WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

MASTERS THESIS GUIDELINE

December 2020, Hossana

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 WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

MASTERS THESIS GUIDELINE

Committee members: Dr.. Kacha Assefa (School of Graduate Studies, Director)

Dr. Zelalem Abatkun (College of Natural & Computational Science)
Dr. Kassahun Wolde (College of Business & Economics)

Reviewed by: Dr. Temesgen Thomas (Academic Affairs Vice President)

July 2020,
Hossana, Ethiopia

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND TO THE THESIS GUIDELINE ................................................................................ VI
2. THE MASTER THESISPROPOSAL ....................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2. Topic selection and approval ............................................................................................................. 2
2.2.1 Procedures of title selection and approval ................................................................................... 3
2.3. Advisors assignment .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.4. Funding .............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. COMPONENTS OF THE THESIS PROPOSAL ..................................................................................... 6
3.1 The cover page .................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Title page ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Approval sheet .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Acronyms /Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... 7
3.5 Table of contents ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.6 List of tables........................................................................................................................................ 7
3.7 List of figures ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.8 Introduction/Background of the study ................................................................................................ 7
3.8.1 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................. 8
3.8.2 Research Question or Hypotheses................................................................................................ 8
3.8.3 Objective/ Aim of the study ......................................................................................................... 9
3.8.4 Significance/Importance of the study........................................................................................... 9
3.8.5 Scope/delimitation of the study.................................................................................................. 10
3.8.6 Limitation of the study ............................................................................................................... 10
3.8.7 Operational Definitions .............................................................................................................. 10
3.8.8. Organization of the study proposal/thesis ................................................................................. 10
3.9. Literature Review............................................................................................................................. 11
3.10 Materials and methods/Research methodology .............................................................................. 11
3.10.1 Study area................................................................................................................................. 12
3.10.2 Study Design ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.10.3 Sampling .................................................................................................................................. 12
3.10.4 Sampling techniques ................................................................................................................ 12
3.10.5 Describe sample size calculation/determination: ..................................................................... 13
3.10.6 Data Collection Tool/Methods: ................................................................................................ 13

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 3.10.7 Pilot Study:............................................................................................................................... 13
3.10.8 Data collection process: ........................................................................................................... 13
3.10.9 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 14
3.11 Ethical Consideration (if applicable) .............................................................................................. 14
3.12 Timeline/Work Plan ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.13 Budget/Financial Plan ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.14 References ....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.15 Appendices...................................................................................................................................... 16
4. TECHNICAL LAYOUTS OF THE THESIS PROPOSAL.................................................................... 17
4.1. Paper specification ........................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Illustrations (Figures, Tables and photographs) ................................................................................ 17
4.3 Cover page (A sample is given in Appendix 4) ................................................................................ 17
4.4 Title page (A sample is given in Appendix 5) .................................................................................. 18
4.5 Approval Sheet.................................................................................................................................. 18
5. SUBMISSION, REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THESIS PROPOSAL ............................................ 19
5.1. Submission ....................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2. Review and Approval ...................................................................................................................... 19
6. A MASTERS THESIS ............................................................................................................................ 21
6.1. Eligibility ......................................................................................................................................... 21
6.2. Meeting the Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 21
6.3. Withdrawal, Utilization and Settlement of Research Fund .............................................................. 21
6.3.1. Withdrawal and Utilization ....................................................................................................... 21
6.3.2. Settlement ................................................................................................................................. 21
6.3. 3. Progress Report ........................................................................................................................ 22
6.4. Data Collection and Analysis........................................................................................................... 22
6.5. Thesis Write-up ................................................................................................................................ 23
6.5.1. Preliminaries ............................................................................................................................. 23
6.5.2. Cover page ................................................................................................................................ 24
6.5.3. Title Page .................................................................................................................................. 24
6.5.4. Declaration ................................................................................................................................ 24
6.5.5. Approval pages ......................................................................................................................... 24
6.5.6. Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................... 25
6.5.7. Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... 25

