MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
​FACULTY OF COMMERCE
P BAG 9055 GWERU
ZIMBABWE
TEL:+263-054-227411
MEMBER OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN
EUROPEAN
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CEEMAN)
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING
DISSERTATION RESEARCH GUIDELINES
Applicable to:
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE ACCOUNTANCY (HONOURS​) DEGREE
(HACC, HACCvs)
MASTER OF COMMERCE DEGREE (MACC)
PUBLISHED BY
MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
P. BAG 9055
SENGA ROAD
SENGA, GWERU
ZIMBABWE
NOVEMBER 2019
Version 1.0 November, 2019
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unit One
Research presentation
3
Unit Two
Chapter one
12
Unit Three
Chapter two
16
Unit Four
Chapter three
20
Unit Five
Chapter four
23
Unit Six
Chapter five
26
Appendix
28
2
UNIT ONE
[Preliminary pages]
RESEARCH PRESENTATION
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to highlight the specifications in the presentation of the
research project in order to achieve uniformity and consistency. The section covers the
following aspects:●
●
●
●
●
1.1
The Preliminary (front ) Pages
The Research Report Text
Text Formatting
Back pages material
Binding
The Preliminary Pages
In the preliminary pages of the research project you present the following materials:●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
The Title page
The Approved Form
The Release Form
Dedication
The Abstract
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices
The preliminary pages that precede the introduction should be numbered in lower case
Roman numerals i.e. i, ii, iii, iv etc while the body of the research is numbered in Arabic
numerals i.e. 1,2,3 etc.
3
1.1.1 ​The Title Page
The title page must be arranged as follows:●
●
●
Institution granting degree.
Title of the research project:- the title of the research project must be brief and
should have 15 words or less.
The title of the research project is in capital letters (well centered): indicate your
full name starting with first name then middle name(s) and lastly surname. The
following statement should be written under your name, well centered and
systematically arranged:
A DISSERTATION/THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE (insert name of degree) OF MIDLANDS STATE
UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMMERCE.
Indicate month and year of submission at the bottom (well-centered).
1.1.1
The Release Form
This is a form that grants the university permission to produce copies for the project and also
reserves the authors’ publication rights.
1.1.2
The Signed Approval Form
This serves as an official acknowledgement and acceptance of the research project as
satisfactory. It is signed by the supervisor and the Chairperson of the Department.
1.1.3
Dedication (Optional)
This serves as tribute or recognition to a specific individual or individuals.
1.1.5. The Abstract
The abstract should follow the title page and begin on a new page. It should be concise but
comprehensive (between 250 – 300 words). The abstract is used by potential readers to
determine at a glance, the contents of the project. The abstract should contain:
▪ A clear statement of the problem under investigation and the purpose of the research;
▪ A description of the methods used in the study i.e. the design, the sample size and the
sample composition;
▪ An indication of where and how the data was obtained;
▪ A description of the data analysis technique;
▪ A summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations.
4
1.1.6
Acknowledgements
In this section you acknowledge the person or persons to whom you are indebted for the
guidance and assistance in making your study successful. Present this section on a separate
page.
1.1.7
Table of Contents
Table of contents should be sufficiently informative with page numbers of all sections and
chapters indicated. The preliminaries are typed in lower case. These are typed as follows:
Title Page
Release Form
Approval Form
Dedication
Abstract
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
List of Table
List of Figures
List of Appendices
i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
viii
ix
x
After the preliminaries you then list Chapter and Chapter headings and subheading giving the
page(s) where these are located in your research project.
For typing you should ensure that:
Chapter numbers and preliminaries’ page numbers are typed in Roman numerals;
Chapter titles and Chapter numbers are typed in UPPER CASE;
Sub-headings of each chapter are typed in lower case and single spaced;
Margins are 3.8cm on the left and 2.5cm at the right, top and bottom sides
Numbering of the pages should be at the centre bottom,
References and Appendices are presented in Arabic numerals and are typed in upper
case.
▪ Spelling should follow that of the UK. English Dictionary – use the “Spell Grammar”
checker facility in the MS-Word.
▪ Ensure that typescripts are legible, and that the fonts as well as format are consistent
throughout.
