Tag: Dissertation

Comprehensive Guidelines for Dissertation Report (80–100 Pages)

(For B.Plan Dissertation Semester – Assignment-Based Structure)

The dissertation in the B.Plan programme integrates four major academic tasks—Literature Review, Policy Review, Best Practices, and Synopsis Preparation—into a consolidated, professionally structured research document. This guideline provides detailed chapter-wise expectations for preparing an 80–100 page dissertation report, covering all components from conceptual foundation to research design.

STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION

Your dissertation should be organized into eight chapters, aligned with academic expectations and planning research standards:

  1. Introduction
  2. Review of Literature
  3. Review of Policies & Institutional Framework
  4. Best Practices & Case Studies (Global & Indian)
  5. Study Area Profile / Thematic Context
  6. Research Methodology
  7. Research Gaps Identified for Next Semester
  8. Synopsis for Proposed Dissertation Work (Next Semester)

Annexures, maps, raw data, questionnaires, photographs and references are added at the end and do not count in the page limit.

**CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION (8–12 pages)**

This chapter sets the intellectual foundation of your dissertation.

Key Sections

  • Background of the topic
  • Need and significance of the study in the planning context
  • Problem statement clearly defining the issue
  • Aim of the study
  • Research objectives
  • Research questions / hypotheses
  • Scope and limitations (thematic, spatial, temporal, methodological)
  • Chapter organization (1–2 paragraphs explaining chapter flow)

**CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE (20–25 pages)**

Developed from Assignment 1, this chapter demonstrates your understanding of existing research.

What to Include

  • Identification of relevant theories, models, and planning concepts
  • Review of at least 25–30 high-quality sources:
    • Journal articles (Scopus/UGC/Core)
    • Books, planning documents
    • Reports (UN-Habitat, World Bank, MoHUA, NITI Aayog, etc.)

Structure

  • Thematic / conceptual organization (NOT paper-by-paper summary)
  • Comparative tables (Author–Year–Location–Method–Findings–Relevance)
  • Synthesis of what is known, contradictory evidence, emerging directions
  • Summary: Key insights supporting your planned research

This chapter directly feeds into the research gap chapter.

**CHAPTER 3

REVIEW OF POLICIES & INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK (15–20 pages)**

Developed from Assignment 2, this chapter analyses governance and policy context.

Coverage

  • Global policies (SDGs, UN frameworks, WHO/UNEP guidelines)
  • National policies (Acts, missions, schemes, planning regulations)
  • State-level policies relevant to the dissertation
  • Local-level frameworks (Master Plans, Development Plans, Building Byelaws)

Analysis Tools

  • SWOT analysis
  • Gap analysis
  • Institutional mapping
  • Stakeholder mapping
  • Implementation mechanisms and challenges

Outcome

The policy review must highlight:

  • How policies support the dissertation theme
  • Where policy gaps exist
  • What needs further exploration next semester

**CHAPTER 4

BEST PRACTICES & CASE STUDIES (Global + Indian) (15–20 pages)**

Derived from Assignment 3, demonstrating learning from existing planning solutions.

Number of Cases

  • 2–3 Global case studies
  • 2–3 Indian case studies

For Each Case

  • Context and background
  • Project objectives
  • Stakeholders
  • Strategies / interventions / innovations
  • Tools used (GIS, zoning, TOD, green mobility, etc.)
  • Success indicators and outcomes
  • Challenges and limitations
  • Lessons learned and relevance for your study

Comparative Table

Add a cross-case comparison showing:

  • What has worked globally
  • What has succeeded in Indian context
  • What can be adapted to your dissertation work

**CHAPTER 5

STUDY AREA PROFILE / THEMATIC CONTEXT (8–12 pages)**

This chapter contextualizes your research either spatially (if area-specific) or thematically (if conceptual).

For area-based dissertations

Include:

  • Location and administrative details
  • Physical environment (topography, climate)
  • Demographic profile
  • Land use & zoning patterns
  • Infrastructure & mobility networks
  • Socio-economic indicators
  • Urban issues linked to the dissertation topic
  • Maps (base map, ward boundary, land use map)

For conceptual dissertations

Include:

  • Sectoral overview
  • National/International thematic trends
  • Key statistics and evidence
  • Current challenges and opportunities in India

**CHAPTER 6

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (8–12 pages)**

Developed from Assignment 4 (Synopsis) but written in full detail.

Include:

  • Research design (qualitative/quantitative/mixed)
  • Conceptual framework (if applicable)
  • Data requirements
  • Data sources (primary, secondary)
  • Sampling method
  • Tools and instruments for data collection
  • Analytical methods (statistical, spatial, qualitative)
  • Software/tools (Excel, SPSS, R, ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.)
  • Limitations and ethical considerations

This chapter should demonstrate that your study is methodologically rigorous and feasible.

