dissertation-planner

Plan dissertation chapters by defining argument structure, literature engagement, and source-based evidence mapping.

12|4|Updated Jan 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/heaversm/ralph-storywriter --skill dissertation-planner
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dissertation-planner
Source: https://github.com/heaversm/ralph-storywriter/tree/main/.claude/skills/dissertation-planner
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/heaversm/ralph-storywriter --skill dissertation-planner

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you turn a dissertation chapter idea into a rigorous, defensible chapter plan grounded in your existing framework, literature, and source material.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Chapter Architecture: Breaks a dissertation chapter into argument beats, literature positioning, theoretical framing, evidence, synthesis, and transitions.
  • Source-Grounded Planning: Inventories all files in source-material so chapter planning is based on reusable drafts, notes, PDFs, and research already available.
  • Scholarly Alignment: Connects each chapter to the dissertation thesis, methodology, disciplinary debates, and continuity with surrounding chapters.
  • Use Case: Ideal when you have a dissertation outline and a folder of research materials but need a clear plan for how one chapter should argue, what scholars it should engage, and which sources each section should draw from.

Quick Start

Ask the dissertation-planner skill to create a plan for a specific chapter ID using your dissertation framework, outline, and source-material inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions about dissertation-planner

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I structure a dissertation chapter from existing research notes and literature?

To structure a dissertation chapter, this Skill reads your framework, outline, and source materials to map argument beats, theoretical framing, and evidence into a defensible chapter plan. It inventories your existing literature to ground the argument structure.

What is the best way to plan a literature review chapter using my source material?

Planning a literature review chapter requires positioning your sources within disciplinary debates. This Skill catalogs your research files and maps them to chapter sections, validating argumentative coherence and ensuring scholarly alignment with your dissertation thesis.

Can I use this to map arguments and evidence for my entire dissertation outline?

Yes, you can map arguments and evidence for your dissertation outline by providing a specific chapter ID. The Skill processes prior progress notes and framework documents to generate chapter-level plans with continuity guidance for surrounding chapters.

How do I organize research materials for academic writing when I have a folder of PDFs and drafts?

Organizing research materials for academic writing involves cataloging reusable source content. This Skill inventories all files in your source-material folder, extracting notes and drafts to validate argumentative coherence and save a structured markdown plan.

Does dissertation planning work without a predefined methodology or theoretical framework?

Dissertation planning relies heavily on your existing theoretical framing and methodology to ensure scholarly alignment. Without providing framework documents or a prd definition, the Skill cannot fully validate argumentative coherence or connect the chapter to your dissertation thesis.

Why does my chapter plan lack continuity with surrounding dissertation sections?

Chapter plan continuity issues arise when prior progress notes are missing. This Skill reads available chapter context to bridge gaps, ensuring your argument mapping and theoretical framing align logically with the broader dissertation outline and adjacent chapters.