ANNEX ‘C’ TO

SLAF/218/10/51/DT
D/D 08 MAR 17

Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management

GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH

Junior Command and Staff College

SRI LANKA AIR FORCE ACADEMY CHINA BAY
 FOREWORD

Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. One can also

define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a

specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced

Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays down the meaning of research as “a careful

investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of

knowledge.” Word Research has come from a Latin word called Recherché means a

movement from the known to the unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. Research

is a complex skill, and people who are just getting started need both knowledge and guidance to gain

mastery.

These guidelines were formulated in keeping with the formality of accrediting

the Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management Programme to the Sir John

Kotelawela Defence University in 2011. I earnestly believe that these guidelines would

be a guiding light for the officers who are reading for the Postgraduate Diploma in

Defence Management

1 April 2013 Director Academic Studies

SLAF ACEDEMY CHINA BAY

Guideline for Research 1

 GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OFRESEARCH PROJECT FOR
THE PG DIPLOMA IN DEFENCE MANAGEMENT

Table of content Page Number

1. Introduction 3
2. Learning Objectives 3
3. Different stages of presenting a Research project 4
3.1 Selection of the Topic 4
3.2 Submission of project proposal 4
3.2.1 Cover page 4
3.2.2 Main body 5 -9
3.2.3 Declaration by the student and supervisor’s comments 9
3.3 Submission of the Research Paper 10
3.4 The final Research paper 10
3.4.1 Front and Back Hard Covers 10
3.4.2 Cover Page / Title Page 11 - 12
3.4.3 Declaration 13
3.4.5 Abstract Page 13
3.4.6 Acknowledgment Page 13
3.4.7 Table of Contents 14
3.4.8 Articles in Journals and newspapers 15
3.4.9 Bibliography 15
4.0 House Style 16
5.0 Plagiarism 16
6.0 Citation 16
7.0 Assessment 17 - 18
8.0 Failing Grades for Research Projects 18
9.0 Handing over of the final Research Project 19
10. Presentation and Viva voce 19
11. Main features of an ideal Research Paper 19 -20
12. Responsibilities of the Research Project Supervisors 20 - 21
13. Student/Researcher’s Responsibilities 21 - 22

Appendix 1: SUPERVISORY MEETING FORM 23

APPENDIX 2: INTERVENTION FORM 24 -25
APPENDIX 3: RESEARCH PROJECT – PROGRESSION 26

Guideline for Research 2

 GUIDELINES FOR THE RESEARCH PROJECT FOR THE PG DIPLOMA IN DEFENCE
MANAGEMENT

1. Introduction

1.1 All students following the Junior Command and Staff College and reading for the
PG diploma are required to undertake an assignment in the form of a Research
project as a partial requirement for the award of the postgraduate diploma in
defence management. The Research paper will carry a credit weightage of seven
which will be accounted for the total credit requirement of the Academic
Studies. A supervisory Directing Staff will be nominated for each student with
whom the student is expected to interact in order to obtain proper guidance in
the process of completing the Research Project.

1.2 Research: A research is a comprehensive study carried out by an officer on a

specific problem identified by him/her as a requirement for the said
postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management programme. The student is
required to collect all data / facts available pertaining to the problem and
thoroughly analyze that with a view to provide an acceptable solution. Usually a
Research should be at least 10,000 words (Approximately 45-50 X A4 pages,
word count is considered minus the literature review)

2. Learning Objectives

2.1 To train officer to carryout a detailed study on a subject and critically analyze
relevant areas making use of the Research Methods, concepts and techniques in
order to find solutions.

2.2 To arm the officer with capability of presenting lengthy documents in a logical
and systematic manner.

2.3 Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information.

