留學生dissertation寫作手冊 Dissertation Guide 2009

留學生dissertation寫作手冊 Dissertation Guide 2009
日期：Guidance Notes Revised October 2, 2008 11:08 pm
學校：LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE PREPARATION OF DISSERTATIONS SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR:
(I) THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING 2009 (60 Credits)
(II) THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN URBAN RENEWAL 2009 (60 Credits)
“Too often students are reluctant to confer with their tutors on this work, or they postpone their interview
until the date for presenting the thesis is imminent. It Is not possible for a tutor, who will have a variety of other duties, to spend much time on work shown to him at such a late stage, much as he would wish to doso.” T. W. Freeman, The Writing of Geography Please note that this happens every year. Please consult and keep in touch.

1 The Aim and Purpose of the Dissertation
The aim is to test the student's ability to prepare a dissertation based upon the study, in appropriate depth,
of a subject of some significance in relation to environmental planning (or urban renewal).
In achieve this aim, students will demonstrate intelligence, knowledge, understanding, analysis application,
lair and imagination, as well as a number of specific skills including the ability to:
⇒ be self-motivated and to work on their own;
⇒ work in a structured and methodical way;
⇒ identify, select and analyse information;
⇒ gather original data through surveys or other methods, including use of appropriate IT. (You must
clearly indicate where you have made use of a commercially available IT package. An evaluation of published material on the package. An evaluation of published material on the package should be attempted, together with an assessment of its particular strengths and weaknesses for your research)
⇒ synthesise the various facts and propositions into a coherent conclusion to the study;
⇒ present this material clearly and succinctly in the manner set out below.
(In marking dissertations examiners will take account of the extent to which students have demonstrated these abilities)

2 Dissertation Length and Content
The dissertation will normally be presented as a report of about 15-16,000 words or equivalent, and will be
prepared over an intensive period of about six months at the end of the course.
The Dissertation should contain descriptions, analysis and synthesis of carefully prepared evidence relating to the chosen topic and will normally involve the use of:
⇒ (i) relevant material that has been previously prepared by others (whether published or not) and
⇒ (ii) primary material obtained by the student through surveys, fieldwork, interviews or other appropriate relevant methods.

3 Dissertation process www.ukassignment.org
a) These are individual pieces of work based upon an extended period of research into a chosen planning
or urban renewal topic.
b) Dissertations require the application of a rigorous research methodology and the final product must be
well structured, logical, coherent and make a demonstrable original contribution to knowledge in the field of
environmental planning or urban renewal.
c) It is important that in the process of dissertation preparation you:
⇒ set out a positive hypothesis to test throughout the study;
⇒ identify clear research questions;
⇒ establish clear aims for the piece of research;
⇒ set out the specific objectives to achieve these aims and why they have been selected;
⇒ thoroughly review existing academic and practice literature on each objective of your chosen topic;
⇒ select and use an appropriate methodology to achieve these objectives (here is where you should
draw on the research methods and techniques discussed in your Research Methods module and in the research methods literature);
⇒ apply this methodology in carrying out the research;
⇒ discuss the findings and draw conclusions in relation to your objectives, aims and hypothesis;
⇒ complete 'the research cycle’ evaluate how successfully the aims and objectives have been met together with making recommendations for further research;
d) The dissertation must include:
⇒ clearly considered and posed research questions;
⇒ a thorough literature review (include any current research being undertaken elsewhere);
⇒ discussion of relevant theory;
⇒ an explanation and discussion of the chosen methodology and techniques;
⇒ a presentation and analysis of empirical findings;
⇒ discussion and analysis of links between theory and these empirical findings; conclusions to be drawn from the research;
⇒ recommendations for policy and practice (where appropriate).
The time devoted to dissertation preparation is the most important period in any planning course. It is the
individual student's opportunity to demonstrate his or her true capabilities. You are free from the constraints of subject boundaries and coursework regulations but with obvious constraints still, as far as part-time students are concerned! The student has a unique opportunity to study a subject of his or her choice, to determine his or her own theoretical perspective, research agenda, methodology and programme. The work will be intensive and should be seen as a challenge.
 
