How to Write an INTRODUCTION Chapter (of a Thesis)

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So it seems like you’ve read my previous article on how to develop a fantastic marketing or management thesis idea, right?

That is great. But perhaps now you have a clear idea of what to do for your research project but you don’t know exactly how to start your bachelor or masters thesis?

No worries! We’ve got your back. Here are some (hopefully) useful tips to do a great job and impress your supervisor and reviewers!

First of all: There is NO specific correct way to structure the Introduction chapter. But I suggest you cover the following structure:

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1. Introduction

1.1 Personal Motivation

1.2 Research Aims and Objectives

       1.2.1 Aim

1.2.2 Objectives

1.3 Structure of the Thesis

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Let’s discuss each topic in detail so that you don’t miss anything and can look impressively smart!

1. Introduction

Imagine that your grandma is going to read your thesis and it is entitled “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals”.

Would she know what “Machine to Machine Interaction” is? (Maybe she does and even more than us two put together!). But let’s assume she has no clue!

Would she know which sustainability practices are applied in music festivals? (Well, maybe she went to Woodstock in 1969, had an affair with Jimmy Hendrix and helped them reduce water consumption!). But let’s assume she has no clue of what it is!

This is exactly the point of an introduction! The reader (whoever he/she may be!) has to be able to read your introduction and have an OVERALL idea and be FAMILIARIZED with the CONTEXT of your study.

And how do you achieve it? SIMPLE. Do the following:

• Introduce and explain BASIC concepts of your thesis to your reader for the first time in a simple way (leave the detailed descriptions for your Theoretical background/Literature Review). In the example above, you would explain:
  • “Machine to Machine Interaction”. For example:
    • What is it? When did it start?
  • Sustainability Practices applied in Music Festivals
    • Which are they? What are examples of practices applied to music festivals?

• Present reliable industry DATA.
  • What is the trend within the industry sector/product type/service type you are discussing? In the last decade, has it increased? Decreased? How large is the global/regional market size? What are sales volumes of key players?
  • Use RELIABLE sources for your data: renowned institutions and organizations, research groups, scientific publications.
  • Make sure to REFERENCE all your data.

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Video Support: Introduction Chapter 

In case you are enjoying the article, do not forget to watch the video with further support on how to write the introduction chapter of your thesis.

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1.1 Personal Motivation

Here is the section of the thesis where you describe your motivation for conducting a study on this topic.

In other words: Explain why you are writing about “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals” and not about any other random topic such as: “If there is life on other planets, aliens would also be fans of The Beatles”.

And how do you achieve it? SIMPLE. Do the following:

To explain your motivation and why you chose this topic you should ideally be very personal and even write this section in the first person (other academics might disagree with me on this, but it’s ok).

And keep this section SHORT. Two GOOD paragraphs should be enough.

1.2 Research Aims and Objectives

Here it is VERY SIMPLE. You have read the recommendations on LiveInnovation.org on “How to Develop a Research Project (or Thesis) Idea”, right? NO? (Oh man, it’s not easy being your supervisor. Honestly!). So go check the site for it!

If you have, (Good on you, I’m proud!), then simply describe your aim in a sub-section 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 your objectives.

The objectives in 1.2.2 can even be stated in bullet points.

1.3 Structure of the Thesis

And here it is absolutely easy!

Even if you have a headache, you team has lost, you ran out of Oreo Ice cream Sandwich in the fridge and  your 6 year old neighbor is learning to play the violin, you can still write this section.

It will only take you one or two paragraphs to describe in GENERAL terms what will be discussed in the following chapters.

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ONE SUGGESTION: Leave this for last and only write it once you have finished the entire thesis.

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SUMMARY

So basically you should have done the following in this chapter:

1. First you have familiarized your reader with the context of your study, regardless of who is reading (Your former hippie grandma or Michael Jordan).
2. You have familiarized the reader with YOU, by explaining WHY you are writing about this topic.
3. You have explained what the thesis will be about.
4. Finally you have anticipated the reader with what he/she/it will face on the coming chapters until the end of the thesis.

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So now you are DONE with Chapter one and can focus on the rest of the thesis!

(In case you want to thank me later: I truly enjoy beer, Port wine and Whiskey).

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Download the Recommendations

Did you like this article? Would like to have these recommendations with you while studying?

GREAT! Simply download the file here with all details:  LiveInnovation.org - Introduction Chapter of a Thesis.pdf

In case you would like to have more research suggestions, check our research resources section.