Student's Guide to Writing Dissertations and Theses in Tourism Studies and Related Disciplines

ISBN-13: 9780415460194 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 246 str.

Tim Coles

Opis

Around the world every year many thousands of students have to complete dissertations or theses as part of their undergraduate or masters studies in tourism and related subjects. Often the dissertation or thesis represents the culmination of their programme as a substantial piece of self-directed work. More than just a means to consolidate their final grade, it is also an exciting chance to conduct intensive research on a topic of their choosing. It can also be a gateway to further periods of study as well as job offers and future career paths. Yet for all these reasons, the dissertation is viewed by many students as a tricky challenge. This book intends to take the stress and anxiety out of doing a dissertation in tourism studies and related disciplines. The dissertation process is examined from the germination of an idea to the submission, presentation and assessment of the final document.

Recenzje

"This is a very timely, much needed and unique text in that it demystifies the dissertation in a way that both academics and students will benefit hugely. Authored by three leading academics, who between them have 60 years of dissertation experience to share, the book will excite readers from the very first page in that it is written in a highly engaging, thoughtful, practical and sometimes humorous manner. The book is systematic and comprehensive in coverage, with its logical structure ensuring a seamless journey through process and procedure, idea generation, methods, ethics and presentation. Containing many excellent and highly pertinent examples throughout, the book will be of considerable benefit to all students for whom the dissertation represents that one last hurdle prior to graduating." - Professor Alan Fyall, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, USA.

"This erudite book delivers an exceptionally sound and well-structured approach to designing research proposals, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a dissertation/thesis, not only for tourism studies but for all social sciences. It clearly and effectively describes a process that so many academics struggle to explain to their students. It is accessible to all levels of academic study where theses or dissertations are required-undergraduate, masters and PhD-yet it compromises nothing in terms of accuracy, depth and academic rigor. With this book we finally have a manual for success! This is an absolute must-read for every scholar, young and old, who is either currently writing a dissertation or is supervising one." - Professor Dallen J. Timothy, School of Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University, USA.

"The accessible and engaging chapters open with a box of intended learning outcomes and end with chapter summaries and progress checklists. Figures are used selectively to offer simple and effective visual aids...I highly recommend this text...and I am a physical geographer. It should be read by every dissertation student and adviser." - Jennifer Hill, Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, University of the West of England. Review published in www.timeshighereducation.co.uk

 

Spis treści

Chapter 1. Starting Out  Part I: Preparation  Chapter 2. Some Basics about Dissertations Chapter 3. Selecting a Topic Chapter 4. What’s Been Done Before? Working on Your Literature Review Chapter 5. Methods and Data: Some Early Considerations  Part II: Proposal  Chapter 6. Formulating Your Research Proposal Chapter 7. Developing Your Research Programme Chapter 8. Your Personal Safety Chapter 9. Ethical Considerations  Part III: Production  Chapter 10. Obtaining and Acting on Advice Chapter 11. Directing Your Data Collection Chapter 12. Analysing Your Data Chapter 13. Structuring Your Dissertation Chapter  Part IV: Post-production  14. Before You Submit: Some Final Considerations Chapter 15. Just When You Think It’s All Over….