Thesis Preparation

H E S I S T
R E P A R A T I O N
P
NEWS ARTICLE DISCUSSES CURRENT OR RECENT NEWS OF
A
GENERAL INTEREST OR OF A SPECIFIC TOPIC
EITHER
S U P P O R T F O R P R E P A R I N G Y O U R D O C T O R A L T H E S I S
DR TRACEY WOND
D R T R A C E Y W O N D

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor's Note 03
Regulations 04
Structure 05
Use Examples 06
Work Smart 09
Set Goals 10
Be Brave 11
Master Grammar 11
Look after No. 1 (that's you!) 13
Prepare more 14
Flatter...the Examiner 15
Near the End 16
Examiner Mindset 07
Market Yourself 08

E N I O R L E C T U R E R
S
H A I R C O L L E G E R E S E A R C H C O M M I T T E E ( B U S I N E S S )
C
Dr Tracey Wond
D E R B Y B U S I N E S S S C H O O L
I must admit, I was surprised at how many dilemmas I faced when I came
to write my own thesis. I am still not even convinced that the final cut was
right.
This guide explores key aspects of thesis preparation including considerations
for structure and institutional convention, and working effectively, healthily
and smartly.

4
1
C O N S I D E R R E G U L A T I O N S
Check your institution's regulations and style guides
to understand what is expected of your work.
Most stipulate word counts, title pages, line spacing,
fonts etc.
These are components that you must consider and
comply with.

5
2
T H I N K S T R U C T U R E
Consider a structure that works for you and know that
you do have options.
Create a thesis plan that outlines the key chapters that
you may want to include.
Discuss your plan/outline with your supervision team.

6
3
V I E W E X A M P L E S
Look at past theses to understand what others have
produced. Most universities have paper or digital
repositories where you can view these (note: you won't
be able to loan them out).
On comparing a few, you will probably notice that
structures can and do vary.

7
4
B E T H E E X A M I N E R
Try and get into the mindset of your examiners.
What do they need to assess?
Are there any examiner forms available for you to
better understand the assessment process?
What might an examiner like/not like to see?

8
5
M A R K E T Y O U R S E L F
Consider how you can sell yourself and your work.
You need to capture the reader early (in your
Abstract/Introduction) so that they WANT to read your
work further.
If you have published any papers relevant to your work
throughout your studies then make reference to these
early in your work (Introduction).
Don't overlook presentation.

9
6
W O R K S M A R T
Learn how to use features in word processing software
such as 'Automatic Tables of Contents', and 'Styles'. I
have known many students to manually enter page
numbers in their contents list - this is unnecessary and
very time-consuming.
Consider other applications and technological solutions
to aid your studies. These might include reference
managers (e.g. Refworks, Mendeley) and creative aids
for those days when words are hard to find (mindmapping,
Mind Genius).
Organise yourself well, ensuring that your files and
folders (whether paper or digital) are well organised.
Find a method that works for you.

10
7
S E T G O A L S
Set yourself a variety of goals.
Daily word count goals will ensure that you commit
some words to paper - even if you delete them the next
day. Gain momentum.
Arrange chapter goals with your supervision team. It is
all too easy to have the big submissions deadline in
your mind and lose sight of the smaller steps needed to
complete the (mammoth) thesis.
Don't let life goals escape you though. Although
counter-intuitive, having other healthy goals can aid
productivity.

11
8
B E B R A V E
It can be difficult to cut something that you have spent
so much time on (particularly if it sounds good!) - but
what value does that section really add to your work?
Do not be afraid to remove the irrelevant from your
text.
You may want to 'paste' the removed text from the
above point into another file, just in case you have a
rethink.

12
9
M A S T E R G R A M M A R
Let's face it, we are not all great at using the English
language and grammar.
Tools such as 'Grammarly' and other checkers built
into word processing packages may be useful.
However, use these with caution as they don't always
make accurate recommendations.
Understanding 'active' and 'passive' voices and your
'go-to' voice can be useful.
Subscribe to Facebook pages/groups that run articles
on grammar/style etc
(Facebook/Wordpress/LinkedIn). I recently 'liked'
'Grammarly' on Facebook and have since read many
useful articles.

13
10
L O O K A F T E R N O . 1
Doctoral study can be a long and lonely road. Make
sure that you look after yourself.
Being healthy and being productive go hand-in-hand.
Try to exercise, eat well and enjoy your non-study time
the best that you can.

14
11
P R E P A R E M O R E
Sometime it can be all too easy to get wrapped up in
reading around your thesis area. Take a break to better
yourself by reading study skills, academic writing, and
'doing a doctorate' texts.

15
12
F L A T T E R
If they are relevant to your work then, don't neglect the
contributions of your examiners. However, ensure that
you have truly understood their points (and be
prepared to discuss these in your viva!)

16
13
N E A R T H E E N D
Don't under-estimate how long the finishing touches
can take.
Be organised with your printing and binding and
ensure that you have plans in place for this finishing to
be done.

“WRITE. REWRITE.
WHEN NOT WRITING OR
REWRITING, READ.
I KNOW OF NO
SHORTCUTS.”
— L A R R Y L . K I N G