All Blog Posts
Validity & Reliability: Explained Simply
Validity & Reliability In Research A Plain-Language Explanation (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | September 2023Validity and reliability are two related but distinctly different concepts within research. Understanding...
Literature Synthesis 101: How To Synthesise The Literature
Literature Syntheis 101 How To Synthesise The Existing Research (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | August 2023One of the most common mistakes that students make when writing a literature review is that they err on the...
The Essential Components of a Literature Review
Literature Review: 3 Essential Ingredients The theoretical framework, empirical research and research gapBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | July 2023Writing a comprehensive but concise literature review is no simple task. There's a lot of...
MLA 9 Formatting: How To Format Your Paper For MLA
MLA 9th Edition Formatting A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide + Free TemplateBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | July 2023Formatting your paper in MLA style can feel like a pretty daunting task. In this post, we'll show you exactly how to set up...
Free Download: MLA 9th Edition Template
Free Download 📥 MLA 9th Edition TemplateFeeling a bit overwhelmed by the lengthy list of formatting, content and referencing requirements of MLA 9th edition? Our free MLA student paper template makes it easy by taking care of all the finer details, right out of the...
Free Download: APA 7th Edition Template
Free Download 📥 APA 7th Edition TemplateFeeling a little intimidated by the never-ending list of formatting, content and referencing requirements of APA 7th edition? Our free APA student paper template makes it easy by taking care of all the finer details, right out...
APA 7 Formatting: How To Set Up Your Student Paper
APA 7th Edition Formatting A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide + Free TemplateBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | June 2023Formatting your paper in APA 7th edition can feel like a pretty daunting task, and understandably so. In this post, we’ll...
Research Proposal Essentials: 5 Critical Dos & Don’ts
Writing Your Research Proposal 5 Essentials You Need To Keep In MindBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | June 2023Writing a high-quality research proposal that "sells" your study and wins the favour (and approval) of your university is no...
Research Philosophy & Research Paradigms
Research Philosophy & Paradigms Positivism, Interpretivism & Pragmatism, Explained SimplyBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | June 2023Research philosophy is one of those things that students tend to either gloss over or become...
Logos, Ethos & Pathos: The Rhetorical Triangle
What Are Logos, Pathos & Ethos? A straight-forward explainer (with examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | June 2023If you spend any amount of time exploring the wonderful world of philosophy, you’re bound to run into the dynamic...
Research Methodology Example: Full Walkthrough
Research Methodology Example Detailed Walkthrough + Free Methodology Chapter TemplateIf you're working on a dissertation or thesis and are looking for an example of a research methodology chapter, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through a...
Literature Review Example/Sample: Full Walkthrough
Literature Review Example/Sample Detailed Walkthrough + Free Literature Review TemplateIf you're working on a dissertation or thesis and are looking for an example of a strong literature review chapter, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you...
How To Find A Research Gap: Step-By-Step Process
How To Find A Research Gap, Quickly A step-by-step guide for new researchersBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | April 2023If you’ve got a dissertation, thesis or research project coming up, one of the first (and most important) things you’ll...
Research Proposal Example/Sample: Full Walkthrough
Research Proposal Example/Sample Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal TemplateIf you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two...
Research Design 101: Qualitative & Quantitative
Research Design 101 Everything You Need To Get Started (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | April 2023Navigating the world of research can be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time researcher....
Research Topic Evaluator: Assess Potential Topics
Free Download: Research Topic Evaluator Systematically evaluate prospective research topicsSo, you've worked through some of the literature and identified a few potential research topics, but you're not sure whether they really stack up. Or perhaps you've got two...
Research Constructs 101: What You Need To Know
Research Constructs 101 Constructs, Validity & Reliability - Explained SimplyBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023Navigating the world of academic research can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the field....
The Research Problem & Problem Statement
The Research Problem & Statement What they are & how to write them (with examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023If you’re new to academic research, you’re bound to encounter the concept of a “research...
Theoretical Framework vs Conceptual Framework
Theoretical vs Conceptual Framework What they are & how they're different (with examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023If you’re new to academic research, sooner or later you’re bound to run into the terms theoretical...
