JAIN T-DTH-1 PERIOD 1 PAGE 1

RESPONSE PAPER
LAST NAME: JAIN
FIRST NAME: SANJAY
PROGRAM CODE: DMCR
COURSE CODE: T-DTH1
PERIOD NUMBER: 1
INSTRUCTOR: CLEENEWERCK

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Seven key concepts with page number in text: Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-
Step Handbook
1. Preparation and Planning: Foundations of Success (Biggam 2008, 4)
2. Introduction: Defining the Path (Biggam 2008, 31)
3. Literature Review: Moving Beyond Summary (Biggam 2008, 50)
4. Research Methods: Justification Of The Means (Biggam 2008, 85)
5. Findings and Analysis: Synthesis (Biggam 2008, 135)
6. Writing the Conclusion: Painting the Dissertation (Biggam 2008, 140)
7. Practical Issues: Plagiarism and Oral Defence (Biggam 2008, 167)05/07/2018 09:47:00 PM

THE DISSERTATION JOURNEY: BIGGAM’S

DISSERTATION GUIDE

1) INTRODUCTION
Composing a Master’s dissertation is a substantial academic exercise, requiring
discipline, knowledge, creativity, critical thinking, and organisation. The book
Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook (Biggam 2008)
elaborates on each step for achieving success in dissertation writing. The author argues
that it requires more than only fulfilling institutional criteria; it entails the development of
crucial research and general skills that progress throughout the Dissertation Life Cycle
(DLC) (Biggam 2008, 4). This paper examines seven essential components of the
author’s guidance in detail: (1) preparation and planning, (2) the introductory chapter, (3)
literature review, (4) research techniques, (5) results and analysis, (6) the conclusion, and
(7) practical considerations such as plagiarism and the viva.
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2) PREPARATION AND PLANNING: FOUNDATIONS

OF SUCCESS
I agree with the author that preparation establishes the foundation for a good
dissertation. The Dissertation Life Cycle (DLC) presents students with a systematic but
recursive research process, beginning with formulating a plausible research proposal and
culminating in the final composition and presentation (Biggam 2008, 4). The
recommendation to use a Dissertation Template (DT) is notably efficacious for
methodically organising information and ensuring uniformity (Biggam 2008, 25). I agree
that establishing a pragmatic timeline using instruments such as Gantt charts offers a
visual structure that improves time management and planning (Biggam 2008, 24). I like
the author’s focus on macro and micro time management viewpoints. Macro-
management facilitates time distribution throughout extensive dissertation stages, but
micro-management guarantees that sub-sections within each chapter are given enough
focus (Biggam 2008, 5). I do not entirely agree with the author’s assertion that all pupils
must adhere strictly to a singular plan; flexibility is often necessary owing to unforeseen
life circumstances (Biggam 2008, 23).

3) INTRODUCTION: DEFINING THE PATH

The author delineates a well-defined framework for the Introduction chapter,
including sub-sections such as background, study emphasis, overarching research
purpose and objectives, and research significance (Biggam 2008, 31). I agree with this
arrangement since it systematically directs the reader to the core of the study. The
background sub-section contextualises the issue and elucidates the reason for the inquiry,
which I consider crucial for building relevance (Biggam 2008, 32). I agree with
reviewing and revising the Introduction after the completion of each chapter to enhance
the structural framework (Biggam 2008, 46). This iterative method improves coherence
and guarantees alignment between aims and results. I believe more emphasis might have
been placed on including early results or hypotheses in the Introduction, particularly in
projects that develop via grounded theory or inductive research.

4) LITERATURE REVIEW: MOVING BEYOND

SUMMARY
The author provides a crucial difference between descriptive and critically
evaluative literature reviews. I agree with the author that many students succumb to
simply summarising current literature without critically analysing it (Biggam 2008, 50). I
like the focus on aligning the review with research aims, maintaining its relevance and
coherence (Biggam 2008, 75). I disagree with the admonition against digressions.
Although Biggam cautions against deviating from the main issue (Biggam 2008, 51), I
believe that judicious digressions may enhance the literature review by introducing fresh
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perspectives or emphasising interdisciplinary links. The essential factor is maintaining

equilibrium while ensuring the digression aligns with the primary research goals.

5) RESEARCH METHODS: JUSTIFICATION OF THE

MEANS
The author’s exposition of research methodologies is one of the more robust
segments of the book. I agree with the need to elucidate the reasoning for selecting
specific procedures, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (Biggam 2008,
85). Incorporating information on location and sample selection, together with justifying
data collecting methods, enhances the transparency and academic rigour of the study
(Biggam 2008, 105). The author’s elucidation of the differentiation among strategy (e.g.,
case study), methodology (e.g., interviews), and analytic method (e.g., theme coding) is
particularly beneficial for novice researchers. I agree with the need to address the
constraints of the chosen approaches since this reflects self-awareness and
methodological sophistication (Biggam 2008, 106).

6) FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS: SYNTHESIS

The author highlights the need to go beyond mere description to participate in
analysis and synthesis, an argument that I agree with (Biggam 2008, 129). I also agree
with the author’s recommendation to organise the chapter according to emergent themes,
which aids in managing extensive qualitative material (Biggam 2008, 135). I agree that
juxtaposing actual data with theoretical ideas from the literature study enhances the
analysis. I believe that the book should have included more advice on data visualisation
techniques, such as charts, graphs, or idea maps, to augment clarity and impact (Biggam
2008, 132). The focus on analysing and interpreting outcomes makes this chapter crucial
for affirming research goals.

7) WRITING THE CONCLUSION: PAINTING THE

DISSERTATION
The author argues that the conclusion should re-examine study goals and
succinctly summarise results (Biggam 2008, 140). I agree that including a self-reflection
segment enhances authenticity and personal participation within academic discourse
(Biggam 2008, 156). I also agree with the advice to formulate pragmatic suggestions
derived from results, especially in applied research (Biggam 2008, 157). I do not agree
that the conclusion should wholly eschew persuasion. Persuasive articulation becomes an
essential rhetorical tactic if the facts substantiate a robust conclusion.
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8) PRACTICAL ISSUES: PLAGIARISM AND ORAL

DEFENCE
The author’s recommendations for composing an abstract are precise and
efficient. I agree with the abstract template encompassing motivation, study
methodologies, results, and conclusions inside a paragraph (Biggam 2008, 167). Focusing
on clarity and conciseness is especially beneficial when organisations impose word
limits. I agree with the author’s analysis of plagiarism. His insistence on accurate citation,
especially when paraphrasing, is essential for upholding academic integrity (Biggam
2008, 191). I like the classification of plagiarism categories and agree that universities
have to proactively teach students instead of only imposing penalties (Biggam 2008,
193). The author’s guidance on viva preparation is also beneficial. I agree that foreseeing
enquiries and practising responses bolsters confidence and performance (Biggam 2008,
176). This section might be enhanced by including example viva questions and outlining
examiner expectations.

9) CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the book Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation is a thorough
and practical manual for graduate students. I agree with the author’s focus on systematic
planning, methodological precision, and introspective practice. Although I have some
reservations about the inflexibility of timeframes and the avoidance of digressions, these
criticisms are negligible compared to the book’s total merit. This paper attempts to
highlight and summarise each chapter’s instruction. It incorporates personal thoughts,
reflecting the author’s teachings and exploring the obstacles and successes associated
with dissertation writing.
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REFERENCES
Biggam, John. 2008. Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-Step
Handbook. 1st ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.