This textbook aims to help students to develop thesis-writing skills through experiential learning by conducting a research project based on a diary study, and reporting on it in a mini-thesis. It was developed for the benefit of international students who, in their penultimate year of undergraduate study, are planning to write a graduation thesis in English related to intercultural communication in their final year with little or no prior knowledge of the subject, or of thesis-writing itself. The overarching structure of the book provides a clear overview of the main parts of a thesis, and how they fit together. It presents wide-ranging activities designed to help students to critically analyse and evaluate the academic literature with a specific research question in mind, and provides a basic introduction to qualitative research methodology placing a special focus upon the use of diary studies in research. Thirteen units guide students through the process of analyzing and evaluating competing models of intercultural competence before using them as frameworks to structure self-reflection in a small-scale study. Along the way, students write a series of structured diary entries in response to different kinds of intercultural experience that ultimately allows them to draw conclusions about not only their current level of intercultural competence, within the terms they choose to define it, but also about the standards they tend to apply in practice. To promote extensive reading, the textbook may be used in conjunction with its optional accompanying handbook from which many reading passages are drawn: Tsai, Y. and Houghton, S. Becoming Intercultural: Inside and Outside the Classroom (Newcastle-upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2010).

Research Design for Business & Management is a logical and practical book which makes no assumptions about your prior research knowledge. It will instead provide you with a clear understanding of the commonly used methods in business and management research, and enable you to tackle the fundamental elements of the research process. This book: contains conversation boxes which answer and discuss the typical research questions you may have focuses on the judgement calls that you will need to make in your research uniquely demonstrates the circular relationships between research elements ensuring that you can relate chapters to your research process in real life provides key insights into what the examiners and journals will look for in your research to help you get the best possible grades

The journey of research is both challenging and exhilarating, marked by the pursuit of knowledge and the quest to uncover new truths. For young researchers and newly enrolled PhD scholars, embarking on this journey can be an overwhelming experience, replete with complex methodologies, rigorous writing standards, and the daunting task of publication. This book, Basics of Research Methodology: Writing and Publication, is crafted with the intent of serving as a comprehensive guide and companion for those at the nascent stage of their academic careers. Research is a dynamic and evolving process, requiring a solid foundation in methodological principles and an ability to communicate findings effectively. This book aims to demystify the intricacies of research methodology, offering a structured approach to planning and executing research projects. From formulating research questions to selecting appropriate methods, we cover the essential steps required to build a robust research framework. The emphasis is on clarity and simplicity, ensuring that even complex concepts are accessible to readers without extensive prior experience. Writing is an integral part of the research process, serving as the medium through which discoveries are shared with the broader academic community. This book provides practical advice on developing a clear and concise academic writing style, tailored to meet the expectations of various scholarly audiences. Whether you are drafting your first research paper, preparing a thesis, or writing a dissertation, the principles outlined in these pages will equip you with the skills necessary to produce high-quality academic work. We delve into the nuances of writing different sections of a research paper, from the introduction to the conclusion, highlighting the purpose and structure of each component. The publication process, while rewarding, can often seem like a labyrinth to those unfamiliar with its intricacies. This book offers a step-by-step guide to navigating the world of academic publishing, from selecting the right journal to understanding the peer review process. We provide tips on how to respond to reviewers’ comments, handle rejections, and ultimately succeed in getting your work published. The aim is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to disseminate your research effectively, contributing to the advancement of your field and establishing your presence as a scholar. Throughout this book, we draw upon the experiences of seasoned researchers and successful academics, providing insights and practical examples that illustrate the real-world application of the concepts discussed. We recognize the diversity of research disciplines and strive to present information that is broadly applicable while acknowledging the unique requirements of different fields. Our goal is to create a resource that not only educates but also inspires, encouraging you to approach your research with curiosity, diligence, and a passion for discovery. As you embark on your research journey, we hope this book will serve as a valuable resource, guiding you through the challenges and helping you to achieve your academic and professional aspirations. Remember, research is a continuous learning process, and each step you take brings you closer to making a meaningful impact in your field. We wish you success and fulfillment in your endeavors, and look forward to the contributions you will make to the world of knowledge. - Dr. Kavita Dehalwar

Around the world every year very many students have to complete dissertations or theses as part of their undergraduate or masters studies in tourism and related subjects. Often this substantial piece of self-directed work is the culmination of their programmes. More than just a means to consolidate their final grades, it is also an exciting chance to research a topic of their choosing and a potential gateway to more advanced study as well as job offers and future career paths. Yet for all these reasons, many students view the dissertation as a tricky challenge. This comprehensive book intends to take the stress and anxiety out of doing a dissertation in tourism studies and related disciplines. The process is examined from the germination of an idea to the submission and assessment of the final document. Written primarily for students conducting independent research for the first time, this book offers simple advice and a clear framework which students can adopt even in more advanced studies at masters and doctoral level. This book debunks popular myths, and aims to overcome common pitfalls. It focuses on the aims and objectives as the DNA of every dissertation. Rather than view it as a single, overwhelming project, the dissertation is presented as a series of more modest, manageable yet crucially inter-linked tasks that all students can successfully complete through careful preparation and effective time management. Dissertations are not to be underestimated and they demand great care and attention, but they can also be immensely rewarding and enriching experiences academically and personally. This ‘jargon free’ book is also written with overseas students specifically in mind, drawing directly on our overseas students’ experiences. This valuable resource contains start of chapter learning objectives and end of chapter checklists, as well as numerous boxed case studies, to further help assist students through their dissertation.