Narrative Analysis Explained Simply (With Examples)
Narrative Analysis 101 Everything you need to know to get startedBy: Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD)| Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023If you’re new to research, the host of qualitative analysis methods available to you can be a little overwhelming. In...
Research Topics & Ideas: Politics
Research Topics & Ideas: Politics 100+ Politics-Related Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you've landed on this post,...
Research Topics & Ideas: Environmental Sciences
Research Topics & Ideas: Environment 100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & IdeasFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we'll...
Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare
Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare 100+ Healthcare Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you've...
Research Topics & Ideas: Computer Science
Research Topics & Ideas: CompSci & IT 50+ Computer Science Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project....
Research Topics & Ideas: Business & Management
Research Topics & Ideas: Business 50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you've...
Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing
Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing 50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you've landed...
Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Sources Explained
Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Sources What they are and how they compare (with examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | January 2023If you’re new to the wild world of research, you’re bound to encounter the terrible twins,...
Research Topics & Ideas: Marketing
Research Topics & Ideas: Marketing 50+ Marketing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectFinding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you've...
Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology
Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology 100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your ResearchIf you're starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you'll face is finding a solid research topic. In this...
Research Topics & Ideas: Education
Research Topics & Ideas: Education 170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your ProjectIf you're just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you've come to the right place. In this post, we'll help kickstart...
Variables 101: Independent, Dependent & Control Variables
Research Variables 101 Independent variables, dependent variables, control variables and moreBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | January 2023If you’re new to the world of research, especially scientific research, you’re bound to run into...
Sampling Methods & Strategies 101: What You Need To Know
Sampling Methods & Strategies 101 Everything you need to know (including examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | January 2023If you’re new to research, sooner or later you’re bound to wander into the intimidating world of...
How To Find A Research Gap (Literature Gap)
The Research Gap (Literature Gap) Everything you need to know to find a quality research gapBy: Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | November 2022If you're just starting out in research, chances are you've heard about the elusive...
How To Avoid Bias In Your Research
Research Bias 101: What You Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | September 2022If you're new to academic research, research bias (also sometimes called researcher bias) is one of the many things you need to understand to...
Research Limitations vs Research Delimitations
Research Limitations & Delimitations What they are and how they're different (with examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | September 2022If you're new to the world of research, you've probably heard the terms "research...
Thematic Analysis Basics: 5 Time-Saving Tips
Thematic Analysis 101 6 Time-Saving Tips To Help You Ace Your AnalysisBy: David Phair (PhD) & Amy Murdock (PhD) | September 2022Thematic analysis is an effective method for researchers to derive meaning from large sets of qualitative data. At a basic level, it...
Writing The Methodology Chapter: 5 Time-Saving Tips & Tricks
Writing The Methodology Chapter 5 Time-Saving Tips & ToolsBy: David Phair (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | July 2022The methodology chapter is a crucial part of your dissertation or thesis – it’s where you provide context and justification for your study's design....
Free Download: Results Chapter Template (Qual & Quant)
Free Download 📥 Dissertation/Thesis Results TemplateYou've collected your data and it's time to write up the results chapter, but you're not sure how to get started. Fear not - in this free results chapter template, we provide a recommended structure for both...
Free Download: Conclusion Chapter Template (with Examples)
Free Download 📥 Dissertation/Thesis Conclusion TemplateYou've reached the final stretch of your dissertation - the conclusion chapter - but you're unsure what you need to cover and in what order. Fear not - in this free conclusion chapter template, we provide a...
Free Download: Discussion Chapter Template (with Examples)
Free Download 📥 Discussion/Analysis Chapter TemplateIf you're starting out on the discussion chapter (also sometimes called the analysis chapter) for your dissertation or thesis, but aren't too sure how to structure it, this template is just for you. Fully editable,...
Explainer: Content Review vs Language Editing
What's The Difference? Content Review vs Language Editing & ProofreadingA popular question we receive at Grad Coach is "what's the difference between the content review service and the editing and proofreading service?". Here, we'll explain what each service...
Free Download: Methodology Chapter Template (with Examples)
Free Download 📥 Methodology Chapter TemplateIf you're struggling to get moving with the research methodology chapter for your dissertation or thesis, this template is just what you need. Fully editable, the template includes a recommended structure, detailed...
