Dissertation Planner
Welcome to the SMED Dissertation Planner App
Empowering Ethical & Equitable Research
Welcome to the AI-Augmented Dissertation Planner. This tool is designed to support doctoral scholars in the AI4STEM Doctoral Network and beyond by streamlining the early stages of research design through a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) lens.How to Use This Tool:
- Step 1: Ideation. Use the Topic Selection module to brainstorm research questions that address real-world challenges in the Global South or underserved communities.
- Step 2: JEDI Alignment. Use the built-in prompts to ensure your methodology promotes equity and inclusivity in data collection and analysis.
- Step 3: Timeline Mapping. Generate a realistic 12-month dissertation roadmap to keep your project on track while balancing institutional requirements.
- Step 4: Export. Once you are satisfied with your draft plan, use the "Download" or "Print" function within the tool to save your work for discussion with your supervisor.
📚 Dissertation Planning Assistant
AI-Supported Research Design & Planning Tool for Doctoral Students
Based on Chapter 1: Research Design, Planning, and Structure with AI
🎯 Topic Selection & Alignment
Align your research topic with your interests, expertise, and professional goals.
❓ Research Question Development
Develop clear, specific, and feasible research questions aligned with your topic.
✅ Characteristics of Effective Research Questions
- ✓ Clear and Specific: Unambiguous language and focused scope
- ✓ Relevant: Addresses a meaningful problem or gap
- ✓ Feasible: Can be answered within time and resource constraints
- ✓ Measurable/Observable: Can be investigated empirically
- ✓ Coherent: Aligns with research design and methodology
🤖 AI Prompt Engineering Builder
Generate structured prompts using Zero-shot, ROSES, or Chain-of-Thought techniques.
📖 Prompting Technique Guide
Best for: Quick exploration, broad conceptual understanding
Structure: Simple, direct question with minimal context
Example: "Explain why aligning a research topic with interests matters."
Best for: Dissertation planning, topic narrowing, feasibility
Structure: Role + Objective + Scenario + Expected Solution + Steps
Most Actionable for research decision-making
Best for: Checking logic, revealing assumptions, alignment verification
Structure: Requests step-by-step reasoning and justification
Example: "Explain your reasoning step by step for..."
📅 Dissertation Timeline Planner
Create a realistic timeline for your dissertation journey.
Major Milestones
✅ Chapter 1 Progress Tracker
Track your progress through essential Chapter 1 activities.
1.1 Topic Selection
- Identified personal interests and expertise areas
- Brainstormed potential research topics
- Evaluated topic alignment with professional goals
- Assessed topic feasibility and resources
- Narrowed to focused research topic
1.2 Research Questions
- Articulated research problem clearly
- Drafted initial research questions
- Evaluated questions for clarity and specificity
- Checked questions are measurable/observable
- Verified feasibility within constraints
1.3 Outline Development
- Reviewed dissertation structure requirements
- Created Chapter 1 outline
- Identified organizational approach (thematic, chronological, etc.)
- Reviewed outline with advisor
1.4 Timeline Planning
- Identified major dissertation milestones
- Estimated time for each phase
- Created realistic timeline with contingencies
- Reviewed timeline with advisor
1.5-1.6 Feedback & Refinement
- Received initial feedback on proposal
- Incorporated feedback into revisions
- Refined research questions based on input
- Prepared final Chapter 1 draft
AI & Ethical Practices
- Practiced Zero-shot prompting
- Practiced ROSES prompting
- Practiced Chain-of-Thought prompting
- Documented AI use transparently
- Maintained intellectual ownership of all decisions