This practical book offers straightforward guidance to help Master's students to clarify their objectives and structure their work in order to produce a successful dissertation.
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Product Description
About the Author
John Biggam is a lecturer in I.T. and education at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. He has many years of experience in teaching Research Methods and supervising dissertation students. He is also editor of the Scottish Online Journal of e-Learning (SOJEL).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 64 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I cannot tell you how pleased (and relieved) I am to have found a book like this! It is a god-send and this author deserves a medal. This is a must-have handbook for anyone undergoing a masters dissertation. I recently recommended it to a friend and it now sits in prime position on her desk.
Until I found this book, I knew what I wanted to achieve and was progressing with it. However, I lacked confidence in my approach and worried over certain areas of my work; this was certainly reflected in my writing at times.
This book is a step-by-step approach. It is structured from stage one of the dissertation proposal and takes you through each of the chapters as should be seen in your dissertation: introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion etc. Each of these chapters are then broken down into sub-sections, which should actually appear as sub-sections in your dissertation. Thus, for example, Biggam says that your introduction must include 'Background', 'Research Focus', 'Aims and Objectives', and 'Value of the Research'. The introduction chapter is therefore split up into these sub-sections and explained: Biggam indicates what kind of information is needed in these sub-sections and what the marker will expect to find.
In addition, throughout the book, the author has given little 'tip' bubbles, which indicate common mistakes by students. He also recommends students should use certain phrases. For example, in your objectives, begin with 'To identify...' and then, to indicate a sense of in-depth research, the next objectives could be 'To assess...; To examine...' etc. The appendices are also very useful.... Read more ›
Until I found this book, I knew what I wanted to achieve and was progressing with it. However, I lacked confidence in my approach and worried over certain areas of my work; this was certainly reflected in my writing at times.
This book is a step-by-step approach. It is structured from stage one of the dissertation proposal and takes you through each of the chapters as should be seen in your dissertation: introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion etc. Each of these chapters are then broken down into sub-sections, which should actually appear as sub-sections in your dissertation. Thus, for example, Biggam says that your introduction must include 'Background', 'Research Focus', 'Aims and Objectives', and 'Value of the Research'. The introduction chapter is therefore split up into these sub-sections and explained: Biggam indicates what kind of information is needed in these sub-sections and what the marker will expect to find.
In addition, throughout the book, the author has given little 'tip' bubbles, which indicate common mistakes by students. He also recommends students should use certain phrases. For example, in your objectives, begin with 'To identify...' and then, to indicate a sense of in-depth research, the next objectives could be 'To assess...; To examine...' etc. The appendices are also very useful.... Read more ›
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By bobsmum
Format:Paperback
I can't say how relieved I was to find this. It was a bit late in the day for me, but still it helped me with the final stages.
Biggam explains step by step, with clear examples, exactly what to do and exactly what the examiners are looking for. More importantly, he explains it all in plain english, exactly what you need when you're fed up and tired and just want to know what to do next.
Particularly helpful were the lists of useful verbs to be used in the literature review for moments when you feel that you really can't use the word "states" yet again!
I don't know if I've passed or not yet, but John made the final stages so much clearer.
BUY IT!
Biggam explains step by step, with clear examples, exactly what to do and exactly what the examiners are looking for. More importantly, he explains it all in plain english, exactly what you need when you're fed up and tired and just want to know what to do next.
Particularly helpful were the lists of useful verbs to be used in the literature review for moments when you feel that you really can't use the word "states" yet again!
I don't know if I've passed or not yet, but John made the final stages so much clearer.
BUY IT!
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Annie
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was an excellent guide through writing a masters dissertation which helped me achieve a distinction. It offers guidance on every stage through the process from setting a title, interviewing techniques and the drawing conclusions. It was useful, simple and easy to read book and worth the money you spend.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By R Doc
Format:Paperback
Clear easy to follow.
Well written.
I would recommend this to any MA Student.
Best of Luck
Well written.
I would recommend this to any MA Student.
Best of Luck
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the first time I have written a review on one of the possibly hundreds of items I have purchased through Amazon. Hopefully that gives you some idea of how good I am finding this book!