2.4 Integrate the use of information technology into the execution of a Research
Project

2.5 Present the findings of the research work in the form of a written report.

3. Different stages of presenting a Research project

3.1 Selection of the Topic: A student is required to submit 3 topics of his

choice out of the sample topics provided to the Chief Instructor (CI) Junior
Command and Staff College by a specific date. Each topic should accompany a
synopsis of 500 words highlighting the details of the Research the officer intends
carrying out. CI in consultation with the Director Academic Studies (DAS) and the

Guideline for Research 3

 Commanding Officer Junior Command and Staff College will allocate one of these
topics to the officer concerned. A Supervisor Directing Staff will also be given to
each student with whom the student is required to interact during his study.

3.2 Submission of project proposal: Once the topic is allocated, the student is
required to discuss with the supervisor Directing Staff and submit a proposal.
The project proposal should be 600-1000 words and should include the
following:

 Cover page
 Main body
 Supervisors comments and signature of supervisor and student

3.2.1 Cover page: The cover page should be as per the format given below.

SRI LANKAAIR FORCE ACADEMYCHINA BAY

JUNIOR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DEFENCE MANAGEMENT

RESEARCH

PROPOSAL

FOR

(Research topic to be written here)

BY

(Name of student to be written here)

SUPERVISED BY

(Name of Supervisor to be written here)

3.2.2 Main body: The following as appropriate may be included in the main body.
(in past and or present tense)

Chapter One

1.1 Introduction: General description of the study area in order to wet the appetite
of the reader about the topic.
Guideline for Research 4
1.2 Problem analysis/statement: State the problem carefully to show how it is a
problem, and link it to given fact if possible to show the implications of the problem and
relating such to its symptoms.

1.3 Purpose of the study/Objective (s): Why the research, i.e. objectives, what
would becovered in the research work.

1.4 Research questions (research/sub-problems): They serve as a guide to you in

your quest to provide answers to the decision (main) problems to be investigated. They
are more specific and drawn from the main problem at hand. After being further broken
down into more specific questions they can serve as questions to be asked in the
questionnaire/ interview

1.5 Statement of research hypothesis: It is a tentative statement of

relationship betweenvariables. It must be simple, clear and related to the research
questions. Not compulsory for all types of research.

1.6 Definition of (unfamiliar) terms: This serves as a dictionary of the report in a

form of an operating definition of concepts, constructs, words, group of words and
acronyms that theresearcher would be using in the research work.

1.7 Delimitation and scope of study: This is for the circumscribing of the work
within amanageable limit. What is not part of the purpose/objectives or what would not
be covered in the research work. While the purposes are those things that would be
covered in the research, the delimitation and scope spells out those things that will not
be covered in the research for proper management purposes of the research work. It is
different from the limitation as would later be discussed in chapter three.

1.8 Significance of the Research: It is the justification or importance of the

work tostakeholders. It also deals with the research contribution or addition to
knowledge and orknowledge development.

Chapter Two:

Review of Relevant Literature and Theoretical Framework:

2.0 Overview (A short NOTE)

A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited
scholars and researchers. In writing the literature review, your purpose is to convey to
your reader whatknowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, and what their
strengths and weaknesses are.

As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g.,
yourresearch objective, the problem or issue you are discussing or your argumentative
thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries.

Guideline for Research 5

Besides enlarging your knowledge about the topic, writing a literature review lets you
gain and demonstrate skills in two areas:

1. Information seeking: the ability to scan the literature efficiently, using manual or
computerized methods, to identify a set of useful articles and books

2. Critical appraisal: the ability to apply principles of analysis to identify unbiased

and valid studies.

Thus a literature review must do the following things:

a. be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research

question you are developing;
b. synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known;
c. identify areas of controversy in the literature; and
d. formulate questions that need further research.

2.1 Introduction: This chapter gives you an opportunity to launch yourself into the
class/club of experts in the field of your research. You are expected to review the views
of other expert, to show that you are very conversant with various views on the
problem at hand. You trace the historical trend of the thought, review the models and
theories that relate to the problem, as well as construct any model for the variables. You
should review current literature on the issue from journals articles (most ideal because
they are more current), books, Internet, news papers, etc.