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 6.5.8. List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ 26
6.5.9. List of Figures and Illustrations ................................................................................................ 26
6.5. 10. Main text/body ....................................................................................................................... 26
6.5.11. End matters ............................................................................................................................. 28
6.6. Thesis Report format........................................................................................................................ 44
6.6.1. Language: English..................................................................................................................... 45
6.6.2. Paper specification .................................................................................................................... 45
6.6.3. Typing ....................................................................................................................................... 45
7. Thesis Submission, Open defense and approval ..................................................................................... 48
7.1 Submission of the Thesis .................................................................................................................. 48
7.2 Board of Examiners and their functions/duties ................................................................................. 48
7.2.1 The External Examiner .............................................................................................................. 48
7.2.2 The Internal Examiner ............................................................................................................... 49
7.2.3 The chairperson .......................................................................................................................... 49
7.2.4. Selection and Appointment ....................................................................................................... 49
7.2.5 Participation in Assessment Procedures..................................................................................... 50
7.2.6 Discussion of Course Structure .................................................................................................. 50
7.2.7. Reports ...................................................................................................................................... 51
7.3 Thesis Defence Procedures ............................................................................................................... 51
7.4. Thesis rating format ......................................................................................................................... 53
7.5. Decision ........................................................................................................................................... 54
7.5.1. Thesis Acceptance..................................................................................................................... 54
7.5.2. Pending of Thesis ...................................................................................................................... 54
7.5.3 Thesis Rejection ......................................................................................................................... 54
7.5.4. Appeal ....................................................................................................................................... 55
7.5.5. Final Thesis document .............................................................................................................. 55

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 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Sample Cover Page of Thesis Proposal (Outer Cover for Thesis Proposal) ............ 56
Appendix 2: Sample Title Page (Inner Cover for Thesis Proposal) ............................................. 57
Appendix 3: Advisors’ Proposal Approval Sheet ......................................................................... 58
Appendix 4: Approval Sheet of Reviewed Proposal .................................................................... 59
Appendix 5: Work Plan/Time table .............................................................................................. 60
Appendix 6: Budget Plan .............................................................................................................. 61
Appendix 7: Sample Cover Page of Thesis (Outer Cover for Thesis) .......................................... 62
Appendix 8: Sample Title Page (Inner Cover for Thesis) ............................................................ 63
Appendix 9: Advisors’ Approval Sheet (Final Thesis)................................................................. 64
Appendix 10: Examiners ‘Approval Sheet ................................................................................... 65
Appendix 11: Declaration ............................................................................................................. 66
Appendix 12: Advisors’ Thesis Submission Approval Sheet ....................................................... 67
Appendix 13: Thesis Evaluation Sheet ......................................................................................... 68
Appendix 14: Thesis Evaluation Sheet (Average) ........................................................................ 69
Appendix 15: MASTER THESIS PROGRESS REPORT .......................................................... 70

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1. BACKGROUND TO THE THESIS GUIDELINE
Wachemo University is one of the public universities of Ethiopia envisioning to become one of
the first class Universities in Ethiopia and home of brilliants by 2024 G.C. (2017E.C.) Wachemo
University’s School of Graduate Studies started its operation in 2009 E.C. The school began with
four programs which grew into seven programs in 2011 E.C. Since then, the expansion of post
graduate programs continued to be one of the core activities of the school which is making a
number of curriculum preparations and need assessment activities that helped launch new
programs. As of 2014 E.C the school has a total of 43 programs at Masters and PhD level.

The School of graduate studies oversees all academic activities related to graduate studies. It
provides graduate level education opportunities nationally, offering graduate programs in various
fields and modalities and engages in various community service projects and activities. To make
the graduate program more effective and pertinent, the school monitors whether all parameters of
quality education across all Colleges and Institutes of the University are strictly applied with the
aim of producing competent graduates in all disciplines.

In addition to course work, graduate students are mandated to carry out a scientific research
(thesis) to fulfil Master’s degree requirements in their field of specialization. The production
of quality and relevant theses demand the existence of supportive guideline that directs the
various activities of the research work. Towards this end, the School of Graduate Studies has
prepared a comprehensive thesis guideline that standardize and direct the conduction,
supervision and evaluation of theses in all graduate programs of the university. The theses
guideline will also enable students to develop sound proposals, undertake scientific research and
produce up to the standard research report.
The theses guideline will have the following objectives:

 To offer standard guideline that creates uniform working procedures for proposal
development and for thesis writing across all graduate programs of the university.

