Ok, like many students my attitude to the dissertation was "I'll start it later". Unfortunately later only really started to panic me one Christmas and the new year was out the way. All I had was a topic and a synopsis will a lowly C mark.
What did I do to get out of this situation? I opened my copy of "Dissertation and Research writing for Construction Students" and started to read. Instantly my mind was put at ease as I noted that the book explained all the chapters required in detail as well as how to write the literature review, structure questionnaires and write up your findings.
In short with this book I feel that you can't fail but to write a dissertation that will help you achive whatever pass rate you aspire to.
Basically, get it or fail!