Writing the Doctoral Disseration

As I'm preparing my doctoral dissertation, I've read a number of books on the topic. This is the only one from which I was actually able to learn something. Most remind you of the obvious. This text goes beyond, providing checklists, concrete examples, and the answers to questions that most would be too timid to ask.

This is a very helpful little book. It is basic, and easy to read. It brings a sense of order and structure to the large concept of "go write your dissertation." This book will not do the dissertation research or writing for you, and it can't force you to complete each step of the project. But, it gives very practical, concise tips for each phase of the process. And excellent quick resource for those who are just starting the dissertation process. I think this book would appeal to linear thinkers--or people who need to be linear thinkers for the purpose of getting their dissertations done--as it is a very structured and organized book.

I have read several books on dissertation writing and this one seems to cover all the bases in the most concise form. However, I gave it only four stars because there is no guide to further reading, which I think is essential.

As someone who works privately with students, helping them with dissertations, I highly recommend this book. When students call me in regard to assistance with their dissertation, I recommend that they buy this book and use it as an ongoing reference. The information contained in this book anticipates and answers many of the questions that students have about the dissertation process. It is the most practical guideline for writing a dissertation that I have come across in recent years.

If you'd like to know dissertation specifics like how many pages your proposal should be, then this is the book. Also, if you're not working in a warm, fuzzy discipline (e.g. most social sciences), this is probably the only book that is fully aware of your existence; one of the authors is a professor of management. Buy this book, if only for its practicality.