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
5
1.1.8
List of Tables
▪ Type each table on a separate sheet in case it covers half a page or more;
▪ Number them consecutively using Arabic numbers e.g. Table 4.1, Table 4.2 etc in the
same order they are referred to in the text. Type them at the top of the table;
▪ Type adequate and self-explanatory headings above tables;
▪ Capitalize only the first letter of the first word of the heading and of column headings in
the table except where otherwise necessary;
▪ Place acknowledgements of the source below the tables e.g. Source: Smith and Smart
(2017), where applicable;
▪ Give references for tables in full only in the references list at the end of the research
project and not as footnotes to the text.
1.1.9
List of Figures
▪ Provide these on separate sheets in case they cover half page or more;
▪ Number the figures sequentially in Arabic numbers (e.g. Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3
etc) and refer to them in the text in order of appearance. Type captions below figures;
▪ Capitalize only the first letter of captions except where otherwise necessary.
1.2
The Research Project Text
This refers to Chapters 1-5 since these constitute your main report.
1.2.1
Text Formatting
This subsection concentrates on the presentation specifications of the research or main
body. It covers the following subheadings:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Margins
General Typing Rules
Text spacing
Hyphenated words
Book titles
Pagination
1.2.1.1 Margins
All pages should have top, bottom, left and right hand margins (properly justified)
with the following specifications:
▪ 3.8cm on the left margin to allow binding;
▪ 2.5cm at the top and bottom;
▪ 2.5cm on the right hand.
1.2.1.2 Typing Rules
▪
▪
A4 pager is to be used;
Typing should be done on one side of the page only;
6
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Use Times New Roman font size 12;
Line spacing should be 1.5;
All Chapters should be numbered in Roman numerals, centred and typed in
capital letters;
All chapter titles should be centered, in capitals and two spaces below chapter
number;
For all subheadings, use a combination of capitals and lower case;
Sub-heading should be highlighted (bold) and flushed against the left margin
(do not underline them).
CHAPTER ONE
2 Spaces
INTRODUCTION
3 Spaces
▪
▪
If subheadings are more than 1 line, they should be single spaced.
Each chapter begins on a separate new page.
1.2.3 Text Spacing
Begin 3 spaces below the last line of the chapter title (as shown above). A minimum of 2
lines must be used to divide paragraphs or when beginning a new sub-division.
1.2.4 Font Type and size
Times New Roman should be used for font type and a font size 12pt throughout the research
report.
1.2.5
Quotations
Long quotations should:
▪ Be indented;
▪ Be single spaced;
▪ Be in Block typed form i.e. 4 spaces from left margin;
▪ To be enclosed in quotation marks.
▪ Begin 3 spaces below general text.
▪ Quotations less than 3 lines are enclosed in quotation marks and typed within
the general text.
1.2.6
Hyphenated words
7
These should be kept to a minimum of three per page.
Protruding words into right hand margins should be avoided. Avoid hyphenating last word
on the page.
1.2.7
Bold Titles
Titles of books and periodicals should be underlined if used in text.
1.2.8
Page Numbering
The following specifications should be noted:
▪ All the preliminaries are numbered in the lower case of the Roman numerals,
centered at the bottom of the page;
▪ Arabic numbering begins on Chapter one and continues up to the end of
appendices;
▪ Numbering should be positioned at the bottom centre of each page; and
▪ Arabic numbering should be positioned at the bottom centre of each page.
1.3
Back Page Materials
This section refers to references and appendices.
1.3.1
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
References
References should come immediately after last chapter of the research project i.e.
Chapter v;
Should reflect works consulted and appearing in the text;
Cite references in alphabetical order of authors and in order of year of publication,
start with papers by the same author being arranged in the order of (1) single author
(2) two authors alphabetically according to the name of second author and (3) several
authors chronologically with 2017a and 2017b etc for papers published in the same
year.
References by one author take precedence over references by the same plus additional
authors irrespective of the year of publication.
Avoid using Anon or Anonymous where possible. Where no name of the author is
given, use the name of the sponsoring or issuing organization, ministry and
department etc if it can be identified.
NOTE: DO NOT NUMBER THE REFERENCES​.
1.3.1.1 REFERENCE DETAILS
The following guidelines and examples are designed to show the main elements that should
be cited and the order in which they should appear in references for the main classes of
publications most likely to need inclusion in the list of references.
Journals
8
*
*
*
*
*
*
Authors surname and the initials for forenames;
Year of publication followed by a period / full stop;
Title of published paper;
Name of Journal: spelt in full;
Volume and / or issue number in the brackets;
First and last page numbers (in full) for journals papers.