Research Aims, Objectives & Questions: Explained Simply (+ Examples)
Research Aims, Objectives & Questions The "Golden Thread" Explained Simply (+ Examples)By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022The research aims, objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the...
Free Download: Thesis Introduction Template (with Examples)
Free Download 📥 Thesis Introduction Chapter TemplateIf you're getting started with the write-up of the introduction chapter of your dissertation or thesis, this template is the perfect starting point. In it, we unpack each section of the chapter using straightforward...
Free Download: Literature Review Template (Word Doc & PDF)
Free Download 📥 Literature Review Chapter TemplateIf you're preparing to write your literature review, our free literature review chapter template is the perfect starting point. In it, we cover each section of the literature review chapter step by step, along with...
Writing A Literature Review: 5 Time-Saving Tips & Tricks
Writing A High-Quality Literature Review 5 Time-Saving Tips & ToolsBy: David Phair (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | May 2022One of the fundamental chapters of any dissertation or thesis is the literature review. However, students often struggle to write this chapter,...
Finding A Research Topic: 5 Time-Saving Tips
Finding A High-Quality Research Topic 5 Practical Time-Saving Tips & HacksBy: David Phair (PhD) & Amy Murdock (PhD) | May 2022It’s no easy task to take on the culminating project of your degree, the dreaded dissertation or thesis. Though it might feel like...
Survey Design 101: 5 Common Mistakes
Dissertation & Thesis Survey Design 101 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid (+ Examples)By: David Phair (PhD) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | April 2022Surveys are a powerful way to collect data for your dissertation, thesis or research project. Done right, a good survey...
Qualitative Interviews: 5 Costly Mistakes (+ Free Interview Guide)
Qualitative Research 101: Interviewing 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Undertaking InterviewsBy: David Phair (PhD) and Kerryn Warren (PhD) | March 2022Undertaking interviews is potentially the most important step in the qualitative research process. If you don’t...
Dissertation Introduction: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid
Writing A Dissertation Introduction 7 Common (But Costly) Mistakes To AvoidBy: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | March 2022Your dissertation or thesis introduction chapter is critically important as it tells the reader what your study is about, why it’s...
The Dissertation Abstract: 5 Costly Mistakes To Avoid
Writing A Dissertation Or Thesis Abstract 5 Common (& Costly) Mistakes To AvoidBy: David Phair (PhD) & Peter Quella (PhD) | February 2022Writing a quality abstract is important as the abstract tells the reader what to expect in your thesis or dissertation, and...
How To Source A-Grade Resources For Your Literature Review
How To Find A-Grade Literature For Review Sourcing, Evaluating and OrganisingBy: David Phair (PhD) and Peter Quella (PhD) | January 2022As we’ve discussed previously on our blog and YouTube channel, the first step of the literature review process is to source...
How To Write The Methodology Chapter
How To Write The Methodology Chapter The What, Why & How Explained Simply (With Examples)By: Jenna Crossley (PhD) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | September 2021 (Updated April 2023)So, you’ve pinned down your research topic and undertaken a review of the...
How To Write The Conclusion Chapter: 6 Steps + Examples
How To Write The Conclusion Chapter The What, Why & How Explained Simply (With Examples)By: Jenna Crossley (PhD Cand). Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | September 2021So, you’ve wrapped up your results and discussion chapters, and you’re finally on the home...
How To Write The Discussion Chapter: 6 Steps + Examples
How To Write The Discussion Chapter The What, Why & How Explained Simply (With Examples)By: Jenna Crossley (PhD Cand). Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2021If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve reached the discussion chapter of your thesis or...
The Dissertation Results/Findings Chapter (Qualitative)
How To Write The Results/Findings Chapter For Qualitative Studies (Dissertations & Theses)By: Jenna Crossley (PhD Cand). Expert Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2021So, you’ve collected and analysed your qualitative data, and it’s time to write up your...
How To Write The Results/Findings Chapter (Quantitative)
How To Write The Results/Findings Chapter For Quantitative Studies (Dissertations & Theses)By: Derek Jansen (MBA). Expert Reviewed By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | July 2021So, you’ve completed your quantitative data analysis and it’s time to report on your findings. But...
