gcu example dissertations

Glasgow School  for Business and Society

The Glasgow School for Business and Society integrates the areas of business, law and social sciences to ensure that they are well placed to meet the needs of business and society. The School has an international outlook and is committed to developing partnerships across the world.

Research Proposal and Dissertation

In addition to the information research skills which you develop as you progress through your course, undergraduate honours students and postgraduate students are required to develop and carry out a small-scale piece of research as part of their degree course. For undergraduate students, the research process starts either in Semester B of L3 or in semester A of L4, depending on how your course is structured. For postgraduate students, this process starts in Semester B of your course.

The research process during your degree has two stages:

  • A research methods module, which is assessed through a research proposal (referred to as dissertation proposal in undergraduate Social Sciences courses)
  • The dissertation module, which is assessed through the dissertation.

Unlike an essay or report, which evaluates, draws conclusions and makes judgements on the basis of published evidence (ie the literature), a research proposal does not answer a question, but identifies/develops a question for research and explains

  • Why it's important to explore the problem
  • How the researcher will explore the problem: what research strategy will be used, what type of data will be collected; how data will be analysed.

Once the research proposal has been approved by a supervisor, the researcher gathers primary or secondary data, analyses it and presents the results in the dissertation.

  • What topics/issues in your field interest you? Don’t limit yourself to one topic – you may need to consider several issues/topics before you find one that you can do.
  • What specific problems around this issue have been identified by researchers or practitioners in the sector/industry?
  • Is an under-researched issue identified in the literature?

A research question is not the same as a topic. A research question should be specific and narrowly-focussed on a context such as a type of organisation (SME, third sector organisation, supermarket, national park, etc); a sector (telecommunications, voluntary sector, retail, a social group that meets specific criteria such as demographic, gender or experience; a geographical area). Because a research question is focused on a specific context, the answer to the question is not in the published research literature: the research question you develop will be answered in your dissertation by analysing the data that you collect. The type of data that you collect depends on what you want to find out

  • Primary data is information that you gather from your informants (through, for example, survey questionnaires, interviews or focus groups) Most students doing research for a business or social sciences research.
  • Secondary data is information that has already been published (eg financial information, information in a database, reports) that has been collected/compiled for a different purpose. Researchers analyse secondary data for a different purpose than it was originally intended.

The type of data you need depends on your research question. Most students doing research for a business or marketing topic are encouraged not to analyse only secondary data, but also to gather and analyse primary data. By contrast, it is quite common for students in finance and finance-related disciplines to develop a research question that requires only secondary analysis (eg of published financial or numerical data). Students studying history often analyse documentary sources (secondary data), while criminology, politics or sociology students may gather primary data from informants, or may analyse secondary data sources.  Media research often involves analysis of media content.

In identifying a research question, access is possibly the most important consideration. In order to answer your research question, you must have access to the primary or secondary data sources that can provide the information you need. You also need to bear in mind that information may be confidential, either for commercial reasons or because of its sensitive nature and so it may not be available to you.

  • People in your previous/current jobs?
  • Can friends/family help you get access to the people you want to talk to?
  • Organisations may be willing to give you access to employees, but they are unlikely to help you if the research does not benefit them in some way.
  • If you need secondary data, is the data publicly available?

All research proposals for dissertations have a similar structure, although the terminology relating to sections within the proposal may vary. The word count also varies – check your module handbook for a detailed description of what is required and the word count for each section.

  • What research or events demonstrate that this question is important?
  • Have recent developments made this question important?
  • How is this question important in the research context that you have identified?
  • What is the value of doing this research?
  • The aim is a clear statement of what you want to find out
  • The objectives can be compared to a process – what do you need to find out in order to achieve your aim
  • What are the key perspectives/theories/models in the literature that are relevant to your study?
  • What gap or underresearched area does your literature review highlight?
  • Are you going to analyse primary or secondary data? Why?
  • Are you collecting quantitative or qualitative data? Or both? Why?
  • How are you going to collect this data?
  • If you’re going to collect primary data, what is your sampling strategy?
  • How are you going to analyse the data?
  • What potential problems or challenges do you anticipate in doing this study?
  • Projected time scale (Visually represented – Gantt chart or Excel spreadsheet)
  • What has limited the scope of this study?
  • What might make it difficult for you to achieve your aim?
  • What might go wrong?

The aim of the literature is to identify key theories, models and/or research studies that shape our understanding of the issue. The research proposal is only a preliminary overview of the literature – the word count at this stage is not sufficient for a comprehensive literature review.  You will explore the literature in greater depth in your dissertation.

