An Overview of Writing the Thesis * * Based on the book referenced below: Davis, Gordon & Parker, Clyde (1997), Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach, (3rd ed.). San Diego, California, Barron. CIS 518

Contents A Systematic Approach Advisor/Committee Selection The Selection of a Topic Investigating Existing Knowledge on a Topic The Proposal The Time Schedule Working with an Advisor and the Committee Management of the Thesis Activities The Defense and Publishing the Results

A Systematic Approach A Tale of Two Students James Carthly incomplete plan for completion; no guidance from committee new job, new responsibilities, new personal demands away from faculty advising incomplete professional obligation is an influence on professional and personal life, an obstacle to future success at the mercy of the system Ted Maren selected general area of interest early used interactions with faculty and courses to refine ideas, reduce scope and identify committee members who shared his interests clearly stated problem and well- thought out proposal worked closely with advisor and committee to complete and defend work new job, new responsibilities, new personal demands no obstacle to future success

A Systematic Approach Philosophy of the Systematic Approach Structuring the project can improve the process Student has primary responsibility for the management of the process Faculty are scarce resource

A Systematic Approach Responsibilities Advisor provide guidance respond to submissions in a timely manner be consistent with advice provide protection from unreasonable demands faculty advocate for the student assist in pursuing completion of the thesis Student honor commitments integrity in research and writing keep in communication prepare documents for comment make effective use of the advisor and committee’s time reasonable in advisor time demands open to suggestions and advice show initiative

Advisor/Committee Selection An Ideal Advisor Is interested in the topic Is competent to advise on the topic Has a reasonable level of expectations Will provide guidance and meaningful feedback Is consistent regarding requirements Has personal integrity; views the advisor role as an important responsibility Is interested in the student’s welfare: personally and professionally

Advisor/Committee Selection An Ideal Committee Member Is interested in the topic Is competent to advise on the topic Provides skills supportive to the candidate Should be complementary to the advisor Has a reasonable level of expectations Will provide guidance and meaningful feedback Is consistent regarding requirements Has personal integrity; views the committee role as an important responsibility Is interested in the student’s welfare: personally and professionally

Advisor/Committee Selection Selection Criteria Past performance with other candidates Interest and competence in topic area or research methodology Personality and personal characteristics Response characteristics

The Selection of a Topic Characteristics of a Good Topic Need: research is needed and interesting Contribution: related to theory or concepts Research Feasibility: chosen methods make sense Achievable: can be done in available timeframe Results: all potential outcomes are meaningful Skill Feasibility: matches student capabilities and interest Funding: potential for future support Professional Development: beginning of research

The Selection of a Topic Contributions of a Thesis to Knowledge New or improved evidence –How was data collected? –How was data analyzed? New or improved methodology –How does it compare to previous methodologies? New or improved analysis –Historical –Implications of a current development in a field –Comparative analysis –Analysis of an existing theory or concept and its implications New or improved concepts or theories