**CHAPTER 7

RESEARCH GAPS IDENTIFIED (6–8 pages)**
(New chapter as requested)

This chapter bridges your first-semester work with your next-semester research.

Purpose

To clearly articulate what remains unanswered, based on:

  • Literature Review
  • Policy Review
  • Case Studies
  • Theoretical and empirical analysis gaps
  • Data gaps from existing research

Structure

7.1 Gaps from Literature

  • Gaps in theory
  • Gaps in variables or dimensions studied
  • Gaps in geographical focus
  • Gaps in methodology
  • Gaps in empirical evidence
  • Contradictions between different studies

7.2 Gaps from Policies

  • Non-alignment between policy goals and ground implementation
  • Outdated or unclear policy guidelines
  • Missing institutional mechanisms
  • Lack of monitoring frameworks
  • Policy blind spots related to your topic

7.3 Gaps from Best Practices / Case Studies

  • Missing Indian replications
  • Unexplored success factors
  • Lack of adaptation studies
  • Challenges in scalability

7.4 Summary of Identified Research Gap

A clear concluding section such as:

“Based on literature, policy frameworks and best practices, the key research gaps identified are: (1)… (2)… (3)… These gaps form the basis of the research direction to be undertaken in the next semester.”

This chapter is the justification for your proposed dissertation work.

**CHAPTER 8

SYNOPSIS FOR NEXT SEMESTER WORK (12–15 pages)**
(This is your starting point for next semester)

This chapter presents your final dissertation proposal, refined through all earlier assignments.

Contents of the Synopsis

8.1 Title of Dissertation

Clear, concise, research-oriented.

8.2 Introduction

A brief justification of your chosen theme, grounded in literature and policy gaps.

8.3 Problem Statement

A sharply defined problem supported by evidence.

8.4 Aim of the Study

8.5 Objectives of the Study

Usually 3–5 measurable objectives.

8.6 Research Questions / Hypotheses

8.7 Conceptual Framework

(Optional but recommended)

8.8 Scope and Limitations

8.9 Proposed Study Area / Thematic Boundary

8.10 Proposed Methodology

  • Type of study
  • Primary and secondary data
  • Surveys, interviews, or mapping
  • GIS/stats tools to be used
  • Data analysis plan for each objective

8.11 Expected Outcomes

  • Academic contributions
  • Planning implications
  • Policy recommendations
  • Models or frameworks

8.12 Preliminary Chapterization for Next Semester

A draft structure for the final dissertation continuation.

8.13 References

Formatting Guidelines (Common to All Chapters)

  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
  • Line spacing: 1.5
  • Text alignment: Justified
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides
  • Figures, tables and maps must be numbered chapter-wise
    • Example: Table 2.3, Figure 4.1, Map 5.2
  • Follow a consistent referencing style (APA/Harvard/Department preference)
  • Avoid plagiarism; use original analysis and synthesis

Final Output

At the end of the semester, your dissertation document (80–100 pages) will consist of:

  • Six academically grounded chapters (1–6)
  • Chapter 7 showing the research gaps
  • Chapter 8 presenting the final synopsis that becomes the foundation for next semester

This structure ensures that 70% of your dissertation is already completed, with the remaining work (data collection, analysis, recommendations) carried out next semester.

✅

What Exactly is a Dissertation?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

📘 Understanding the Dissertation: A Scholar’s Journey

For many doctoral students, the dissertation is the most significant milestone of their academic journey. Yet, there is often confusion about what a dissertation truly is—and what it is not. Let’s break it down.

Photo by Tanya Gupta on Pexels.com

🔹 Not Just a Term Paper or Personal Reflection
A dissertation is not a longer version of a term paper, nor is it an anecdotal record of professional achievements or a personal statement of beliefs. It is, instead, an objective, evidence-based, and detailed research document prepared for a scholarly audience. Its purpose is to demonstrate original thinking, methodological rigor, and a solid grounding in existing literature.

🔹 Length and Disciplinary Variations
On average, dissertations are about 200 pages long, though they typically range from 125 to 225 pages. Differences arise based on field and research methodology:

  • Dissertations in natural sciences are usually shorter, with a stronger emphasis on experimental results.
  • Dissertations in social sciences or ethnographic studies are often longer due to the need for contextual detail, participant narratives, and interpretive analysis.

The practical advice remains constant: write your dissertation so that it is long enough to tell your research story clearly, but not so long that it loses your reader’s interest.

🔹 Looking and Sounding Scholarly
A dissertation must not only present new research but also engage with existing scholarship. This means:

  • Citations & Literature Review: Your work must show that you understand the field, can cite relevant studies, and position your research in the broader academic conversation.
  • Tone & Style: The writing should be formal, precise, and objective. While recent years have seen a move away from overly complex and turgid prose, the expectation remains that dissertations must maintain a scholarly voice, avoiding colloquial or editorial-style writing.