Your review of the literature should be guided by these questions:

  • Are the definitions really different or just expressed in different words?
  • What are the shared elements across definitions?
  • Where/How are definitions different – in scope/focus?
  • How have definitions changed over time - why?
  • Which definition is being used for this study?
  • What are the points of agreement and difference?
  • How strong is the weight of research evidence for a particular perspective?
  • How are these perspectives relevant to your research?
  • Best practice/strategies
  • Challenges to good practice
  • Difficulties and barriers to addressing this issue?
  • Does the research show a gap/mismatch between organisational/sector policy and practice?
  • Is there enough research?
  • Are the research findings generalizable to your proposed study?
  • Geographical location
  • Industry/sector
  • Demographic.
  • How does the model help us understand how to address issue?
  • What are the criticisms and/or limitations of this theory, model or framework?

A dissertation is an extended piece of work (around 10-12,000 words) on a subject related to your degree course. You will normally choose the subject yourself which may develop from a research proposal you have completed earlier.

The dissertation is typically based on original research and demonstrates your expertise on the subject area. Dissertation comes from the Latin word ‘dissertare’ = ‘to debate’. Therefore your dissertation should include an examination of the subject from a number of different viewpoints.

Typically your dissertation should:

  • Be a logically organised, critical analysis of a specific topic
  • Show critical analysis of current literature on the specific topic
  • Include a small-scale investigation to investigate a gap, key issues, themes or questions raised in the literature review
  • Critically compare findings/data from primary research with that of existing evidence
  • Draw conclusions and make recommendations.

This website contains general information and guidance on dissertation writing. However, always check your module handbook and with your supervisor for specific details.

A dissertation is a detailed report on your research investigation. It focuses on exploration of the particular issue or problem that your initial research proposal identifies as requiring further research. The key differences between the proposal and dissertation are that you will now be putting your proposed research design into practice to collect and then analyse your data.

Typically a dissertation has the following key features:

  • Length and structure : 10 – 12,000 words that are logically organised in clearly linked chapters; chapters are arranged thematically in sections [See sample table of contents];
  • A clear research aim : The dissertation is developed from, and closely directed by a specific research question and/or aim. The aim should be presented as a clear, straightforward statement of what you want to achieve [See:  How do I write a clear research aim and /or question and objectives for my dissertation?]
  • A literature review : A critical review of literature on issues relevant to the research topic. This key stage and chapter should develop a clear discussion of what is known about the research topic in more detail. It includes critical comparison and questioning of key points of view, current thinking, definitions, relevant theories, models and previous research as found in the wider literature. From this literature review, you identify a gap in knowledge, key issues, themes and/or raise questions about your topic which requires the collection of new data to provide answers to these questions and/or fill the research gap.
  • Analysis of data collected : You analyse the data you have collected through critical comparison of it with existing data you have reviewed in the literature review that explored definitions, relevant theories, models, major themes/debates and other previous research;
  • Conclusions and recommendations : You provide conclusions to your research aim and/or question, key research objectives or hypotheses and make recommendations for future research and practice

Always check with your dissertation supervisor for specific details.

As for the proposal, the dissertation is developed from, and closely directed by a specific research question and/or aim [A clear statement of what you want to find out or achieve]. These may change from your initially proposed aim and/or question. Your research aim and/ or question should clearly and simply express the focus of your inquiry and the key variables you explore. The research question is not the same as a topic. A research question should be specific and narrowly-focussed on a context for example a type of organisation (SME, third sector organisation, supermarket, national park, etc); a sector (telecommunications, voluntary sector, retail); a social group that meets specific criteria such as demographic, gender or experience and/or a particular geographical area).

Because a research question is focussed on a specific context, the answer to the question is not in the published research literature: the research question you develop will be answered by analysing data that you collect.

A research aim and/or question can be built around the following key phrases:

  • Aim: To critically explore the extent to which … Question: " To what extent do/does... ...?"
  • Aim: To critically explore how X impacts on Y in the context of organisation Z Question: "In what ways/How does/What is the impact of X on organisation/population Y in the context of Z?"
  • Aim : To critically analyse the factors that have contributed to the development of X in organisation/population Y Question: "What factors have contributed to the development of X in organisation/population Y?"
  • Aim: To critically evaluate the role and impact of X on Y in Z Question: " What is the role and impact of X on Y in Z?"

A dissertation is further directed by having research objectives. These are clear statements that explain how you will meet your research aim and/or address the research question you have established. Objectives can be built using the following wording:

  • To critically review X in order to
  • To measure X by...
  • To evaluate X by...
  • To gain insight into X through
  • To examine X by...
  • To calculate X through the use of...
  • To compare X with Y by...
  • To assess the impact of X on Y by...
  • To interpret X through application of Y...

