Dissertation Writing : How To Prepare The Outline

A dissertation, commonly known as a thesis, is a research paper submitted by students at the end of their research program, containing detailed information, findings and analysis of the subject chosen. It marks the culmination of a lengthy study program and award of the degree. However, a dissertation can also be a non-academic document but a research paper, in the form of an essay.

The outline of your dissertation aids in having a logical flow of your work, so as to provide it with a reasonable and interesting appearance. A dissertation is the summing up and analysis of experiences and learning that you have acquired. You also have to put down personal experiences and events, and observations and experiments were undertaken so that it is unique and personal. And authentic, that cannot be duplicated.

The outline is to plan so that you do not miss out on anything nor end up ruining your entire research. A sketch of how to prepare the same follows.

The first step is to submit the Dissertation Proposal, to the university or institution. It should contain a description of the topic of the dissertation. 

11 Components of the proposal

The proposal has the following parts.

1. Background of the Study, including the

• Review of the topic
• Any theories used or models followed
• The Problem or Focus

2. The Design decided upon for the study, comprising the

• Questions to be answered
• Definitions of essential terms
• Samples
• Data Collection
• The Significance of the Study
• The limitations of the study

3. Data Analysis: how you have analyzed the data, and derived conclusions.

Then you can draft the Outline, which should typically look as follow

4. You ideally begin with the Abstract

5. Do not forget the Acknowledgment Page and Table of Contents

• Then begin with the actual project:

6. The Introduction has the following

• Background to study and the Central theme
• Statement of the problem
• Purpose and Need of the study, which can be clubbed or be two sections
• The Research questions
• Definition of the terms used and required

7. The Review

• Begin the Review with the Introduction
• A thorough review of the research study

8. Methodology (qualitative and quantitative)

• Quantitative – Research Design, Participants of study, qualitative research classification, procedures
• used, data analysis.
• Qualitative – Research Design, Participants of study, the role of the researcher, collection of information, procedures used, analysis of Information.

9. Data Analysis and the Results

10. Conclusion

• The findings
• The interpretation of the findings or results
• Personal Analysis (logical)
• Limitations of the study and results
• Implications of the results and study

11. References used

Once you have this outline, you can fill in the gaps with the requisite and apt material. A lengthy dissertation does not mean too long a study. It should not extend beyond measure and relevance, but be as much as is essentially required.