    5. University of Southern Queensland, Australia

    Check the eligibility conditions on the official website of each university. Most universities entertain foreign students but may limit the eligibility to nationals of certain specific countries. Most of them are available every year, so if you miss out the deadline this year you can probably aim atfor the next year.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    davidm34 9:57 am on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    PhD stress? Sit down and relax! 

    Everybody makes mistakes. Things go wrong at times. After all we are all humans!
    Sometimes the mistake is obvious and you recognize it easily. But sometimes, the solution is not so apparent. What do you do then? give up? repeat the same steps?

    • TAKE TIME TO THINK

    Focus all your attention and think! This can be particularly difficult under stress and you may be tempted to waste your time away, but this is what you need to do. Slow down, spend some time with the problem and get back in action.

    • THINK TWICE

    Don’t rush for the solution that just came to your mind. This solution may only be one of the possibilities. There may be a good 2nd option, or a third! Immediately getting into action with the first possible solution may not be such a good idea however tempting it may seem.

    Happy researching fellow members!

     
    • Nathaniel's avatar

      Nathaniel 5:22 am on January 30, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      David, I am really stuck. I prepared my proposal and got it accepted from my supervisor. I mentioned i will collect primary data through a survey. Now i am not able to carry out that survey with HR managers since I am not getting access to such people. What do i do?? Seems like I’m back to square one!

      • davidm34's avatar

        davidm34 6:49 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply

        Nathaniel, don’t worry. You are not the only one encountering this issue. It is not uncommon to face such hurdles. Important is that you resolve it and don’t treat it as a roadblock.
        Prepare an alternative strategy that suits the proposed research objectives and make sure that the plan is well thought and workable. With a concrete plan in hand, see your supervisor. Explain to your supervisor about all the efforts you made to carry on as planned and why certain things could not work out. I am sure your supervisor is rational and understands how things work.
        Don’t panic and get down to work!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Dr S Loretti 9:34 am on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    The nerve wracking process of defending you thesis! Try these tips. 

    After you’re done with writing your research comes the dreaded moment of having to defend it. As tricky as it seems, this last segment of your PhD will definitely test your potential. Here are some tips to help you through this task-
    1. Know the format: The format for defending your thesis varies from country to country. You may be required to have a one on one interview or give a presentation to a panel. Whatever the format is, you should be prepared accordingly.
    2. The presentation: Prepare a well studied presentation and practice it to perfection. Know the material thoroughly, note the time taken and refine it. Practice in front of peers and friends to gain confidence and feedback.
    3. The questions: You are required to know a lot about your research and the topic, but not necessarily everything. Its okay of you don’t know the answer to some question. Just acknowledge and mention what you think about it. If you do know the answer, explain it calmly. Take time to breathe and focus on what you are saying.
    4. Its okay to be nervous: Even your examiners expect you to be nervous! Happens with just about everyone. Talking really fast is something that generally happens when we are nervous. So take care to slow down and breathe deep!
    And remember, its all going to be OKAY! A nervous performance and minor goof ups cannot undermine a well researched thesis. Hard work will never go unappreciated.

     
    • Siemen's avatar

      Siemen 5:27 pm on March 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      can you suggest how to respond to a question, the answer to which i don’t know at all? what should be my way to express ?

  • Unknown's avatar

    robert591 4:58 am on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    choosing a statistical tool for my research 

    Hello members,
    I am preparing my PhD proposal as of now. I have already got my topic approved from my guide. I am studying the effect of factors like HR practices, training and development, compensation satisfaction, stress and organizational commitment on employee turnover intention. I am not sure as to which statistical tool should I use for analysis and results. I will be using primary data obtained through a questionnaire survey. Any suggestions?

     
    • Jamie's avatar

      Jamie 7:33 am on January 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Robert
      choosing the right statistical tool is very important since the conclusions of your research will depend largely on this choice.
      i conducted a similar study, the only difference being that i studied for the impact on organizational performance. Turnover intention is a good angle to study.
      You can use Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation and accompany it with a graph analysis. The impact can be rightly studied by computing the degree of correlation.
      All the best Robert.

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