How to write a tourism dissertation

Dissertations are an integral part of achieving a doctoral degree in tourism and hospitality. This is considered to be one of the most challenging and intensive pieces of coursework throughout university in terms of the length and amount of effort expected (Saunders et al. 2008: 3). By following a number of steps and allotting the appropriate amount of time for researching, analysing data, writing, revising, and formatting the tourism dissertation, a candidate for a PhD can be successful in achieving a well-received thesis.

Listed below are a number of steps that detail how to write a tourism dissertation. There are a number of good reference books that provide further details on the general aspects of creating and completing a dissertation, which can be applied to the subject of tourism. Two recommended books are Research Methods for Business Students by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill as well as How to Write Dissertations & Project Reports by Kathleen McMillan and Jonathan Weyers. Both references provide a well-rounded description of how to approach a dissertation.

Step 1: Work with Advisor on Topic Proposal and Requirements

The first step for how to write a tourism dissertation is to meet with an advisor to ensure that you understand all the requirements, including the submission dates for various drafts, word limit, formatting instructions, and the level of assistance that a tutor can provide in guiding the process along (Saunders et al. 2008: 20).

This is not only an excellent time to get organised and set a plan for the tourism dissertation, but it is also an opportunity to get feedback from an advisor on specific tourism topics that might be acceptable for research. It is important that a topic be selected that is of personal interest, clear and relevant to today’s learning environment within the scope of tourism and hospitality, and be narrow enough in focus to develop conclusions but not so specific as to not have enough data to present a solution (Saunders et al. 2008: 22). The topic must be one that leverages critical thinking rather than re-package data and facts that have already been developed by another researcher (Saunders et al. 2008: 23). Think of a topic in the form of a question in order to develop an angle that will allow for research and new thinking to be presented.

For example, topics for a tourism dissertation might involve sustainability issues, ecological tourism, changing information technologies in tourism, new marketing techniques in tourism, planning for new tourism attractions, new business models for the tourism industry, or the exploration of various job functions within the tourism and hospitality industry. The tourism topic might also have a secondary aspect related to demographics, geography, external factors affecting the industry, or the impact of micro or macro economics on the tourism industry.

Once a topic is selected, it is important to construct a tourism dissertation proposal and then meet with an advisor to get approval on going forward with this particular area of research.

Step 2: Plan a Timeline and Begin Research

The time allotted for a tourism dissertation can seem like a lot but it soon disappears. That is why it is important to develop a timeline to meet certain pre-assigned deadlines or personal deadlines to keep the project moving. This is not the type of paper that can be completed the night before it is due because it will be clear to the advisor that there was no substantial effort. The timeline can involve a certain number of pages or period of time that is devoted to the tourism dissertation each day.

At this point, it is time to begin research gathering. It is important to again reflect on the time available. Some research could take a year or more to complete, so there has to be certain restrictions put on the type of research and the time set aside to gather the data. The good news is that research has become so much easier with the Internet in terms of being able to collect valuable information from all over the world in a time-efficient manner. It has also enabled better access for conducting primary research for a travel dissertation.

Step 3: Conduct Research and Gather Information

One of the most steps in a travel dissertation is conducting the research and gathering the information that is necessary for answering the research question. In terms of a travel dissertation and personal knowledge in conducting research within this industry, it can be difficult to gather primary research because the travel and hospitality industry participants may be unwilling to answer surveys or provide the time needed for telephone or one-on-one interviews. However, the travel and hospitality industry does have extensive information available through trade journals, public financial statements and reports, and Internet articles that can provide substantial data if primary research proves difficult.

Step 4: Draft Specific Sections of the Tourism Dissertation

There are specific sections of a travel dissertation that can be written in advance of compiling the chapters on the results and conclusions. The chapters do not have to be completed in any specific order but there should be some logic applied to how the information is constructed. Writing the introduction and literature review will help shape the direction of the dissertation as well as define the scope of the data needed in order to answer the research question for the travel dissertation.

At this point, a methodology can also be explained as to how the research is gathered in terms of primary research, which involves interviews or surveys, and/or secondary research that uses material previously published to construct the reasoning behind a specific argument (Saunders et al. 2008: 65).

Step 5: Interpret the Results and Present the Findings

Interpreting the results and presenting the findings is the cornerstone of the travel dissertation because it sets up the data that is used to answer the research question and draw conclusions that will enable the student to better understand the travel industry and their future role as an expert within a particular travel or hospitality niche. This becomes a real-world exercise within one’s own field that will position the student successfully for a career within the travel industry.

Step 6: Continue to Refine the Dissertation and Construct Conclusions

Taking the information within the travel dissertation and drawing conclusions provides an indication to an advisor that the student has been able to use the concepts taught throughout the lecture and study process and apply these to a real-world research question in a manner that illustrates the use of critical thinking and deep understanding of one’s field of study in the travel and hospitality industry (Saunders et al. 2008: 43).

Step 7: Review and Revise the Travel Dissertation

Once the material is reviewed by an advisor and feedback is provided, it is important to address all of these suggestions as part of a revision process. During this time, the travel dissertation should also receive final formatting in terms of a table of contents, an abstract, a reference list, appendix materials, and pagination.

Step 8: Ensure Quality

Taking pride in one’s work is an effective way of ensuring excellent marks. It is well worth the time to review for spelling and grammar mistakes beyond just using the computer’s tool. Having another pair of eyes read the travel dissertation will be an effective way to catch errors that might have gone unnoticed because the document has been re-read too many times. The travel dissertation should be nicely presented in a folder or other type of packaging that displays the effort and critical thinking that was undertaken. This shows an advisor that the extent of the project was taken seriously.

Step 9: Keep a Positive Outlook

It is important to view a travel dissertation as a way to extend one’s learning as well as that of others. While an advisor may suggest reworking the topic or research, it is more effective to keep a positive outlook rather than becoming discouraged. In the end, this effort will further enhance the effort and quality of the final travel dissertation.

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