Writing an MBA thesis in just 30 days might sound impossible, but with the right tips and tricks, you can do it. This guide will help you stay on track and finish your thesis without too much stress. Let's dive into some essential tips to make this journey easier.

Key Takeaways

• Set realistic goals and adjust your expectations to avoid burnout.
• Don't aim for perfection; focus on getting things done.
• Apply the 80/20 rule to prioritize your efforts effectively.
• Use tools like Grammarly to enhance your writing quality.
• Join online writing communities for support and motivation.

Adjust Your Expectations

If you want to finish writing your thesis in a month, the first thing you need to recognize is that you don’t need to break new grounds in your thesis for your thesis to be acceptable. The point of a thesis is to show that you understand the literature and can present it clearly. That’s all you need to do.

If you’re aiming for more, then consider these two points:

1. Accept feedback from your examiners. Listen carefully to their responses and take note of them. This will help you when doing revisions.
2. Set realistic deadlines for your thesis. This will help you stay on track, reduce stress, and ensure quality work. A smooth thesis journey is possible with a well-planned thesis action plan.

Don't Be a Perfectionist

A professor once told me, if you want to write a perfect thesis, "you will never finish writing." And he was right. I can't begin to tell you just how much time I wasted trying to write a flawless thesis. In the end, it was not worth it. I ended up procrastinating and wasting time. I wish I could have that time back. Please, don't make the same mistake I made.

If you're tight on time and you want to finish writing your thesis in 30 days, then do yourself a favor and focus on being done. Write something that's good enough and move on knowing that you will get back to it later. So stop fixing things day in and day out. The goal is to make linear progress every single day until you're done. Remember, a mediocre finished thesis is better than a perfect unfinished one.

Perfectionists (like me) will particularly benefit from dividing their writing into discrete stages. The purpose of the first stage of writing is to get as many ideas as possible on paper, without judging, editing or formatting your document. By allowing yourself to collect your ideas without criticism, you can spark your creativity and overcome the fear of imperfection that may be holding you back from starting to write your thesis.

Take the 80/20 Rule Seriously

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a powerful tool for managing your time and efforts while writing your MBA thesis. This principle suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Focus on the tasks that will have the most significant impact on your thesis. For example, if you have an assignment that usually takes 10 hours to finish, and you give yourself only 2 hours to work on it, you will probably finish it in 2 hours. This is because each writing assignment will take you as much time as you’re willing to give it.

To apply this rule effectively, identify the key components of your thesis that will contribute the most to your overall success. These might include your literature review, data analysis, or conclusion. Prioritize these sections and allocate your time accordingly.

Remember, a mediocre finished thesis is better than a perfect unfinished one. So, stop fixing things day in and day out. The goal is to make linear progress every single day until you’re done. If you’re tight on time and you want to finish writing your thesis in 30 days, then do yourself a favor and focus on being done. Write something that’s good enough and move on knowing that you will get back to it later.

Use Grammarly: An Online Writing Assistant

To help speed up the writing process, you can benefit from using a powerful writing assistant like Grammarly. Grammarly employs a combination of standard correction detection, which identifies frequently misused words based on patterns, and advanced AI technology. This makes it an invaluable tool for business students working on their MBA thesis.

With Grammarly, you don’t have to worry about proofreading. It will do that for you. You don’t have to worry about manually checking for plagiarism, style, punctuation, and even wordiness. Grammarly can help you do all of that and will also offer explanations for the reasoning behind each correction.

Grammarly can help save you a lot of time – especially when you are stuck looking for the right word, or the right way to phrase a sentence. Grammarly gives you a list of context-specific vocabulary suggestions/enhancements/corrections and allows you to make an informed decision about what’s best in your specific writing context. This makes your writing flow better and allow you to move forward at a faster rate.

Here are testimonies by students about how Grammarly has helped them with writing their thesis.

Just downloaded Grammarly for the first time and it has transformed my essays. I sound so smart! #Grammarly #Student — Lucy Jade ANutr (@lucyj_nutrition) March 2, 2019

#WhiteSmoke online editor combined with #Grammarly Chome extension..genius… Why didn't I discovered that earlier #Writing #Thesis #PhD — Quirina de Ruiter (@QuirinaDeRuiter) June 28, 2016

You can also use Grammarly for better and more professional sounding emails – especially when you want to email your advisor and your committee. You can also use Grammarly across pretty much all of your social media platforms including twitter, facebook, linkedin and more.

In order to get access to all the tools that will help you write your thesis efficiently, I recommend their premium plan. The total cost comes out to 2 – 3 cups of cappuccinos… it’s worth it.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Here's a dose of realism. As original as you would like to be in your thesis, someone has already written on your topic... and that's a great thing! Don't reinvent the wheel! This is such a classic money block—the feeling that we have to work so hard that we have to reinvent the wheel every time. Instead, use existing research to your advantage.

Start by reviewing journal articles, books, and other theses related to your topic. This will not only save you time but also provide a solid foundation for your work.

Remember, your goal is to add value, not to start from scratch. By building on existing research, you can focus on what truly matters: your unique insights and contributions.

So, don't stress about being completely original. Use the resources available to you and make your thesis the best it can be.

Complete a Quick First Draft

The fastest way to finish your MBA thesis is to write a quick first draft. This means getting all your ideas down on paper without worrying about perfection. Don't dwell on any single paragraph or idea. If you get stuck, move on to another section and come back later. This approach helps you see the conclusion of your thesis and identify which parts need more work or should be cut out.