 To ease the process of supervising, reviewing, assessing and approving the proposal and
research report.

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  To provide quick reference to department heads, graduate program coordinators and
relevant bodies/institutions involved in thesis activities.

2. THE MASTER THESISPROPOSAL

2.1. Eligibility
A graduate student who has successfully completed the course work required by the program and
registered for thesis work is eligible for pursuing his/her research. To be eligible for a thesis
proposal, a graduate student should score the minimum CGPA requirement as per the WCU’s
Senate Legislation and SGS Guideline of the university.

2.2. Topic selection and approval

A research works starts with the selection of researchable, relevant and feasible research topic.
The general potential sources of research topics could be the research thematic areas of the
university and the country’s development needs. The following points should be considered in
the process of thesis title selection.

Specifically, graduate thesis topics can be initiated by:

(i) Potential advisors who are engaged in research and project studies. Respective

departments which are running graduate programs shall request potential advisors at the end of
second or third semester to submit potential thesis topics on which they are also working or
interested to work. These titles shall be posted to invite interested students to consult the
respective potential advisors. After consultation with advisors, students shall submit the
titles of their interest to the department.

(ii) Graduate student: A student who has developed an interest in specific area may consult an
expert staff in the area and formulate researchable title to be submitted to the department.

(iii) Funding organization: When funding organizations, research institutions etc. are
interested to recruit graduate students to do their thesis on specific problems in which the
organizations/institutions are working, the Department Graduate Committee (DGC) shall
select the graduate students based on the term of reference (objectives) set by these
institutions or other relevant criteria set by the department.

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2.2.1 Procedures of title selection and approval

 Students are expected to submit up to three topics to their respective departments in the
first week after they registered for:
 Third semester (Y-II, Semester-I) for regular students.
 Third/Fourth semester for CEDP students
 Fourth semester for summer students
 Students are required to submit thesis topics in a printout form with date and hour of
submission on it. When students select research topic in similar research area, students
who submitted first will be given priority.
 Topic of the thesis for each candidate shall be approved by the DGC/SGC within one
week after students’ final title submission date. Both regular and Weekend students are
expected to take two semesters for thesis work. However, summer students are expected
to submit their approved thesis proposal to department before the end of third summer.
 Students are expected to produce progress report twice in the semester (Appendix 15).
 Students are expected to complete and defend their proposal after it is properly evaluated and
approved by his/her advisor, in presence of instructors and graduate students.

2.3. Advisors assignment

Assignment and approval of advisors shall be made by DGC.

(i) Assignment of advisors shall take into account the expertise and research
experiences of the instructors to be assigned.

(ii) Under normal circumstances, advisors shall be assigned from the university. In
areas where there is shortage of staff, advisors can be assigned from outside the
university.

(iii) In addition to the principal advisor, a co-advisor should also be assigned to help
the student add more insight into the thesis.

(iv). While the principal advisor needs to have a minimum academic rank of assistant
professor or equivalent, the co-advisor must possess at least Master’s degree and rich
experience in the envisaged research area.

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 (v) It is the responsibility of the principal advisor to ensure that there is a smooth
communication between the candidate and the co-advisor during the course of the thesis
work.

(vi). Advisors shall sign contract of agreement before commencement of the advisory

Duties. Form is available on SGS Guideline, 2021.

2.4. Funding
Access to research fund depends on modality of sponsorship, availability of other fund sources
and competition for the fund.

(i) Students from public Universities shall automatically obtain funds from the
Ministry of Education through the hosting university.

(ii) Students from other government and non-government organizations shall obtain
funds from their respective sponsoring organizations.

(iii) Self-sponsored students can seek for other fund sources. In this case, SGS shall
write support letters to students.

(iv) The university shall also provide limited funding opportunities on competitive bases.
Students in categories (ii) and (iii) should enter an agreement with the SGS through their sponsors or
themselves for their sponsorship. The students need to pass through the following steps.
(i) After receiving admission letter/letter of acceptance from SGS, they need to
contact their respective college/institute graduate program coordinator to collect the
contract agreement form to know the amount to pay, and to fill the form in the presence
of the coordinator.

