Education

Top 7 Tips for Writing Dissertation Sections – Examples Included

Published

1 day ago

November 7, 2024

Dissertation writing is a challenging, lengthy process that requires dedication, critical thinking, and advanced writing skills. A well-structured dissertation includes certain sections, such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion, each section essential for coherently presenting and analysing original research.

Meanwhile, universities require students to finish their dissertations within the prescribed deadline to make them adopt a more disciplined approach. Therefore, understanding each section of the dissertation is essential for students to navigate this process effectively and efficiently.

Here, we will explore the top seven effective tips for writing each section of your dissertation. These insights will guide you as you design and develop your final project, helping you to produce a polished and cohesive piece of academic work.

How to Effectively Write Dissertation Sections – 7 Proven Methods

Clarity and organised structure are essential components in writing a dissertation. However, to attain high academic grades, it’s important to ensure that your research work is not only clear and well-organised but also demonstrates that it is deeply researched and aligned with the objectives of your research.

The University of Bath has outlined exceptional elements of dissertation sections that help in writing a dissertation to maintain structure and clarity. Here is an example picture representing a table that highlights the important steps in a sequence that are required for writing a dissertation section:

writing a dissertation

Image Source: University of Bath

1. Title

The first step in dissertation writing is to provide a clear and concise title that reflects the focus of your research. Your dissertation title is the first glance to take a positive impression from the readers. It must be definite and self-explanatory. The title of your dissertation or research paper should capture the main idea, giving readers an immediate understanding of your research study.

The Sampoerna University shared some crucial points for crafting the best title that must be considered.

The title must be short, precise and captivating and explain the prediction of your research work.
It must convey the research approach and writing tone.
The research topic title must contain essential keywords that make it simpler for anyone conducting a keyword search to find.

2. Introduction

Writing a captivating introduction is an essential component of your dissertation. Because it determines your objective for what this section needs to achieve. The introduction is the first interaction you will have with your reader after the title. This succinct section demonstrates the objectives of your whole research work. The opening paragraph of the introduction gives your readers the best opportunity to engage them.

Therefore, it’s vital to produce a strong dissertation introduction to:

Provide contextual information about your work.
Give readers a thorough understanding of the dissertation’s topic.
Explain the pain point you plan to investigate.

3. Writing an Abstract

An abstract is a concise summary rather than an introduction of your researched work, typically a paragraph based on (about 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words).

A well-written abstract of your research paper serves multiple goals to achieve:

An abstract gives readers a quick summary of your research so they can decide whether to read the entire thing,
This will prepare them to follow the deep insights, arguments, and analyses in the full paper and help them remember important points later.

When writing an abstract, you must follow the supervisor’s specific guidelines, which help you understand what to include and how to organise it. Below is an example to understand the format of writing an abstract as shown in the picture given below:

writing an abstract

Image Source: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Abstracts are of two kinds that differ from each other based on their subject discipline. Therefore, you decide to identify which type of abstract you need to include with your research paper.

These two common types are mentioned with examples.

1. Informative Abstract

Informative abstracts are often used to clear the major/main point of the research. You must get the essence of what your report is about, usually in about 200 words. Most informative abstracts also have some key parts in common. However, each of these parts might consist of 1-2 sentences.

The following are the essential parts included in the informative abstract:

The background
Aim or research objectives
Method used
Findings/results conclusion

Moreover, in both types of abstract, the university supervisor may require other specific information to be included. Always follow any suggestions or feedback from your instructor.

2. Descriptive Abstract

Descriptive abstracts are generally used for humanities and social science papers or psychology essays. They are usually very short (50-100 words).

Most descriptive abstracts have certain key parts in common.

Background history
Research objectives
Relevant interest area/focus of the research paper
Overview of contents (not always included)

4. Literature Review

A dissertation literature review offers an objective assessment of the sources (literature) you have read and acquired related to your topic. It helps the student to understand the current state of knowledge and address the gaps that can be filled through research. A thorough literature review is a foundation for writing a dissertation. This phase will introduce the importance of examining sources and interpreting data when writing a dissertation project.

Follow the mentioned step to conduct a literature review for your dissertation that helps to fill the gap with your research findings:

Define a brief about your research scope.
Create a checklist for your research study by acquiring knowledge from scholarly books, peer-reviewed journals, or articles.
Critically analyse the author’s suggestions and provide evidence to support your research question.

5. Research Methodology

This section of your dissertation writing flows organically from the literature review. As we gather data for the dissertation, it’s time to compile our research methodologies clearly. Crafting an outline is considered an important step that demonstrates how you will conduct your research.