Dissertation Research Methods: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Up Your Research in the Social Sciences focuses specifically on the methodology for planning, writing and submitting your dissertation thesis. Written by two methodology experts in the social sciences, the book provides a step-by-step guide through each stage of the dissertation process. It covers all aspects of the methodological considerations needed, from choosing a topic or research question, developing a literature review, identifying research gaps, accessing potential study participants, utilizing the right sampling strategies, analyzing data and writing up findings. Readers are introduced to the main research methods normally used in dissertations and their characteristics, and they are guided to choose an appropriate research method for their study, provide a substantial description of the selected method and articulate strong arguments in support of it. The book is filled with templates, exemplars and tools to help students write about methodology in their thesis and to equip readers to successfully troubleshoot any methodology challenges they may face. This compact book will be of use to all graduate students and their supervisors in the Social Sciences and Education and Behavioural Sciences who are looking for a guide to working with robust and defensible methodological principles in their dissertation research and theses.

Writing Qualitative Research on Practice brings together key authors in the field of qualitative research to critique current trends and expand discourse about the challenges and practices of writing qualitative research. This book is located in the context of professional practice and the practice world. It scopes and maps the broad horizons of qualitative research on practice and explores writing in major qualitative research traditions. A key issue addressed in writing qualitative research, particularly the narrative forms, is finding a way to write that encapsulates the goals and genre of the research project. Writing is presented as a process and journey and also a way of thinking and creating knowledge. Within research, writing is an essential expression of the research frame of reference and a key element of the research genre. This book explores writing for a range of publications including books, chapters, theses and papers for journals. The practical and accessible style of this book makes it an invaluable resource for postgraduate research students, teachers and supervisors and scholars of qualitative research.

A doctoral dissertation is arguably the most important journey that students will embark upon in their professional careers, so smart travelers will want E. Alana James and Tracesea H. Slater’s Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis Faster: A Proven Map to Success at their fingertips. James and Slater identify the key places and challenges that create extra stress during the dissertation process, and offer effective strategies and tools to address those challenges and ensure academic success. Their map walks readers through each step of the process, including: • determining the research topic, • choosing appropriate methods, • turning a hypothesis into a study, • completing a literature review, • writing and defending a proposal, • collecting and analyzing data, • writing up the study, and • ultimately defending the dissertation. Building on years of experience with doctoral students, the authors provide a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use tool that encourages student reflection; includes student stories, hints, and writing tips; and provides end-of-chapter checklists and ideas for incorporating social media. With the proven techniques and guidance of this indispensable and applied book, doctoral students will finish their thesis or dissertation—faster!

This book offers extensive and valuable advice for researchers starting with pharmaceutical studies and doctoral dissertation writing. The contributors provide precise, detailed instructions covering every phase of the research process, from choosing a topic to sharing findings, because they know the intricacies and difficulties that come with it. Essential topics covered in the book include writing a professional thesis, conducting literature reviews, planning experimental methods, and guaranteeing ethical human and animal research procedures. The book promises to provide researchers with the information and abilities required to succeed academically and professionally in the pharmaceutical sciences through helpful guidance, software tool recommendations, and communication techniques. Summary of the book This thorough manual is vital for researchers since it covers every pharmaceutical research and thesis composing stage. It starts with methods for choosing a study topic that is both possible and relevant. Key areas of exploration are identified by utilizing resources such as YouTube, LinkedIn, published papers, and reviews. The book leads users through creating a synopsis and offers precise, step-by-step guidance on successfully communicating your research. Essential phases of carrying out an exhaustive literature study are addressed, guaranteeing that you establish a firm basis by examining current material and pinpointing deficiencies. After that, the book moves on to planning and carrying out experiments, emphasising the significance of physicochemical characterisation, drug and excipient compatibility, and formulation development. It emphasises using QbD principles to optimise and evaluate various dosage forms alongside in vitro studies. Practical aspects of conducting animal and human studies ethically and effectively are addressed, followed by guidance on writing a compelling thesis. The book underscores the significance of professional writing in achieving a doctoral certificate and provides tips for image preparation, crucial for thesis writing. It also discusses various statistical, drug design, and research writing software tools. Finally, the guide prepares you for defending your thesis and offers advice on publishing and disseminating your findings to ensure your research reaches a broader audience. With its step-by-step approach and accessible language, this book is an invaluable companion for researchers embarking on pharmaceutical research and thesis writing across diverse fields.

Language learning research aims to describe and fully explain how and why language learning takes place, but can fall short of its stated purpose. Systematic, rigorous research is needed if the growing field of language learning is to progress methodically. This book demonstrates and fully explains such a methodology. Given that research in language acquisition yields practical pedagogical implications, it is crucial that it is rigorous and accurate. This book offers a quantitative research methodology that relies on statistical analysis in order to make inferences and conclusions about language learning. Experimental research aims to understand differences between or within groups of learners under manipulated environments. It requires strict control of conditions, enabling interpretations with a low factor of error. Aek Phakiti provides step-by-step guidelines and underlying principles, epistemology and methodology, in a book that is essential for advanced students of language acquisition and language and education.