For example,
Gray, R. and Milne, M., 2002. Sustainability reporting: who's kidding whom?. ​Chartered
Accountants Journal of New Zealand​, ​81​(6), pp.66-70.
Books
●
●
●
●
●
Author’s or editor’s surnames and initials, names of the sponsoring or issuing
organization or corporate body in the absence of a named individual or editor ;
Year of publication, followed by a period/full stop;
Title of the book ( to be underlined or in italics);
Name of publisher and town, in that order;
Page number.
For example,
Bebbington, J., Unerman, J. and O’DWYER, B.R.E.N.D.A.N., 2014. Introduction to
sustainability accounting and accountability. In ​Sustainability accounting and
accountability(​ pp. 21-32). Routledge.
Proceedings of conferences / workshops/ monographs.
●
●
●
●
Authors’ surnames(s) and initials;
Year of publication, followed by: In …………
Title of proceedings or workshop
Date of Conference: Town, Country; Volume (if any), Page numbers.
For example​,
Potts, T., 2004. Triple bottom line reporting: a tool for measuring, communicating and
facilitating change in local communities. In ​Sustainability and Social Science: Round Table:
Proceedings of Conference held in Sydney, NSW, December, 2003​.
Thesis
●
●
●
●
●
Author’s surname and initials;
Year of submission followed by a full stop;
Title of thesis;
State whether it’s an Msc, MPhil, PhD or D Phil thesis;
Name of the host institution or Country.
For example,
9
Herzig, C., Giese, N., Hetze, K. and Godemann, J., 2012. Sustainability reporting in the
German banking sector during the financial crisis. ​International journal of innovation and
sustainable development,​ ​6(​ 2), pp.184-218.​. PhD Thesis, University of Leuphana. German.
Reports
●
●
●
●
Author(s) or organization’s name;
Year of publication;
Title of the report;
Name of publisher (if available), Town, Country and page numbers of the article
(any which is available).
For example,
Thomson, I., 2015. ‘But does sustainability need capitalism or an integrated report’a
commentary on ‘The International Integrated Reporting Council: A story of failure’by
Flower, J. ​Critical Perspectives on Accounting,​ ​27,​ pp.18-22.
Citing From Electronic Sources
●
●
●
●
●
Authors or organisation’s name;
Year of publication;
Title of the article;
Internet Address;
Date of the Website.
For example,
Rule, L.,C., and Lassila, K., E., 2003. Innovative Teaching Approaches to Improve Science
Education. Retrieved from ​http://www.iitapilastate.edu/reports/stafrica/rule.html
on 20/02/17.
10
1.3.2
Appendices
Being an extension of the research document, these should be page numbered normally.
They include copies of research instruments used and other documents deemed necessary for
inclusion but must be kept to a minimum. In addition to being numbered sequentially, each
appendix must be provided/given a title.
1.3.3
Binding
You must submit 2 loose bound copies for marking. After making necessary corrections (as
suggested by markers), you should then submit ​one executive bound copy of the dissertation.
You should also submit an electronic copy of your dissertation to your respective department
properly labelled. The bound copies must include the Turnitin Antiplagiarism Software
Report as part of the appendices.
1.3.3.1 The Spine
●
●
●
●
●
Title
Name of Student
Programme
University
Year
1.3.3.2 The Colour
Sky blue with inscriptions on both spine and cover.
1.4
Dissertation length
The length of the dissertation should be around 12000 words inclusive of the Appendices.
11
UNIT TWO
[CHAPTER ONE]
This section of the research guidelines makes an effort to describe and explain step by step
how to write ​Chapter One of your research project. You should note that Chapter One is
entitled “Introduction” in order to emphasise its relative function, e.g.
Chapter One
Introduction
The Chapter is broken down into the following subheadings:▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Background to the Study;
Statement of the Problem;
Research Objectives;
Research Question(s);
Statement of the Hypothesis (For Masters Students Only)
Significance of the Study;
Assumptions;
Delimitations of the Study;
Limitations;
Definition of Terms; and
Summary.
Background to the Study
The purpose is to provide context to the proposed study. It should describe the situation in
which the problem is encountered. The background places the research study into some
intelligible context, touching broadly on some of the issues related to it. Generally, you will
rely on some information, which led you to get to the source of the particular research
problem. For example, you might want to touch on the commercial, social, geographical,
educational or political context of the problem, or the various dimensions in which it
manifests itself.