However, this section explains the techniques you plan to answer your research question. Start by describing the data collection process from surveys, existing databases, or web scraping.

To attain this purpose, consider the following points regarding data analysis:

In the first half, outline the analytic methods you’ll apply for research, such as qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.
Next, address how you preprocess and clean the data that is ready for analysis. At last, evaluate the effectiveness of your model using metrics like accuracy and precision to validate your findings.

6. Result And Discussion

You know you have completed your writing, so before you close the document, wrap up the whole discussion. Remember this is not all about the conclusion but shows the implementation of your work. The results and discussion section showcases your research findings and data interpretation.

Present the data collected during your study, ensuring accuracy and clarity. You can visually represent your key results by using tables, figures, or charts that help the readers grasp data at a glance.

However, your key discussion moves may include,

Analyse the research question and give concise answers to navigate it properly.
The implementation of your research must define the contribution of theory in the field.
Always acknowledge the boundaries of your research study.
Point out the next frontier and what you can do in future to stretch your work.

7. References

In research work, a reference is the source of information presented by an academic scholar that is not your research. As with academic writing, you must cite your sources in your dissertation. The information you acknowledged in your research paper is listed in a reference list.

Remember that using the phrase “as cited in…” is inappropriate. You must always visit the source as a researcher to verify it for yourself. Even renowned scholars make mistakes when citing. Thus, it’s crucial to avoid repeating someone else’s mistakes. Although it can take a lot of time, this is the correct literature study method.

Conclusion

Writing a dissertation is indeed a challenging journey, but by breaking it down into well-structured sections, students can make the process more manageable and focused. The top tips shared here, paired with practical examples, offer a roadmap to streamline each section, from the introduction to the conclusion. By following these strategies, students can not only strengthen their writing but also ensure that each part of their dissertation contributes meaningfully to their research objectives.

For those seeking extra support, UK-based dissertation writing platforms provide invaluable assistance, particularly with complex formatting and citation requirements. Using these services can help students maintain high standards of academic rigour, allowing them to focus on refining their research and insights. With a structured approach and professional guidance, students can complete their dissertations confidently and advance toward their academic and career goals successfully.

Education

The Role of Distracted Walking in Campus Pedestrian Accidents

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2024

Azalea Kit

College campuses are bustling hubs of activity, with students moving from one class to another, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying campus life. However, the rise of smartphone use, earbuds, and other distractions has led to an increase in pedestrian accidents on campuses across the country. Known as “distracted walking,” this phenomenon is a growing concern, particularly as more students are injured or put at risk due to their divided attention.

1. What is Distracted Walking?

Distracted walking refers to any situation where a pedestrian’s focus is divided between walking and another activity. Common distractions include:

Smartphone Use: Texting, browsing social media, or checking emails while walking is one of the most common sources of distraction.
Earbuds and Headphones: Listening to music or podcasts can drown out the sounds of approaching vehicles, bicycles, or other hazards.
Conversation and Socializing: Walking with friends or engaging in conversations can divert attention, especially when navigating busy crosswalks or intersections.
Other Personal Devices: Tablets, e-readers, or even laptops in some cases, are sometimes used while walking, particularly by students trying to make the most of their time between classes.

While distracted walking might seem relatively harmless, it’s become a significant factor in campus pedestrian accidents, often with serious consequences.

2. Why is Distracted Walking So Prevalent on College Campuses?

College students are often busy, multitasking between studying, working, socializing, and managing personal responsibilities. The accessibility of mobile devices, combined with packed schedules, has made it almost second nature for students to check their phones or listen to audio while moving from one place to another.

The design of many campuses also makes distracted walking more likely. With pedestrian-only zones, walkways, and low-speed vehicle traffic, campuses may feel like inherently safe environments. This creates a “bubble of safety” in students’ minds, leading to a sense of security that can make them less vigilant about their surroundings.

Additionally, the rise of social media and mobile technology has created an environment where constant connection feels essential. For many students, staying connected means checking notifications, responding to messages, and engaging on social media even while walking, leading to frequent distraction and reduced awareness.

