As a research associate, I have supervised a large number of theses and student research projects over the years. In doing so, I see the same types of questions and hurdles come up again and again when students work their way through a research project.
To make the starting phase easier, the following sections provide a set of practical, experience‑based tips for structuring and managing a thesis or research project (see also Scientific Writing, Research Question and Research Gap in Information Systems, and Theses - Outline). These suggestions are not exhaustive, and expectations may differ across departments, universities, and research groups. Still, they offer a useful first orientation that you can adapt to your specific program and supervisor.
From a process perspective, it is helpful to think of a research project in three main phases: a preparation phase, an execution phase, and a closing phase. The preparation phase covers everything that happens before the formal start of the study, such as refining the topic, formulating the research question, and planning the methodological approach (see Research Methods). The execution phase includes all activities during the project, including data collection, analysis, and iterative refinement of the written work. The closing phase is comparatively passive and focuses on final revisions, formal checks, submission, and, where applicable, preparing for the defense. In the following, these three phases can be unpacked in more detail and translated into concrete steps for your own thesis.