The researcher should identify the gap that must be filled by the present study. Where the
background to the study depends on the literature, this must be cited.
Statement of the Problem
12
This sub-section contains a brief and clear statement of the problem to be solved. Research is
usually motivated by the need to handle a problem. Problem statement should thus follow
from the background, specifying what is to be studied and the problem. It is important to
demonstrate that the problem is critical and warrants a study. One could also discuss the
potential consequences if the problem is not addressed. Some of the characteristics of a good
research problem statement are that it should be:
▪ Researchable, i.e. it should be possible to investigate it empirically. It should be
answered through the collection and analysis of (scientific) data;
▪ Precise, i.e. that it should be written in clear unambiguous language;
▪ Resolved through research – the researcher should make sure that the problem chosen
offers definite sources of information which when collected, can answer the key
questions sufficiently;
▪ Carefully fit into the broader context of current theory and relevant research;
▪ Clearly and logically related to its sub-problems/research questions or hypothesis.
Purpose of the Study
It clarifies what the study seeks to accomplish. It should speak to the topic.
Research Objectives
Objectives are a formal expression of the researcher’s intentions. Thus objectives have to be
clear and SMART. You may want to explore, to explain or to infer or examine, hence you
must make it clear. The terms are further explained as follows:
▪ To explore – is just to find out more about an area which few or no people have
ventured into. Exploratory studies are done in areas which are little understood and
where the relationship among variables is unknown or only a little is known
▪ To describe – that is to reveal patterns and trends of situations, or events, objects,
phenomena or behavior. By describing them the hope is that they will be understood
better, and so answer the question “why”.
▪ To explain – is to reveal the linkages among the elements constitution situations, even
and phenomena. It also attempts to answer the question “why”.
Research Questions
Research questions are developed from the research problem. Good research questions ought
to be amenable to some more/less definitive answers. However, while the question must lend
itself to some answer, it must not be totally answered by a simple “Yes” or “No”. It must
require you to collect and process research evidence as part of the answer.
Research questions must specify variables. When research questions are addressed
individually, they yield responses which can be reconstituted to make up a complete answer
to the main research question. The research questions must be precise.
OR
13
Statement of Hypothesis
Hypotheses are tentative answers or “intelligent” or “probable answers| to the research
questions. A researcher who is not confident of statistical testing of hypothesis is advised not
to state hypothesis but research question instead. Hypothesis can be written in null or
alternate (directional) form i.e. Ho and H1. Hypothesis should be simple and concise; it
guides the whole dissertation and is often used as a reference point in the subsequent chapters
such that the researcher stays within the context of the research
Significance of the Study
In this section you should point out how the solution to the problem or the answer to the
research question can influence theory or practice. The research must show why it is worth
the time, effort and expense involved in carrying out the research. You must point out and
explain the practical benefits that the study is likely to provide. You should consider who
would benefit from the study and the specific ways these benefits would be felt.
Assumptions
Assumptions are statements of what the research believes to be the fact but these cannot be
verified. You should remember that assumptions are not the object of the research but
strengthen the basis of your research. These assumptions, like the significance of the study
have practical and theoretical implications. Without these assumptions, your research cannot
be carried out. For you to be able to carry out the study you should hold certain facts about
the study as given. These are the assumptions that your study makes which would influence
your research findings.
Delimitations of the study
Delimitations refer to the boundaries of the study. These enable you to point out clearly what
is included in the study. A description of both conceptual and practical (Physical) boundaries
is needed. Delimitations answer the questions:
●
●
●
●
What are the concerns of this study?
What are not its concerns?
How far does it go into the treatment of the given issues and where does it stop?
How wide is the field from which it sources its data?
In short, delimitations point out what is included in the study such as the populations or
sample size and the variables, content, geography etc
Limitations
14
Limitations are those conditions beyond the control of the researcher that may place
restrictions on the conclusions’ and their application to other situations. It is not enough just
to state these limitations (weakness or constraints) without suggesting the compensatory
factors adopted to ensure that the research remains valid and reliable.
Limitations are weaknesses that are inherent in the research, which the researcher is given
credit for pointing out and serve to alert the reader/user of the research about what to take
note of when interpreting and generalizing the findings and conclusions of the study. These
limitations should be comprehensive hence you need to sufficiently clarify them to the reader.
