Hello, I am writing my dissertation (15000 words) for my Masters, however i am struggling to write it, any insights or knowledge or opinion would be greatly appreciated.

I want to write my dissertation on Computerized Accounting Information Systems and Telecommunications (The internet to use as a tool to store and transfer data). The basic outline of my dissertation would be in three sections. First looking at the benefits brought of the development of Computerized Accounting Information and telecommunications (For example increased speed, accuracy etc). The second would be looking at the increased risks of utilizing such systems (For example, fire, theft, viruses, hacking etc). The last section will look at ways for businesses to implement procedures etc to stop or mitigate the security concerns. (For example, Back up servers, passwords, tight internal control etc).

As a general dissertation question do you think this is acceptable. I am worried since the dissertation technically doesn't add new information to the academic profession however just summaries existing research into one.

Do all dissertations have to involve a literature review. Will i need to include one and what would i write about in my literature review, as it seems to be like this would be covered throughout the essay.

Technically a dissertation would include original research and what you are proposing to do is essentially a literature review. Are you sure this is going to be ok with your uni?

It sounds like you need to check with your supervisor/tutor about exactly what is required, or check the handbook or other information you were given at the beginning of your course. It's difficult for us to say without knowing the type of Masters (MSci, MSc, MRes etc are all very different courses), and different institutions will have different rules.

Alternatively, can you get access to dissertations by students who did your course in previous years, to see what they've included and how they've structured the dissertation? Your university library might have copies, or your department might make them available if you ask.

I agree with TreeofLife, a MSc should add to knowledge and your literature review demonstrates the gap in knowledge you intend to fill.

Through what you have read have you found any questions you feel have not been answered? That would be a good starting point for an idea.

As always, check with the supervisor not only because they are the one who will support you if something goes wrong with examination but because they know the details of the project which can emerge after multiple face-to-face meetings.

There is an approach known as a Critical Literature Review method which can be a way to add knowledge by critically reviewing the literature. The order in which you structure your argument is a contribution as is the choice of what parts of the literature you accept, reject and fine-tune. This is best suited to a minor thesis such as an honors thesis or a masters thesis that is part of a coursework degree and completed within one term. It is still a contribution to the field. In some ways it is a bit like an annotated bibliography - the choice of literature a person argues are central to a sub-field and they way they summarize and integrate the way the connect this body of work is a contribution. These approaches are forms of content analysis.

https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2288-9-59

Best
Jay