Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide [Paperback]

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. 

Acknowledgements.- Introduction.- PART I: PREPARATION AND PLANNING 1. Where Do I Start?.- 2. What Makes a Good Dissertation or Research Project?.- 3. Project Managing Your Dissertation.- 4. Managing Yourself for the Task.- 5. Time and Timing.- 6. Working with Your Supervisor.- PART II: DEVELOPING YOUR PROPOSAL 7. Understanding the Assignment Brief.- 8. Selecting Your Topic and Title.- 9. Literature Search and Review.- 10. Principles of Good Research.- 11. Methodologies: Approaches to Research.- 12. Ethical Considerations.- 13. Writing the Research Proposal.- PART III: CONDUCTING THE RESEARCH 14. The Evidence Base.- 15. Working with Participants.- 16. Experiments.- 17. Observations.- 18. Surveys and Questionnaires.- 19. Interviews.- 20. Case Studies.- 21. Interpreting Your Findings.- PART IV: WRITING IT UP 22. Your Writing Strategy.- 23. Getting the Structure Right.- 24. Fine Tuning your Writing.- 25. Viva Exams.- Final Considerations.- References.- Index.

Stella Cottrell is an international bestselling author, with over a million sales worldwide. Her other titles include