Definition of terms
You should identify all terms that need to be defined in order to avoid any misinterpretations.
These definitions help you to establish the frame of reference with which you as the
researcher approach the problem. The variables to be considered should be defined in
operational terms, that is, they should either be observable or measurable so that they can be
manipulated scientifically. These terms should be employed consistently throughout the
research project. Dictionary meanings do not serve adequately in defining terms of a
research project.
Summary
You should highlight the consistent parts of chapter one and the emerging issues. As
statement linking this chapter two maybe provided. In most research projects, you may find
that this section provides an opportunity to summarise how the rest of the research has to be
organized. Thus you need to briefly describe the focus and content of the subsequent chapters
of the research report.
15
UNIT THREE
[CHAPTER TWO]
This unit focuses on chapter two of your research project and it is written as follows:
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
The Chapter can be organised as follows:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Introduction
Theoretical perspectives (Compulsory for Masters Students)
Conceptual Framework (Compulsory for Masters Students)
Empirical literature review
Gap Analysis
Summary
Introduction
You must introduce the readers to the chapter on what it covers.
Purpose of Literature Review
Literature review refers to the works that the researcher read to understand the topic and
research issues. Literature review should show these two types of literature i.e.
Theoretical Literature
The theoretical literature indicates variables and relationships relevant to the proposed study.
The student should identify theories that underpin their study, and interweave with their study
objectives. Theories have three key functions: to explain observed facts, predict outcomes of
relationships and to summarize knowledge. Where theory is not available the researcher can
present arguments or sequence of events leading to the stated problem.
Conceptual Framework
The theories which were presented above may infer into the problem under study. The
Conceptual framework brings up variables which can be framed to enable the relationship
amongst the variables to be framed in diagram format. Such a framework provides the
structure for your research. The framework should contain at least 4 of 5 variables pointing
towards the dependent variable. This section seeks to explain the interrelation between
research variables and explain how the predictor variables relate to the outcome variable.
NB: This section can be fully explained in Chapter One depending on how your
Supervisors guides you.
Empirical Literature
16
Refers to the past studies that are similar to the present study. It involves more than just
enumeration or summary of previous studies but should also show how these studies relate or
differ with the current study, thus establishing the knowledge gap. The gap may be in terms
of differences in approaches, theoretical start points. There might also be untested theories,
inadequate evidence or apparent contradictions or inconclusive evidence or just
unsatisfactory methods.
Knowledge of related research enables you to define the frontiers of the research fields: For
example:
Smith (2016) and Gregory (1998) discovered this much about the research problem under
investigation, the investigators Drucker and Huns (2017) added this much to our knowledge.
This research proposes to go beyond Drucker and Huns’s work in the following manner…
The review of related theory and research enables you to place your quotations in
perspective. You should review related literature for the purpose of finding a link between
your study and the accumulated body of knowledge in your field of interest.
Studies with no link to the existing body of knowledge seldom make significant contributions
to the field. Such studies tend to produce isolated bits of information that are of limited
usefulness.
Reviewing related literature helps you to limit your problem or research questions and clarify
and define the concepts of the study. A careful review of the literature can help researchers
to revise their initial questions so that it can be investigated. It also helps in clarifying the
concepts involved in the study and in translating these concepts into operational definitions.
Successful literature review often helps in the formation of hypothesis regarding the
relationships between variables in one’s study. Studies in which hypothesis are tested are
usually useful than those without hypothesis or research questions.
Gap Analysis
A critical review of related literature often leads to an insight into the reasons for
contradictory results in an area. In research contradictory findings or inconsistencies may be
caused by the research design used for resolving the problem or the type of instruments
employed or the methodologies and analysis made. A comparison of the procedures of these
studies may explain the inconsistent findings.
Thoroughly studying related research helps you learn which methodologies have proved
useful and which seem less promising. Searching related literature avoids unintentional
replication of previous studies.
You should not carry out an investigation where a very similar study was done before. If you
deliberately want to replicate a previous study you should state the reason for the replication.
You might want to investigate a different aspect of the problem. For example, a study might
have been carried out to establish the major causes of high business failure in a certain
industry. You may replicate the study by focusing on small to medium firms in a different
industry.
17
The study of related literature places you in a better position to interpret the significance of
your own results. Becoming familiar with theory in the field and with previous research
prepares you for linking the findings of your own research with the body of knowledge in the
field.