For many dissertations the objectives correspond to each main chapter or key stage of the research process:

  • Literature review: To critically review relevant theoretical and research-based literature in order to evaluate how ...
  • Methodology : To adopt a mixed methods research design and undertake interviews with X in order to gain insight into how/why…
  • Data analysis : To analyse the data collection through application of X’s theory… through comparison with previous research
  • Conclusions and recommendations : To provide recommendations on how X could improve...

The introduction chapter provides the background/bigger picture and rationale to your dissertation. This can be developed in a range of ways:

  • It outlines the relevant historical, legal, policy, sectoral and organisational context(s) in which the study is located;
  • It explains what the study is about and why the study is important (the rationale) and what factors are driving the study – key changes? What is the research problem to be explored?
  • Key terms/variables are broadly defined.
  • Links can be made to key debates/perspectives that are relevant to study
  • Introduce where the study is conducted, with whom and why: specific sector and organisation, key respondents?
  • Narrows down to a clear statement of research aim, objectives and/or research questions that direct your study;
  • Provides a summary of the content of the main chapters

The following two samples illustrate how two writers clearly meet these purposes.

Intro example file 1

Intro example file 2

What is a literature review?

The literature review chapter critically reviews key themes/issues relevant to your research topic and study’s aim, drawing on references to academic literature as appropriate. It presents a logical, detailed and coherent picture of what literature tells us about your selected research topic. Specifically it weaves together analysis of some or all of the following, funnelling down from a broad to specific analysis of the issues relevant to your dissertation:

  • Compares debates/key perspectives relevant to your study that can assist in analysis of points of view expressed in the data you collect
  • Compares definitions of key terms to assist in analysis of how definitions are expressed in your data
  • Compares and evaluates models, frameworks and /or theories that may assist in analysing the data you collect
  • Builds a picture of previous research through comparison of studies in journal publications: what does this research tell us about:
  • Key challenges/problems faced and how other organisations have addressed these?
  • The development of innovative approaches/strategies/’best’ practices used successfully in other organisations/sectors?
  • The application of a model or framework to guide practice in other organisations/sectors?

Structure of the literature review

  • Ensuring clear structure in individual chapters: where and how
  • Include an introductory section to the whole chapter: states what the literature review aims to do, and identifies the key themes it explores;
  • The chapter is divided up in individual sections that focus on one key theme/issue. Each key theme/issues is identified with clear headings and where necessary subheadings may be used to identify subthemes;
  • The theme in each section is clearly introduced: you can briefly comment on relevance of the theme for your study’s aim
  • In each section, the review of the literature on the key theme/issue is built up paragraph by paragraph [Please see the downloadable PDF: GUIDANCE NOTES: STRUCTURING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW CHAPTER]

Guidance Notes

Writing critically in the literature review

Writing critically in the literature review about key debates/points of view

Critical writing can be developed by considering these questions:

  • What are the key points of view on my dissertation topic?
  • How do these views compare, diverge or conflict? Why?
  • Why and/or how are these views relevant to my dissertation?

Writing critically in the literature review about definitions

  • What key terms do I need to define?
  • How have definitions changed, developed or evolved?
  • Why have definitions changed?
  • How do definitions conflict?
  • What key points do definitions share?
  • Are definitions viewed as too narrow; too broad; out of date and/or limited in some other way for my dissertation?
  • Which definition is being used for my dissertation – why? Is it the most comprehensive? Most widely applicable?

Writing critically in the literature review about models, frameworks and/or theories

  • Who is/are the main proponents of this model?
  • What is/are the purpose(s) of this model? How has it developed over time? What are the key stages and structure of the model? How does the model work? What does it seek to explain?
  • Why this model is potentially relevant to my dissertation?
  • How can the model be used to help understand particular marketing, management, organisational, financial, HR, operational, social, cultural, psychological, economic and political issues? What processes or practices can this model guide/inform – what are its advantages?/ What insights does it provide?
  • What are the criticisms and/or limitations /weaknesses of this model? Why?
  • What are the possibilities of applying another model which is better? Why is this other model better – more holistic, comprehensive, up-to-date or can be used in combination with another model?

Writing critically in the literature review about research articles from journal publications

  • What are the major findings of several research papers about this particular theme/issue?
  • How have findings about this theme/issue developed from earlier to more recent research studies?
  • How do findings compare, contrast or conflict on specific theme/issue?
  • What issue is under-researched?
  • What are the strengths and limitations of the research methods used?
  • What challenges/problems are identified in studies?
  • What examples of best practice/solutions do these studies highlight?
  • What lessons could my research, case study organisation learn from these examples of best practice?

How does the literature review chapter link with the methodology?

From a critical review of the literature you identify key issues/themes/gaps/questions that require further investigation through the small-scale research project that you will explain and justify in the methodology. Overall your literature review should inform and direct your methodology in terms of what data you will collect, how you will do so, from where and from whom, allowing you to address the questions the literature raises.