How To Choose The Right Research Methodology
How To Choose Your Research Methodology Qualitative vs Quantitative vs Mixed MethodsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021Without a doubt, one of the most common questions we receive at Grad Coach is “How do I choose the right...
What (Exactly) Is Discourse Analysis?
What (Exactly) Is Discourse Analysis?A Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)By: Jenna Crosley (PhD). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021Discourse analysis is one of the most popular qualitative analysis techniques we encounter at...
Writing A Literature Review: 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid
Writing A Literature Review 7 Common (And Costly) Mistakes To Avoid ☠️By: David Phair (PhD) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021Crafting a high-quality literature review is critical to earning marks and developing a strong dissertation, thesis or research...
Writing A Research Proposal: 8 Common Mistakes To Avoid
Writing A Research Proposal 8 Common (And Costly) Mistakes To Avoid 🤦By: Derek Jansen (MBA) & David Phair (PhD). Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021At Grad Coach, we review a lot of research proposals, including dissertation proposals and thesis...
Preparing For Your Dissertation Defence: 13 Key Questions
Preparing For Your Dissertation Defense 13 Key Questions To Expect In The Viva VoceBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) & David Phair (PhD). Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021Preparing for your dissertation or thesis defense (also called a "viva voce") is a...
6 Reasons You Should NEVER Use a Dissertation Writing Service
6 Reasons You Should NEVER Use ADissertation Writing ServiceBy: Derek Jansen (MBA). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021We get it. By the time you’ve reached the final stage of your degree program, the dissertation (or thesis) can seem like a major...
What (Exactly) Is Thematic Analysis?
What (Exactly) Is Thematic Analysis? Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)By: Jenna Crosley (PhD). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2021Thematic analysis is one of the most popular qualitative analysis techniques we see students...
Free Download: Dissertation/Thesis Template (Word Doc & PDF)
Free Download: Dissertation & Thesis TemplateIf you're preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward...
Qualitative Content Analysis: Explained Simply (with examples)
What Is Qualitative Content Analysis? QCA explained simply (with examples)By: Jenna Crosley (PhD). Reviewed by: Dr Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | February 2021If you’re in the process of preparing for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve probably...
Saunders’ Research Onion – Explained Simply (With Examples)
Saunders' Research Onion: Explained Simply Peeling the onion, layer by layer (with examples)By: David Phair (PhD) and Kerryn Warren (PhD) | January 2021If you’re learning about research skills and methodologies, you may have heard the term “research onion”....
Qualitative Data Coding 101: Everything You Need To Know
Qualitative Data Coding 101 How to code qualitative data, the smart way (with examples).By: Jenna Crosley (PhD) | Reviewed by:Dr Eunice Rautenbach | December 2020As we've discussed previously, qualitative research makes use of non-numerical data - for example, words,...
Quantitative Data Analysis 101: Methods, Techniques & Terminology Explained.
Quantitative Data Analysis 101 The lingo, methods and techniques, explained simply.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Kerryn Warren (PhD) | December 2020Quantitative data analysis is one of those things that often strikes fear in students. It’s totally understandable –...
The 4 Levels Of Measurement Explained: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio
Nominal, Ordinal, Interval & Ratio Data Levels Of Measurement: Explained Simply (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | November 2020If you’re new to the world of quantitative data analysis and statistics, you’ve most...
How To Structure Your Literature Review Chapter
How To Structure Your Literature Review 3 Options To Help Structure Your ChapterBy: Amy Rommelspacher (PhD) | Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | November 2020 (Updated May 2023)Writing the literature review chapter can seem pretty daunting when you're piecing together...
Grad Coach Awarded Best Dissertation Coach 2020
Grad Coach Takes The MEA Cup: Best Dissertation & Thesis Coaching Specialists 2020By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | November 2020We did it! Today, we're proud to announce that Grad Coach has been awarded the title of "Best Dissertation & Thesis Coaching Specialists...
Dissertation vs Thesis: What’s the difference?
