According to Strathclyde University:

A dissertation is a formal document & there are rules that govern the way in which it is prescribed. It must have covered following chapters: 1. Introduction 2.
3. 4. 5.

Literature Review
Research Methodology Results & Analysis And, Conclusion & Recommendation

In US, thesis is for Undergraduate & Dissertation for Postgraduate purpose But in UK, both thesis and dissertation use by interchanging.

To trial theory in Real Situation To Develop methods use in real situation To test theory through survey, interview and observation or analysis secondary data

Extending knowledge for practical aspect

Planning Scheduling Stopping Rules

These guidelines is propounded by David & Parker.

Formative Thinking Developing a pool of Topics Reflection & Screening First Draft of Proposal Find a Supervisor Agree the Proposal Implement/Start Writing Thesis

Morning MBA

Evening MBA

Process:
Define issue or problem Scope and boundaries

Sources:
Thesis & Dissertations Articles & Academic Journals Conference Reports Books Communication with related field experts Media Discussion with Colleagues

Added by David Parkers:

Current Events Generally Accepted by Unproved ideas Unproved or weakly proved statements by an authority in the field Theories and concept without supporting research

Good characteristics of dissertation topic. Research needed and Interesting. Theory base for research. Amenable to research methods. Achievable in a reasonable time Symmetry of potential outcomes Matches student capabilities and interest Attractive for Funding Area for Professional Development.

Symmetry of outcomes means research project will typically have more than one potential outcome and any one of this would be acceptable.

In order to decide whether an idea meets criteria or not, we should apply Kipling Test. Accordingly you should ask yourself. What do I do? Why is it Important? What issues does the topic relate to? Where and how will be the research undertaken? When i.e. within what constraints will the research be implemented?

Two critical questions that need to be addressed in screening ideas for research are Who is the intended audience? What basic approach is to be taken?

Robson (1993) comments two basic approaches of doing research. Positivistic

Variously labeled as positivistic, natural science based, hypothetico-deductive, quantitative or simply scientific.

Interpretivistic Variously labeled as Interpretive, ethnographic or qualitative.

Frequently these approaches are considered opposing each other but in fact we find them complementary and many projects will implement a combination of both. But not all academics share this view. Traditionally Scientific research is seen to be more rigorous and giving valid results.

Given the existence of theory, scientific research involves five sequential steps. Formulating a hypothesis. Operationalizing the hypothesis by defining how to test the proposed relationship. Testing the hypothesis using prescribed methods. Analysis to confirm, reject or modify the theory. Replication to ensure that observed outcome has not occurred by chance.

The title should summarize, precisely what the research is about. The title

should describe the nature and the scope of the project.

A sub-title can also be used to elaborate an eye catching title. E.g.: Scotland the brand: An investigation into the impact of the made in Scotland label in consumer buying behavior

Outline:

Should provide an finished work may appear as listed in Table of Content.

Overview:

It should spell out what the research issue is and why it is important?

Objective:

It should spell out what exactly the research is intended to achieve. E.g.: To clarify how and in what ways, a products country of origin might influence buyers behavior.

Research Method:
Research approach to be followed, the research technique to be used and the data analysis method.

Research Plan:
Should include proposed time table. Resource finance. Must convince supervisor that it is do-able E.g..: If you purpose to collect the data from Newari community, do you speak the language? How would you test and validate the test instrument? Etc. Etc..

Bibliography

Supervisor should be:

Able to supervise their students. Read their work well in advance. Be available when needed. Friendly, open and supportive. Constructively critical. Good knowledge of their research area.

Supervisor and student must have an essence of an good marketing a mutually satisfying exchange relationship