Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts two articles. One focuses on qualitative research while the other focuses on quantitative research as two different perspectives in dissertation writing. It examines dissertation research as a learning process.

From the Paper
"Joanne Riebschleger wrote an article that was published in Families in Society in which she chronicled her personal travails in completing her dissertation. Most of the content of this article belongs either in a ..."

Tags:Quantitative, Qualitative, research, Dissertation

Abstract
This dissertation was researched and conducted in response to the overhaul of the UK utilities sector which has undergone deregulation beginning in the 1990's. In particular, the paper examines Scottish Power, one of the leading providers of energy and energy related products in the UK as a case study organization. The paper is designed to assess to what extent Scottish Power's success in the utilities sector since deregulation is attributable to the company's marketing efforts. Additionally, the paper takes a primary and secondary approach to research, presenting a review of both the relevant literature as well as an analysis of primary research conducted with both energy consumers and relevant personal made available by Scottish Power. The paper notes that it is primarioy intended for the academic community, for those who have an interest in marketing within either the utilities sector or recently deregulated sectors of industry. The paper should also be of secondary interest to those who are working within the marketing environment of either the utilities sector or other recently deregulated sectors for which there had been previously little consideration given to the concept of marketing.

Outline:

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Research aims and Objectives
2.0 Hypothesis
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research Approach
3.2 Primary Research
3.3 Interview Technique
3.4 Secondary Research
3.5 Research Sample
3.6 Qualitative and Quantitative Data
3.7 Findings and Analysis
3.8 Ethics, Health and Safety
4.0 Literature Review
4.1 Key Definitions
4.2 Key Frameworks
4.2.1 Marketing Mix
4.2.2 Porters Generic Strategies
4.3 Deregulation
4.3.1 Impact upon the Sector
4.4 The Role of Energy Providers
4.5 Scottish Power
4.6 Scottish Powers Competitors
5.0 Findings and Analysis
5.1 Primary Research
5.1.1 Interview Results
5.1.2 Questionnaire Results
5.2 Analysis
6.0 Conclusions
7.0 Reflections
8.0 Recommendations for Further Research

From the Paper
"Having considered sources within the literature (Burney 2008) one can see that there are two general approaches which may be taken towards the conducting of a research project, namely the deductive and inductive approaches to research. The former of these two methods, the inductive approach to researcher see the researcher start with a data collection process within a given field of research. Having collated a suitable data set, the researcher will then analyse the data and propose a theory so as to explain the observed results of the data search and analysis. The deductive approach on the other hand may be seen as the converse. Using the deductive method the researcher starts with an initial theory or hypothesis and then attempt to collate a data set in order to prove or disprove the original hypothesis.
Some academics (Sanunders et al 2003) criticise the deductive methodology, arguing that the methodology can lead to the exclusion of alternative explanations for an observed trend or pattern seen in the data collected. In addition, the researcher must also take extra care so as not to introduce a bias towards a predetermined outcome in the data collection process."

Tags:marketing, utilities sector, utility companies, dissertation, energy marketing, utility marketing, Scottish power

Abstract
This paper is a structured proposal for a doctoral dissertation on Aspergers Syndrome (Asperger's Disorder). Each of the six sections contains a one page overview of the section. Sections include: statement of the problem, purpose of the study, review of the literature, connections to area of concentration, research hypotheses or research questions and finally, design of the study.

From the Paper
"Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's Disorder, is a neurobiological disorder in which individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics. The disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skill, language and have difficulties with transitions or changes, preferring sameness (Brasic, 2006; Bock, 2001; Ganz, 2001; Myles & Simpson, 2001; Myles, 1998; Barnhill, 2002; Smith, 2006). Brasic (2006) states that statistics for AS..."

Tags:asperger, social, skills

Abstract
This paper explains that the field of mathematics education provides considerable support for a variety of perspectives, which include new and innovative ideas and concepts. The author points out that graduate-level mathematics students are typically required to develop and submit a comprehensive dissertation to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The paper presents two distinct mathematics education dissertations in greater detail, emphasizing the key strengths and weaknesses of each argument and the supporting literature reviews.