3. Consequences of Distracted Walking on Campus

The consequences of distracted walking can range from minor accidents to severe injuries. Here are some common ways in which distracted walking has impacted campus safety:

Collisions with Vehicles: Although many campuses restrict vehicles in certain areas, university shuttles, maintenance vehicles, and bicycles often share space with pedestrians. Distracted walkers may step in front of these vehicles, causing accidents that could otherwise have been avoided.
Bike and Scooter Accidents: College students increasingly use bicycles, skateboards, and scooters for transportation, creating a more dynamic pedestrian environment. A distracted walker who suddenly changes direction or stops unexpectedly can cause accidents or collisions with these riders.
Trip-and-Fall Injuries: Focusing on a phone screen instead of the ground increases the likelihood of tripping over curbs, stairs, or uneven pavement. These accidents can result in sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
Crosswalk Incidents: Distracted walkers may not notice when traffic signals change, especially at busy intersections near campus perimeters. In these cases, they might unknowingly step into traffic or ignore oncoming vehicles, creating dangerous situations for both pedestrians and drivers.

4. Research on Distracted Walking and Accident Rates

Studies on distracted walking reveal that smartphone-related distractions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. According to research conducted by the National Safety Council, pedestrian injuries due to cell phone use are a growing problem, especially among young adults aged 18-24, a demographic that includes the majority of college students. A study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that individuals who text while walking are nearly four times more likely to engage in unsafe crossing behaviors, such as crossing at a red light or failing to look both ways before crossing.

Research has also indicated that people walking while distracted by smartphones take longer to cross streets, exhibit reduced peripheral awareness, and experience impaired balance, all factors that elevate accident risks. On a campus with multiple distractions and high foot traffic, these factors can increase the risk of pedestrian incidents significantly.

5. Reducing the Risk of Distracted Walking Accidents on Campus

To create safer campuses, both students and institutions must take steps to address the issue of distracted walking. Below are strategies that can help reduce the risk:

For Students:

Practice Mindful Walking: Students can try to set aside specific times to check phones and respond to messages, ideally before or after walking through busy areas.
Limit Earbud Use in High-Traffic Areas: It’s safer to use only one earbud or keep the volume low in crowded campus zones to stay alert to potential hazards.
Prioritize Safety Over Multitasking: Taking the time to focus on walking—especially near intersections, crosswalks, and high-traffic zones—can help reduce accidents. This includes being fully aware of surroundings and refraining from texting while on the move.

For Campus Administrators:

Awareness Campaigns: Universities can launch campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of distracted walking, using posters, social media, and campus events to reach students.
Improving Signage and Signals: Installing clear and visible signage at crosswalks, pedestrian intersections, and high-traffic zones can remind students to remain alert.
Implement “Phone-Free Zones”: Designating certain areas of campus as “phone-free” can encourage students to put down their devices in busy zones. Universities can reinforce this with visual reminders or signage.
Enhancing Crosswalks and Pathways: Installing flashing lights, raised crosswalks, or even “Look Up” signs on walkways can help capture the attention of distracted walkers before they cross busy intersections.

For Campus Drivers:

Increased Caution in High-Foot Traffic Areas: Drivers on campus, including bus and shuttle drivers, should be extra cautious around pedestrian zones and intersections, as students may be distracted.
Clear Right-of-Way Protocols: Clear guidelines and awareness training for campus drivers on pedestrian right-of-way can help reduce confusion and make campuses safer.

6. Encouraging a Culture of Safety on Campus

Addressing the distracted walking issue requires a cultural shift toward prioritizing safety over multitasking. Campus communities that encourage students to “walk with awareness” can help reduce pedestrian accident rates. When students, faculty, and staff are all invested in creating a safer environment, there is greater accountability and a shared commitment to reducing accidents.

Schools may also consider integrating distracted walking awareness into orientation programs, emphasizing it as part of the broader conversation on campus safety. Encouraging students to practice safer walking habits and empowering them to share this awareness with friends and classmates can make a difference over time.

Conclusion

Distracted walking is a prevalent and serious issue on college campuses, contributing to an increase in pedestrian accidents. By understanding the risks associated with distracted walking and taking proactive steps to stay alert, students can help make their campuses safer. Colleges and universities also play a vital role by creating awareness campaigns, improving campus infrastructure, and setting a standard for responsible behavior. Together, students and administrators can foster a culture of attentiveness and awareness, significantly reducing pedestrian accident risks on campus.

Education

Manatee SSO: Gateway to Streamlined School District Operations

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Russels Wood

In today’s digital age, schools and educational institutions face the challenge of managing numerous online services, portals, and learning tools. A centralized solution is essential for seamless access and efficiency. Enter Manatee SSO (Single Sign-On), a platform designed to simplify the login process for students, teachers, and staff by integrating various applications into one secure portal. This blog explores the features, benefits, and technical aspects of Manatee SSO, and how it enhances the educational experience while improving administrative operations.

What is Manatee SSO?