2.2 Theoretical framework/models building: This part deals with issues relating to
the development of theoretical frames and models related to the topical issue and helps
to further re-enforce the relationship between variables in the problem concern.

Chapter Three:

Methodology: Research Design/Frame (this is ideally written in the past tense)

3.1 Restatement of research questions and hypotheses. You might need to restate
yourresearch questions and or hypotheses now that you’ve read more and know more
about thetopic. If nothing has change then you leave them as they were in chapter one.

3.2 Research design: This is simply the framework or plan for a study used as a guide
incollecting and analyzing data (blueprint) relating to the purpose/objective of the
research. Itmust be in line with the stated objective(s) in Chapter One.

i Exploratory Research Design: To break broad and vague problem

statements into smaller, more precise sub-problems/statements. It helps to
formulate problems more precisely, develop hypotheses, establish priorities for
research, eliminate impractical ideas, and clarify concepts. E.g. our sales are
down because our price is too high; our advert is weak.Types: literature search,
experience/key informants survey, focus groups, analysis of selectedcases.

Guideline for Research 6

 ii Descriptive Research: (This deals with questions such as what, where,
who, when, why and how)Describe the characteristics of certain groups,
estimate proportion of people in a population whobehave in a certain way, and
makespecific predictions. (For instance, what is the admissionentrance level for
the next five years so as to plan for the hiring and training new lecturers)

3.3 Characteristics of the study population: The population of the study is a census
of allitems or subjects that possess the characteristics or that have knowledge of
thephenomenon, being studied. Use only the “working population” rather than the
universal population.

3.4 Sample design and procedure: Are you adopting a random or non-random
samplingmethod, and why the choice? Your size of the sample must tally with what you
propose todo.

3.5 Data collection instrument: This is the device for collecting data or measuring
the variable, which is used for answering research questions and or testing hypotheses.
The datacollection schedule (i.e. schedule of instruments) is a questionnaire that is
designed tomeasure several variables.

3.6 Pilot studies: These are conducted to pre-test the study schedule, to validate
the studyschedule, especially for newly developed studies. The research instruments
must be testedfor validity and reliability (operational definition of variables).

3.7 Administration of data collection schedule: This area deals with how the
questionsgoing to be asked. Is it telephonic, by mail/email, personal interviews, group
interviews,recording, direct observation, or combination of two or more methods.

3.8 Data processing procedure: The researcher needs to state, beforehand, how he
plans toprocess the data generated, based on the characteristics of the data/scale used
to get thedata. This must also relate to the purpose as well.

3.9 Limitations of the methodology: Stating the imperfections that might have
cropped up at this stage e.g. failure of respondents to return the questionnaires, failure
to meet up withsome respondents, etc. It is different from the Delimitations in Chapter

Chapter Four:
Presentation and analysis of data:

4.0 A brief introduction of what the reader is likely to read in the chapter.

4.1 Respondents’ characteristics and classifications of collected data. Coding/sorting

out ofdata/putting data into tables.

4.2 Presentation and analysis of data according to research questions/hypotheses,

usingrelevant statistical analysis/computer-aided (software SPSS) programme to answer

Guideline for Research 7

thesequestions one by one, and test for hypotheses accordingly. Making sure that all
the research questions are answered and the relevant hypotheses [if there is the need
based on the type of research design and your earlier stated research
objectives/purposes] are tested correctly. It is reported without adding conclusions or
implications. These are meant for chapter five.

Chapter five:
Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations andRecommendations for Further Studies:

This is the main body of the research work.

5.1 Summary of Findings: This must be an objective report based on the analyses of
all thework-based on only important findings. You don’t have to repeat findings earlier
mentionedin previous chapter(s).

5.2 Conclusions: These are deduced and or induced from the findings in chapters
four, twoand one based on your own interpretations of the meanings of the findings
[the relationshipbetween the analyses, the literature, the problem(s) and the solution(s)
proffered.

5.3 Recommendations for action: This is based on the conclusions alone (no
subjective view is allowed). Also include only the most important recommendations.

