Structure of Phd Thesis

1. Title page
2. Abstract (with keywords)
3. Table of contents
4. List of tables
5. List of figures
6. Abbreviations
7. Statement of original authorship
8. Acknowledgment

 Index:

1       Introduction

1.1     Background to the research

1.2     Research problem and hypotheses

1.3     Justification for the research

1.4     Methodology

1.5     Outline of the report

1.6     Definitions

1.7     Delimitations of scope and key assumptions

1.8     Conclusion

2       Literature review

2.1     Introduction

2.2     (Parent disciplines/fieldss and classification models)

2.3     (Immediate discipline, analytical models and research questions or hypotheses)

2.4     Conclusion

3       Methodology

3.1     Introduction

3.2     Justification for the paradigm and methodology

3.3     (Research procedures)

3.4     Ethical considerations

3.5     Conclusion

4       Analysis of data

4.1     Introduction

4.2     Subjects

4.3     (Patterns of data for each research question or hypothesis)

4.4     Conclusion

5       Conclusions and implications

5.1     Introduction

5.2     Conclusions about each research question or hypothesis

5.3     Conclusions about the research problem

5.4     Implications for theory

5.5     Implications for policy and practice

5.5.1   Private sector managers

5.5.2   Public sector policy analysts and managers

5.6     Limitations

5.7     Further research

Notes to be taken to write phd thesis in structure :

       1. A PhD made up on only critical assessment may be possible but is extremely difficult.

       2. Average, good, size for a thesis is 150 pages all in. Perhaps up to 50 extra pages for a big appendix and bibliography. Beware of the trend to write long and boring doctorates (papers, &c), improve your communications skills.

             3. Another important datapoint: 2-3 conference, or 1-2 journal papers in respectable (ACM, IEEE, IOP like) places are good enough for chapters 4,5,6, and therefore the core of a PhD - testing by publication is a VERY good defense (or defence). Also note that the feedback from reviewers is extremely helpful, so all PhD students should be trying to publish their work (the feedback is even more useful when your submissions don't get published!).

      4. Always think - Presentation. Be precise in all things, the statement of the problem, the solution, methods and frameworks.

5. Chapter headings - use 7 or 9! An odd number of (total) chapters gives a balanced appearance to the work.