From the Paper
"The field of mathematics education provides considerable support for a variety of perspectives, which include new and innovative ideas and concepts that provide valuable contributions to the subject. It is evident that today's mathematics educators provide valuable knowledge, information and skills to mathematics students of all ages, and that there is a wide body of research that exists regarding mathematics education that is critical to the field. Graduate-level mathematics students are typically required to develop and submit a comprehensive dissertation to their respective schools in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in order to earn a graduate degree. The following discussion evaluates two dissertations written in the field of mathematics education, promoting different concepts in unique ways. A comparison and contrast is introduced, along with an evaluation of the key strengths and weaknesses of each dissertation."

Tags:mathematics, education, dissertations

Abstract
This paper gives the reader an investigation into the concept of brand equity in relation to the modern retail environment. The project considers the issue in relation to a number of other issues which have an impact on the retail sector considering, the changing nature of the retail market, the use of on-line elements of branding and how the concept of branding and brand equity interact with the modern retail consumer.
The paper gives the reader a complete set of research and includes, a comprehensive background, research aims and objectives, a specific methodology, literature review and a findings and analysis sections. The paper in conducting the research has made use of a variety of methods including both primary and secondary research methods using quantitative and qualitative data. Finally having conducted the research the paper gives an indication as to the limitations of the project and what subjects the researcher believes would be beneficial for further researchers to engage in, in future projects.

Outline:
1.0 Background
2.0 Research aims and objectives
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research approach
3.2 Research philosophy
3.3 Primary research
3.4 Secondary research
3.5 Research Sample
3.6 Qualitative and quantitative data
3.7 Primary research analysis
3.8 Findings and analysis
3.9 Ethics health and safety
4.0 Literature review
4.1 Key Concepts
4.2 Consumer experience
4.3 The value of brand equity
4.4 Brand loyalty
4.5 On-line markets
4.6 Brand devaluation
5.0 Findings analysis
5.1 Primary research findings
5.2 Key trends
6.0 Conclusions
7.0 Personal reflections
8.0 Further research
Consumer Brands Questionnaire
Questionnaire Results (Quantitative questions)
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Over the past decades both the retail industry and the economy as a whole have seen some dramatic changes, in both trading conditions and the business models which have been adopted to react to such conditions.
"In the first case the very fabric of the retail business its self has changed, going through several business models. Two decades ago many in the retail sector operated on a small single branch basis, with locations in inner city areas and town centres. From the 1990's onwards the retail business model saw the introduction of the chain store. Stores such as Next pioneered the concept that consumers felt at ease being able to receive standardized products and services, served in more or less identical looking stores on a national basis. Further in the development of the business model, the location of such large national chain stores has also changed.
"Where stores were once previously sited in inner city areas and town centres, chain stores have become part of the out of town retail park revolution. To this day many retailers which operate with the traditional bricks and mortar outlet as the primary distribution channel operate from out of town locations. Such out of town locations in the retail sector range from the construction of single outlet retail site on the edge of town, most commonly favored by the supermarket chains. In addition the model has also seen the construction of entire retail "villages" dedicated to the retail experience and often having a singular theme such as discount outlets or luxury shopping malls."

Tags:brand, equity, retail, marketing, internet, commerce, consumer, positivist, ethics, on-line

Abstract
A pretest-post-test, control group design was used to investigate effects of the "F/O Holding Technique". The subjects in the present study were 40 females and 40 males, who were randomly selected and contacted by the researcher to volunteer to participate. Subjects were pre-tested for existing job stress levels with the "Work Stress Inventory" stress test. They then received training in the "F/O Technique" and were instructed to continue with its use. Subjects were post-tested after three weeks. Results of the analysis of variance performed, confirmed the hypotheses that the "F/O Holding Technique" reduces hairdressers levels of job stress, and the effects were stable across gender. Additional study findings were that females tended to experience higher stress levels than males and that females tended to be more positive about the "F/O Holding Technique" than males. Implications of the study results are that the "F/O Holding Technique" is effective for stress reduction in male and female hairdressers.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Statement of the Purpose
Definitions of Terms
Applied Kinesiology
F/O Holding Technique
Job Stress
Thought Field Therapy
Limitations of the Study
Review of Literature
Introduction
Nature of Stress
Section Summary
Job Stress
Section Summary
Nature of Workplace Stress and
Causative Factors
Section Summary
Relation of Job Stress to Gender
Section Summary
Stressors Associated with Hairdressers
Section Summary
Research on Thought Field Therapy
Section Summary
Psychology, Thought Field Therapy and the
F/O Holding Technique
Section Summary
Conclusions
Methodology
Overview of Study
Research Methods
Subjects
Instruments
Work Stress Inventory
Perceptions and Satisfaction Instrument
Procedures
Results
Data Analysis Plan
Findings
Supplementary Analysis
Appraised Stress
Frequency of Job Stress
Discussion of Findings
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Conceptual Recommendations
Methodological Recommendations
Recommendations for Hairdressers
References
Appendices
Appendix A: F/O Training Methods
Appendix B: The F/O Holding Technique Questionnaire
Appendix C: Consent Form
Appendix D: Permission Letter for WSI
Appendix E: WSI

