Dissertation Sections: Inter-Related vs. Free-Standing Sections

The length of the dissertation makes it necessary to introduce clearly defined dissertation sections.

Sections of a dissertation are independent, providing pertinent information and discussion relevant to the section. However the dissertation sections are interconnected through the topic of the dissertation and their purpose in the dissertation.

Understanding the connection between dissertation sections

This understanding of the interconnection between the sections of a dissertation will help in their development in the dissertation.

• All dissertation sections start with the section consisting of the subsections of introduction, rationale, and aims and objectives. This section of the dissertation sections lays the setting for the dissertation.
• The second section is the literature review. The literature review serves the purpose of further justifying the selection of the topic for the dissertation. It also acts as a guide for the research methodology.
• The third section in the dissertation sections is the research methodology section. It draws strength from the literature review for justification and rationale on its design and data collection methods.
• The next section consists of the subsections of results, findings and analysis of the findings. The findings and its analysis are based on the aims and objectives of the dissertation and the literature review. It is also influenced by the methodology section, with reference to the research design and data collection in the analysis. 
• The next section is the discussion of the findings in relation to the problem statement, the literature review and the research methodology. 
• The final section in the dissertation sections consists of the conclusion. This section is strengthens the contribution of the dissertation to the body of knowledge on the dissertation topic.

This understanding of the relation in the dissertation sections will help in their proper development.

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