Get motivated! ('Why do I write this paper?")This is a basic question with a not-so-basic answer. In order for a job to be done well – and your dissertation paper is, in fact, a job to be performed – you should give yourself time to figure out why you will do it and get yourself motivated. No motivation – no job quality, any professional can confirm that. Here are some possible answers to
motivational question:
- Because it is a must – if you do not do it, you do not graduate;
- Because, if done with responsibility, it is an excellent opportunity to stand out from crowd and your peers – Marketing job market gets busier with every day;
- Because you can practice your research skills while being directed and supervised by professionals (eg. your university professors);
- Because it could be a starting point for your career.
We all know more you think about it, more answers you can find. Once you have your motivational level raised, you will surely want to start your paper right away.
Choose your subject ("What should I write about?")
Allow yourself plenty of time to think what subject you would like to pick for your paper. In some cases, your professors already have a list of subjects from where you can choose one but sometimes they would happily accept your own subject, providing it is of interest and you convince them of your reasons. Consider following, before you go for a subject or another:
- "Marketing" is a broad field – which of its aspects do you feel more interested into, and more comfortable discussing about? Do you recall any particular course / chapter / subject that raised your interest at a time?
- Why would your subject be of importance and who would be your auditorium?
- Is your subject researchable? Is there any academic literature base on subject?
- Do you think you can come up with a personal contribution to subject?
- Do you see yourself developing that topic further on?
- Can you name at least a couple of persons who can guide you? Would they be willing to do that for you?
Documentation, documentation and... documentation
"Documentation" is a magic key for any successful paper. Student or acknowledged professional, once you made up your mind about subject of paper, most of your efforts will be directed (or should be directed) towards documentation. Depending on your subject, on your knowledge and your search capabilities, you might want to start with this even 1 – 2 years prior to raduation date, in order to have enough time to collect and review as much information as possible.
Major information resources: libraries, bookshops, internet, newspapers and magazines (consider subscribing to main specialized magazines in your field!), university printings, company exhibitions and presentations.