For these reasons, it also provides the University with a unique assessment opportunity. The importance of this assessment will be reflected both in the weighting given to the dissertation in determining the final award and in comments included in any future job references given by the University.

4 Choice of Subject
All students are expected to undertake a dissertation on a topic related to some aspect of their chosen 'specialised studies’ (options). For Environmental Planning students this is a requirement of the RTPI and will be either Urban Regeneration or Environmental Management.
Normally dissertations are prepared between April and September, in the year of their submission. Students should begin thinking about possible subjects at least four - six months before the start of the preparation period. The reason for the submission of the assessed Research Proposal in December 2008 allows for an adequate period of preparation.
Leading up the December 2008 submission students are strongly advised to have informal discussions with appropriate members of staff about their choice of subject and their approach to the research task ahead.Custom Thesis，Custom Dissertation，請聯系QQ：949925041

4-1 Subject Selection
The selection of an appropriate subject will depend upon individual interests, background, skills and opportunities at their place of employment. These points are worth elaborating in a little detail.
4-1.1 Interesting Subject
Choose a subject that genuinely interests you - you are going to have to live with it for several months.
4-1.2 Play to your strengths.
As a postgraduate student you will already have acquired substantial skills and knowledge through undergraduate studies and/or at work. You should try and use these to complement your postgraduate
studies and to provide a firm base for your research.
4-1.3 Approaches
There are a number of approaches to the selection of a dissertation topic.

⇒ One is to identify some element of theory (e.g. some aspect of planning theory or design theory) that is interesting or controversial and to devise a research programme to test this theory, perhaps
in a different context from the one in which it was originally devised.
⇒ A second approach is to identify some phenomenon (e.g. some social economic or environmental problem) and to devise a research programme that seeks to find a satisfactory theoretical
explanation for the phenomenon.
⇒ A third common approach is to take some aspects of policy (e.g. some facet of planning policy or local economic development policy) and to devise a research programme that evaluates the policy
and leads to recommendations for change.
⇒ A fourth approach and one that is least considered as a Planning or Urban Renewal dissertation topic is to examine an historical event and to explore the implications of that on future
developments.

4-2 Study aim or aims and objectives
The study aim or aims should relate to the area of study that is being pursued e.g Environmental Planning or Urban Renewal. Please ensure that you can justify the approach taken in your research. There should be a justification for each objective to the study.
What you should not do is to begin with a place or a case study and then decide what it is you want to investigate. “I'm interested in doing something in Widnes” or ‘I am interested in doing something in Llangefni” is a very bad opening line. If you need to do a case study, this will emerge as you consider your methodology.
 

After that you may consider whether Widnes, Llangefni or wherever, is an appropriate case study area.
1. Choose a subject and research methodology that is 'do-able' by you, working on your own, in the time available.
2. Good dissertations are usually the ones that are clearly focussed and in which a very tightly defined precise research question and a clear simple methodology were identified at the beginning. The
KISS principle applies (Keep It Simple Stupid).
5 The Dissertation Proposal (Research Report)
About six to eight weeks before the start of the dissertation (no later than the end of Semester 1) preparation period all students will be required to submit a full proposal. This document will normally be about two or three pages long (typed) and contain:
⇒ the dissertation title;
⇒ a statement of the hypothesis, aims and objectives of the study and the reason for its selection;
⇒ an outline of the student's background knowledge and work already undertaken on the subject,
including a statement indicating the relationship between the proposed research and the existing state of knowledge in the selected field;
⇒ a statement of the research to be carried out, the approach to be employed, information requirements of the study, proposed methods of information collection and analysis.
⇒ A programme of the proposed work schedule during the study period;
⇒ the preferred supervisor, if you have one.
The full proposal must be approved by the allocated University supervisor before the student will be permitted to commence the dissertation. IT WILL CARRY 5% OF THE FINAL MARK.
6 Dissertation Preparation
The months devoted to study preparation are a very demanding period of life. The work is, or should be,
intense and there will be little spare time to devote to other activities.
It is important that you pace yourself carefully through this period. As far as possible stick to your approved work programme. Keep In regular contact with your supervisor (a fortnightly meeting is a typical arrangement).
Make sure you have plenty of time at the end of the period for physically preparing and editing the   final submission. WE WILL NOT HAVE THE TIME TO CHASE AFTER YOU.
 
