Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide

Description

Bestselling author Stella Cottrell taps into her tried and tested formula for learning and brings students the essential guide to producing top-quality dissertations and project reports. The book breaks down this process into manageable chunks and covers everything from preparation and planning through to conducting research and writing up the finished article. Packed with dozens of hands-on activities and quotes from real students, this book demystifies dissertations and project reports and helps ensure that the process is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels embarking on a dissertation, project report or other piece of extended writing. Its interdisciplinary approach means it is the ideal companion for students of all disciplines.

Stella Cottrell is an international bestselling author, with over a million sales worldwide. Her other titles include The Study Skills Handbook, Critical Thinking Skills, Skills for Success, The Macmillan Student Planner, The Exam Skills Handbook and Mindfulness for Students. Stella was formerly Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leeds, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of East London.

'... There is so much to like about Dissertations and Project Reports that I am not sure where to begin. Organization is certainly a key variable as one prepares to write a dissertation, thesis, or a research paper. And, here it is, presented in a manner that can be individualized to meet the needs of each writer. I wish I'd been able to make use of this so long ago when preparing my own dissertation! ... The checklists provide the necessary organization to this sometimes overwhelming activity. The resulting 'visual guide' helps to make this process so much clearer.' - Dr Cora M. Dzubak, Nittany Success Center Director, Penn State - York, USA 'It was a pleasure reading through this step-by-step guide. I especially appreciate that the various academic, ethical, financial, psychological and social dimensions of dissertation-writing are covered in a friendly but firm manner. Students embarking on an extended essay or a bachelor's thesis for the first time will benefit from the sound advice about preparation and planning in particular, and more experienced or advanced postgraduates will find the guide a helpful and active reminder of the entire academic research process. The skills audit and evaluation exercise at the beginning and end, aligning with the inception and completion of a research project, readily capture the intellectual and self-development aims of independent student research.' - Dr Cissie Fu, Assistant Professor of Political Theory, Leiden University, the Netherlands 'This text is a well-structured guide for those embarking on their first dissertation or thesis. Taking candidates from 'I had a Dream' stage through to the lodgement of the final submission intertwined with examples learnt from experience ... I will be recommending to my students.' - John Cowan, Lecturer in Construction Management and Property, Construction Project Management, Property and Development, University of New South Wales, Australia