(ii) Students of category (ii) above are required to take the form to their

organization and get the form signed by the head of their organization. The
agreement enforces each organization to pay the total study fee (including
research grant) of the student within a semester after the student has begun the
study. Once the total amount is paid by the sponsor, the students are required to
register each semester bearing the receipt of payment to graduate program
coordinator and the registrar office.

(iii) Students of category (iii) above need to sign the agreement form themselves to pay

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the semester fee at the start of each semester. In making the fee, students

need to:

a. First, transfer the semester fee to university account (to be obtained from

SGS) at Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

b. Then, take the bank invoice to the university finance to obtain the university
receipt.

c. Next, show the university receipt to institute/college graduate program coordinator

and collect registration slip.

d. Lastly, take the signed slip, together with the university receipt, to the
registrar office to finalize the registration.

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3. COMPONENTS OF THE THESIS PROPOSAL
Thesis proposal provides an overview of your proposed plan of work, including the general
scope of your project, your basic research questions, research methodology, and the overall
significance of your study. In short, proposal explains what you want to study, how you will
study this topic, why this topic needs to be studied, and (generally) when you intend to do this
work. (Occasionally, you may also need to explain where your study will take place.)

Proposals across programs generally include at least some form of the following sections: Title,
Abstract, Introduction/Background, Problem Statement, Research Questions and/or Hypotheses,
Purpose/Aims/Rationale, Delimitation/Scope, Significance/Implications, Operational
Definitions, Review of Literature, Research Methodology, Ethical Consideration, Plan of Work,
Financial Requirements, Bibliography/References, and Appendices. Descriptions of these
components are provided hereby.

3.1 The cover page

The cover page should be informative, free from any ambiguity and incompleteness. It contains
names of the university and the SGS, the title of the research proposal, the academic degree
sought, the name of the graduate student, faculty or college, the department, the program of
study, and the advisors. The place, month and year are put as the last items on the cover page. A
sample cover page is given in Appendix 1.

3.2 Title page

The title should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study. The title of the research
proposal should convey the main purpose of the research. The title of your research proposal
should state your topic exactly in the smallest possible number of words. The title therefore
should convey maximum information in fewer words (between 15- 20 words) than any other part
of the proposal. The title should be descriptive and contain the key words of the proposal. Do not
use terms like "Research into...", "A Study of...” etc. Titles should almost never contain
abbreviations. The title page has no page number and it is not counted in any page numbering. A
sample of title/cover page is given in Appendix 2.

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3.3 Approval sheet
Approval sheet includes:
 Advisors’ approval sheet (Appendix 3)
 Reviewers’ approval sheet (Appendix 4)

3.4 Acronyms /Abbreviations

The investigator/s should write lists of abbreviations used in the main body of proposal in
alphabetical order. The use of author coined and not common abbreviations are to be avoided or
minimized. Use first letter of keywords in upper case for author coined abbreviations. List them
in alphabetical order of the terms written in full form. No abbreviations must be used in title or at
the beginning of a sentence. Each abbreviation should be defined in full when it is first used in
the manuscript followed by its abbreviation in brackets. Standard units of measurements and
internationally well-known abbreviations need not be listed.

3.5 Table of contents

All the headings or entries in the table of content page should correspond exactly in wordings,
fonts and cases with headings as they appear in the text. The table of contents need to have
dotted lines connecting headings and respective pages. Notation for subdivisions of subheadings
should not exceed four decimals.

3.6 List of tables

The list of tables comes next to the table of contents. It should be noted that the list of tables
rarely occurs in a research proposal.

3.7 List of figures

The list of figures comes next to the List of Tables. However, if there isn’t any List of Tables, it
comes immediately after the 'table of contents' page.

3.8 Introduction/Background of the study

The introduction helps put your research in conversation with other research on similar topics.
Generally, the introduction provides necessary background information to your study and
provides readers with some sense of your overall research interest. A good introduction should:
 Establish the general territory (real world or research) in which the research is placed.

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  Describe the broad foundations of your study, including some references to existing
literature and/or empirically observable situations. In other words, the introduction needs
to provide sufficient background for readers to understand where your study is coming
from.

 Indicate the general scope of your research, but do not go into so much detail that later
sections (purpose/literature review) become irrelevant.

 Provide an overview of the sections that will appear in your proposal (optional).

 Engage the readers.

