Customer Reviews

The Portable Dissertation Advisor

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This is a "must have" resource, particularly if you are a doctoral student pursuing your studies via distance learning means. Virually everything you need to know for crafting your dissertation can be found right here, and it's written in a style that makes it not only informative, but interesting and enjoyable to read as well. I cannot say enough great things about this book...it really is that good!

All dissertation writers search for practical hands-on advice. The Portable Dissertation Advisor offers that advice in a clear, readable, never overwhelming style. In addition, dissertation writers, particularly those involved in distance education, seek someone to assure them that their struggles are neither unique nor insurmountable.

Miles Bryant is a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Bryant teaches a course in the development of the doctoral dissertation and has worked with hundreds of doctoral students over the span of his career. This experience has helped him to write a book that is specifically aimed at distance and part-time doctoral students.

Finding a topic, choosing a research design, writing a literature review, and presenting your proposal are some of the key topics covered in this book. But beyond the practical advice, Bryant goes a step farther. By the time you finish this book, you will not only have a solid handle on the task in front of you, you will also feel as though your fears and trepidations are understood, you have found a sympathetic and understanding guide through the dark forest that is the mighty dissertation.

If you are a doctoral student preparing to write you dissertation, you need to get this book. Dr. Bryant does an excellent job of taking you through this process. Not only that, but he understands the feelings and frustrations that all doctoral students go through at this time. This will be a reference I will continually use throughout my dissertation process.

I have no fewer than six dissertation guides on my bookshelf as I complete my dissertation. This book is far and away the most helpful and comprehensive both in terms of explicating the committee process from start to finish and guiding the actual layout and writing of the dissertation. If you are writing or are considering writing your dissertation, buy this book. You'll not regret it.

Dr. Bryant's The Portable Dissertation Advisor was aptly named. It has traveled in my carry-on bag many times as I made the flight to the university where I earned my doctorate, primarily through distance learning. Like my suitcase, the book is lightweight, efficiently packed, and carries all the essentials for the journey.

I referred to this book extensively throughout my dissertation proposal development, the writing process, and even when preparing for the defense. The advice offered is thorough, direct, and very practical. The number of turned-down pages and sticky-notes left protruding from the well-worn pages are testament to the usefulness of the small text. I will - and in fact, already have - recommended this resource to anyone in a doctoral program.

I've already gotten through the first 2 chapters and am finding hints and tips that have helped me figure out what I need to do for getting documentation as an online post-graduate that is writing a dissertation. The author does a great job explaining things and makes you feel confident as well in your quest to accomplish these tasks.

This is an excellent guide for any non-traditional student who is working on his dissertation. It is an easy read but a very handy guide to keep around for inspiration and guidance.