Dissertation vs Thesis vs Capstone ProjectWhat's the difference?By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2020At Grad Coach, we receive questions about dissertation and thesis writing on a daily basis – everything from how to find a...
What (Exactly) Is A Literature Review?
What Is A Literature Review? A Plain-Language Explainer (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | June 2020 (Updated May 2023)If you’re faced with writing a dissertation or thesis, chances are you’ve encountered the term “literature review”. If...
Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: How To Choose Your Research Approach
Qualitative vs Quantitative Research 101 A Plain-Language Explanation (With Examples)By: Kerryn Warren (PhD, MSc, BSc) | June 2020So, it’s time to decide what type of research approach you're going to use - qualitative or quantitative. And, chances are, you want to...
What (Exactly) Is A Dissertation Abstract?
The Dissertation Abstract: 101 How To Write A Clear & Concise Abstract (With Examples)By: Madeline Fink (MSc) Reviewed By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | June 2020So, you’ve (finally) finished your thesis or dissertation or thesis. Now it's time to write up your abstract...
What Is Research Methodology? Simple Definition (With Examples)
What Is Research Methodology?A Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)By Derek Jansen (MBA) and Kerryn Warren (PhD) | June 2020 (Last updated April 2023)If you're new to formal academic research, it's quite likely that you're feeling a little...
Free Download: Research Proposal Template (With Examples)
Free Download 📥 Research Proposal TemplateStarting out on your research proposal and not sure how to structure it, or how to craft a smooth-flowing document? Our free proposal template will help you fast-track your writing and improve your chances of a speedy...
What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal?
What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal? A Simple Explainer With Examples + Free TemplateBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020 (Updated April 2023)Whether you're nearing the end of your degree and your dissertation is on the horizon, or...
What Is a Longitudinal Study (Or Longitudinal Research)?
What (Exactly) Is A Longitudinal Study? A Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | June 2020If you’re new to the world of research, or it's your first time writing a dissertation or thesis, you’re probably feeling a bit...
What Is A Cross-Sectional Study (Or Cross-Sectional Research)?
What (Exactly) Is A Cross-Sectional Study? A Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | June 2020If you’ve just started out on your dissertation, thesis or research project and it's your first time carrying out formal research,...
What Is A Research Hypothesis (Or Scientific Hypothesis)?
What Is A Research (Scientific) Hypothesis?A plain-language explainer + examplesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020If you’re new to the world of research, or it's your first time writing a dissertation or thesis, you’re probably...
How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis 101: Big Picture Guide (With Examples)
How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis 8 Straightforward Steps To Craft An A-Grade DissertationBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020Writing a dissertation or thesis is not a simple task. It takes time, energy and a lot of will...
Qualitative Data Analysis Methods 101: The Big 6 Methods (Including Examples)
Qualitative Data Analysis Methods 101: The "Big 6" Methods + ExamplesBy: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (D.Tech) | May 2020 (Updated April 2023)Qualitative data analysis methods. Wow, that’s a mouthful. If you're new to the world of research,...
How To Read Journal Articles Quickly & Efficiently For Your Literature Review
How To Skim Read Journal Articles Fast-Track Your Literature Review By Focusing On Three SectionsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | May 2020If you’ve just started your literature review process, you’re probably sitting on a pile of scientific journal articles and papers that...
Grad Coach vs Your Supervisor: What’s The Difference?
Grad Coach Q&AHow is Grad Coach different from a university supervisor?Every day, dozens of students around the world call us for assistance with their dissertations, theses and research projects. One question that comes up quite often is “how is Grad Coach...
How To Write Your Introduction Chapter (7 Simple Steps)
How To Write A Dissertation Introduction Chapter: The 7 Essential Ingredients Of An A-Grade IntroductionBy: Derek Jansen (MBA). Reviewed By Dr Eunice Rautenbach (D. Tech) | March 2020If you’re reading this, you’re probably at the daunting early phases of writing up...
7 Essential Apps To Help You Write Your Dissertation Or Thesis
7 Essential Dissertation Writing Apps & ToolsBy: David Phair (PhD) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | October 2019 (Updated March 2022)Completing your dissertation or thesis requires a hearty investment of time, effort and hard work. There’s no shortcut on the road to...