3.8.1 Statement of the Problem

In this section you need to present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why
it is worth doing. Moreover, it needs brief description of the major issues and sub problems to be
addressed by your research. Therefore, investigators should consider the following points while
writing up the problem statement. This section should:

 Answer the question: “What is the gap that needs to be filled?” and/or “What is the
problem that needs to be solved?”
 State the problem clearly early in a paragraph.
 Indicate the variables you address in stating your problem.

3.8.2 Research Question or Hypotheses

o Research Questions
 Generally associated with qualitative or mixed methods research, where
the results could be any number of options.
 Research questions need to be aligned with the problem and the specific
objectives, so that the answers to the questions address the problem.
o Hypotheses
 Are generally associated with quantitative analysis only
 Usually written in the form of a null hypothesis (that the opposite of the
hypothesis is true). This is often the case in laboratory, drug trial or
equipment studies

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  Where applicable, state the relationship that you expect to exist between
the dependent and the independent variables as clearly as possible.
 Where applicable mention the control variable(s)

3.8.3 Objective/ Aim of the study

Most proposals include a clear statement of the research objectives. An objective may be thought
of as either a solution to a problem or a step along the way toward achieving a solution; an end
state to be achieved in relation to the problem. The objectives of a research project summarize
what is to be achieved by the study.

Commonly, research objectives are classified into general objectives and specific objectives.
The general and specific objectives are logically connected to each other and the specific
objectives are commonly considered as smaller portions of the general objectives. It is important
to ascertain that the general objective is closely related to the statement of the problem.
General objective
It refers to the general intention of the research. It should spell out in one statement what the
research is supposed to accomplish using general term. It should be clear.

Specific Objectives should be

 Simple (not complex), well-defined statements of intended measurable
change/information accumulation to be accomplished under the scope of the current
project
 Very Specific (not vague) and achievable within the study period (as part of the project).
 Stated in advance (not after the research is done), and
 Measureable steps toward achieving the project aim
 Stated using “action verbs” that are specific enough to be measured such as to examine,
to explore, to evaluate, to innovate, to design, etc.

3.8.4 Significance/Importance of the study

It involves the points that describe the long -term benefits (outcome/s) of the proposed research
i.e. the relevance of study in terms of academic contributions and practical use that might be
made of the findings. It should reflect knowledge creation, technological or socioeconomic value
to the community.

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When thinking about the significance of the study, keep in mind addressing the following
questions:
 What are the expected outputs of the study?
 Who are the potential beneficiaries?
 How the expected results enhance the work of practitioners, researchers, experts, policy
makers, etc.?
 How will results influence programs, methods, and/or interventions?

3.8.5 Scope/delimitation of the study

The scope provides the boundary of the research in terms of depth of investigation, content,
sample size, geographical area, Time frame and theoretical coverage.

3.8.6 Limitation of the study

What factors may impact on your study and how (sample size, funding, time constraints, lost
data, inadequate samples)

3.8.7 Operational Definitions

When the researcher thinks that some of the key words are used in a special manner in the
context of the current study, he/she needs to provide a section with operational definitions of
terms. Similarly, when the researcher thinks that some terms in the study are unfamiliar to the
reader, he /she has to provide definitions of the key terms in a section named definitions of the
key terms.

3.8.8. Organization of the study proposal/thesis

Organization of the Study is to provide a map that may guide readers through the reading and
understanding of the proposal/thesis. In this activity, you will provide readers with a roadmap to
your thesis that illustrates what they should expect:
(a) in how the study was organized and conducted; and
(b) in how the chapters ahead have been sequenced/organized.
Generally, a component of the Organization of the Study is to spotlight the organizational "sign
posts" to look for in the chapters that follow.
Specifically, a component of the Organization of the Study is to briefly establish how each
chapter is constructed to achieve your research objectives.
 How will you organize your study to systematically address your research questions?

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  How will your chapters be sequenced and constructed to reflect the organization of your
study?

