Seven practical methods and tools to optimize the work on the dissertation

    Writing a high-quality master's thesis fully covering all sections of the study, the main work, analysis and approbation of the results is a complex and complex task, daily with various successes solved by many students around the world. Unfortunately, the study of the existing literature [1, 2] on the subject of writing a dissertation research indicates the lack of materials describing the practical experience of using various methods and tools to not only optimize the work on the dissertation, but also improve the quality of the final result.
    In this article, we will consider seven practical methods and tools, the use of which will allow for the complete structuring and systematization of tasks, knowledge and various data obtained during the work with the dissertation:
    1. The formation of the structure of tasks.
    2. Search for literature in catalogs.
    3. Collection, processing and systematization of information.
    4. The formation of a list of references.
    5. Milestone Planning.
    6. Definition of the subject of research.
    7. "Summary" for the supervisor.


    1. The formation of the structure of tasks. To solve the problem of structuring information, it is advisable to use the method of constructing “Mind maps” [3]. There is a large amount of software that allows you to build such "mind maps", for example MindManager, ConceptDraw, as well as a large number of web services, for example, www.mapmyself.com .
    The first stage always requires planning - determining all the necessary tasks that are solved during the work on the dissertation. Based on the best practices devoted to the description of the dissertation [4, 5], a reference structure of all possible types of tasks that can be solved when writing a dissertation was formed. The developed reference structure in the form of a mind map can be downloaded at sdrv.ms/RJEJH5. Based on this template, the content of the dissertation itself is formed, choosing those tasks that are necessary for the chosen subject of work, an example is available at sdrv.ms/QNFnU1 .

    2. Search for literature in catalogs.At the first stage of the study, it is often difficult to determine the direction of the literature review, which sources can provide a holistic view of the issues addressed. To solve this problem, it is recommended to use various general and thematic electronic catalogs, which are now very numerous on the Internet. In addition, the use of “virtual reference books” often helps, where on a given topic, a list of relevant and up-to-date literature is formed. For example, it’s definitely worth using the free service “Virtual Help BIC Financial University”, available at http://library.fa.ru/serv_help.asp .

    3. Collection, processing and systematization of information.In the process of writing a review on the topic under study, when collecting information, it must be stored and structured so that it is then possible not only to quickly search for the desired article or book, but also to carry out full-text information search. For these tasks, there are special tools that allow you to provide the necessary functions without unnecessary labor. The following tools are recommended: Microsoft One Note, Mendeley (see http://www.mendeley.com/ ), Zotero (see http://www.zotero.org/ ). All tools allow not only to structure stored files and web pages, to carry out full-text search, but also to solve the tasks of generating a list of references.

    4. The formation of a list of references.The formation of a well-formed list of literature in accordance with the standard GOST R  7.05–2008 requires a very large amount of time. In order to optimize this work, you can use one of the following approaches:
    • Creation and subsequent generation of a list of references in Word (for this it is necessary to use the built-in mechanism "List of references", to generate a list according to GOST, you must use a specially configured template ( http://goo.gl/Q2Fw0 ).
    • The inclusion of well-formed bibliographic references in the course of work using footnotes, which, when finalized, are transferred sequentially to the general list.
    • Using the Mendeley or Zotero tool to generate a list of references according to GOST (see http://chetvericov.ru/faq-po-mendeley-i-zotero/ ).

    5. Planning (milestone plan). When all tasks are structured and defined for work planning and time control, it is necessary to create a specific plan. Experience shows that the planning of work when writing a dissertation is a very difficult and often impossible task. The best management tool in the face of such restrictions is a milestone plan. Table 1 shows an example of a plan that you can use. This template provides an understanding of the compliance of the tasks with the results and content in the dissertation, as well as the timing of their preparation.
    Tab. 1. Template "Milestone Plan"
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    6. Determination of the subject of research.Any dissertation research, often lies at the intersection of various fields of knowledge. The following approach is recommended for structuring information:
    1. identify all areas of knowledge of the topic (optimal number 3);
    2. for each of the areas of knowledge, identify key approaches that are currently used (based on a literature review);
    3. identify features (difficulties, problems) arising at the intersection of each of the areas, determine the problem and approach to solving;
    4. to harmonize all intersections to determine the main subject of research, tasks and approaches to solving.

    An example can be found at sdrv.ms/R7t42g .

    7. "Summary" for the supervisor. In order to answer any questions about your work at any moment of the day or night; remember key points as a multiplication table; to show the supervisor, mentor, or any third-party person for an assessment, it is necessary to compile and constantly update a 1-2- page file  covering the following sections:
    • Topic Title
    • Relevance
    • The purpose of the work (problem statement) and tasks to be solved
    • results
    • Scientific novelty
    • Theoretical significance
    • Practical significance
    • Object of study
    • Subject of study
    • Basic research methods


    Thus, this article presented the experience of applying seven methods and tools to optimize the work on the dissertation.

    Literature
    1. Kuzin F. A. Candidate dissertation. The writing technique, rules of registration and order of protection: A practical guide for graduate students and applicants for a degree. -  6th ed., Ext. - M.: Axis 89, 2004 .-- 224 p.
    2. Raizberg B. A. The dissertation and academic degree. Manual for applicants. -  1-6. - M .: INFRA-M, 2000-2007. - 428 p.
    3. Sergey Bekhterev Mind management. Solving business problems using smart cards. - M .: "Alpina Publisher", 2011. - S. 312.
    4. GOST 7.32-2001Report on research work. Structure and rules
    5. Akatova N.A. Guidelines for registration and preparation for the defense of the final qualification work of the master (master's thesis) - IBS Academy, 2010. - 42 p.

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