5.4 Recommendations for further studies: Here you met the appetite of
potentialresearchers. It is based on some aspect of your study or result of your study
that mayinterest other researchers.

Appendices:

At the very end of the document e.g. your approved research proposal, sample of the
Questionnaire(s) distributed to the respondents, Maps, detailed data, cover letters etc.
are attached to your project.

References:
List all the references/citations in the report at the back of the project as part of the
references. This must be done in accordance with the APA house style. Never include
any references that have not been used in the report in the reference list.

Guideline for Research 8

3.2.3 Declaration by the student and supervisor’s comments:

A declaration by the student with the endorsement of the supervisor as

indicated below should be included.

DECLARATION

I declare that this Research proposal is my own work and aware of the
consequences of cheating and malpractices. I am willing to answer any query by any
academic staff member in relation to this report at anytime during the course.

Date: ……………. …………………………

(Signature of Student)
Name of Student
Reg No:

COMMENTS OF THE SUPERVISOR

The Research proposal prepared by (Name of Student) is recommended and

forwarded for onward action please.

Date: …………….. …………………………

3.2.4 Presentation: (Signature
The proposal should be submitted of Supervisor)
as a spiral bound
folder, A4 paper, typed in Font size – 12 – double spacing. Name of Supervisor

3.3 Submission of the Research Paper

Once the Research proposal is approved by the Academy, the officer is required
to prepare the final paper. The under mentioned procedure is recommended for
successful completion of the final paper.

a. Discuss with the supervisor and finalize consultation dates (7 – 10 dates)

b. Prepare an activity schedule incorporating the following

 Consultation dates
 Deadline for collection of data and reference books etc.
 Set deadline for each chapter

Guideline for Research 9

  Set deadline for final draft of document
 Set date of submission of draft to Supervisor
 Set data for submission of 2 X spiral bound copies of the corrected
document for supervisor’s signature

c. Complete the final document at least one month before the date of submission
given by Air Force Academy.

3.4 The final Research paper should be submitted in two copies on or before the
date given by the Academy. Research paper to be in A4 paper, typed in Font Size – 12,
Font Type – Times New Roman, Double Spacing, follow the service writing manual for
paragraph numbering and other format requirements. The final document should be
prepared as per the following format and must be presented in the sequence given
below:

 Front Hard Cover (Sky Blue with letters in Gold colour)

 Cover page / Title page
 Declaration Page
 Acknowledgement (if any)
 Abstract
 Table of contents (including list of figures, diagrams, tables etc)
 Main Report
 Reference
 Bibliography
 Appendices
 Back Hard Cover (sky blue)

Guideline for Research 10

 - INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK -

3.4.1 Front and Back Hard Covers: The final document should be bound with a hard
sky blue cloured cover and should be printed in gold colour, the details indicated below:
Front Hard Cover

Research Topic

By

Name of the Student

Postgraduate Diploma Programme

Junior Command and Staff College

Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay

20___

The following details should be printed along the spine of the document.

Research Topic Name of Student Year

Guideline for Research 11

3.4.2 Cover Page / Title Page: This will be the first page of the report and should
contain the following details.

Dissertation / Research Topic

A Dissertation / Research by

(Name of the Student)

Supervised by

(Name of the Supervisor)

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

Award of Postgraduate Diploma

Junior Command and Staff College

Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay

20____

Guideline for Research 12

3.4.3 Declaration: This should contain a declaration by the student indicated
below and endorsed by the supervisor.

DECLARATION

This Dissertation / Research paper contains no material which has been accepted for
the award of any other Degree or Diploma in any University of equivalent Institution,
and that to the best of my knowledge and belief, contains no material previously
submitted or written by any other person, except where due reference is made in the
text of this dissertation / research paper.

I carried out the work described in this Dissertation / Research under the supervision
of (Name of the supervisor)

Signature : Date:
Name of officer:
Registration No :

(Supervisor’s comments to be written here)

Signature : Date:
Name of Supervisor :

3.4.5 Abstract Page: This will give the outline of the Research paper and
should not exceed 200-300 words. The abstract should be easily understood by the
reader and key areas of the paper should be highlighted.