What is a methodology chapter?

In the methodology chapter you are expected to draw on a range of textbooks on research methods to explain and justify all aspects of your chosen research design. The explanations and justifications in each of the following typical sections should continually link to your investigation and generally follow this structure:

  • Research philosophy : explain briefly what e.g. interpretive philosophy of research is about and justify why it is most appropriate for meeting your study’s aim
  • Research approach : explain briefly what e.g. an abductive approach involves; why was this most appropriate for your study?
  • Sample and sampling approach : explain briefly what e.g. purposive sampling is; why is this approach best for your study?
  • Choice of methods : explain e.g. what forms of data are collected through qualitative methods; why did a qualitative method provided you with appropriate data to meet your research aim?
  • Data collection methods : explain briefly what e.g. a focus group involves; why did a focus group offer the most advantages for your study?
  • Data analysis methods : explain what e.g. thematic analysis involves; why was analysing your data in this way the most appropriate choice?
  • Ethical considerations : explain main ethical issues your study raised and how you addressed these
  • Limitations : explain main limitations of your research design e.g. in relation to sample size and the implications of this for your findings

Please check your dissertation module handbook and with your supervisor for specific guidelines on the content and structure expected for the methodology chapter.

What is included in a findings chapter?

For some dissertations you will be asked to have a stand-alone findings chapter. This chapter focuses on the presentation of your data. This is typically presented in tables, charts and graphs etc., with accompanying concise commentary that describes, compares and contrasts e.g. patterns, trends and statistical results. It is in the next chapter where you use previous research and theory as explored in the literature review, to analyse and interpret these data as presented in the findings chapter.

  • extracts/quotations from interviews and focus groups;
  • comparative/descriptive statistics from questionnaires that are described and displayed in graphs, pie charts, tables etc.;
  • results of different statistical tests or mathematical models/formulae;
  • documentary information e.g. extracts of information from companies’ policies, financial reports, audit reports and annual reports; government policy in particular areas;
  • extracts from series of newspaper articles reporting on a specific issue.

You do this through comparing your data with previous debates, definitions, theories, models and/or research as reviewed in your literature review chapter

  • Which theory or model(s)/frameworks explored in the literature review provides an explanation for my data/ findings? How do my findings for this theme match up or align with the theory’s or model’s explanations? Do my findings point to a limitation of this model or theory?
  • For this theme, are my data supported/confirmed by the research studies I discuss in the literature review? In what way?
  • What are the similarities between my data/findings and past research findings in relation to this theme?
  • Do my data/findings contradict, challenge or conflict with previous research findings? If so in what way? Why?
  • Taken together what do my findings contribute to knowledge about/understanding of the research topic?
  • What could my findings mean for practice?

(See GUIDANCE NOTES: Using the literature review to analyse your data for further key questions to prompt comparison of your data with previous research)

  • Overview of the chapter As with every chapter in a dissertation, provide a brief overview that clearly explains/signposts the focus, content and structure of the chapter. For the analysis chapter in particular, you should identify clearly the main themes that will be addressed, emphasising that you will draw upon previous literature to analyse these themes.
  • Profile of case study organisation If your study has been conducted in an organisation you can provide a profile, presented in a table that identifies e.g. its size, geographical location(s), number of employees, market share etc. – you should include profile information that is most relevant to your dissertation topic.
  • Profile of interview and/or focus group participants Present in table form key information about your interview participants: age, gender, individual’s position in organisation, make-up of focus group participants etc. - you should include profile information that is most relevant to your dissertation topic.
  • Profile of respondents to questionnaire Present in table form key information about who responded to your questionnaire e.g.: how many questionnaires were distributed and to whom; number of returned questionnaires; demographic details relevant to your study,
  • Introduce the theme - refer back to literature review, draw on  authors to outline the significance of this theme
  • Present/report data: compare and contrast your data in relation to this theme e.g. compare questionnaire respondents’ choices with those of views of interviewees
  • Provide analysis of this theme through comparison with previous debates, definitions, theories, models and/or research as reviewed in your literature review chapter.
  • Next major theme….

The conclusion chapter is not just a simple summary of all you have covered in the dissertation e.g. “I have looked at literature, then I designed an investigation and I analysed results…” Instead, you should restate, and offer answers to your research aim and/or question, key research objectives or hypotheses e.g. Key issues to emerge from the literature were… From comparing the data interviews with previous research it can be concluded that… Based on your conclusions you should be able to make recommendations for:

  • Further research issues that a future investigation could explore
  • Enhancement/improvement/development of particular practice as explored in a case study organisation
  • How particular policy could change
  • How effectiveness of theory or model could be further developed You may also be asked to identify the limitations of your study. Some supervisors prefer that this section is included in the methodology chapter. It is important to consult her/him on this.

