School of Professional Studies

Netaji Subhas Open University

(Established by WB Act (XIX) of 1997, Recognized by UGC)
Accredited by NAAC with grade “A”

Revised Guideline for Dissertation (Paper-15-Old and Paper-17-New) for MSW Part-II
(Applicable for Batch: January 2023 and onwards)
Department of Social Work under the aegis of School of Professional Studies has revised the guideline for
writing Dissertation (Paper 15-Old and Paper-17-New) for MSW Part II.
Social Work is a profession as well as an academic discipline, which aims to enhance the social functioning
of the individual, groups and communities by the application of some very scientifically developed methods.
The discipline of Social Work is committed to work in the different levels Micro, Mezzo as well as Macro
levels. It works directly with the individuals and small group at the same time it works with large communities,
and engages itself with in advocacy, networking as well as policy formulation.
According to the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW), 2014 “Social work is a practice- based
profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the
empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and
respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences,
humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges
and enhance wellbeing”.
Before going any further we must have to realize the fact that, human beings often fall easy prey to these social
problems, from which they cannot come out of their own. Thus we first have to understand, why do people
suffer from these problems, how does these problems arise, who are responsible for creating these problems,
to what extent these problem exist in our societies, how do we perceive such problems and how can we put an
end to these problems. It is the duty of the Social Workers to answer these questions, and this can be done by
understanding some theories and perspectives of Social Work which will help us to go deep into the matter
and frame our views in this connection These theories help us to know why certain things happened and what
may be its consequences in the future. Social Work Discipline, is to a great extent related to other disciplines
like Sociology and Psychology. Thus many of the theories are taken from some allied disciplines while some
theories are related to the core indigenous perspectives of Social Work. The following theories may help us
to carry out our investigations of selected social problems.
 Theories for Social Work (Originating in other disciplines)
o Theories of Personality
o Learning Theory
o Behavioral theory
o Cognitive theory
o Theory of Social Disorganization
o Theory of Social Stratification
o Social Control Theories
o Theories of Social Deviances
o Anomie Theory
o Critical Theory
o Conflict Theory
o Social Choice Theory
o Differential Association Theory
o Labelling Theory
o Compensation Theory
o Feminist Theory
o Post Modern

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 Theory Theories of Social Work (Indigenous Theories)
 Ecosystem Perspectives
 Strength Perspectives
 Anti-oppressive Theory
 Empowerment/Advocacy Theory/Model
 Crisis Intervention Theory
 Family life cycle theory
Social Work Research Methodologies-
Social Work must have its own indigenous methodologies to investigate cause and effects of the social
problems. This is a discipline which explores, analyze, describes and understand the various social
relationships and their impact on the lives of the human beings. Therefore, Social Work may adopt both
Positivist as well as Heuristic epistemologies for carrying out its investigations. Positivist approach will help
us to carry out an evidence-based Research, and the information thus gathered will be helpful in chalking out
more effective problem solving practices. The Heuristic approach on the other hand helps to understand the
problem from the respondent’s own perspective and thus gives a rich detail to the problem and increases the
scope for inclusion of marginalized segment also. Thus the Researcher must be careful in planning a
Research Methodology which would be in accordance with the area selected for carrying out the research.
Format for writing Dissertation Report
The learners are expected to remember and incorporate the following points while writing their Dissertation. A
learner has to take guidance from an approved empaneled Dissertation Guide of MSW of NSOU.
 Section of the Topic-The topic must be pertaining to Social Work issues or relevant social
issues/problems and have enough scopes for Social Work Intervention/practice.
 Title of the Study- Title must highlight the Social Work related topic along with the Target Group
and Geographical Area where the study would be conducted.
Table of Contents
Front Page / Cover Page (Should include Title of the Study, Name of the Study Centre with
code, Enrollment No. and Roll No., Session)
Dissertation Workshop Participation Certificate
Certificate of Guide/Supervisor
Declaration
Acknowledgement
List of Abbreviations
List of Tables
List of Figures
Content
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Literature
Objectives
Methodology
Data Analysis/ Major Findings
Results and Discussions
Suggestions / Recommendations
Conclusion
References / Bibliography
Appendices (As applicable like Interview Schedule / Questionnaire, Area Map etc.)

CHAPTER-I: INTRODUCTION
Introduction-A brief prelude and statement about the contemporary problem/issue.
Significance of the Problem-
 Genesis of the Problems which should be substantiated with enough statistical data
 Contemporary problems
 Problem in International and National scenario

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  Relation of the study with areas/ theories of Social Work

CHAPTER-II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Review of Literature
Review of Literature is a very important part of any Dissertation, as it helps us to understand the topic of
research by reviewing the already existing secondary data. A thorough and critical literature review enables
us to plan our Research Design, frame our Objectives and chalk out Methodologies. As many as contemporary
(may be last 10-years) Journals/ Articles as possible to be reviewed with critical analysis. Following table may
be used to give the analysis of the Literature Review.
Source/Author/ Type of Methodology Data Collection Purpose/ Limitation Result/Findings
Citation Study Adopted Approach Aims

