Lecture 2: Selecting a topic and writing the dissertation proposal The Islamic University of Gaza- Civil Engineering Department Research writing (MMCD 6304) Lecture 2: Selecting a topic and writing the dissertation proposal Prepared by Husam Al-Najar

Choosing the topic The choice of topic usually comes from your interest in and value of a particular subject. This interest and value will eventually be developed into a series of questions which you are keen to find answers to. If you are finding difficulty in choosing a researchable topic, you can consider the following: Consult the library catalogue and inquire about theses and dissertations, articles in academic journals, reports, books and the like. Using web searching to find area of interest. Talk about problems and possible topics with your colleagues and/or with your lecturers who are experts in the field. Arrange an informal interview with professionals in the industry and discuss what you should emphasize and what are the possible practical outcomes.

Criteria that need to be considered when deciding on your research topic. A dissertation topic should be realistic. Your topic should be specific and narrow. Your topic should show individuality, i.e. your personal contribution to the study. Accessibility of information. Personal ability. Personal interest.

A diagram showing the narrowing down of the research topic

The dissertation proposal The dissertation proposal should contain the following: Working title- Purpose- Aim- Objectives- Hypothesis (or key questions)- Outline methodology- Proposed contents- Initial references- Work plan. Working title Working title is a short line that gives your research a ‘direction’ and the title might slightly change at the final stages of research. The title should give your research an identity/name which reflects the focal point and area of the research. It should therefore be clear and to the point. Purpose of the research (or rationale for the study) This should be a one-page discussion of approximately 500 words which sets out (with supporting data fully referenced) the problem and the reason for the proposed study, highlighting the issues to be investigated.

Aim Ideally a ONE sentence aim should be provided, highlighting your ultimate goal. Objectives Ideally between three and five single-sentence objectives should be developed. Objectives are the breakdown of your aim (sub-aims) which focuses on finding out or establishing certain issues while achieving your aim The objectives will then pose a number of questions which will form your research questionnaire later in the research process. Hypothesis (or key questions) If your research is designed to test/validate a hypothesis or a conceptual theory, then a one-sentence hypothesis needs to be established which should clearly and specifically state the position for the argument or investigation. A hypothesis is a tentative proposition which is a subject of verification through your investigation. Your conclusion will either support or reject your proposed hypothesis, or support part and reject others.

Outline methodology In this part of the proposal you should highlight your proposed methodology for obtaining the information necessary for the study. Research methods can take many forms. At the proposal stage, however, all you need to provide is an outline methodology, for example which academic journals you will concentrate your reading on. If you intend to interview personnel, who will they be and approximately how many of them you will interview. Initial references Details of the core sources of references, particularly those which have been consulted in order to provide the basis of evidence and information necessary to enable the dissertation proposal to be developed, should be indicated. Each reference should provide author, title, publisher, edition and publication data

Work plan This should be a simple work plan or timetable – a bar chart of activities over the weeks of study is often helpful – indicating what you intend to do and when.