MBA dissertations are typically 15,000–20,000 words, to be completed over 12–16 weeks, often while managing coursework, group projects, and — for many students — part-time employment. Without a structured timeline, students reach Week 10 with only a literature review and panic sets in.
The Most Common Scheduling Mistake
Writing chapters in the wrong order. Most students write the literature review, then the methodology, then collect data. This is correct in principle but fails in execution when the methodology is finalised without reference to the literature, and the literature review doesn't clearly establish what gaps the methodology addresses. Write your research question first, then sketch the methodology, then write the literature review knowing what it needs to establish.
A Realistic 12-Week Schedule
Weeks 1–2: Foundation — Finalise your research question, complete the research proposal (if required), get supervisor approval, and begin systematic literature search. Register with your university's research ethics office if primary data collection is required.
Weeks 3–4: Literature Review Draft — Write your thematic literature review (Chapter 2). Aim for a complete draft by the end of Week 4, even if it needs revision. An imperfect draft is infinitely better than a blank page.
Week 5: Methodology Chapter — Write Chapter 3 (methodology). This is often shorter than students expect — 2,000–3,000 words — but requires precision. Get supervisor feedback on this before data collection begins.
Weeks 6–7: Data Collection — Distribute surveys, conduct interviews, or collect secondary data. Do NOT write findings during this period — focus entirely on getting a sufficient, quality dataset.
Week 8: Data Analysis — Run your statistical tests or code your thematic analysis. This week will feel intensive. Budget 3–4 full days for analysis alone.
Week 9: Findings Chapter — Write Chapter 4 presenting your results. Findings chapters report what you found — no interpretation here. Tables, figures, and thematic summaries go here.
Week 10: Discussion Chapter — Write Chapter 5, interpreting findings in relation to your literature review and research question. This is the most intellectually demanding chapter. Reserve your best energy for it.
Week 11: Introduction and Conclusion — Counterintuitively, write your Introduction last (or second-to-last). It should introduce what you actually found, not what you hoped to find. Write the Conclusion and executive summary.
Week 12: Review, Edit, Submit — Proofread, check referencing, format according to university guidelines, run through Turnitin, and submit.
Buffer Rule
Build one week of buffer into your schedule. If your university deadline is Week 14, plan to complete by Week 12. Data collection always takes longer than expected. Transcription, if you are conducting interviews, alone can take 6–8 hours per interview.