How To Write A Literature Review (3-Step Process)
How To Write An A-Grade Literature Review 3 Straightforward Steps (With Examples) + Free TemplateBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2019Quality research is about building onto the existing work of others, “standing on the...
How To Write A Research Proposal: 5 Straightforward Steps
How To Write A Research Proposal A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage...
Dissertation Structure 101: How To Structure Your Dissertation (Or Thesis)
Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is, you’ve chosen your topic and...
What (Exactly) Is a Dissertation (Or Thesis)?
What Exactly Is A Dissertation (Or Thesis)? If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’ve got a dissertation or thesis project coming up (hopefully it’s not due next week!), and you’re now asking yourself the classic question, “what the #%#%^ is a...
How To Find (And Choose) A Solid Research Topic For A Dissertation Or Thesis
How To Find A High-Quality Research Topic 6 Steps To Find & Evaluate High-Quality Dissertation/Thesis TopicsBy: Caroline Osella (PhD, BA) and Derek Jansen (MBA)| July 2019So, you’re finally nearing the end of your degree and it’s now time to find a suitable topic...
Grad Coach Is Now A Corporate Member Of The Tutors’ Association (UK)
Grad Coach Is Now A Proud Member OfThe Tutor's Association UKBy: Derek Jansen | August 2016 Today, we’re proud to announce that Grad Coach is now officially a corporate member of The Tutors’ Association, a UK government-recognised professional body, which promotes a...
Decrypting “The Henley Way”
#HenleyMBA: The Elusive "Henley Way", Explained Simply.By: Derek Jansen | July 2018If you’re a Henley MBA student, you’ve probably heard about the need to do things “the Henley way”. Indeed, I’ve seen many assignments that demonstrate very thoughtful analysis and...
How To Write A High-Impact Executive Summary
How To Write A High-Impact Executive SummaryBy Derek Jansen | January 2018You’ve probably heard the line, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Cliched, but wise words nonetheless. In your assignments, your executive summary is the first...
The Henley MBA Exams: How To Prepare For The Big Day
How To Prepare For The Henley MBA Exams: A Step-By-Step Guide For Exam Success. By: Derek Jansen | January 2018The exams for the Henley MBA are tough – that’s for certain. They’re time-pressured, handwritten, count for a lot of marks and can test absolutely anything...
How To Write A Rich Reflection Chapter In Your Henley MBA Assignments
#HenleyMBA: How To Craft A Rich Reflection Chapter In the #HenleyMBA series, we’ve covered how to write up your introduction, analysis and recommendations chapters/sections, so now it’s time to look at the often under-considered reflection section. In this post, I’ll...
How To Rock The Recommendations Chapter In Your Henley Assignments
#HenleyMBA: How To Craft An A-Grade Recommendations Chapter In Henley MBA assignments, your recommendations chapter/section is typically the second biggest mark earner (the first being the analysis chapter). While every assignment will be different, there are some...
How To Use Mendeley Desktop, Web Importer & The MS Word plugin.
Full Tutorial: How To Use MendeleyIncluding The Web Importer & Mendeley CiteBy: Derek Jansen | Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | January 2018 (Updated September 2023)If you're fumbling about trying to manage citations and references by hand (or using Microsoft...
How To Reduce Word Count (Without Losing Precious Marks)
How To Reduce Word Count In Your Dissertation, Thesis Or Academics Assignments (without losing those precious marks)If you follow some of the advice on this blog, chances are one of your biggest challenges is keeping your academic writing projects within the specified...
How To Write A Strong Analysis Chapter In Henley Assignments.
#HenleyMBA: How To Write A Strong Analysis Chapter By: Derek Jansen | December 2017If the Henley MBA is about any one thing, it’s about learning to analyse well. Therefore, it's no surprise that the analysis chapter/section of most assignments is typically allocated...
How To Write A Winning Introduction To A Henley MBA Assignment
#HenleyMBA How To Write A Solid Assignment IntroductionBy: Derek Jansen | December 2017I’ll kick off this post by making a bold assertion: The introduction chapter of your assignment is the single most important section in your entire assignment. Yip. Not the analysis...