Manatee SSO stands for Single Sign-On, a technology that enables users to access multiple applications with just one set of login credentials. It consolidates user authentication, reducing the need for multiple passwords and making it easier to switch between different platforms without the hassle of logging in multiple times. The platform is designed specifically for school districts and educational institutions, streamlining access to educational tools, grade books, and district resources.

Manatee SSO aims to:

Provide a secure, centralized login system.
Improve efficiency in accessing digital learning tools.
Reduce login complexity for teachers, students, and administrators.

Benefits of Using Manatee SSO in Schools

Manatee SSO offers a wide range of benefits that make it an indispensable tool for school districts. Some of the key advantages include:

Enhanced Security
With a single login system, the risks associated with multiple passwords (such as weak or reused passwords) are minimized. Manatee SSO also offers multifactor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to protect sensitive student and administrative data.
Time-Saving Convenience
With only one login to remember, users spend less time managing passwords and more time focusing on educational tasks. This efficiency extends to IT departments as well, as the platform reduces the number of password-related support requests.
Improved User Experience
Teachers, students, and staff have a seamless experience as they can easily switch between tools like Google Classroom, student information systems (SIS), and learning management systems (LMS) without logging in multiple times.
Centralized Management
Administrators have greater control over user access and permissions. They can manage access to all school tools from a central dashboard, making it easier to ensure compliance with district policies and security protocols.
Scalability
Manatee SSO grows with your district. As schools add new digital tools and platforms, administrators can easily integrate them into the SSO system, ensuring that users maintain easy access to all necessary resources.

Key Features of Manatee SSO

Manatee SSO stands out because of its robust feature set tailored for educational environments. Here are the most notable features:

Single Dashboard for All Tools
Once logged in, users access all authorized applications from a single dashboard. This includes tools for learning management, communication, assessments, and administrative tasks.
Customizable Access Levels
Not every user needs access to every application. Manatee SSO allows administrators to set custom access levels based on user roles (student, teacher, admin) and grade levels, ensuring that users only see the tools relevant to them.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA enhances security by requiring users to provide two or more verification methods to access the system, preventing unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Integration with Popular Platforms
Manatee SSO seamlessly integrates with popular educational tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Canvas LMS. This ensures continuity in the learning experience while maintaining the security of school networks.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reports
Administrators can monitor user activity in real-time and generate reports on login trends, application usage, and potential security risks. This functionality is critical for compliance and helps improve decision-making around IT resources.

Implementation Process

Setting up Manatee SSO is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

Assessment and Planning
Before implementing the platform, school districts should assess their current digital ecosystem. This involves identifying all the applications in use, defining user roles, and setting security protocols.
Customizing the SSO Portal
The next step involves configuring the SSO portal to reflect the needs of the district. This includes setting up user access levels, branding the portal with the district’s logo, and integrating the various applications in use.
User Training
Once the system is set up, IT teams should train users, including teachers, students, and administrators. Training should focus on how to log in, use the dashboard, and handle multifactor authentication.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Even after implementation, the district’s IT team must regularly monitor the system, handle any technical issues, and update user permissions as needed.

Addressing Common Challenges with Manatee SSO

While Manatee SSO simplifies access, it’s important to address potential challenges to ensure its success in your district. These challenges may include:

Initial Setup Complexity
Integrating various applications into a single SSO system can be complex, especially for large districts. However, with proper planning and technical support from Manatee’s team, the process can be streamlined.
User Adoption
Some users may resist the change due to unfamiliarity with the new system. Providing adequate training and support can help smooth the transition, ensuring that everyone fully embraces the new platform.
Application Compatibility
Not all applications may support SSO, and some may require special configurations. IT teams should carefully evaluate each tool to ensure compatibility and a seamless user experience.

How Manatee SSO Improves Educational Outcomes

The convenience and efficiency provided by Manatee SSO have far-reaching benefits in the educational environment:

Increased Classroom Time
With easier access to digital tools, teachers spend less time troubleshooting login issues and more time teaching. This improves student engagement and allows for more focused instruction.
Better Resource Allocation
Since IT departments deal with fewer password-reset requests, they can focus on more critical tasks such as improving network security, maintaining hardware, or exploring new educational technologies.
Personalized Learning
With streamlined access to various applications, students can engage in personalized learning experiences. Tools like Google Classroom and Canvas LMS allow for differentiated instruction, and Manatee SSO ensures that students can access these resources efficiently.