From the Paper
"It should be noted that while there are several studies indicating that gender is associated with a differential experience of work stress; there are also studies that have found no effects for gender. For example, Hipps and Halpin (1993) investigated the amount of variance in burnout and job satisfaction of teachers and principles which could be accounted for by workplace stress; the authors also examined whether levels of stress were differentially associated with differences in sample subjects' ages, and gender."

Tags:employment, wellness, organizational behavior, occupational therapy

Abstract
This paper describes an interview with an acquaintance of the author about how the subject of the interview obtained her doctoral degree. The paper goes on to discuss the author's own plan to obtain a doctoral degree and how the subject of her interview helped influence her plans.

From the Paper
"I interviewed my mother's friend Millie, who got a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the age of 45. I asked her why she did it. It was a lot of work, and she had a very good job as a social worker for special needs students. She said she had a master's in social work, and that she had specialized in mental health when she lived in California, but she felt that her position as a social worker in education wasn't terribly challenged. She also said that she was still very interested in psychology. However, in education, she said, the social worker doesn't do much with mental health. Mostly she helped parents deal with bureaucracies to get supplemental help they might need, such as social security assistance, or food stamps, or housing. While she knows these things are important, it wasn't what took her into social work. So she enrolled back in graduate school at the age of 42, while she had a child in middle school, to get her Ph.D. in psychology."

Tags:advantage, candidates, preparing, qualifying, exam, coursework, qualify, information

Abstract
This dissertation is a complete and thorough piece on strategies for airlines. Its thesis is that airline strategies to keep costs and flights down vary when compared to other modes of transport. This paper looks at many themes including how airlines promote low-cost flights, how airlines market low-cost flights, what the business model looks like, etc. Throughout the paper is a large collection of data charts to provide visuals for the study. In addition, it offers research and case studies to show failed and what succeeded.

Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the low cost airline model
1.2 Ryan Air
1.3 EasyJet
1.4 Wizzair
1.5 Purpose of the research
1.6 Aims and Objectives
Chapter 2: Literature review
2.1 Emergence of low cost carriers
2.2 Market deregulation
2.3 Network expansion
2.4 Competitive advantages
2.5 Customer satisfaction
2.6 Marketing success
2.7 Types of network
2.8 Extended marketing mix
2.9 Ryanair
2.10 Summary
Chapter 3: Methodology and procedures
3.1 Methodology
3.2 Primary Research
3.3 Analysis Method
3.4 Secondary Research
3.5 Purpose of Research
Chapter 4: Results
4.1 Presentation and Analysis of Data
4.1.1 In-depth interviews
4.1.2 Business user
4.1.3 Housewife
4.1.4 Student
4.2 Descriptive Analysis of the Questionnaire
4.3 Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.4 Frequency Analysis
4.5 Cross Tabulation Analysis
Chapter 5: Discussion
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Limitations
5.3 Recommendations
Chapter 6: Reflection
References
Appendix I Questionnaire
Appendix 2 Proposal
Appendix 3: Ethics form
Appendix 4: Dissertation log