Provide an overview of the chapter in which you:

  • Restate what your dissertation set out to do: research aim and/or question, key research objectives and/or research questions or hypotheses
  • Briefly remind reader of the context, background and/or importance of the topic or indicate the problem, controversy or a gap in the field of study.
  • Clearly outline the purposes and structure of the chapter [See sample]

You can then conclude on each research objective in turn:

  • What are you able to reasonably conclude from your review of the literature – key themes, debates, issues and or/gap in research you found?
  • How suitable was your research design overall for meeting your aim and investigating these key issues raised by the literature review?
  • How suitable was your research design overall for testing/upholding your hypotheses?
  • What reasonable conclusions/insights can you offer from your analysis of your data through comparison with and support from previous research?
  • What key contributions/new insights does your study offer to knowledge about the research issue?
  • What further questions do your study raise that future research could address? [See sample]

Make recommendations based on key conclusions:

  • Depending on your research topic, what can you suggest for future research, organisational practice and policy and/or development of a conceptual model or theory? [See sample]

In assessing your dissertation the marker expects to see that:

  • you have developed a research project that has a realistic, well defined aim and/or question with related objectives;
  • analyses key themes/issues that are relevant to your study;
  • critically questions, compares and evaluates conflicting views, theoretical claims and previous research findings relevant to your topic;
  • provides a detailed picture of current knowledge with which you can then analyse the data you collect;
  • you have a methodology chapter that is informed and shaped by the literature review;
  • you have carefully selected data collection and analysis methods that are clearly explained and justified as fit for purpose and which provide relevant data to meet your research aim;
  • you have a logically structured analysis chapter in which you apply a range of literature to interpret and make sense of the data you have collected
  • you have a conclusion chapter that makes concise and reasonable conclusions on the extent to which you have met
  • how future research could be developed to address any questions your study raises;
  • how an organisation could build upon and enhance its current practices

Please your dissertation module handbook for the specific marking criteria that will be used to assess your work.

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Dissertations and Honours projects

Here are the answers to common questions about dissertations and Honours projects. 

If your question isn't answered here, check the other pages within this guide - there's lots of useful information on identifying sources, planning your search and managing the information you find.

If you have any more questions, contact us using the 'How we can help' page of this guide.

Can I view previous dissertations/honours projects?

The Library holds a small selection of digitised dissertations which are available to  view online  (you may need to log in to GCULearn). Previous examples may also be available by contacting your department directly.

For help around format, structure and layout  we recommend contacting the Learning Development Centre (LDC) within your School. They can also help with skills related to academic writing and critical analysis/thinking.  

  • Learning Development Centres Information to help you contact the Learning Development Centre (LDC) for your course/programme.

Where can I find books on the research process?

Books on undertaking and writing a dissertation/honours project are located on Level 2. You can find books on undertaking a literature review on Level 4.

The Academic Librarians have created a Dissertation and Honours Project resource list.

  • Library Dissertation Resource List A selection of library resources to support your dissertation process.

What are research question frameworks?

If you are trying to define a research question for a dissertation or research project, using a framework can be a useful approach.

Research question frameworks can be used to help frame a question and plan for empirical research or structured literature review. They are widely used in the field of health to investigate practice-based questions but they are also useful in other fields of research such as social sciences. 

You do not have to use a research question framework - it is just an option available to you. Visit our guide below for examples of research question frameworks.

  • Research question frameworks

How do I develop a search strategy?

Subject databases allow you to carry out a strategic search for journal articles. You can search using a combination of search terms, filter and narrow results (by date or subject area for example) and save your searches. There is some overlap between the databases but every database also has unique content. 

Visit the 'Using databases' section of this guide to find relevant databases for your topic.

Fulltext access to journal articles

Not all databases will host the full text of the article you need.  Here are some tips to help you locate the the fulltext article 

  • Search Discover using the article title.
  • To check if we hold a specific journal and if available online or in print, s earch Discover using the journal title .
  • You can also try a search using Google Scholar for an open access journal article. Search by the article title.

Watch our short video for more help.

Finding and accessing full text

This video demonstrates how to find and access the full text of journal articles.

Inter-library loan

You can request a journal article or a book not available in our Library stock via our Inter-library loan (ILL) service. View our Inter-library loan webpages using the link below for more details on how to submit a request and contact details for ILL team.

Journal articles, conference papers and book chapters are supplied electronically where possible but some processing time is required for ILL requests so w e recommend factoring this in to your time management for your assignment/dissertation or honours project.

Help and support on the ILL process including frequently asked questions are also available on our ILL webpages.

  • Inter-library loan Request an item for your research, teaching or coursework not available in Library stock.

Saving searches and managing references

It is essential to document your search process. You should keep a record of where you've searched and what terms you have used.