3.4.6 Acknowledgment Page: This paper should carry any acknowledgment the
officer wishes to highlight in respect of assistance / contributions made by others for
successful completion of the Dissertation / Research.

3.4.7 Table of Contents: This should contain all chapters, main headings, sub-
headings as shown below. Tables, figures, appendices also should be included. Table of
contents can continue into the 2nd page.

Guideline for Research 13

 Table of Contents

Title i
Abstract ii
Acknowledgements iii
List of Contents iv

Chapter 1 - (Use as per the main body) 1

1.1 Sub-heading 1
1.2 Sub-heading 2
1.3 Sub-heading 3

Chapter 2 - (Use as per the main body) 4

2.1 Sub-heading 5–7
2.2 Sub-heading 7–8
2.3 Sub-heading 8–9
2.4 Sub-heading 9 – 10

Chapter 3 - (Use as per the main body) 11

3.1 Sub-heading 12 – 15
3.2 Sub-heading 16 – 20
3.3 Sub-heading 21 – 23

Chapter 4 - (Use as per the main body) 24

4.1 25 – 27
4.2 28 – 30
4.3 31 – 32

Chapter 5 - (Use as per the main body) 33

5.1 34 – 40
5.2 40 – 50
5.3 51 – 60

Appendices A A1 – A2
B B1
C C1 – C6

References

Bibliography

3.4.8 Articles in Journals and newspapers

Eg: At the bottom of the page

S.G. Samarasekara, Tourism in South Asia, The Island, 24 Sep 1999

Guideline for Research 14

Same in the list of references

SamarasekaraSG, Tourism in South Asia, The Island, 24 Sep 1999

Note:
 Name of Books and Article heading should be in italics
 List of reference should be in alphabetical order of the authors and
should be under separate heading as shown below

 Books
 Journals & Newspapers
 Speeches and Web Sites

3.4.9 Bibliography: Bibliography is a document which gives the details of Books,

Magazines, Journals, Newspapers, and Websites etc. from which the author has
obtained information. This may includes the documents to which reference is made in
the main body of the Research (List of Reference). The following procedure should be
adopted to prepare the Bibliography.

 Books

Single Author

Wilson AJ, Sri Lanka Tamil Nationalism, 2nd edUSA

Prentice Hall, 1989

Two Authors

Dikshit RC and Shah Giriraj, Narco Terrorism 2nded India Siddhi, 1996

More than Two Authors

Whitten JL, Bently LD, and Borden VM, Systems Analysis and Design methods, 1sted,
USA, Irwin

 Journals & News Papers

SamarasekaraSG, Tourism in South Asia, TheIsland, 24 Sep 1999

 Websites

Robertson RE (1997 Mar 4) Home Page (Outline)

University of Michigon<http://Mscwww,engin.

Guideline for Research 15

 Umich. Edu/msc/Robertson.html> (1998 Aug 18)

4.0 House Style

Students shall adopt the APA House style. References and text Citations shall therefore
be in the order prescribed by the APA. The detail APA house style, entitled “APA
Formatting and Style Guide”, can be assessed at this Web address:
http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/DocAPA.html OR
http://owl.english.purdue.edu./owl/resource/560/01/
Students are advised to visit the Web-Siteregularly to update themselves to ensure
proper citations.

5.0 Plagiarism

For the bachelors degree programme, plagiarism is defined as follows:

“Plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying
aboutit afterward.”

And the following may be considered as such:

 presenting someone else's work as your own
 copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
 failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
 giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
 changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving
credit
 Copying so many words or ideas from a source that makes up the majority of
your work, whether you give credit or not.

http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_citation.html

6.0 Citation
The problem of plagiarism has become so rampant to students of research that both
the studentsand the supervisors are cautioned to stick to proper and prescribed
methods of citation.