3.9. Literature Review

Literature review (theoretical and empirical) helps to find out what has been done so far in the
area of research problem, and what information is available. It should be a critical analysis of
relevant existing knowledge on proposed proposal. It includes reviewing the objectives,
methodologies and key findings (includes strength of previous studies, limitations and the gaps)
of the past empirical studies. It should be relevant with recent citations on the topic and citations
within the past five years are ideal and generally considered current. Citations ten years and older
should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Unpublished documents and lay sources like
encyclopaedias are not recommended. Serious attention must be given to avoid any possible
consideration of plagiarism. This is done by student tracking and referencing each and every
document used. Moreover, the review of literature describes how present study will refine, revise
or add to the already documented facts. It clarifies, strengthens and directs each stage of research
and indicates what is new in a proposed study. Literature review is a continuous process.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
In some studies as a part of the research design conceptual framework/theoretical
framework/analytical framework is included. Theory provides an explanatory framework that
will help guide you in structuring your work so that you can describe what you observe in the
data and identify any associations between variables.

a. May have sub-sections depending on how you organize your argument.

b. Choose one theory or conceptual framework to guide your research study
c. Describe the key points of the theory succinctly in a few paragraphs.
d. Cite key literature as background to the description of the theory
e. Clearly indicate how the theory/framework informs your study design, analysis and
conclusions

3.10 Materials and methods/Research methodology

This section is essential to most good research proposals. How you study a problem is often as
important as the results you collect. This section includes a description of the general means

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through which the goals of the study will be achieved: methods, materials, procedures, tasks, etc.
Hence, it needs a detailed description of selected methodology and should be presented in
unambiguous terms.

3.10.1 Study area

Describe the location, climate, geology, soils, population, production systems, etc. Contents may
depend on the discipline of concern.

3.10.2 Study Design

This section relates directly to addressing all the components needed to meet your objectives. It
shows the logical steps you will take toward achieving them. The study type may dictate certain
research designs. More commonly, the study objectives can be achieved through a number of
alternative designs. Students have to select the most appropriate and most feasible design.

The type of research design chosen depends on:

 the type of problem;

 the knowledge already available about the problem; and
 the resources available for the study.

3.10.3 Sampling
Sampling is the process of selecting a number of study units from a defined study population.
Often research focuses on a large population that, for practical reasons, it is only possible to
include some of its members in the investigation. You then have to draw a sample from the total
population. In such cases you must consider the following questions:
• What is the study population you are interested in from which we want to draw a sample?

• How many subjects do you need in your sample?

• How will these subjects be selected?

3.10.4 Sampling techniques

How will you draw/select your sample? What sampling methods will you use?

I. Justify the use of the chosen sampling method

II. Specify inclusion and exclusion criteria.

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3.10.5 Describe sample size calculation/determination:
Formal sample size calculations are required for all research studies. These indicate how many
study subjects are needed. So that, if the research ideas are correct, it is very likely that
statistically significant result will be obtained. If the sample is too small a real effect may be
overlooked. If it is too large, resources will be wasted. Researchers should describe the formula
used to determine their sample size and cited a reference of the method used for the calculation.

3.10.6 Data Collection Tool/Methods:

This section should include description of instruments and procedures to be used in the research
to collect relevant data and justification of why the tool is used.
i. Indicate all the collection tools, such as questionnaires, and the type of data that
they will collect: demographic, clinical, etc. These draft items must be included as
appendices.
ii. If you are using questionnaires, indicate the themes that you are going to use to
collect the data so that there is a clear link between the content this data collection
tool and relevant literature or theory. If you are collecting both qualitative and
quantitative data, be sure to describe the relationship between the two; that is, how
collecting one type of data will inform or relate to the other type.
iii. Discuss the reliability and validity of instruments and procedures, and of entire
method. State whether the tools have been validated. Will the results be
generalizable and replicable?
iv. If you are developing an intervention, describe how you will develop it, what
baseline data will be collected, what variables you will be measuring, the
control/comparisons

3.10.7 Pilot Study:

A small study conducted in advance of a planned project, specifically to test aspects of the
research design (such as stimulus material) and to allow necessary adjustment before final
commitment to the design. You need to show the reader the write procedure. (On what sample
profile and size will you test your data collection tools?)