You might also want to save results, especially articles or items which you intend to include in your literature review and to aid your referencing.

Databases provide the option to create a personal account. These require you to either sign in, create or register an account. These details may differ from your usual GCU username and password and will be unique to you.

Personal accounts provide access to more functionality: ability to create alerts, save searches and save individual or batches of results.

Results can also be exported from a database to reference management software such as RefWorks. These tools help you to create reference lists or manage duplicate results.

Find out more about using RefWorks, including our help video to get started. 

  • RefWorks page Help with RefWorks and log in

Archives and Special Collections

Different sources will be relevant to help you research your chosen topic or area of interest. Archival material may be useful for certain topics. 

GCU's Archive Centre may have material relevant to your topic - contact the Archive Centre team for advice.

There are other archives and special collections which you can visit, including:

  • Mitchell Library
  • National Library of Scotland

Some archival material is also freely available online.

If you need advice identifying collections outside of GCU, contact us using the 'How we can help' page of this guide.

Need more help or have a question?  Drop in to our dissertation clinics to get help with literature searching and reference management for your dissertation, honours project or proposal.

Find out more details or view other workshops available. There are options to attend on campus or online.

  • Workshops The Academic Librarians hold regular workshops open to all GCU students at all levels of study.
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GCU Institutional Review Board

gcu example dissertations

The GCU Institutional Review Board (IRB) provides timely and efficient processing, review, monitoring, tracking, and reporting of all research protocols conducted under the purview of Grand Canyon University. All researchers, including doctoral learners completing dissertations, and faculty, staff, and student researchers are required to obtain approval from the GCU's Institutional Review Board (IRB) in accordance with GCU's policy. Researchers may not begin recruiting participants or implementing data collection activities until they receive official notification of IRB approval. The IRB Research Center is designed to help researchers complete all required steps and ensure the IRB submission and review processes go as smoothly as possible.

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Contact the IRB Team: https://researchgcu.igloodigitalworkplace.ca/irb/contact

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Example of GCU Dissertations format

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Example of GCU Dissertations format

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GCU Dissertations

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Approved by publishing and review experts on SciSpace, this template is built as per for GCU Dissertations formatting guidelines as mentioned in Grand Canyon University author instructions. The current version was created on and has been used by 876 authors to write and format their manuscripts to this journal.

International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications(IJISA) template (Modern Education and Computer Science Press)

SciSpace is a very innovative solution to the formatting problem and existing providers, such as Mendeley or Word did not really evolve in recent years.

- Andreas Frutiger, Researcher, ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering

(Before submission check for plagiarism via Turnitin)

What to expect from SciSpace?

Speed and accuracy over ms word.

With SciSpace, you do not need a word template for GCU Dissertations.

It automatically formats your research paper to Grand Canyon University formatting guidelines and citation style.

You can download a submission ready research paper in pdf, LaTeX and docx formats.

Time comparison

Time taken to format a paper and Compliance with guidelines

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Using this service, researchers can compare submissions against more than 170 million scholarly articles, a database of 70+ billion current and archived web pages. How Turnitin Integration works?

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One editor, 100K journal formats – world's largest collection of journal templates

With such a huge verified library, what you need is already there.

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Easy support from all your favorite tools

Automatically format and order your citations and bibliography in a click.

SciSpace allows imports from all reference managers like Mendeley, Zotero, Endnote, Google Scholar etc.

Frequently asked questions

1. can i write gcu dissertations in latex.

Absolutely not! Our tool has been designed to help you focus on writing. You can write your entire paper as per the GCU Dissertations guidelines and auto format it.

2. Do you follow the GCU Dissertations guidelines?

Yes, the template is compliant with the GCU Dissertations guidelines. Our experts at SciSpace ensure that. If there are any changes to the journal's guidelines, we'll change our algorithm accordingly.

3. Can I cite my article in multiple styles in GCU Dissertations?

Of course! We support all the top citation styles, such as APA style, MLA style, Vancouver style, Harvard style, and Chicago style. For example, when you write your paper and hit autoformat, our system will automatically update your article as per the GCU Dissertations citation style.

4. Can I use the GCU Dissertations templates for free?

Sign up for our free trial, and you'll be able to use all our features for seven days. You'll see how helpful they are and how inexpensive they are compared to other options, Especially for GCU Dissertations.

5. Can I use a manuscript in GCU Dissertations that I have written in MS Word?

Yes. You can choose the right template, copy-paste the contents from the word document, and click on auto-format. Once you're done, you'll have a publish-ready paper GCU Dissertations that you can download at the end.

6. How long does it usually take you to format my papers in GCU Dissertations?

It only takes a matter of seconds to edit your manuscript. Besides that, our intuitive editor saves you from writing and formatting it in GCU Dissertations.