A "citation" is the way you tell your readers that certain material in your work came
fromanother source. It also gives your readers the information necessary to find that
source again,including:
 information about the author
 the title of the work
 the name and location of the company that published your copy of the source
 the date your copy was published
 the page numbers of the material you are borrowing
 The Need for citing sources

Guideline for Research 16

Giving credit to the original author by citing sources is the only way to use other
people's workwithout plagiarizing. But there are a number of other reasons to cite
sources:

 Citations are extremely helpful to anyone who wants to find out more about
your ideas and where they came from.

 Not all sources are good or right. Your own ideas may often be more accurate or
interesting than those of your sources. Proper citation will keep you from taking
the rap for someone else's bad ideas.

 Citing sources shows the amount of research you have done.

 Citing sources strengthens your work by lending outside support to your ideas.

 It must be emphasized that citing sources does not make your work less original
at all. On the contrary, citing sources actually helps your reader distinguish your
ideas from those of your sources. This will actually emphasize the originality of
your own work.

Whenever you borrow words or ideas, you need to cite to acknowledge their source.
The following situations always require citation:

 Whenever you use quotes.

 Whenever you paraphrase.
 Whenever you use an idea that someone else has already expressed.
 Whenever you make specific reference to the work of another.
 Whenever someone else's work has been critical in developing your own ideas.

7. Assessment: The assessment of the Research project will be carried out based
on the following criteria

Grading system will be as follows:

Range of Marks Grade Grade Point Value

85-100 A+ 4.2
70-84 A 4.0
65-69 A- 3.7
60-64 B+ 3.3
55-59 B 3.0
50-54 B- 2.7
45-49 C+ 2.3
40-44 C 2.0
35-39 C- 1.7
30-34 D+ 1.3
25-29 D 1.0
00-24 E 0.0

Guideline for Research 17

7.1 Adoption of appropriate format of writing Possible Marks Research
Report
- correct, spelling, grammar, punctuations
- clear, legible, professional presentation 15%
- correct division of chapters
- reference selection, use of tables, graphs, appendices

7.2 Literature Review

- A review of previous studies undertaken in the relevant 20%
field of study and the gaps in the exiting situation.

7.3 Problem Identification

- Identification of the research problem
- relevance of objectives in addressing the problem 15%
- Significance of the study

7.4 Methodology
- Adequacy of the methodology used for the study
- Relevance of conceptualization / theorization
- Identifying key issues, operationalisation and measurement 15%
of variables
- Adequacy and selection of sample & its relevance

7.5 Analysis and Interpretation

- Analysis through statistical or graphical techniques

- Exploration and explanation of finding through theoretical 15%
Knowledge, construction of careful, direct arguments

7.6 Presentation and Viva – Voce

- Undergraduate cadets’ practical knowledge of the subject

will be evaluated and the presentational skills of the same 20%
will also be concerned.

8. Failing Grades for Research Projects

A student, who, upon assessment by the two examiners attains a mark below the
institutional required mark of 60%, shall be required to repeat and/or resubmit the
Research Project subject towhether the required revision is “minor” or “major”. A
student shall be allowed to revise and re-submit the project as supplementary paper
only if he/she has obtained a grade between 55% and 59% in the original submission;
and the examiner/supervisor agrees that the original project is of sufficient quality as to
benefit from minor revision. Students undertaking minor revision shall be given an

Guideline for Research 18

extension of 30 days from the date of the publication of the results to complete and
resubmit for assessment. Failure by the student to meet this deadline shall result in a
failing grade in the course. The student shall then be asked to repeat the Research
Project. Students obtaining a final mark of 54% and below shall be deemed to have
failed the course and shall be required to repeat it and resubmit the project for
examination during the course of the year and such a student shall be required to
resubmit the proceedings of the research proposal. Students failing to pass after being
afforded the minor adjustment opportunity shall be deemed to have failed and shall be
required to repeat the Research project. The student may submit the project during the
course of the relevant academic year.

