What is a dissertation about?

– Identify and justify a research problem.
– Evaluate competing methodological approaches (of a quantitative or qualitative nature) in a chosen research area.
– Select and justify appropriate methods of data collection.
– Plan and implement a research project.
– Critically analyse conceptual and empirical material derived from primary and/or secondary sources.
– Provide a clear presentation, analysis and interpretation of empirical findings.
– Produce a professionally presented written research project report.

Dissertation structure: a guide*
Abstract 150 words
Introduction: 500 words
Literature review: 2500 words
Methodology: 1500 words
Findings and discussions: 3850 words
Conclusions: 1000 words*
this is just a guide! Each dissertation will look slightly different in terms of word distribution- keep in mind that maximum word count is 9500

Dissertation structure: a guide

Abstract (150 words)

This should be a brief summary of what your research is about

(usually the last thing you write!)

Leeds University Business School 6
Dissertation structure: a guide

Introduction: 500 words
Your introduction should set out the background of your research. It should also include your research aim and the research
question/questions. It also states the structure of your dissertation – what each chapter will contain.

Dissertation structure: a guide

Literature review: 2500 words

In your literature review you should critically analyse what has been written in your area of research and state the research gap. This
is crucial in setting up your research.

Dissertation structure: a guide

Methodology: 1500 words

Here you must set out the reasons for adopting a particular form of research. This should include the broad philosophical underpinning to your chosen research methodology and method – so it’s the theoretical basis and actual practice of your research you need in this chapter.

…. Methodology and methods: 1500 words

• Make sure you indicate your methodology for your research on your dissertation proposal (quant/qual/mixed) so that matches your research questions

Dissertation structure: a guide

Findings and discussions: 3850 words

Here is where you present your findings. Keep your research question in mind at all
times as well as the literature that you have contextualized your research in.

Conclusions: 1000 words

The conclusions chapter offers the opportunity to summarize/review your work as a whole, reflect on achievements and recommend ways forward, e.g. practice implications.