6-1 Dissertation Guidance References
Please note:
1) Research Methods Module
2) Allison, B., The Student's Guide to Writing Dissertations and Theses, Kogan Page, (1997)
3) Hart, Christopher, Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination The Open University (1998)
4) Brause, Rita, S., Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation: Invisible Rules for Success Routledge Falmer (1999)
5) Cryer, P., The Research Student's Guide to Success, Open University (2000)
6) Swetnam, D., Writing Your Dissertation: The Bestselling Guide to Planing, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work How To Books Ltd.; 3 Rev edition (2000)
7) Mounsey, Chris., One Step Ahead: Essays and Dissertations Oxford University Press (2002)
7) Punch, Keith F., Developing Effective Research Proposals Sage Publications Ltd.; Second Edition edition (2006)
8) Rudestam Kjell Erik and Newton Rae R. Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process Sage Publications, Inc; Third Edition edition (2007)
9) Weyers, Jonathan and McMillan Kathleen How to Write Dissertations and Research Projects (Smarter Study Guides) Prentice Hall (2007)

You should also keep clear notes of your progress and submit draft chapters to your supervisor for comments at an early stage.
Typically you will devote at least one third of your time to reading the existing literature surrounding your
chosen subject. Another third of the time will be concerned with information collection and analysis and the
remainder of the time will be needed for writing up and physical preparation of the dissertation (typing, preparation of maps, drawings, etc.) to professional standards.
Attempt to submit a FULL DRAFT in good time, so that your tutor's advice can be taken on board.Custom Thesis，Custom Dissertation，請聯系QQ：949925041

7 Dissertation Submission
The University will require you to conform to certain accepted practices in the presentation of your dissertation.
1. Two copies of your completed study must be submitted to the Campus Office no later than the date given to you at the commencement of the study period. If you wish to keep a copy for your own use, you will need to produce three copies (You are strongly advised to do this as part of your interview portfolio).
 
2. The study must be typed or produced on a word processor, double spaced on A4 size paper. Each page must be numbered at the foot of the page. You may produce back-to-back in order to conserve paper, but take advice before you do so and see me.
3.The study must be very carefully checked for spelling mistakes and typing errors before submission. Marks will be deducted for poor presentation.
4. Studies must be bound in appropriate dark coloured stiff covers and suitably lettered in gold block on the front and spine, as follows:
FRONT
top: Title
middle: MSc Dissertation
Environmental Planning (or Urban Renewal) (or Planning Studies)
Liverpool John Moores University
bottom: Student's name, any qualifications, and the year of submission
SPINE
top: Title (usually an abbreviation is used)
middle: Student's name
bottom: MSc and year of submission
5. A title page should read, for example:
top: Rural Settlement Planning
middle: A dissertation submitted as part of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental
Planning (or Urban Renewal) (or Planning Studies).
bottom: A N Other, BA (Please put your own name here!)
6. The next page should contain an abstract of the whole dissertation in no more than 300 words.
7. The next page will be a contents page containing:
⇒ a list of the chapters and major subdivisions of chapters
⇒ a list of figures (all maps, diagrams, plates, etc.)
⇒ a list of tables
⇒ a list of appendices
8. The next page should contain a 'Preface' explaining the background and reason for the selection of the topic and any acknowledgements the student wishes to include.
9. The first chapter should be an introduction setting out the nature of the problem to be investigated, the hypothesis, aims and objectives to be examined in depth; the approach and methods of study and the nature of the conclusions to be arrived at in due course.
10. Subsequent chapters will be devoted to:
⇒ the current state of knowledge surrounding the subject in question (existing literature); and the objectives in particular:
Patrick Dunlea-Jones MSc Environmental Planning and MSc Urban Renewal Page 7
⇒ the research approach and methodology being employed;
⇒ the information gathered and its analysis; a synthesis of findings and conclusions (which must, of
course, relate to the objectives set out in the introduction).
11. After the concluding chapter a full 'bibliography' MUST be included in alphabetical order.
This bibliography must include the sources of all materials referenced in the text. References MUST support all commentsmade in the text and all information and data provided in the text. Internet references should be
given a separate section to themselves, but in alphabetical and date order where possible. Please remember that you must produce evidence of using your bibliography.