9. Handing over of the final Research Paper

All officers are required to hand over the completed Research paper in 2 spiral
bound copies to the Registrar’s Office or to the DAS (Director Academic Studies) on or
before the date of submission. A receipt should be obtained after handing over the
copies. Late submission will not be accepted. Failure to submit the paper on or before
the date of submission may lead to the student being declared as a failed candidate and
will be required repeating the Research Project from the beginning.

10. Presentation and Viva voce

Each student should give a presentation on the Research carried out by him and
face viva voce. The panel for the viva voce will comprise of the Director Academic
Studies, a member appointed by Commandant, a Faculty Member from the University,
Supervisory Examiner and the Registrar. The presentation and Viva voce will comprise of
the following:

 15 – 20 minute presentation by the student.

 10 Minute question and answer session during which the panel will ask
various questions regarding the research Project

Once completion of the viva voce the student will have to carry out any
corrections in the final paper and submit 2 hard bound copies of the Research Paper
along with the endorsement of the Directing Staff to the DAS/Registrar.

11. Main features of an ideal Research Paper

A Good Research Paper will essentially have the following features.

 Should be written in good English and without any grammatical,

semantically and spelling errors.
 Should be presented in a logical sequence and should not contain any
irrelevant material which does not have any bearing on the subject discussed.
 Any arguments highlighted should be supported with justifiable reasons
and appropriate references.

Guideline for Research 19

  Should identify the major problems and critically analyze the main issues
with a view to bring out solution.
 Should highlight limitations of the study and how these could be over
come in a future study of the same subject.

12. Responsibilities of the Research Project Supervisors

 Arrange meeting (1st meeting) with the student. At this meeting

information exchange is necessary. The supervisor and the student shall
exchange, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, agree on meeting dates and
discuss briefly any other issues that may be pertinent to the process.

 Give guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected,
about the planning of the research, the relevant literature and sources and
about requisite techniques (including arranging for instruction where necessary)
and about the problem of plagiarism.

 Advise the student on the choice of a suitable data in the relevant

discipline of study.

 Arrange regular meetings with the student and set aside adequate time
to discuss progress of future work.

 Be accessible to give advice at regular intervals.

 Arrange, in consultation with the Commandant Air Force Academy and

the student, for a replacement supervisor in the event that the primary
supervisor is unable to continue his/her role for a period longer than three
weeks.

 Provide the student with a letter of introduction (on letterhead) if the

student should visit other organizations for information – especially to conduct
interviews.

 Give detailed advice on the necessary completion dates of successive

stages of the work in order to ensure that the project is submitted within the
time allowed as stipulated in theregulations.

 Request from the student written work as appropriate and return such
work with constructive comments in a reasonable time.

 Warn the student of inadequate progress or of standards of work below

what is generallyexpected.Advise the DAS/Registrar SLAF Academy if and when
there is significant likelihood that a student will not meet the standard required
for the proper completion of the Research project.

Guideline for Research 20

  Complete the student’s consultation/progress report forms in a timely
fashion and to provide additional written projects when requested to do so.

 Ensure that the required number of copies (hard and electronic) of the
final research project is submitted to the SLAF Academy by the due date.

 Discuss work accomplished with the student and to revise the research
objectives as the work proceeds in the light of progress made and other external
factors (such as unexpected discoveries and newly published findings of other
researchers).

 Maintain regular contact with students through regular tutorial

meetings, to ensure the meetings are largely uninterrupted and to make
appropriate alternative arrangements when you are working away from the SLAF
Academy.

 Be accessible to students at other appropriate times when they may

need advice on issuespertaining to their Research Projects.

 Inform students of when you will be away for any extended period of
time so they may plan accordingly.

 Give detailed advice on the necessary completion dates of successive

stages of the work so that the whole project may be submitted within the
scheduled time.