Key Benefits and Features of Manatee SSO

Feature/Benefit	Description	Impact on Schools
Enhanced Security	Provides multifactor authentication and centralized password management for increased data protection.	Reduces the risk of security breaches and ensures compliance with privacy regulations.
Time-Saving Convenience	Allows users to log in once and access all required applications.	Saves time for teachers, students, and staff by reducing login-related delays.
Customizable Access Levels	Admins can assign different access permissions based on user roles.	Ensures that users only access the tools they need, improving security and reducing confusion.
Seamless Integration with Apps	Integrates with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and learning management systems.	Maintains continuity in learning and administrative processes while ensuring ease of use.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reports	Offers insights into user activity and application usage through monitoring and reporting tools.	Helps administrators make informed decisions and identify potential security risks.

Conclusion

Manatee SSO simplifies the complex world of digital education by providing a streamlined, secure way to manage multiple applications with one login. Its benefits—ranging from improved security to enhanced user experience—make it a valuable tool for school districts seeking to optimize both learning and administrative processes. By eliminating the need for multiple passwords and offering centralized management, Manatee SSO empowers educational institutions to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality education to students.

For districts looking to stay ahead in today’s tech-driven educational landscape, implementing Manatee SSO is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Education

Why PMP Certification Matters for Gig Economy PMs?

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2024

Prime Star

In today’s gig economy, project managers are increasingly stepping into contract-based roles. For PMP-certified professionals, adapting to these changes requires a strategic blend of traditional project management skills and the flexibility to work across various industries. This article explores how PMP-certified project managers can effectively transition to remote project management, handle short-term projects, and thrive as independent project managers.

The Role of PMP Certification in the Gig Economy

The PMP certification benefits professionals by equipping them with a solid foundation in project management principles. Clients in the gig economy highly value this certification because it ensures a project manager’s ability to navigate complex projects and deliver results. As more industries move toward temporary project management roles, PMP holders can use their certification to stand out in a competitive market.

Moreover, adapting to flexible work environments is crucial. The PMP certification provides a structured approach through frameworks like PMBOK, which can be adapted to manage a variety of freelance projects. This adaptability makes PMP holders more marketable for short-term projects, helping them build a successful freelance project management portfolio.

Key Skills for Freelance Project Managers

While the PMP certification lays the groundwork, certain project management skills for freelancers are essential in the gig economy. Managing remote teams as a freelancer and handling multiple projects simultaneously are key competencies. As an independent worker, having a clear strategy for balancing multiple projects in the gig economy ensures you stay organized and meet client deadlines.

Mastery of digital project management tools such as Trello, Asana, and Slack is indispensable for keeping projects on track. These tools allow independent project managers to plan, monitor progress, and collaborate with team members across time zones.

Adapting PMBOK Practices to Freelance Projects

One of the advantages of holding a PMP certification is the ability to apply PMBOK processes and practices to any type of project, including freelance gigs. PMP-certified managers can streamline these best practices to suit the gig economy by focusing on deliverables that align with temporary project management roles. This ensures efficiency in project execution while maintaining the high standards expected from PMP-certified professionals.

Building a Strong Freelance Project Management Portfolio

In the gig economy, your freelance project management portfolio is your gateway to securing new clients. Highlighting successful short-term projects and showcasing your ability to manage diverse teams, both remotely and on-site, enhances your credibility. A well-rounded portfolio demonstrates that you have the flexibility and skill to handle any type of freelance project, setting you apart in the marketplace.

PMP Application Process and Eligibility Criteria

For those aspiring to earn the PMP certification, completing the PMP application process is a critical step. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

A four-year degree and at least 36 months of project management experience, or
A high school diploma or associate degree with 60 months of project management experience.
35 hours of formal project management education or a CAPM certification.

Working with a PMP certification trainer online can be especially beneficial in fulfilling the education requirement. These trainers guide you through the PMBOK framework and help you prepare effectively for the exam, ensuring that you’re ready to succeed in the gig economy.

Additionally, using PMP application samples can provide valuable insights into presenting your experience effectively and aligning with PMI’s expectations.

Managing Multiple Gigs and Remote Teams

Handling multiple gigs at once requires disciplined time management and the use of advanced digital project management tools. For independent project managers, it’s essential to prioritize tasks and projects based on deadlines and complexity. This helps in maintaining productivity without compromising the quality of each project. Managing remote teams effectively also involves clear communication and leveraging collaborative platforms that keep everyone on the same page, regardless of location.

Conclusion: Thriving in the Gig Economy

As the gig economy continues to grow, PMP-certified project managers have a unique opportunity to redefine their careers. By adapting their skills to freelance project management and embracing remote project management, they can excel in contract-based roles. The future is bright for those willing to adopt new methodologies and digital tools, and the PMP certification remains a valuable asset in navigating this dynamic work environment.