From the Paper
"Marketing success for low cost airlines lies in their ability to provide services in a short-time. Different airlines can use different type of marketing routes for their own benefits. Those airlines which travel to and from hub-based destinations will face less competition (Doganis, 1995). All other major destinations are linked to the main city which makes it simple. For example, Southwest Airlines concentrates its marketing strategy on high density short markets. These markets are served at high frequency. It operates around six to seven daily departures on each of its routes. The high flight frequency attempts to earn high market share for the low cost airlines. The competition forces some low cost airlines to close down their hubs. The cost saving comes from higher density in seating arrangement and lower commission payments to travel agents. The actual booking can be done individually and more efficiently by different customer groups. Those customers whose IT skills are less advanced will require assistance in registration from agents. The use of non-expensive downtown airports can contribute to lower ticket cost as well (Doganis, 1985)."

Tags:Marketing, Low-cost Airlines, Strategy, Thesis, Dissertations

Abstract
This paper discusses a dissertation designed to determine whether acupuncture treatment has a positive effect in alleviating the symptoms typically associated with depression. The paper summarizes the design, rationale and participants in the study, as well as its control groups, procedures and data. The paper also critiques and analyzes the paper's findings and makes comments on how the author of the dissertation could have improved upon her project.

Summary of Dissertation
Assessment of the Selection of the Research Topic
Assessment of Literature Review
Assessment of the Appropriateness of the Selection of Methods Used
Assessment of Appropriateness and Adequacy of the Procedures Used
Review of the Sufficiency of the Data Collected
Interpretations, Conclusions, Discussion of Dissertation

From the Paper
"Two different major findings resulted from this study. "When the depression scale of the MMPI was used as a pre and post-treatment measure," Fazio reports, "only Group B had a significantly lowered post-treatment depression than did both Group A or Group C. However, when the BDI was used to measure pre and post-treatment depression, both Groups A and B had a significantly lowered post depression than did Group C" (p. 50). The results of the study therefore partially supported the hypothesis."

Tags:levels, depressive, affect, chiropractics, non-internal, medical, attention, reducing

Abstract
This dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the nature of the central issue: EU security policy towards Russia during the period 1992-2004 in the context of the European security issues during those years. It is symptomatic of the dynamics of this changing context that much of the existing literature tends to examine this issue not from the point of view of the EU, but rather via the prism of NATO-Russia relations. As a result, it will be one of the contentions of the present study that there is a "literature gap" in the existing work on this area that, itself, perhaps reflects the Cold War biases, conscious and unconscious, that continue to influence academic studies in this field. Chapter Two analyzes the relevant theoretical approaches and seeks to establish a theoretical paradigm for use in this study. Two influential approaches to the study of international security relationships are examined: neo-functionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism. Each of these theoretical approaches has recently undergone sustained criticism and redevelopment, and this chapter considers this process and its significance for studies, such as the present analysis. Finally, this chapter identifies the fundamental theoretical approach for this study to be liberal intergovernmentalism, deployed within a methodology of quantitative and qualitative research. Chapter Three consists of a review of related literature, subjected to comparative analysis and categorized on the basis of qualitative and quantitative sources. This chapter explores further the issue of the "literature gap" in existing studies, identifying areas in which this dissertation seeks to extend and innovate approaches to the issue under study. Chapter Four is devoted to an analysis of relevant data and its relationship to the theoretical model established in Chapter Two. Chapter Five returns to the research questions and seeks to answer them on the basis of the analytical, theoretical, and comparative work outlined in the preceding chapters. The final section of the dissertation is a conclusion in which the findings of the study are summarized and their relationship to the theoretical models used considered. This also provides a basis for the validity of the theoretical model used to be assessed and for possible avenues of further research to be outlined.

Outline
Introduction
The Problem
The Theoretical Approach
Literature Review
Analysis
Answering the Research Questions

From the Paper
"The political and economic uncertainty in Russia during 1998-99, not surprisingly, had a deleterious effect on the implementation of the planned work programme and there was some disappointment on the EU side that more progress had not been made. At the second meeting of the Cooperation Council in May 1999 the official communiqu' was much more positive. In general, the PCA has had a major impact on the frequency and breadth of official contacts between the EU and Russia, and laid the basis for more effective cooperation on a wide range of policy areas."

Tags:Cold, War, NATO, Communist, Iron, Curtain