When you reach this stage of reviewing related literature you should consult empirical studies
that have been done in the area of study. Some sources of literature review are given below:
Sources of Literature
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Summaries of thesis and dissertations
Journals
Books
Primary documents e.g. circulars and reports
Electronic sources (online journals, articles etc)
Encyclopedia
Dictionaries
a) Citing References in the Text
This section shows how literature sources should be referenced within the text: for example
i) Cite references by author followed by year of publication with a comma e.g. (Ajusa, 2004).
Seen in the modern context (Conrad, 1995), it is generally accepted that there are three ways
to improve the standard of living. During the decade particular attention has been paid to the
study of perception for example (Sibanda, 1993; Wood, 1993 and Abler ​et al​., 1995).
ii) For two authors cite them both e.g. (Khumalo and Dhlomo, 2005) and for more than two
authors cite the first mentioned author followed by et al. e.g. (Mlambo ​et al,​ 2004).
Citations in the text should take the following forms:
i)
…have been reported by Mazuru ​et al​, (2007:21)
ii)
…Gadzirayi and Mutandwa (2000:86) found that …
iii)
…other results (Katsuro and Runyowa, 2005; Mutandwa, 2006) have indicated that…
iv)
…Ngarivhume and Shateyi (2001:214, 2003:184) found that…
[papers published by the same author in two different years]
v)
…Tandi (2005a,b)…or Mayazi and Mayazi (20006a,b)
(two papers published by the same author in the same year)
a)
To refer to personal communications relating to unpublished material, personal
communication etc use the form …(Runyowa L, 2006 personal communication) but do not
place such citations in list of references.
b)
Secondary citations can take the form: …Nyaumwe (2002) cited in Brown ​et al
(2005:119)
Some General Hints on Literature
18
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
You should begin with the most recent publication and work back to earlier
publications
Use primary sources as far as possible
Write the bibliographical data of a source on a card (just one source per card)
You should first read the summarized sections of a report to determine whether it is
relevant to the research. Skim through the source to find the relevant sections and
begin with summaries and quotations of relevant material (indicate quotations and
their pages clearly).
Very important sentences or paragraphs should not be summarized but quoted
All notes you have collected eventually have to be read through again before being
incorporated in a well thought out, well integrated and systematic report (interact with
your literature and don’t just regurgitate of literature)
NB​: For your literature review to be relevant, it must focus on:
▪
▪
▪
▪
The theory from which the research topic is derived
Stated hypotheses or research questions
Stated problem and sub-problems
Identifying the gap in research that is filled by the current research
Policy on Academic Dishonesty and Cheating
All materials, which are not yours, must be reviewed and referred. Failure to do so results
into academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty and cheating is a serious offence. Your
should not present work and materials that are not original and documented by accepted
standards.
NB​: The document shall be run on Turnitin AntiPlagiarism software and the maximum
allowable indices are as follows:
Maximum Similarity Index of 20% for Undergraduate students
Maximum Similarity Index of 15% for Masters students
Your supervisor will create the Turnitin Account for the student.
19
UNIT FOUR
[CHAPTER THREE]
In this chapter a clear and concise description of how the study was carried out is given. This
is a vivid description of all the activities and procedures undertaken during the course of the
research. (Literature review should have assisted you in deciding on the suitable
methodology for the study). The report on this chapter is generally written in the past tense.
The various aspects of this chapter are as follows:
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Introduction
Research Paradigm/ Philosophy
Research design
Research Approach
Population and Sampling
Data Sources
Research Instruments
Data Collection Procedures
Methodological Norms
Data Analysis and Presentation
Ethical considerations
Summary
Introduction
This section spells out in brief the main concerns and focus of the chapter ie what the
chapter is all about. These concerns are the research design, research instruments, data
collection procedures, data presentation and analysis procedure and the chapter summary.
Research Paradigm/ Philosophy
This can be defined as ​ways of understanding reality, building knowledge and gathering
information about the world. Its ​a belief about the way in which data about a phenomenon
should be gathered, analyzed and used. There are four popular philosophies; positivism,
interpretivism, pragamatism and realism.
Research Design
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The term ‘design’ and ‘plan’ mean the same thing in research as both refer to a description of
the format and theoretical structure under which the study will be carried out. This also
includes the discussion of steps to be taken in order to safeguard the validity or authenticity
of the findings. The main concerns of this section are:
▪
▪
▪
To identify the design, e.g. descriptive survey, exploratory, experimental design,
correlation research design, historical research design and case study approach.