 Request written work as appropriate and return such work with

constructive criticism and in reasonable time

 Ensure that the student is made aware if either he/her progress or the
standard of work is unsatisfactory and arrange any necessary supporting action

13. Student/Researcher’s Responsibilities

 To agree with the supervisor the type of guidelines and form of

comments found most helpful.

 To agree with the supervisor a suitable suggestions for the Research

Project and to proceed towork on the suggested topic.

 To discuss with the supervisor the type of guidance and comment he or

she finds mosthelpful and agree on a schedule of meetings and to attend such
meetings.

Guideline for Research 21

  To produce written work in accordance with the agreed schedule agreed
with the supervisor to allow time for comments and discussion before
proceeding to the next stage of the research project.

 To take initiative in raising problems or difficulties, however elementary

they may seem.

 In the event of the student being dissatisfied with any aspect of the
supervision or otherarrangements, discuss such dissatisfaction with the
DAS/Registrar at the earliest possible opportunity and in the event of such
discussion producing unsatisfactory outcome, the student shall submit a formal
written statement to the Commandant Air Force Academy stating reasons for
the same.

 To complete the consultation/progress report forms and any other

documents whenrequested to do so.

 To discuss with the supervisor the preparation of the project and to

decide, taking dueaccount of the advice from the supervisor, when it is ready for
submission.

 To submit the Research Project by the scheduled deadline as stipulated

in the regulations.

 To type the project on A4 paper with font size 12 in Times New Roman
and double spaced.

 The number of pages shall be a minimum of 50 and no maximum

restriction required. (This excludes appendixes and other attachments).

 To number and justify all pages.

 To start every chapter on a new page.

 To write the project with the researcher’s own point of view clearly
evident in the discussion of the team and the project as a whole.

 To use British English language effectively and present information

clearly, precisely, logically and unambiguously.

 To provide feedback on the performance of the supervisor by filling in the

supervision form (appendix 1) regularly to say something about making sure the
supervisor meets theexpectations laid out in the guidelines.

Guideline for Research 22

Appendix 1:
SUPERVISORY MEETING FORM

Supervision Meeting

Action Form

Name of the Student: ………………………………………..…..

Name of the Supervisor:………………………………………….
Date of Meeting: ………………

This form shall be filled in anytime there is a meeting and the student shall keep this
record during the period of the Research Project. The Supervisor shall also keep a copy
for actions agreed.

We discussed and agreed that the following action would be

completed before the next meeting: (incorporates works, training, and
specific things they have agreed to do)

1: ……………………………………………………

2: ……………………………………………………

3: ……………………………………………………

Progress Indicators:

Very good Good Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………..

Signature of Student: ……………………. Date: ……………………

Signature of Supervisor: ………………… Date: ……………………

Guideline for Research 23

APPENDIX 2: INTERVENTION FORM

Research Student Progress Report – Monthly review

This report must be completed by the supervisor with the student present and submitted to the
DAS/Registrar SLAF Academy when the progress is requested by the SLAF Academy at each
consecutive review meeting

Name of the Student: …………………………………………………

Service &Branch/Regiment/unit: ……………………………………….

Date of Commencement: ……………………………

Estimated date of completion: …………………………

Tile of the Research Project ……………………………………

Name of the Supervisor: …………………………………………...

1. Please place ticks ( ) below your assessment of English language ability.

a. Spoken poor fair Good
b. Written poor fair Good

2. Please indicate the student’s progress by circling the appropriate phrase below:
Very good Good Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
3. If you have circled either “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”, please comment and
indicate what remedial action you recommend to address the problem.(if necessary, please use
an additional sheet of paper)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. If progress has been than satisfactory, please give date of next review (it is
recommended that this takes place soonest)………………………………………………………………………

5. Indicate action plan you propose for the student as soon as possible.

Signature of student ………………………… Date ………………………….

Signature of Supervisor ………………………. Date ……………………………
Please ensure that the student receives a copy of this report

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

N.B. Please return the completed report to the DAS/Registrar who will address any issue raised with the
Commandant SLAF Academy or the Board members.

Guideline for Research 24