⇒ References may be in the Harvard system or as footnotes.
A reference to a publication in the Harvard system may be as follows: (Gilg, 1996) and in the bibliography: Gilg, A (1996) Countryside Planning, Routledge.
⇒ You may wish to include references as footnotes or at the end of each chapter.
For example: refer to 2 in the text, and then the following reference as a footnote or at the end of the chapter as in:
(2) Hancock T, Planning in Rural Settlements, Town and Country Planning, vol 44, No 12, 1976, p.520-3
Failure to reference correctly will result in loss of marks.
12. While we would not expect you to necessarily number every paragraph within each chapter, it can be a
helpful reference point to number the principal sub-headings within the chapter.
13. Appendices should be used for the inclusion of such items as large amounts of information, too cumbersome to be included in the text, particularly calculations or methods of working too detailed to be adequately described in the text or for background descriptive material likely to be of interest only to a minority of readers. Appendices should be used sparingly. They do not form part of the 15-16,000 words required for the dissertation. A title sheet between each appendix can give a tidier finish.

8 Assessment: Supervisor and Second Internal Marker.
Markers will pay particular attention to the following:
⇒ i) Problem definition /study hypothesis /aims /objectives / justification of objectives/ structure and
appropriateness of methodology.
⇒ ii) Range and use of data, including survey, interviews, literature review.
⇒ iii) Analysis,interpretation,synthesis, conclusions, recommendations.
⇒ iv) Presentation, layout, grammar, spelling.Custom Thesis，Custom Dissertation，請聯系QQ：949925041

9 Withdrawal procedures
If you find yourself falling behind the work timetable that you set for yourself in connection with this dissertation module at the start of the semester then you should seek help, advice and counsel from your dissertation supervisor, dissertation programme tutor or the dissertation module leader as soon as possible.
If you are considering withdrawing from the module then you should think through the full implications of any such course of action; as you will no longer be on the Masters programme.
Nonetheless, if you need advice on withdrawal procedures, please contact Mr. John Ellis, the School AcaGuidancedemic Programmes Manager, [email protected], who will recommend the best course of action to the
student and the module leader. If after taking advice, you do decide to withdraw from the module, or if you are advised to withdraw following progress interviews with the dissertation module leader then you must  complete the appropriate module withdrawal form, obtain the signature of the module leader and ensure the completed form is submitted to the school office.

If you decide not to follow these instructions and subsequently fail to meet the final submission deadline then your non-submission will be counted as an attempt at the module and recorded as a fail. You will then be referred and your referral mark will be capped at 40%.

10 REMINDERS
10-0.1 Timetable of activities and submission deadlines
The following timetable of activities and submission deadlines will apply:
6 Oct. 08 Submission of topics to module leader
17 Oct. 08 Title registration & supervisor allocation
5 Dec. 08 Dissertation Proposal (5% of marks)
16 March 09 Updated Research Proposal and Literature Search Report
28 Sept. 09 Final date for dissertation document submission (95% of marks))
20 Nov. 09 Completion of double marking by supervisors
27 Nov. 09 Viva voce interviews
7 Dec. 09 Wk. beginning Exam Boards

11 ADDENDUM
1. Time spent on the study structure will save time later on (hypothesis, aims, objectives, justification
of objectives, methodology, structure, including literature reviews).
2. Please discuss the work with your supervisor on a regular basis.The timetable is tight. Let your supervisor
know straightaway if you have any problems.
3. Work must be submitted as required in these guidance notes. Soft-bound studies are not acceptable.
4. Please keep to the recommended word count as set out in these guidance notes. YOU MUST
RECORD YOUR TOTAL WORD COUNT AT THE END OF YOUR ABSTRACT.
 
 
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