Getting Started The biggest worry many doctoral candidates have is dissertation topic selection.

In some cases a topic just comes naturally out of prior projects and coursework, but for most people it is a very large challenge. Why? A dissertation must be an original, substantial work that contributes to the field, and the topic chosen must support these requirements. Selecting a topic is at the core of any dissertation project, because the topic is what drives the proposal, the prospectus, and dissertation. Not having a substantial, unique topic is what causes the ABD stalemate, since a candidate cannot proceed until the topic is identified. This causes frustration, procrastination, and the very real possibility of running out of time, making the entire dissertation process much more difficult. However, there is a method proven to avoid the above problems. Good project management dictates the first step in any project is to identify the project's scope, i.e., just what is involved and what has been done so far. Therefore, when starting a dissertation project, the first goal should be to assess the current state of research in your field. At this stage, you should forget about "conceptual plans", "pre-proposals", and similar complex issues. The best way to get started with a dissertation is to first select a broad study or SUBJECT area that interests you (very important) and is also pertinent to your degree. The subject area must be of strong interest to you, because you will be working with it for quite some time.NOTE: A subject area is not a dissertation topic at this point. It is a broad area in which you have strong interest, a starting point to begin the search for your dissertation topic. A good example would be "how the internet impacts business". This is much too general to be addressed by a dissertation, but it could be of strong interest to you and many other people. Once the subject has been selected you can now start a preliminary search for information pertinent to that subject, in an effort to narrow things down to a specific problem or question. It is that narrowly defined problem or question that will become your dissertation topic. Dissertation Topic It is always helpful to keep the following in mind: A Ph.D dissertation is a very formal, complex document that presents very concise information in defense of a specific thesis. The process described in Getting Started will help you systematically narrow your subject area down to a topic, i.e., the thesis your dissertation defends. A thesis is highly focused, very concise, and addresses a specific, well-defined problem or question. Always remember the following: A dissertation topic does not need to be a totally new, groundbreaking, re-write the textbooks revelation. Studying an old subject in a new way, from a different perspective, can be a new contribution. The topic chosen must be appropriate to your degree. Be sure your chosen topic addresses a real problem or question. The chosen dissertation topic must be appropriate for the subjects you have available to work with.

 Select a topic narrow enough to be manageable, with a study that can be done in the time allotted. It must be of genuine interest to you! If not, it will be hard for you to stay motivated over time. Ideally, your topic should be of interest to your advisor. It is important to remember the two words that best describe a dissertation: "substantial" and "original". These two words apply to the thesis, and to the research performed to support that thesis. The see link below that we find helpful: How to Write a Dissertation has many writing and organization tips Dissertation Review of Literature Now that you have a topic selected for your dissertation, the work of identifying and utilizing existing information from previously completed research and other resources begins. You are now facing one of the most challenging tasks in the dissertation process - the Literature Review. This section points out some resources that will help make this task easier. The biggest reason why so many doctoral candidates have trouble completing their dissertation is because they get mired in the literature review process. There is so much literature out there it seems like an endless swamp. It all starts to look the same, and many people have a very hard time determining just where to start. Even when one does get started the problem of how to keep track of everything comes up. How should it be prioritized, indexed, and cross-referenced? Should a new software program be purchased (and learned)? To answer these and other questions, let's first look at what a Review of Literature should do: A Review of Literature is the most important chapter in a dissertation. It identifies, describes, evaluates, and summarizes the current information in your field. It presents and analyzes the empirical and theoretical sources covering your variables. It demonstrates your mastery and understanding of your chosen field. Almost immediately after starting your Literature Review you might be tempted to buy specialized software marketed for notes and citation management. Be very careful. Do not be swayed by promises of putting everything into APA or MLA format at the click of a button. Right now you need help to find and utilize those things that are useful. Nothing in APA format is still nothing. Also, be very careful about software that forces you to spend time learning new procedures and techniques. Doing a thorough Review of Literature takes time. Each book, article, or web site must be read and reviewed for ideas that will help your project. Identify how each piece can help you, and where. A thorough Review of Literature is critical to all other aspects of your dissertation! A good review is so crucial that Diane Kennedy, owner of the Academic Research Group, Inc. and one of the best-qualified dissertation consultants with over forty years in the field, recommends to her clients that a Literature Review be done first, before anything else!