I am in the last stretch of my MBA and writing my dissertation so needed something aside from the lacklustre uni course notes. This book is very clearly laid out and almost feels like you are having a private conversation with a dissertation tutor who is not afraid to give you all the hints and tips on exactly what to put in your dissertation and how to lay it out to ensure maximum marks.
For example, for your Objectives in the Introductory chapter, which verbs to use that the markers are looking for and then through the Literature Review and into Research Methodology, how and why you need to keep referring to the Objectives. Simple to say but these tips help you to keep focusing on this important aspect.
You still have to do the work of course but at least this steps you through the process with the marker's viewpoint firmly imprinted on what you need to do.
I am in the last stretch of my MBA and writing my dissertation so needed something aside from the lacklustre uni course notes. This book is very clearly laid out and almost feels like you are having a private conversation with a dissertation tutor who is not afraid to give you all the hints and tips on exactly what to put in your dissertation and how to lay it out to ensure maximum marks.
For example, for your Objectives in the Introductory chapter, which verbs to use that the markers are looking for and then through the Literature Review and into Research Methodology, how and why you need to keep referring to the Objectives. Simple to say but these tips help you to keep focusing on this important aspect.
You still have to do the work of course but at least this steps you through the process with the marker's viewpoint firmly imprinted on what you need to do.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Jackster
Format:Paperback
After searching through hundred of books and reviews I found this book on Amazon which appeared to be well respected. At the time I was very much in need of some structure and guidance for my Masters dissertation so purchased the book. The book lived up to the excellent reviews. The majority of the book was really helpful and provided an excellent structure for my dissertation. Some sections were a little light but on the whole the book was very easy to read and understand. I was extremely fortunate to find this book at the beginning of my dissertation, at the point when you have so much to do, so little time and no direction of where you want to go. This book solves all of these problems. The book provides structure, clarity, time management and advice on content for your dissertation. I am delighted to say I passed my Masters with a distinction and owe a lot to the guidance provided by this book. I wish I could meet the author - i'd love to shake his hand! This book is a must have and I hope you find it as useful as I did. Best of luck ....
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I could not have completed my Masters dissertation without this book. A step by step guide written in easy to understand language. I would recommended it to any student undertaking a Masters degree.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have for masters students
I found out last week that I got a distinction for my Masters and this book has been invaluable in helping me achieve that. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Ms. J. E. C. Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
like having a personal tutor on tap
I've just rather smugly got my Dissertation back with distinction, and have to let Biggam take some of the credit - this is a brilliant book. Read more
Published 10 months ago by sparra
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!!
This book really guides the reader through their thesis step by step!! I had no idea where to start but this book has digested the thesis into easy managable chunks!! Read more
Published 13 months ago by LynseyPants.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have book!
All to know about writing a master dissertation everything is inside! From the reflexion of the subject to how to write it with suggestions and guidelines! Read more
Published 17 months ago by Petros
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best bookS I have ever bought.
This has to be one of the best books I have ever purchased. Commencing the dissertation was a daunting task but this book assisted me step by step until submission. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Shablul Hoque
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Book Helped Me Get a 1st Class Masters!
This book is fantastic, I didn't have a clue how to begin my dissertation and this took me step by step through it. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Katy197
5.0 out of 5 stars
Invaluable
I've never reviewed a book before but felt I should pass my thoughts on to other Masters students. This book is a clearly-presented, detailed guide to writing a dissertation. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Flossie_Chick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear, relevant and fun
This is a great book. Each part of the dissertation process is explained and its relevance to the whole dissertation. Read more
Published on 12 May 2011 by kathybrodie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply stunning book!
I started an MA in Musicology in September 2010 and this book has been an absolute gem.
Even for the shorter 7,000 word essays which I have to write, it has assisted me... Read more
Even for the shorter 7,000 word essays which I have to write, it has assisted me... Read more
Published on 26 April 2011 by Mr. M. W. Lawson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for any student doing their dissertation!!
As with any person doing their dissertation, I was really nervous as to how to approach it and needed extra guidance. Read more
Published on 8 April 2011 by Mohini
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