7. Where can I find the template for the GCU Dissertations?

It is possible to find the Word template for any journal on Google. However, why use a template when you can write your entire manuscript on SciSpace , auto format it as per GCU Dissertations's guidelines and download the same in Word, PDF and LaTeX formats? Give us a try!.

8. Can I reformat my paper to fit the GCU Dissertations's guidelines?

Of course! You can do this using our intuitive editor. It's very easy. If you need help, our support team is always ready to assist you.

9. GCU Dissertations an online tool or is there a desktop version?

SciSpace's GCU Dissertations is currently available as an online tool. We're developing a desktop version, too. You can request (or upvote) any features that you think would be helpful for you and other researchers in the "feature request" section of your account once you've signed up with us.

10. I cannot find my template in your gallery. Can you create it for me like GCU Dissertations?

Sure. You can request any template and we'll have it setup within a few days. You can find the request box in Journal Gallery on the right side bar under the heading, "Couldn't find the format you were looking for like GCU Dissertations?”

11. What is the output that I would get after using GCU Dissertations?

After writing your paper autoformatting in GCU Dissertations, you can download it in multiple formats, viz., PDF, Docx, and LaTeX.

12. Is GCU Dissertations's impact factor high enough that I should try publishing my article there?

To be honest, the answer is no. The impact factor is one of the many elements that determine the quality of a journal. Few of these factors include review board, rejection rates, frequency of inclusion in indexes, and Eigenfactor. You need to assess all these factors before you make your final call.

13. What is Sherpa RoMEO Archiving Policy for GCU Dissertations?

SHERPA/RoMEO Database

  • Pre-prints as being the version of the paper before peer review and
  • Post-prints as being the version of the paper after peer-review, with revisions having been made.

14. What are the most common citation types In GCU Dissertations?

15. how do i submit my article to the gcu dissertations, 16. can i download gcu dissertations in endnote format.

Yes, SciSpace provides this functionality. After signing up, you would need to import your existing references from Word or Bib file to SciSpace. Then SciSpace would allow you to download your references in GCU Dissertations Endnote style according to Elsevier guidelines.

with GCU Dissertations format applied

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gcu example dissertations

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Typset automatically formats your research paper to GCU Dissertations formatting guidelines and citation style.

gcu example dissertations

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gcu example dissertations

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gcu example dissertations

I spent hours with MS word for reformatting. It was frustrating - plain and simple. With SciSpace, I can draft my manuscripts and once it is finished I can just submit. In case, I have to submit to another journal it is really just a button click instead of an afternoon of reformatting.

gcu example dissertations

IMAGES

  1. Module 3 DQ 1

    gcu example dissertations

  2. Thesis Starter Words

    gcu example dissertations

  3. Simplified GCU Reference/Citation Guide

    gcu example dissertations

  4. How to Write in Academics

    gcu example dissertations

  5. Dissertation Template Example

    gcu example dissertations

  6. File-506500422-506500422 Qualitative GCU Dissertation Template

    gcu example dissertations

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COMMENTS

  1. Doctoral Resources

    To learn more about GCU's dissertation process and time to completion, visit our doctoral programs page. Doctoral Community (DC) Network™ The DC Network is a unique virtual scholarly network that keeps learners well connected throughout their program and after graduation. Interactive communication, instant notification of new content and ...

  2. CONTENTdm

    The GCU Doctoral Dissertations features dissertations completed by GCU doctoral graduates.

  3. Access to previous dissertations

    Can I view previous dissertations/honours projects? The Library holds a small selection of digitised dissertations which are available to view online (you may need to log in to GCULearn). Previous examples may also be available by contacting your department directly.

  4. Dissertation Resources

    A dissertation is the culmination of your doctoral studies. Explore here what the experience might be like for you and get a thorough dissertation definition. Posted on August 02, 2023. ... 1-855-GCU-LOPE. Live Chat. Request Info Apply Now Open in New Window. 1-855-GCU-LOPE

  5. Digitised dissertations

    Digitised dissertations. The Library provides a service to host digitised dissertations online and on GCULearn. The service is intended to showcase exemplary dissertations. The following steps outline the process that academic departments should follow before submitting dissertations to the Library for hosting on GCULearn.

  6. Your Complete Dissertation Plan: Getting It Done on Time

    Your Dissertation Plan: Establishing Your Schedule. A complete dissertation, excluding coursework, can vary depending on your school and program, whether you're a full-time or part-time student and whether the dissertation process is built into the coursework from the beginning. (At many schools, you'll complete the coursework first, and ...

  7. LibGuides: Dissertation and honours project : Welcome

    Welcome. If you are starting your dissertation or honours project this guide is for you. It aims to provide help or answers to common library related queries and will help you to plan, find and use key resources. Subject related help including guidance on search skills and key databases is available within your subject guide. Subject guides.

