With the high focus and the importance of publishing articles recently, the journal article style allow you to author manuscripts designed for journal publication during your studies instead of a single manuscript at the conclusion of your program, as in the traditional format.
The goal of the articles format thesis is to encourage publication of research of the highest standards in a timely manner. The idea is, where the nature of the work lends itself to an articles format thesis, to remove the student from the burden of publishing a lengthy thesis in favor of greater emphasis on the quality of the research and the active publication of the results. Regardless of the nature and number of published works, the thesis must make a significant contribution to the discipline.
The two formats are similar, except that thesis/dissertation writing may contain additional subsections, like definition of terms, and journal articles are much shorter.
Here is no ourline for thesis/dissertation writing.
Method Scholarly Writing Outline for Thesis or Dissertation
The graduate student needs to write for Journals to advance her/his career. The Graduate Committee needs to ensure that the student has an understanding of his/her discipline and the scientific basis underlying her/his research. The thesis/dissertation provides the best of both worlds. The Review and Literature reflect the student's understanding and ability to take a longer and broader look. The Journal-type sections provide experience in communicating with peers worldwide with a focus on current state-of-the art. Sometimes, the university guidelines are out-of-date with the current practice in publishing scientific articles. Guidelines need to be focused on providing the student with opportunities that will enhance their success as a future scientist. These are my thoughts from supervising many students, serving on many graduate committees and directing a university-wide graduate program in my broad discipline area.