The Marathon, Not the Sprint

Writing a thesis or dissertation is arguably the most significant academic challenge a student will face. Whether you are an undergraduate finishing your final year or a PhD candidate contributing new knowledge to your field, the pressure is universal. It is not just a long essay; it is a demonstration of your ability to think critically, gather data, analyze evidence, and present a coherent argument.

Many students approach the thesis process with dread, procrastination, or panic. They view it as a hurdle to jump over rather than an opportunity to showcase their expertise. At Speedrise Project, we believe that with the right strategy, structure, and support, writing a thesis can be a manageable and even rewarding process.

In this expert guide, we break down the thesis writing process into actionable stages, offering professional advice on how to navigate the pitfalls of topic selection, data analysis, plagiarism, and the final defense.

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Phase 1: The Foundation – Choosing a Topic That Works

 

The biggest mistake students make happens before they write a single word: Choosing the wrong topic.

A common misconception is that a “complex” topic gets better grades. In reality, a complex topic often leads to complex problems. A good thesis topic must meet three criteria: Relevance, Feasibility, and Data Availability.

 

1. Relevance (The “So What?” Factor)

 

Your topic must address a current problem. Avoid topics that have been over-researched or are outdated. For example, writing about “The Impact of GSM on Nigerian Communication” in 2025 is outdated. Instead, look at “The Impact of Fintech Apps on Traditional Banking Habits.”

• Expert Tip: Look for “Gaps in Literature.” Read the “Recommendations for Future Research” section of recent journal articles. That is where you find your topic.

 

2. Feasibility (Can You Actually Do It?)

 

Do you have the time and money to conduct this research? If your topic requires traveling to six different states to interview CEOs, do you have the budget? If not, scale it down. A narrow, well-executed study is better than a broad, poorly executed one.

 

3. Data Availability (The Deal Breaker)

 

Before you submit a topic for approval, ask yourself: “Where will I get the data?” If you are writing about the internal financial records of a private company, will they actually give you those records? If the answer is “maybe,” do not pick that topic.

• Speedrise Service: Stuck on a topic? We offer a Topic Selection Service where we provide 3 approved, researchable topics with assured data availability.

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Phase 2: The Roadmap – Crafting the Proposal and Chapter 1

 

Once your topic is approved, the real work begins. Your Chapter 1 (Introduction) sets the stage. It is the first thing your supervisor reads, and first impressions matter.

 

The Background of the Study

 

This section should move from the “General” to the “Specific.” Start by discussing the problem globally, then narrow it down to Africa/Nigeria, and finally to your specific case study. This is called the “Funnel Approach.”

 

The Statement of the Problem

 

This is the heart of your thesis. If there is no problem, there is no research. You must clearly articulate what is wrong.

• Bad Problem Statement: “Many small businesses are failing.” (Too vague).

• Good Problem Statement: ” despite government intervention funds, 60% of SMEs in Lagos fail within the first two years due to lack of digital literacy.” (Specific).

 

Objectives and Research Questions

 

These must align perfectly. If you have three objectives, you must have three research questions and three hypotheses. Consistency is key.

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Phase 3: The Literature Review – More Than Just Copying

 

Chapter 2 is where many students get lazy. They copy and paste paragraphs from old textbooks and call it a literature review. This is the fastest way to get flagged for plagiarism.

 

Conceptual Framework

 

Define your key variables. Don’t just use dictionary definitions; use definitions from academic scholars in your field.

 

Theoretical Framework

 

Every good house needs a foundation; every good thesis needs a theory. Whether it is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, The Agency Theory, or Keynesian Economics, you must anchor your work in established theory.

 

Empirical Review (The Critical Part)

 

This is where you review previous studies.

• The Mistake: Listing what others did (“Smith said X, Jones said Y”).

• The Expert Way: Critiquing what others did (“While Smith argued X, his study failed to consider Y, which this current study will address”).

• Expert Tip: Ensure your sources are recent. 70% of your references should be from the last 5–10 years. Using sources from 1995 makes your work look obsolete.
  
  

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  • 👉 WhatsApp: Click to Chat (+234 707 619 5761)

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Answering Questions

 

• Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer, don’t lie. Say, “That is an interesting angle I didn’t consider, but based on my data…”

• Know Your Data: The most common question is “How did you arrive at this sample size?” Be ready to cite the formula (e.g., Taro Yamane).

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Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

 

A thesis is a journey that transforms a student into a scholar. It requires discipline, research ethics, and technical skill. However, the complexity of modern research—combined with strict plagiarism and AI rules—can make it overwhelming.

This is where Speedrise Project steps in. We are not just a service; we are your academic partners.

• Need a Topic? We have them.

• Struggling with Data? We analyze it.

• Worried about Plagiarism? We check it safely.

• Flagged for AI? We humanize it.

Ready to achieve academic excellence without the stress?

Contact our team today to get the professional support you deserve.

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CONTACT SPEEDRISE PROJECT

 

• 👉 WhatsApp: Click to Chat (+234 707 619 5761)

• 📧 Email: support@speedriseproject.com