When you start writing, set aside 30-60 minutes without distractions. Keep your outline and brainstormed ideas nearby. The goal is to get content on the page, even if it's not perfect. Remember, it's okay to delete parts later. This method allows you to explore your research question in detail and find opposing arguments for your study. By doing this, you can emphasize the importance of your research and draft your thesis more effectively.

Journal Articles Are Your Best Friend

Journal articles are a treasure trove for MBA students. They are usually less than 25 pages long, and sometimes even shorter than 15 pages. The best part? They’re succinct. You can read the abstract and immediately grasp the main argument and strategy of the paper. This makes them incredibly efficient for research.

When you dive into these articles, you’ll find that they help position your thesis within the broader literature on your topic. This gives you a much clearer direction. Moreover, journal articles are a great way to identify contemporary issues in business, management, entrepreneurship, and finance. This can be invaluable for your thesis.

Here are some tips for using journal articles effectively:

1. Read the Abstract First: This will give you a quick overview of the article's main points.
2. Look for Evidence: Once you understand the main argument, look for supporting evidence within the paper.
3. Identify Research Gaps: Pay attention to the future research gaps mentioned in the articles. These can provide ideas for your own research.

By mastering the use of journal articles, you can save time and significantly improve the quality of your MBA thesis.

Write (Your Thesis) Everywhere

To make the most of your time, plan to write your thesis wherever you are. Whether you're waiting for a friend, on the bus, or having lunch, use these moments to jot down ideas or draft sections. This approach helps you overcome what some call the "familiarity deficit." Don't underestimate the value of these small time slots; they can give you a head start when you sit down to work on a specific chapter. This strategy is especially useful when you're figuring out how to start thesis writing or refining your research proposal. By integrating writing into your daily routine, you'll find that progress comes more naturally and consistently.

Join Online Writing Communities

Joining online writing communities can be a game-changer for your thesis journey. These platforms are free and offer a wealth of support from people who are going through the same thing. For instance, Phinished is a popular community that many students find helpful. Engaging with these communities can provide you with valuable feedback and motivation.

Consider the following benefits of joining online writing communities:

• Peer Support: Connect with others who understand the challenges of thesis writing.
• Feedback: Get constructive criticism to improve your work.
• Motivation: Stay motivated by sharing your progress and celebrating milestones.
• Resources: Access a variety of resources, including tips on mastering presentation skills, starting thesis writing, and overcoming isolation in thesis writing.

Don't underestimate the power of community. By joining these groups, you can turn what might feel like a solitary task into a collaborative and enriching experience.

Turn Failure Into a Great Business School Admissions Essay

When applying to business school, it's crucial to turn setbacks into compelling stories. Admissions experts suggest that if you're unsure how to describe yourself, you might want to ask friends and family for advice. Keeping a diary or creating a storyboard of your life can also help you gain self-awareness. Unlocking student success often involves reflecting on past experiences and learning from them.

Once you've decided on your topic, let your words flow without too much self-editing. Over-editing at the start can hinder your productivity. Revisions and tweaks can come later, after you've fully expressed your ideas.

Use your essay to provide context for any gaps or weaknesses in your application. For instance, if your undergraduate grades were low because you worked full-time to pay for school, write about it. This approach not only explains the situation but also highlights your determination and work ethic.

Remember, admissions committees read thousands of essays. To stand out, make your personal statement memorable. Focus on what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped you into the person you are today.

Turning a failure into a compelling business school admissions essay can be a game-changer. If you're struggling with how to start or what to include, don't worry. Our step-by-step guides and resources are here to help you craft an essay that stands out. Ready to transform your setbacks into a success story? Visit our website now and get started!

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a high-quality MBA thesis in 30 days is a challenging yet achievable goal. By following the essential tips outlined in this article, you can streamline your writing process and maintain a steady pace. Remember to set realistic expectations, avoid perfectionism, and make use of helpful tools like Grammarly. Additionally, leveraging journal articles and joining online writing communities can provide valuable support and inspiration. Stay focused, keep writing, and don't be afraid to revise and improve your work. With dedication and the right strategies, you can successfully complete your thesis within the tight deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really possible to write a thesis in 30 days?

Yes, it is possible to write a thesis in 30 days if you stay focused and follow a structured plan.

How do I avoid being a perfectionist while writing my thesis?

Focus on making progress each day instead of trying to make everything perfect. Remember, a finished thesis is better than an unfinished perfect one.

What is the 80/20 rule in thesis writing?

The 80/20 rule means focusing on the 20% of tasks that will give you 80% of the results. Prioritize the most important parts of your thesis.

How can Grammarly help me with my thesis?

Grammarly can help you catch grammar mistakes, improve your writing style, and ensure your thesis is clear and error-free.

Why should I not try to reinvent the wheel?

Using existing research and frameworks can save you time and help you build on proven ideas instead of starting from scratch.

What should I do if I get stuck while writing?

Take a break, clear your mind, and come back to it later. Sometimes stepping away for a bit can help you see things more clearly.

Are journal articles really that helpful?

Yes, journal articles provide valuable insights, data, and references that can strengthen your thesis and support your arguments.

Can I write my thesis in different locations?

Absolutely! Writing in different places can keep your mind fresh and inspired. Just make sure you have a comfortable and quiet space to work.