Based on the thorough Review of Literature, a researcher would be able to figure out the research gaps and
thus frame the objectives of study and will find out the scope and need for further studies.
Rationale of the Study
Why the particular topic was selected by the learner must be specified here from the learner’s own perspective.
In this segment the Researcher would justify why she /he has taken up the given study and how will the study
will contribute to the discipline of social work.
Objective of the study
The Researcher would give an idea about what is to be explored from the study. The Objectives can limit to
4-5 as per the requirement. The researcher should avoid overlapping of the objectives.
CHAPTER-III: METHODOLOGY
Methodology
What would be the relevant or pertinent methodology for your study and why is it important.
Research Approach
Research Approach to be specified as per Qualitative / Quantitative or Eclectic (Mixed Methods).
Universe and Sample of the study
Define the Universe and Sample size. Logic for choosing a sampling method and sample size for the study.
Research Design
Explain your Research Design as per your study. Whether the research is Explanatory or Exploratory or Descriptive
type. Give your justification for choosing a particular Research Design.
Tools of Data Collection-
Specify the data collection tools for primary and secondary sources of data. Illustrate the process for data analysis.
Ethical Concern (Consent) if any must be taken from the concern stakeholders.

CHAPTER-IV: DATA ANALYSIS

Profile of Respondents-
Narratives of the case studies /oral histories and profile of the respondents or participants must be given and
discussed as per as the Qualitative / Quantitative or Eclectic Research Design.
Data Analysis: Analysis and interpretation of collected data
Limitation of the Study: Limitation of the present study in terms of areas covers, sample size etc.

CHAPTER-V: MAJOR FINDINGS

Major findings
Results of the data analysis based on the objective of the study must be given here systematically.

CHAPTER-VI: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Discussion and Conclusion
Summarization and drawing conclusion based on the findings. Your observations and suggestions about the
study. Scope for Social work interventions must be given, along with the role of Social Workers, NGOs and
Government organization as relevant.
References and Bibliography
Proper citation/references/bibliography should be given to avoid plagiarism in APA style with latest version.
Appendices: Attach annexures like a sample copy of Interview Schedule/Questionnaire/FGD/Case Study/Area
Map etc. or any other relevant documents as applicable.

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Dissertation Workshop Participation Certificate (Original): All enrolled learners of MSW-II must attend the
‘Dissertation Workshop’ and Dissertation Workshop Participation Certificate (Original) is mandatory to attach with
the final Dissertation Report (Paper -15-Old and Paper-17-New).

Certificate of Guide (Original): A Certificate of Guide in prescribed format from an approved /empaneled
Dissertation Guide for MSW of NSOU is also mandatory to attach with the final Dissertation Report (Paper -15-
Old and Paper-17-New).

Without these two certificates in original, dissertation will not be accepted for evaluation. Further, Dissertation
Report must be typed either in English or Bengali. Handwritten/scanned/photocopy copy of Dissertation Report
will not be accepted. The date of submission of Dissertation Report and other necessary details for preparation of
dissertation report will notify by the Examination Department of NSOU.

Learners are instructed to take guidance only from an approved / empaneled Dissertation Guide for MSW of NSOU.
The list of approved / empanelled Dissertation Guide for MSW of NSOU is available in the university website
(https://www.wbnsou.ac.in).
Further, an approved/empanelled Dissertation Guide is permitted to guide a maximum of 10 learners in an academic
year/session for which they are entitled to get honorarium as per the university rules.

For academic support learners may contact to:

Sri Kalyan Kr. Sanyal Dr. Kasturi Sinha Ghosh Dr. Monojit Garai
Associate Professor of Social Work Asst. Professor of Social Work Asst. Professor of Social Work
Durgapur RC, NSOU Kalyani RC, NSOU Jalpaiguri RC, NSOU
E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected]

For any accdemic query you are free to write to: [email protected]

For updated and authentic source of information kindly visit the university website only
(https://www.wbnsou.ac.in)

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 Cover Page

NETAJI SUBHAS OPEN UNIVERSITY

<TITLE OF THE DISSERTATION>

A Dissertation is submitted to the Netaji Subhas Open

University in partial fulfilment for the award of the
degree of Master in Social Work (MSW)

:Submitted By:
<Enrolment No>
<Roll No>
<Learner Support Centre with code>
<Paper No>
Master of Social Work (MSW/PGSW)

Under the Guidance of:

<Name of the Guide>
<Designation>
<Affiliation>

<Year/Session>
 (Prescribed Format)

CERTIFICATE O F G U I D E

(From the E m p a ne ll ed Guide/Supervisor)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Enrollment Number ……………………………………………………………………………………………

Roll No……………………………………………………………………, appeared for PG TEE June/December ………..................
of Study Centre/LSC (With Code) ……………….……………………………………………………………………………………..……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………
is an enrolled learner of MSW Part-II of Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) has worked and
completed the Dissertation (Paper-17-New / Paper-15-Old) in partial fulfilment for the award of the
degree of Master in Social Work (MSW) under my supervision and guidance. The Dissertation titled
“………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..............................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….”
is an original work as per my knowledge. I hereby further certify that the work has not been submitted
elsewhere. It is recommended that this dissertation may be placed before the examiner for evaluation.

Date: …………………………………………………………………
Signature of the Guide/Supervisor

Full Name in Capital: ……………………………………………………………..

Designation: .….…….…………………………………………………………………

Affiliation: .………..…………………………………………………………………….

Address:………………….……………………………………………….…………

……….........………………………...……………...…………………………………………………