  8. Theses

    EThOS is the UK's national thesis service and is the authoritative source for GCU doctoral theses. EThOS is an open access resource but you must create an account in order to download a full text thesis.. Theses which are available for immediate download display a PDF icon or an open access icon (or both):. A PDF icon‌ ‌indicates that the thesis has been digitised already and is available ...

  9. Qualitative Data Analysis Methods for Dissertations

    The College of Doctoral Studies at GCU offers a variety of qualitative programs to support your research goals. To learn more about GCU's doctoral programs, click on Request More Info at the top of this page. Retrieved from: 1 QuestionPro, Qualitative Data - Definitions, Types, Analysis and Examples in May 2021

  10. Planning Your Research Dissertation

    Planning Your Research Dissertation. January 16, 2020 in [ Doctoral Journey ] Your doctoral dissertation is a major part of your doctoral program. It is important to develop a clear sense of direction early in the project. Focused planning and preparation will help the research for your dissertation happen as smoothly as possible.

  11. Research Proposal and Dissertation

    A dissertation is an extended piece of work (around 10-12,000 words) on a subject related to your degree course. You will normally choose the subject yourself which may develop from a research proposal you have completed earlier. The dissertation is typically based on original research and demonstrates your expertise on the subject area.

  12. Doctoral Overview

    In 2010, Grand Canyon University decided to invest in helping doctoral students learn to design, conduct, and report the results of their independent research. GCU began offering more resources to students on their doctoral journey, including the DC NETWORK®. ... GCU reaches 2,000 signed doctoral dissertations Doctoral degree helped him ...

  13. Examples of the dissertation that have been published

    examples of the dissertation that have been published in Proquest "To review dissertation examples, please go to the GCU Library and click on the ProQuest database. ProQuest is where all GCU dissertations are published, and you can then search for dissertations". References Walker, N. (2016). GCU doctoral research: Analyzing (1st ed).

  14. College of Doctoral Studies

    Research is a cornerstone of the College of Doctoral Studies, empowering learners to collaborate and advance within all fields. Through a continual dialogue regarding research and ethics guidelines, we serve the advancement of Grand Canyon University's (GCU) doctoral programs and other academic communities. Explore our resources, designed to ...

  15. LibGuides: Law: Dissertations and Honours projects

    The Library holds a small selection of digitised dissertations which are available to view online (you may need to log in to GCULearn). Previous examples may also be available by contacting your department directly. For help around format, structure and layout we recommend contacting the Learning Development Centre (LDC) within your School.

  16. GCU reaches 2,000 signed doctoral dissertations

    The College of Doctoral Studies has achieved another milestone: the signing of its 2,000th dissertation. Ten years ago, Grand Canyon University 's College of Doctoral Studies celebrated its first signed dissertation. The recipient of that signature, Senior Doctoral Adjunct Faculty Supervisor Dr. Nicholas Markette, remembers it like it was ...

  17. Library

    The GCU Library provides expert research and reference assistance to the scholarly community. In addition to interlibrary loan, journal selection guidance, citation management strategies and assistance with literature search strategies, the library provides support through several programs specifically developed for researchers. Among these are ...

  18. The Dreaded Dissertation Defense, Defined

    The dissertation defense is a defining moment of any doctorally prepared individual's professional life. At Grand Canyon University, learners in our doctoral degree programs will face two defenses: one for the proposal and one for the dissertation. The fear of facing a defense is primarily not knowing what to expect.

  19. GCU Institutional Review Board

    The GCU Institutional Review Board (IRB) provides timely and efficient processing, review, monitoring, tracking, and reporting of all research protocols conducted under the purview of Grand Canyon University. All researchers, including doctoral learners completing dissertations, and faculty, staff, and student researchers are required to obtain ...

  20. Dissertation example 1 and 2

    Download (26kB) Intro example 1.pdf. Intro example 2.pdf. 2 files in this resource. Summary: Example documents for dissertation Academic Writing. Creators:

  21. GCU Dissertations Template

    GCU Dissertations. Approved by publishing and review experts on SciSpace, this template is built as per for GCU Dissertations formatting guidelines as mentioned in Grand Canyon University author instructions. The current version was created on and has been used by 876 authors to write and format their manuscripts to this journal.

  22. GCU reaches 1,000 signed doctoral dissertations

    GCU reaches 1,000 signed doctoral dissertations. More than 100 learners graduated from the College of Doctoral Studies at Friday morning's Fall Commencement ceremony. It seems like just yesterday that Dr. Michael Berger, Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies (CDS), was signing the college's landmark 500th dissertation at Grand Canyon University.

  23. Log in

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