research objectives

Conclusion

The final chapter of the dissertation is where you tell the reader what you have achieved in

your study (Furseth and Everett, 2013) and should be very closely related to your

introduction (Naoum, 2013). This chapter should be based solely on the contents of the

previous chapters, so no new material should be introduced here.

The conclusions should follow logically from the previous analysis and discussion, and

appear to be evident to the reader. It is important to communicate and present your

conclusions in a logical and clear manner, since they form the outcome of your research. The

conclusions should therefore be structured so that they remind the reader of the salient issues

set out in the dissertation, refer back to the aim and objectives, and state whether these have

been supported, or proven or not, and why.

The conclusions chapter usually consists of several sections:

5.1 Major Findings/summary: The major findings obtained in the study by showing the connectivity with the objectives and aim.

5.2 Limitations: The limitations which might have affected the results of the study.

5.3 Recommendations and further research: Suggestions pertaining to the research area will be provided here. Also, the direction of future areas of research will be explained here.

First,

A summary is provided. Typically, the overall aim and objectives, or

research question(s), as well as the data that has been analysed are restated. The research

methods used and the main findings from the study are outlined, and you should emphasise

the most important issues that have emerged and explain why they are important. Statements

that evaluate if and how the research objectives have been fulfilled should be included.

You would typically present conclusions about your findings. State the relationship of your

study to the research literature. You must include your personal comments, observations and

reflections on the information gathered. These must be based on reasoning and evidence and,

where necessary, supported by references. Your comments, observations and reflections

should represent the added value that your investigation has provided to the knowledge that

existed prior to you undertaking the dissertation.

Second,

Comment on the limitations of your research. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of

the study. This information may contribute to developing future research.

Third,

You should include a short section, at the end of the conclusions, setting out recommendations as to how the research could be developed or progressed in the future, or how the findings could be used by

others. Recommendations should relate to any previously identified limitations of the

research and flow from the conclusions. Recommendations can indicate what other research

should be done, together with how this research might be undertaken. You could make

recommendations on the possible practical application of your findings or concerning

procedures that could be adopted in practice. For example, you can suggest how an industry

could implement procedures to improve quality or performance.