How To Choose The Right Charts In Your Dissertation Findings Chapter
Writing Your Dissertation Findings Chapter How To Choose The Best-Suited Chart For The JobOnce you've done the fieldwork and number crunching for your dissertation or thesis, you'll need to present your findings in the a separate chapter called "Findings". Sometimes...
Academic Misconduct: How To Lose Your Degree, Your Reputation And Your Job.
Why Academic Misconduct Is Never Worth It (and how to avoid doing it by mistake...)Exhaustion can make you do crazy things. No one can deny that completing a degree can be a stress- and anxiety-inducing experience. At least one time in our lives, we have pulled a...
How To Create Rock-Solid Arguments In Your Dissertation Or Assignments
How To Create Rock Solid Arguments In Your Dissertation, Thesis Or Assignments The 6 Essential Ingredients (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen | August 2017Arguments happen all the time and that’s okay. Whether we realise it or not, we have arguments every day. We may...
Free Download: Literature Review Catalog Excel Template
Free Download 📥 Literature Review Catalogue (Excel Template)Crafting a high-quality literature review is a lot of work. Failure to keep track of all the literature you consume can result in a lot of wasted time. You need to get (and stay) organized - in other words,...
How To Utilise Models And Frameworks The Right Way In Henley Assignments (With Examples).
How To Use Models & Frameworks In Henley MBA AssignmentsBy: Derek Jansen | May 2017One of the most common issues we see while working with hundreds of Henley MBA students is poor model and framework integration and application. Sound selection and application of...
How to fast-track your reference building in Zotero by using Google Scholar.
How To Use Zotero With Google ScholarWant to learn how to fast-track the reference building process in Zotero? In this video, I’ll show you how to build your reference list faster and smarter by using Google Scholar’s database to automatically populate your Zotero...
How To Use Zotero
How To Use Zotero To Reference In Word: The Smart Way To Manage References & CitationsIf you're still struggling to manage references manually, or with Word's clunky built-in reference manager, this post if for you. We'll show you how to use Zotero, a lightweight,...
#HenleyMBA: Why presentation is important (and how to get it right).
#HenleyMBA Why presentation is important in assignmentsBy: Derek Jansen | April 2017Working with hundreds of Henley MBA students, I often get asked a similar question. That question is: "What can I do relatively easily to push my assignment marks up?" Sometimes, this...
#HenleyMBA: The 4 Foundational Pillars Of Rock-Solid Henley Assignments
The 4 Foundational Pillars Of Rock-Solid Henley MBA AssignmentsYou’ve been involved in your industry for over 10/15/20 years. You’ve learnt a thing or two along the way. Your opinion counts in the boardroom. When you talk, people listen. Therefore, your opinion must...
Critical Writing: Descriptive vs Analytical Writing In Research
Critical Writing 101 Descriptive vs Analytical vs Critical WritingBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2017Across the thousands of students we work with, descriptive writing (as opposed to critical or analytical writing) is an...
#HenleyMBA: Why “topic fit” is critically important (and how to find a good topic).
#HenleyMBA: Why "brief-topic fit" is critically importantSo, you’ve got this problem or opportunity at the office and you’d love to kill two birds with one stone by making it the topic of your next Henley MBA assignment. You’ve done some initial reading of the module...
#HenleyMBA: Why focus is your friend when writing assignments.
#HenleyMBA: Why focus is your friend when writing assignmentsAs we've discussed before, a good Henley MBA assignment is one that focuses on a well-defined, relevant topic, identifies a clear, answerable research question and then proceeds to draw extensively on both...
#HenleyMBA: How to use research questions to set a clear direction and purpose in your assignments.
#HenleyMBA: How to set a clear direction and purpose in your assignments by using research questionsWhen it comes to writing up your Henley MBA assignments, being crystal clear about what your assignment will address (and why) is essential to earning good marks. In...
Henley MBA 101: How To Succeed In Your Henley MBA
The Henley MBA 101 Series: Everything you need to know to ace your Henley MBA.Whether you're just starting out on your Henley MBA journey, or your already knee-deep in the Henley battle zone, we've crafted this series to help you understand exactly how to craft...