To describe the theoretical framework of the design so as to highlight its benefits and
limitations as used in the research.
To justify the choice of the design vis a’ vis the context in which the study will be
done.
Research Approach
Research method can either be:
▪
▪
▪
Purely Qualitative
Purely Quantitative
Mixed Approach (i.e both qualitative and quantitative)
A clear justification shall be provided for the chosen research method. The justification must
stem from the research objectives and must not be bookish in nature.
Population and Sample
These are research participants you intend to use in the study. You should describe the target
population and sample to be used in the study. This entails thorough discussion of the
sampling procedures employed and their justification. If the researcher chooses to distribute
questionnaires to the entire population then he/she must specify that they have used a Census.
Research Instruments
Research instruments are tools you would use for collecting data to find solutions to the
problem under investigation for example questionnaires, interviews schedules and
observation guides. Research instruments used should be clearly described so as to bring out
their strengths and weaknesses as a way of justifying their selection and suitability to the
research. ​NB: - the development of these instruments must be based on the research
questions and objectives. Measures taken to control the weaknesses identified should be spelt
out so as to ensure the validity and reliability of these instruments and data to be collected.
Data Sources
These can be Primary sources or Secondary sources. A justification shall be provided for the
chosen sources of data.
Data Collection Procedures
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These are steps taken in administering instruments and collection of data from subjects
understudy.
Such steps include:
▪ Making appointments with research subjects through telephones, letters, emails etc.
▪ Distribution and administration of instruments on the sample for example, by hand by
mail or through research assistants.
▪ Retrieval of instruments.
These steps should be clear, orderly and justified. They are a deliberate and well thought out
strategy meant to enhance timely collection of data.
Methodological Norms
For Quantitative Research: Data Validity and Reliability
The writer must explain how in the context of the research one has ensured that data that was
collected is valid and reliable. Data is considered valid if it answers the objectives and is
purporting what it purports to represent. The researcher must test for face validity, internal
validity, external validity, content validity, construct validity, test validity and criterion
validity.
The researcher must also assess the reliability of the data collected. Reliability is a measure of
how consistent a measure is. Reliability can be internal reliability of the instrument being
used to gather data. The reliability coefficient can be measured using Alpha Cronbach
Coefficient, Kuder Richardson formula, Test re-test (Pilot Tests), Split half.
For Qualitative Research: Credibility, Dependability, Conformability & Transferability
For qualitative research, the writer must follow the four norms. Credibility refers to whether
the study measured what was intended, while dependability refers to consistency.
Conformability is referred to as the objectivity and neutrality criterion, while transferability
speaks to the ability of results to be extrapolated to other context. The writer must explain
how he has ensured that all these norms are met.
Data Presentation and Analysis Procedures
The section gives / provides the overall products used to organize, describe and analyse
collected data. The process entails suggesting the manner in which findings are to be:
▪
▪
Presented according to logical themes, use of tables and graphs.
Described or discussed to reveal their meaning.
You should justify the choice of the presentation and analysis procedures.
Ethical Considerations
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The researcher must highlight all the ethical considerations encountered when carrying out
the research. He/she must also highlight measures taken to mitigate those identified ethical
considerations.
Summary
It gives a brief description of the emerging issues and concerns treated within the chapter.
UNIT FIVE
[CHAPTER FOUR]
Data presentation process will involve scanning and sifting the collected data, organizing it
and summarizing it. Effective data presentation requires tables, figures/text. It is expected
that your discussion and interpretation of findings will remain equally focused through
ensuring that all the results of the sub-problems / sub-questions / hypotheses are discussed.
The chapter is presented as follows:-
CHAPTER IV
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction (Chapter)
The introduction for the chapter should describe briefly how the chapter unfolds.
Data Presentation Process
Having collected data from the field, it is expected that the researcher at this stage of the
research process will:
Scan and sift data – you should read the data to ensure it is complete, accurate, consistent
and relevant. You should watch for trends, which may emerge in the scanned data. Such
trends could assist you to organize data into meaningful chunks. The answers to each
sub-problems / sub-questions should contribute to the answering of the main research
question.
Organising data ​– you should make sense of data by rearranging it into a manageable form.
You may compare responses from various respondents, you can categorise the responses.