🔹 Organisation and Structure
Although formats may vary, most dissertations continue to follow a well-established structure:

  1. Introduction – stating the problem and research objectives.
  2. Literature Review – situating the study within the existing body of knowledge.
  3. Methodology – explaining how the research was conducted.
  4. Results – presenting the findings systematically.
  5. Summary and Discussion – interpreting results, highlighting contributions, and suggesting future directions.

Even when deviations occur, dissertations generally follow a predictable order that ensures clarity and logical progression.

🔹 Adhering to Style Guides and Academic Rigor
Dissertations must comply with specific style manuals such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or university-specific guidelines. Unlike term papers where some flexibility may be allowed, dissertations demand strict consistency in formatting citations, references, tables, figures, and headings. This attention to detail not only reflects professionalism but also ensures that the work aligns with academic publishing standards.

✨ Why It Matters
A dissertation is more than just a degree requirement—it is a scholarly contribution that adds to the pool of academic knowledge. It reflects years of study, months of data collection and analysis, and countless hours of writing, editing, and refining. Most importantly, it showcases a researcher’s ability to think critically, engage with theory and evidence, and communicate ideas in a scholarly manner.

👉 In conclusion, think of your dissertation as your first book-length research project. It is not about filling pages but about building arguments, documenting evidence, and making a meaningful academic contribution.

References

Hofstee, E. (2006). Constructing a good dissertation. Johannesburg: EPE.

Borden, I. (2006). The dissertation. Routledge.

Lyons, P., & Doueck, H. J. (2010). The dissertation: From beginning to end. Oxford university press.

Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2014). Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. Sage publications.

Scipioni, E. P. (2000). Dissertation (Vol. 18). Edition Reichenberger.

Assignment schedule and guideline plan for your Dissertation Semester (B.Plan students),

Detailed assignment schedule and guideline plan for your Dissertation Semester (B.Plan students), with expanded explanation, timelines, and deliverables:

📘 Dissertation Semester Assignment Plan

Assignment 1: Review of Literature

  • Task: Collect and analyze existing research, theories, and frameworks related to your dissertation topic.
  • What to include:
    • Define your topic clearly.
    • Collect at least 25–30 research papers, reports, and books.
    • Summarize key concepts, methods, and findings.
    • Identify research gaps relevant to your dissertation.
  • Output:
    • Report: 20 pages (typed, printed, bound).
    • PPT: 10–15 slides highlighting sources, findings, and gaps.
  • Duration: Weeks 1–2

Assignment 2: Review of Policies

  • Task: Study policies, schemes, and regulations (global, national, state, local) related to your topic.
  • What to include:
    • Key Acts, Government Orders, and Policies.
    • Policy objectives, strategies, and implementation.
    • Gaps, strengths, and limitations in existing policies.
    • Use policy analysis frameworks (e.g., SWOT, stakeholder mapping).
  • Output:
    • Report: 20 pages with tables, flowcharts, and policy summaries.
    • PPT: 10–15 slides showing policy highlights and relevance to your topic.
  • Duration: Weeks 3–4

Assignment 3: Best Practices (Case Study – Global & Indian)

  • Task: Identify and analyze 2–3 global and 2–3 Indian case studies connected to your dissertation topic.
  • What to include:
    • Project background.
    • Stakeholders involved.
    • Strategies adopted.
    • Success factors & challenges.
    • Lessons learned & applicability to Indian context.
  • Output:
    • Report: 20 pages with maps, images, graphs, and tables.
    • PPT: 10–15 slides summarizing key insights.
  • Duration: Weeks 5–6

Assignment 4: Synopsis

  • Task: Prepare a synopsis (research proposal) for your dissertation.
  • What to include:
    • Title & Introduction.
    • Problem Statement.
    • Objectives.
    • Research Questions/Hypotheses.
    • Literature support (brief).
    • Policy context (brief).
    • Methodology (sampling, tools, data collection, analysis).
    • Expected outcomes.
    • Timeline.
  • Output:
    • Report: 20 pages (final draft synopsis for approval).
    • PPT: 10–15 slides for presentation to faculty panel.
  • Duration: Weeks 7–8

📅 Suggested Timeline (16 Weeks = 4 Months)

Weeks Assignment Deliverables 1–2 Review of Literature Printed Report + PPT Presentation 3–4 Review of Policies Printed Report + PPT Presentation 5–6 Best Practices Case Study Printed Report + PPT Presentation 7–8 Synopsis Printed Report + PPT Presentation

📌 Instructions for All Assignments

  • Reports:
    • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing.
    • Minimum 20 pages (excluding annexures, references).
    • Printed and spiral-bound/hard-bound.
  • Presentations:
    • 10–15 slides, concise, use visuals/graphs/maps.
    • To be presented individually using projector.
  • Evaluation: Based on depth of research, analysis, structure, presentation, and originality.

👉 Each student completes four independent assignments in 8 weeks, building a strong base for the dissertation.

Expected outcome at the end of semester 100 pages dissertation report.