Demystifying the Dissertation Structure for Level 7 Students at Sheffield Hallam University - Part 6a: Conclusion Section

This article is intended to assist Level 7 Master's students at Sheffield Hallam University in successfully writing and completing their dissertations. I understand how daunting it can be when you have to refer to numerous books and documents to comprehend each section of the dissertation and then consolidate your knowledge and understanding into one cohesive piece.

To simplify your work and gather all the necessary information in one place, I have compiled these articles, which present the main sections of the dissertation structure in six different parts, focusing on each section as illustrated in the image above. Additionally, there is a bonus section at the end that discusses reflection, the final part of the dissertation.

Furthermore, the entire dissertation is expected to be around 15,000 to 20,000 words for Level 7 master's students at SHU. You can ideally allocate this word count throughout the entire dissertation structure, depending on your research project or topic of study.

I have compiled this information based on my research, insights, and understanding. If you feel I have overlooked anything, please feel free to leave a comment in the section below. I would be more than happy to learn more at any point in time (no offense).

So, come on in and read this article with a cup of tea or coffee.

Part 1 - Abstract

Click here to access Part 1

Part 2 - Introduction

Click here to access Part 2

Part 3 - Literature Review (LR)

Click here to access Part 3

Part 4 - Methodology

Click here to access Part 4

Part 5a - Results/Findings

Click here to access Part 5a

Part 5b - Discussion

Click here to access Part 5b

Part 6a - Conclusions

It's time for the final major chapter. In this chapter, you should present the conclusion to the whole project and do not present any new material or information. The conclusions should summarise the main ideas in your research report, including your research question, aim and objectives. It should be concise and engaging.

You should provide a brief recap of what you did, demonstrating why your findings are important and useful, and pointing to their wider implications. See below checklist to guide your chapter.

Answering your research question(s), meeting your objectives and, if appropriate, supporting or refuting the research hypotheses or propositions is the main purpose of the conclusions. This is where you will consider the findings presented. You should also return to your literature review and think 'What do my conclusions add to the understanding of the topic in the literature?'

What to include?

• Concluding summary of your research findings
• Neat wrap up of the whole project
• Discuss the key findings of the study/Report the main research outcomes and how these addressed your research aim
• Give the 'Big picture' - Short and general. Make broad statements that sum up the most important insights of the research
• Discuss/inform the reader of the study's main contributions
• Synthesise all the major points covered in your study
• Tell the reader what they should take away from your work
• Basically, tell them what you found, why it's valuable, how it can be applied and what further research can be done?
• Give a recap and wrap up the dissertation and discuss future research opportunities
• Discuss any limitations or weakness of the study
• Craft such that there is a strong connection and a smooth flow between the introduction and conclusion chapters even though they are on the opposite ends of your document.

How to write a dissertation conclusion chapter?

1. Provide a brief intro paragraph
2. Explain how the study achieved the research aims
3. Discuss how your study contributes to the field. Explain what contribution your study makes to theory and practice
4. Reflect on the limitations of your study
5. Make recommendations for future research
6. Wrap up with a closing summary

1. Not clearly articulating how your study achieved the research aims
2. Duplicating and overlapping content with other chapters
3. Not being clear and convincing regarding your study's contribution
4. Not providing a comprehensive discussion regarding the limitations
5. Not being specific enough about further research opportunities
6. Having a poor chapter structure and lack of flow

References

Saunders, M., Thornhill, A., & Lewis, P. (2016). Research methods for business students (Seventh edition.). Pearson Education.