3.10.8 Data collection process:

Describe the process you will follow to collect the data on the tools identified above. This can be
described in a number of ways:

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 i. Phases or steps: What data will be collected first and how? What data will be
collected second and how? What data will be collected third…
ii. if you are conducting an intervention, clearly describe how it will be administered,
how long the intervention will last, and what safeguards will be in place for those
who participate

3.10.9 Data Analysis

This section will describe all possible organization, analysis and interpretation of the data
generated. Usually, more than one analysis is conducted. Each analysis that will be used to meet
each objective listed above should be described. Also a description of the specific effects to be
examined in each analysis, such as main effects, interaction effects or simple main effects should
be included. The unit of analysis to be used should be specified and the reason for choosing that
unit should be explained. After reading this section, the reader should know which effects will
guide the data analysis and in exactly what way the data are to be analysed to meet each
objective of the proposed study. Data analyses should be specifically linked to the hypotheses so
that it is clear how each hypothesis will be tested.

Data analysis should answer the following questions

A. What analytical techniques will you use for the qualitative and quantitative data and
why?
B. What statistical techniques will be used, (e.g., ANOVA, MANCOVA, AQUAD etc )
C. Why and what computer packages? SAS, SPSS, SYSTAT, STATA, EVIEW, etc)
D. (If applicable) how you will evaluate the intervention for impact?
E. What is the planned presentation of the results (i.e. tables, charts, etc….)?

3.11 Ethical Consideration (if applicable)

Ethics of the research here refers to the morals of the investigation or intervention as regards the
minimal abuse or disregard safety of social and psychological wellbeing of the person,
community and /or animals. Therefore, the researcher needs to include a statement of ethical
consideration and needs to obtain ethical clearance. Here, the benefits, and any harm to the study
participants should be clearly presented. The issue of confidentiality (keeping the information
only for intended purpose without using any personal identifiers) should be indicated. Any

14
research which involves experiment on human subjects needs national ethical clearance (when it
is appropriate).

3.12 Timeline/Work Plan

This section should describe the sequence of activities necessary to conduct the research. It
should include the time necessary to complete each activity. After reading this section, the reader
can have a clear understanding of what steps will be taken, the order in which they will occur,
and the time each step will require. Construct a Gantt chart/work plan (Appendix 5) to illustrate
your project timetable, by phase and activity.

3.13 Budget/Financial Plan

This is the budget/financial plan (Appendix 6) for implementation of the research. It should be
clear, realistic and reasonable (affordable). Provide a detailed point-wise description of costs, by
phase and suggested use of unit cost, number of units and total cost. The student should
summarize towards the end all the expenditure under various headings that may include
unforeseen expenditure (contingency allowance of 5 to 10%) as well. Based on the requirement,
budget may be itemized under the following categories:
 Equipment, stationery, materials,
 Travel expenses (transport or fuel, perdiem, etc),
 Research assistance (advisor, data collection, laborers etc),
 Services (secretarial, photocopying, printing, and binding etc.), and
 Others (to be specified).

3.14 References
The references must include all works cited or referred to for information while writing the
research proposal. This section contains all published and unpublished scholarly materials like
books, periodicals, documentary materials, pamphlets, yearbooks, statistical abstracts, annual
reports, etc. which were consulted for relevant information following strictly the rules of
scientific references. Be consistent with use of references; use a single style guide as institution
(APA) referencing style should be applied and stick to its guidelines for referencing. For some
programs other referencing style may apply. This also includes style used for referencing with in
the body of the proposal.

15
3.15 Appendices
a. Provide draft data collection instruments, this applies to both social research and
laboratory-focused research
b. Include examples of consent forms, if applicable to your study

16
4. TECHNICAL LAYOUTS OF THE THESIS PROPOSAL
To maintain uniformity among all research proposals, they have to comply with the standard
format provided under

4.1. Paper specification

Items Guideline
Colour Black and white
Size 21 cm x 29.7cm (A4)
Paper weight >80gm
Typing with Computer
Left margin 1.25 inch
Right margin 1 inch
Top margin 1 inch
Bottom margin 1 inch
Spacing (between lines) 1.5
Spacing (paragraph) 6pt before and after
Font size (text) 12
Font size (Heading 1,2,3) 14,13,12 respectively.
Font type Times New Roman
Font style Regular
Breaking a word on 2 lines Not allowed
Correction with fluid Not allowed
Overwriting Not allowed
Printing quality Laser or better quality
Copying High quality photocopy
Binding Spiral

