Design Research Dissertation - Final Assessment: Research for Article Publication

⭐ 4/11/2024 - 29/12/2024 (Week 11 - Week 14)

🎀 Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425 

💜 Design Research Dissertation | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University

📚 Final Assessment: Research for Article Publication

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1. LECTURES & WORK PROGRESS

Week 11: Briefing

Instruction:

Doc. 1.1 Module Information Booklet - Design Research Dissertation.

Summary: Manuscript Preparation Guide

General Requirements:

• Manuscripts must be written in English and not exceed 15 pages, including visuals (e.g., images, charts, tables).
• Use the provided Raw Input template without altering its format.
• Include up to 5 keywords and ensure the manuscript is original and unpublished.

Formatting:

• Visuals should have clear captions and numbering (e.g., Figures for images, Tables for tabular data).
• High-quality visuals (max resolution: 150 dpi) are required, and full-page visuals should be placed in the Appendices.

References:

• Follow the APA style for citations and references as specified in the template.

Submission Process:

• Submit the completed manuscript in MS Word format via email to Dr. Yip Jinchi.(jinchi.yip@taylors.edu.my)
• Poorly written or non-compliant manuscripts may be rejected before review.

Review and Revision:

• Authors will receive feedback within 30 working days and must make revisions within 15 working days.

Publishing Ethics:

• Authorship: Only contributors should be listed as authors.
• Plagiarism: Any uncredited use of others' ideas, data, or visuals is prohibited. Authors must hold intellectual property rights for all content used.

Doc. 1.2 How to Turn Your Thesis into an Article

Doc. 1.3 How to Write a Research Paper

Week 12-13: Journal Article Publication

Differences Between Dissertations and Journal Articles

Based on the lecture slides:

• A journal article is significantly shorter than a dissertation, containing only the most relevant points and information. Rather than including all content from the dissertation, specific details are extracted and adjusted to fit the article's formatting requirements.

• Conciseness is key—wording should be shortened, and unnecessary details should be excluded. Focus only on essential information without elaborating more than necessary.

• When dealing with one research methodology but multiple research questions, you may need to focus on just one question or cover all of them, depending on what best suits the article's purpose.

• Similarly, narrowing the focus on the methodology may be beneficial for creating a more concise and targeted article.

The lecturer also advised us to write the article according to the following template:

Doc. 1.4 Template.

During these two week, I transformed our dissertation into a journal article, adhering to the KREATE TDS journal format for submission. To streamline the content, we are encouraged to narrow the scope of our study by focusing on 1-2 specific research objectives.

To create an engaging journal article, begin with a strong introduction that captures attention through a compelling hook and clearly outlines the article’s purpose and relevance. Support arguments with credible sources, using data, quotes, and examples to establish reliability. Organize the content into short, precise paragraphs, each focused on a single idea, while avoiding unnecessary details. Ensure the article flows logically by using smooth transitions and subheadings to guide readers. Enhance visual appeal with charts, graphs, or tables and emphasize key points with subtle formatting like bold or italicized text. By combining these elements, the article will be both impactful and easy to read.

To improve the quality of my journal article, I focused on refining sentence structures and correcting grammar errors. These adjustments helped ensure the language was clear, precise, and professional. By reworking certain sentences, the content became more engaging and easier to read. Fixing grammar issues also enhanced the article's credibility, making it feel polished and well-presented. Beyond sentence-level edits, I paid close attention to the overall flow of the article. I worked on presenting ideas logically and creating smooth transitions between sections, making the narrative cohesive and easy to follow. These efforts made it simpler for readers to grasp the argument and findings. Addressing these elements helped elevate the article, ensuring it clearly communicated my research and delivered a professional final product.

Figure. 1.1 Work Progress #1 - Abstract.

Figure. 1.2 Work Progress #2 - Introduction and Problem Statement.

Figure. 1.3 Work Progress #3 - Methodology.

Figure. 1.4 Work Progress #4 - Findings and Discussion.

Figure. 1.5 Work Progress #5 - Conclusion.

Figure. 1.6 Work Progress #6 - Appendixes.

Week 14: Final Submission of Journal Article Publication

Final Submission

Doc. 1.5 Final Journal Article Publication.

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2. FEEDBACK

Week 11

Students are encouraged to revise their research titles to better reflect the specific focus of their journal articles. 

Week 12

Review your research questions and objectives to identify the focus of your article. Refer to Sections 4 and 5 of your dissertation to pinpoint the key area to highlight. In the methodology section, include only a specific part relevant to the article's focus.

Week 13

I was instructed to replace one article as it didn’t align with others; use similarities in secondary data to organize subtopics.

Week 14

I needed to make minor adjustments to sentence structures and correct grammar errors to enhance clarity and professionalism. Ensure smooth transitions and logical flow between sections to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative, effectively communicating the article's key points.

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3. REFLECTION

Experiences

The process of converting my dissertation into a journal article was both challenging and insightful. It required a shift in perspective, focusing on distilling the essential elements of my research while adhering to the format and style guidelines of the journal. Crafting the article involved refining the research objectives, reorganizing content, and rephrasing key points to fit a concise structure. This process highlighted the importance of clarity and precision in academic writing. The experience also deepened my understanding of how to present complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way, which was both rewarding and fulfilling.

Observations

During the publication process, I noticed the critical role of selecting only the most relevant sections of the research. Narrowing the scope to 1-2 research objectives made it easier to maintain focus and coherence. The use of visuals, such as charts and tables, significantly enhanced the presentation of data and findings, making the article more engaging. Additionally, feedback from peers and instructors revealed areas for improvement, such as sentence structure, grammar, and connecting the introduction to the research objectives. This iterative process of drafting, reviewing, and revising underscored the importance of adaptability and attention to detail.

Findings

The final assessment highlighted the interconnected nature of research and writing. It demonstrated that focusing on a specific aspect of the study not only strengthens the article but also provides a clearer narrative for the audience. I learned that maintaining a logical flow and using concise language are essential for academic publishing. Furthermore, integrating feedback and making minor adjustments greatly improved the overall quality of the article. The experience reinforced my ability to work consistently, manage time effectively, and produce a publication-ready piece that reflects both effort and learning throughout the semester.