Aimed specifically at students on BSc and taught Masters programmes who are embarking on research for the first time, this book is clear with explanatory text supported by numerous examples illustrating good practice.

Aimed specifically at students on BSc and taught Masters programmes who are embarking on research for the first time, this book is clear with explanatory text supported by numerous examples illustrating good practice.

Dissertation Research and Writing for Built Environment Students is a step-by-step guide to get students through their final year research project. Trusted and developed over three previous editions, the new fourth edition shows you how to select a dissertation topic, write a proposal, conduct a literature review, select the research approach, gather the data, analyse and present the information and ultimately produce a well-written dissertation. The book simplifies dissertation research and writing into a process involving a sequence of learnable activities and divides the process into three parts. Part One covers the necessary groundwork, including: identifying the problem, writing a proposal and reviewing the literature. Part Two covers the research design and includes: approaches and techniques for data collection and constructing and sampling a questionnaire. Part Three covers: measurement of data, analysis of data with SPSS, structuring and writing the whole dissertation, and supervision and assessment. This new edition is packed with updated examples and research samples, making this the ideal resource for students involved in research in built environment subjects such as construction management, construction project management, facilities management, real estate, building surveying, quantity surveying and civil engineering.

Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students is the only how-to guide for BSc and MSc students. Covering topic selection, research planning and methodology to structuring and writing the dissertation, this book includes everything needed for a successful write-up. A new chapter on Supervision and Assessment as well as updates to references and case studies ensures students know what is expected of them and how they will be assessed. The clear, concise, step-by-step text illustrated with examples of best case practice makes this an ideal resource for anyone involved in research in this field.

User-friendly, easy to dip into guide for all Built Environment students Takes the reader from the stage of choosing a topic to writing a well-structured dissertation Best case practice illustrated with numerous examples, case studies and references Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students covers topic selection, research planning, data collection and methodology, as well as structuring and writing the dissertation - in fact, everything needed for a successful write-up. A new section advising students on the use of the SPSS software 'Statistical Package for Social Sciences' will help readers make the best use of this tool. New examples and references ensure that this new edition of the bestselling construction dissertation guide is right up to speed with current practice. This is the ideal resource for students involved in research in Construction Management, Building and Quantity Surveying.

As a built environment student you are likely to be required toresearch, write and submit a dissertation as a core component ofyour degree studies. As a vocational profession, students of thebuilt environment often have strong practical aspirations.Writing a Built Environment Dissertation provides practicalguidance and will help to steer you into a position where you candevelop a good dissertation by mixing your practical strengths withmore theoretical tools. The book is ordered around a common dissertation structure: thatis, it starts with material that should be in the introduction andfinishes with material that should be in the conclusion. Eachchapter provides a commentary on the kind of information that youshould put in each chapter of your dissertation, supported by avariety of examples using a range of methodological designs. Thebook has a strong focus on data collection, data analysis,reliability and validity – all areas where studentdissertations are often weak. Material that will help you thinkabout study skills and ethics is embedded throughout the book, andthe chapters on qualitative and quantitative analysis will show youhow to carry out a rigorous analysis while avoiding some of thecomplexity in statistical work. If you are an under-graduate student in the final year of anhonours degree programme in the built environment, or perhaps astudent at masters or PhD level and have been away from academicstudy for some time, then this book will help you to write a moreinnovative and thorough dissertation.

This comprehensive manual offers direction for every step of the thesis or dissertation process, from choosing an appropriate topic to adapting the finished work for publication.

A doctoral dissertation is arguably the most important journey that students will embark upon in their professional careers, so smart travelers will want E. Alana James and Tracesea H. Slater’s Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis Faster: A Proven Map to Success at their fingertips. James and Slater identify the key places and challenges that create extra stress during the dissertation process, and offer effective strategies and tools to address those challenges and ensure academic success. Their map walks readers through each step of the process, including: • determining the research topic, • choosing appropriate methods, • turning a hypothesis into a study, • completing a literature review, • writing and defending a proposal, • collecting and analyzing data, • writing up the study, and • ultimately defending the dissertation. Building on years of experience with doctoral students, the authors provide a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use tool that encourages student reflection; includes student stories, hints, and writing tips; and provides end-of-chapter checklists and ideas for incorporating social media. With the proven techniques and guidance of this indispensable book, doctoral students will finish their thesis or dissertation—faster!

Cover -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- List of figures -- List of tables -- Acknowledgements -- 1 Preparing for your research journey -- 2 The dissertation challenge -- 3 Doing the dissertation: beginning the journey -- 4 The role of the supervisor -- 5 Evaluating the existing literature -- 6 Research concepts -- 7 The practicalities of primary data collection -- 8 Data analysis and presentation -- 9 Completing the journey: writing up and assessment -- Appendix: example calculations -- Index

Written for the doctoral graduate student, this book gives you the vital support to write your dissertation when you can't be on campus full-time!