Finance Dissertation Examples For Students

Different Approaches to Finance Dissertation Writing

The 6 main styles and approaches of finance dissertation writing are:

• The Irvine approaches
• The middle-ground approaches
• The comprehensive approach
• Empirical Style
• Theoretical Style
• Mixed-Methods Style

1.   The Irvine Approaches

The Irvine approach is the most concise style of writing a financial dissertation. In this style, students focus on narrow questions and use existing data to answer them.

2.   The Middle-Ground Approaches

The middle ground approach is somewhere in between the Irvine and comprehensive approaches. In this style, students still focus on narrow questions, but they also collect their data and use existing data.

3.   The Comprehensive Approach

The comprehensive approach is the longest and most detailed style of writing a financial dissertation. In this style, students write about broad topics and gather information to address their research questions.

4.   Empirical Style

An empirical financial dissertation will use primary data that the writer has collected through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or fieldwork. This data type is then analyzed and used to answer the research question posed in the finance dissertation.

It is important to note that an empirical financial dissertation will require a more robust understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods. Suppose you plan to write an empirical financial dissertation. In that case, it is recommended that you discuss your plans with your supervisor beforehand to make sure they agree with your suggested approach.

5.   Theoretical Style

A theoretical finance dissertation will use secondary data sources such as books, journal articles, and other published materials. The writer will need to critically analyze these sources to answer the research question posed in the financial dissertation.

A theoretical finance dissertation will require a strong understanding of financial concepts and theories and an ability to critically engage with existing literature in the field. Suppose you plan to write a theoretical financial dissertation. In that case, it is recommended that you discuss your plans with your supervisor beforehand to ensure that they are on board with your proposed approach.

6.   Mixed-Methods Style

Mixed-methods dissertations are based on both primary and secondary research. This type of dissertation allows you to combine the strengths of both empirical and theoretical approaches, to answer a research question or hypothesis.

The Style You Choose Should Reflect Your Dissertation Goals

If your goal is to have a shorter, easier-to-write paper, then the Irvine approach is for you. If your goal is to have a well-rounded paper that uses both existing and collected data, then you should go with the middle-ground approach. If you are looking to contribute original research to the field of finance, then the comprehensive approach is the right choice for you.

Anyhow, you do not need to get confused. Just review the given finance dissertation examples, follow the methodology, take a start and make a valuable contribution to your field of study.

Pros and Cons of Each Finance Dissertation Writing Style

A.      Empirical

The main advantage of conducting an empirical dissertation is that it allows you to gain first-hand experience in your field of study.

Empirical dissertations often strongly impact policy and practice, as they provide decision-makers with evidence that can be used to inform decision-making.

However, one of the main disadvantages of conducting an empirical dissertation is that it can be time-consuming and expensive, as you will need to collect and analyze your data.

B.      Theoretical

Because you won't need to gather and analyze your data, a theoretical dissertation can typically be completed faster and for less money than an empirical dissertation. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of writing a theoretical dissertation is that it might be challenging to locate sufficient data to back up your hypotheses and thoughts.

C.      Mixed-Methods

Utilizing various techniques according to the issue or hypothesis you are examining is one of the key benefits of doing a mixed-methods dissertation.

Since they give decision-makers access to data from several sources that can be utilized to guide decisions, mixed-methods dissertations frequently have a significant influence on policy and practice.

A mixed-methods dissertation can be time and money-consuming to complete since you must gather and analyze both primary and secondary data, but this is one of its key drawbacks.