Work Smarter Archives

How Do I Find The Right Research Topic?

🎯 The Short Answer: A good way to find a research topic is to start with a broad area that genuinely interests you, and then look for gaps in recent research (the literature). You can also align with your advisor’s interests or build on past coursework to help narrow...

How Do I Use Gray Literature Properly?

🎯 The Short Answer: If your topic has limited peer-reviewed, academic research, it’s completely acceptable to use gray literature. The key is to clearly separate it from academic sources, organise it thoughtfully, and show your examiner that you understand the...

I’m Behind On My Dissertation. What To Do?

🎯 The Short Answer: If you’re behind on your dissertation, the most important next step is to clearly map out where you are and identify one small, concrete task to complete next. Break the process into manageable steps, set short deadlines, and build momentum by...

What Terminology Should I Use to synthesise literature (not just summarise it)?

🎯 The Short Answer: In your literature review synthesis, use clear compare and contrast language to connect studies, show agreements and disagreements, and explain why those differences exist. The goal is not to summarise each study, but to weave them together into a...

What Exactly Is Literature Snowballing?

🎯 The Short Answer: Literature snowballing is a good way to find relevant academic sources by starting with a few strong papers and using their reference lists discover more papers. You “snowball” backward and forward through the literature until you’ve identified the...

Do I Need To Read The Entire Journal Article?

🎯 The Short Answer: No, you don’t need to read every word of every paper for your literature review. Instead, read strategically based on your goal, starting with the abstract and then focusing on the sections that matter most for your current stage. If you’re working...

How to Write Your Dissertation Without the All-Nighters

The Smart Way To Write A DissertationFrom MIT lecturers to project management experts: Here's what works 🎓By: Derek Jansen | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Published: 21 November 2025TL;DR – The Quick Guide 📌 Stop confusing activity with progress: Identify your...

How to Stay Motivated Through Your Research

Research 101: How To Stay MotivatedHere's What Experienced Scholars Want You to Know 🎓By: Derek Jansen | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Published: 7 November 2025TL;DR – The Quick Guide 📌 Expect non-linear progress – Research moves backwards sometimes. This is...

How To Choose A Tutor For Your Dissertation

How To Choose A Dissertation Tutor The Five Key Criteria You Need To ConsiderBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024 Choosing the right dissertation tutor can be the difference between constantly feeling overwhelmed by your...

Writing A Dissertation While Working: A How-To Guide

Writing A Dissertation Part-TimeHow to manage work, family and a research project - without losing your mindBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024Writing a dissertation is no easy task. Add a full-time job and family...

How To Review & Understand Academic Literature Quickly

How To Read Academic LiteratureFast-track your literature review process with these simple techniques.Podcast By Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you're working a literature review, this one is for you. Today, we're discussing how to work...

Dissertation Writing Services: Far Worse Than You Think

Thesis Writing Services & ToolsThe smart student's silver bullet - or too good to be true?Podcast by Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you've ever considered paying someone (or some AI-powered tool) to write your dissertation or thesis for...

The Harsh Truths Of Academic Research

The Harsh Truths Of Academic ResearchThree Things New Postgraduate Researchers Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode, Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of...

Dissertation Paralysis: How To Get Unstuck

🎙️ How To Get Your Research UnstuckA Practical Guide To Dealing With Dissertation ParalysisBy: Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | July 2024it a sticking point in your dissertation or thesis? That's okay. In this episode of the Grad Coach...

Viva Voce Victory: How To Defend Your Thesis

🎙️ How To Ace Your Viva VoceThree Practical Tips To Help You Defend Your ThesisBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | July 2024he viva voce or thesis defence is an event that often leaves students feeling a little intimidated. And...

How To Break Through Writer’s Block

🎙️ How To Break Through Writer's BlockThree Straightforward Interventions That Actually WorkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024riter's block is a common challenge for students. All too often, it can feel like there’s an...

How To Beat Perfectionism: 3 Practical Steps

🎙️ How To Beat PerfectionismThree Straightforward Actions You Can Take (Right Now)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024erfectionism often masquerades as a commitment to excellence - sounds good, right? The problem, however, is...

You Are NOT Your Dissertation: How To Maintain A Healthy Perspective

🎙️ You Are NOT Your DissertationWhy your dissertation is not quite as epically important as you thinkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025f you’ve been losing sleep over your dissertation, we’re here to help bring...

The Unspoken Laws Of Academic Success: Secrets From “The Inside”

🎙️ Unspoken Laws Of Academic SuccessThree Simple But Effective Practices You Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar delve into the unwritten laws of...

Dissertation & Thesis Examples: Get Inspired Now

50+ Dissertation & Thesis Examples Real-world examples and samples from leading universities 📖By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025eed some inspiration for your study? You’ve come to the...

All But Dissertation (ABD) Status – What You Need To Know

All But Dissertation (ABD) Status 😬A Plain-Language Explainer + Guide For Stuck StudentsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025hen it comes to completing a PhD or doctoral degree, “all but dissertation” (or ABD) is all...

The Four Powerful Habits Of Successful Students

🎙️ The 4 HABITS of Successful Students(And how to develop them...)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025t Grad Coach, we've worked with thousands of students. Over the years, we've noticed a few simple but powerful...

3 STRUGGLES You’ll Face During Your Research Journey

The "Big 3" Dissertation StrugglesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a dissertation or thesis is no small task - just ask any ABD. The academic research journey is one...

Considering A PhD? Here Are 3 Things You Should Know

Doing A PhD: Three Harsh RealitiesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025ndertaking a PhD or any doctoral-level program is no small task. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast,...

Writing A Literature Review: 4 Time-Saving Hacks

🎙️PODCAST: Ace The Literature Review4 Time-Saving Tips To Fast-Track Your Literature ReviewBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a literature review can be a daunting task for many students, but fear not! In...

5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

5 Signs You Need A Dissertation HelperHere's how you know it's really time get some support.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023Writing a dissertation is no small task. It’s a demanding project that requires you to juggle...