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  • Textbook
  • © 2014

How to Write a Better Thesis

  • Offers a step-by-step guide on the mechanics of thesis writing
  • Illustrates the complete process of how to structure a thesis by providing specific examples
  • Equips readers to understand how to conceptualize and approach the problems of producing a thesis
  • Written by authors with over 20 years experience of supervising and advising students
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. What Is a Thesis?

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 1-7
  3. Thesis Structure

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 9-16
  4. Mechanics of Writing

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 17-37
  5. Making a Strong Start

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 39-59
  6. The Introductory Chapter

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 61-72
  7. Background Chapters

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 73-82
  8. Establishing Your Contribution

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 83-95
  9. Outcomes and Results

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 97-112
  10. The Discussion or Interpretation

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 113-119
  11. The Conclusion

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 121-123
  12. Before You Submit

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 125-136
  13. Beyond the Thesis

    • David Evans†, Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel
    Pages 137-150
  14. Back Matter

    Pages 151-167

About this book

From proposal to examination, producing a dissertation or thesis is a challenge. Grounded in decades of experience with research training and supervision, this fully updated and revised edition takes an integrated, down-to-earth approach drawing on case studies and examples to guide you step-by-step towards productive success.

Early chapters frame the tasks ahead and show you how to get started. From there, practical advice and illustrations take you through the elements of formulating research questions, working with software, and purposeful writing of each of the different kinds of chapters, and finishes with a focus on revision, dissemination and deadlines. How to Write a Better Thesis presents a cohesive approach to research that will help you succeed.

Reviews

From the book reviews:

“After reading the book, you are left with no doubt as to what is required to write a thesis, as well as how to undertake the task using a systematic approach. … It should be mandatory reading for all postgraduate students embarking on a master’s degree or higher academic qualification. I highly recommend it.” (S. M. Godwin, Computing Reviews, August, 2014)

"I have been using this book whilst writing my thesis and I want to express my sincere thanks to the authors as it has provided me with an excellent source of guidance and has made my life a lot easier over the past five months. I've recommended this book to a number of other PhD students and hope you continue to publish further editions as I found it to be an extremely valuable resource." (Chris De Gruyter, PhD Candidate at Monash University, Australia, March 2015)

Authors and Affiliations

  • (deceased) University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia

    David Evans

  • School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia

    Paul Gruba

  • Computing & Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia

    Justin Zobel

About the authors

David Evans was Reader and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.

Paul Gruba is Senior Lecturer in the School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne.

Justin Zobel is Professor in the Department of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 29.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access