You need to identify patterns of responses to a question / theme. It calls for use of
descriptive statistics like the mean or other inferences.
Summarise the Data – you should utilize different ways of summarizing large amounts of
data. You may resort to use of tables, graphs, and statistical summaries.
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In answering the sub-problems / sub-questions​- you should take each sub-problem /
sub-questions separately and select data related to it. Please use the thematic approach i.e.
themes derived from research questions.
Presenting the Data
Data presentation is effectively done using tables, figures and text. It should be structured
around sub-themes. Variables to be discussed under background of the subjects usually
include socio-demographic data such as age, sex, marital status, academic and professional
qualifications (if necessary).
After presenting data on the background of the subjects, the researcher should move on to
data presentation focusing on specific sub-problems / questions of the study.
Themes/ Sub-heading in this section should emerge from sub-problems / sub-questions.
NB: As much as possible you should avoid using direct questions as sub-headings​.
Use of Tables and Figures
Results reported verbally are usually enhanced by tables and figures. Tables are used to show
rows and columns of numerical data. Figures are used to make a graphical or pictorial
presentation of data. When using tables and figures you must observe the following:
▪ In tables, the title is placed at the top and in figures it should be placed below the
illustration.
▪ For uniformity, Arabic numerals should be used to number tables and figures.
▪ A table or figure follows as closely as possible the first reference to it in the report.
▪ After studying each table or figure the researcher should write a paragraph or two
explaining what it contains and drawing the reader’s attention to note-worthy
findings.
However, there is need to avoid discussing every entry in the table or figure. This style of
presentation is boring and defeats the purposes of using tables and figures.
Discussion / Interpretation
▪ The discussion of findings should focus on the results.
▪ The discussion should tie together findings in relation to theory and review of
literature.
▪ If results support or contradict previous research findings on the topic, this should be
stated.
▪ If results differ from previous finding, an explanation why this occurred should be
attempted.
▪ If the study was set up to test hypothesis, the discussion section must report the
outcome of each hypothesis. The statistical test must also be appropriate.
▪ Ensure that all the results of the sub-problem / question are discussed.
In terms of language be definite about the data and statistics but be tentative about
interpretations and conclusions as shown by the following statements:
▪ It would appear that most managers in the study were against gender segregation.
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Results seem to suggest that training positively influences worker performance.
On the other hand, one should be more definite when reporting data and statistics as
shown by these statements.
▪ The mean and standard deviation were 10 and 2.5 respectively.
▪ The co-efficient of correlation was 0.8.
The writing style should be precise, simple and direct.
▪
▪
Summary
The summary should highlight the major findings of the study.
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UNIT SIX
[CHAPTER FIVE]
These are the summary, the research conclusions and the recommendations. After reading
through this final chapter, the reader becomes informed of the research problem tackled, the
research methodology and its limitations, major findings of the study and their implications
for practice. It takes the following format
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
▪
▪
▪
▪
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Areas of further research
Summary
You should briefly summarise the major findings of the research and these are based on the
data presented in chapter four.
Conclusions
These are summed up answers to sub-problems stated in chapter one. They, however, should
be drawn from the data reported in chapter 4. Hence they are termed research based
conclusions. For example the conclusion of the research study on major causes of staff
turnover in the hotel industry can be highlighted as:
▪
▪
▪
The study found out that although both sexes of workers are involved, males tend to
be more affected than females. The reason given is that males tend to be more
intolerant to what they view as authoritarian leadership styles than their female
counterparts.
A close association between high staff turnover and poor workers’ results on the part
of employees was also established. The poor results could be attributed to insufficient
training and long working hours.
While problem of staff turnover was quite prevalent, it was also observed that nothing
was being done by head offices to address this issue.
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Recommendations
In the recommendations section the researcher examines his findings in the light of suggested
applications. The recommendations could read as follows:
In the light of the above conclusions, it is recommended that head offices should launch
in-service workshops for workers with a focus on leadership styles so that they become more
flexible in their leadership.
While workers have very genuine reasons to move out, it is recommended that head office
makes an effort to retain workers. This can be achieved by ………………
This study recommends that further research be conducted on …………….in order to
establish ………………………
NB: This concluding chapter does not therefore focus on individual chapters but summarizes
the study as a whole.
Areas for Further Research
The researcher must be able to identify and summarise areas of further research. These must
be clearly explained and must not be ambiguous.
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