4.2 Illustrations (Figures, Tables and photographs)

 Illustrations should be of good quality (clear, explanatory, well labelled, etc.)
 Place illustrations within the text at appropriate places
 Type table captions (titles) immediately above the table with the font type used in the
text
 Type figure captions (titles) immediately below the figure with the font type used in
the text
 Table and figure titles should be single spaced and aligned justified

4.3 Cover page

(A sample is given in Appendix 7)

Typed in all capital letters, should include

 Approved thesis title typed in the middle of the page

17
  Name of the degree, e g. M.Sc./MA… Thesis
 Full name of the author typed in the middle of the page
 Name and location of the University
 Month and year of thesis submission typed 5 cm above the bottom margin

4.4 Title page

(A sample is given in Appendix 8)

It is the first page under the cover page typed in all capital letters and center justified on each line
with the following information.
 Approved thesis title 5 lines below the top of the page
 Full name of the author typed 8 lines below the title
 Further 3 lines below, the following should be typed:
 Month and year of final copy of thesis submission should be given at the bottom line

4.5 Approval Sheet

 Each proposal submitted for review will have two certificates
 Approval Sheet from the principal and/or co-advisor (Appendix 9)
 Approval Sheet from the Reviewers (Appendix 13)

18
5. SUBMISSION, REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THESIS PROPOSAL
5.1. Submission
i. A thesis proposal written following the specifications given in this guideline and in close
consultation with advisor/s shall be submitted to the respective departments after the approval of
the advisor(s).

ii. The proposal has to be submitted in three hard copies signed by the student and the
advisor(s).

iii. The thesis proposal shall be submitted to the respective departments two weeks ahead of the
review date notified by the department.

5.2. Review and Approval

i) The DGC identifies a potential reviewer and a chairperson for each proposal to be reviewed.

ii, Submitted proposals have to be sent to the identified reviewers 10 days ahead of the review
event.

iii) The reviewer has to read the whole body of the proposal and make critical comments with the
view to improve the proposal.

iv). An open presentation of proposals has to be arranged by the respective departments so that
the proposals are presented and reviewed.

v) A student has to make 20 minutes of presentation followed by 30 minutes comments and

suggestion by review members.

vi). Other participants can attend the session, ask questions and give comments and suggestions.

vii) The reviewer is required to submit the review protocol to the chairperson of the review
committee at the end of the open presentation session.

viii) The chairperson of the review session has to take notes of the comments and suggestions
made and submit the minute of the review process to the department.

ix) Students have to collect copies of the minutes with suggestions made and agreed upon by the
review members from their respective departments for further consideration of suggestions in
their final proposal.
19
x) The final proposal has to be submitted to the respective departments within one week after the
review process.

xi) The reviewer thoroughly checks the inclusion of the agreed corrections and suggestions in the
final version.

xii) The revised version of the proposal should be signed by the student, advisor(s) and reviewer
and be submitted in 3 copies to the department. Then, the DGC chairperson signs on approval
pages of the proposal put a stamp and send one copy to the advisor, one to the department, one to
College/institute Graduate Program coordinator.
xiii) Evaluators/Reviewer should have a rank of assistant professor and above. Major and co-
advisors should not be assigned as evaluators of their own students. When there is shortage of
evaluators, the DGC may assign instructors with a rank of lecturer with rich research experience.
The DGC may also invite instructors from other departments when there is a specialization
requirement.

xiv) For examining CEDP students’ thesis proposals, two evaluators will be assigned per
one proposal. As an incentive, a lump sum of 1000 Birr/proposal will be paid for each
evaluator regardless of the rank he/she holds.

20
6. A MASTERS THESIS
6.1. Eligibility
A graduate student whose thesis proposal has got approval by the department is eligible for
pursuing his/her thesis.

6.2. Meeting the Schedule

The commencement and completion of the research tasks should comply with the timeframe
specified in the curriculum of the respective programs and academic calendar of the university.
A graduate student will be held responsible, if he/she fails to meet the schedule with no valid
reason.

6.3. Withdrawal, Utilization and Settlement of Research Fund

In case the research has got specific fund, students are required to abide by financial rules and
regulations of the university and fund provider while withdrawing, spending and settling the
money earmarked for their research.

6.3.1. Withdrawal and Utilization

In order to withdraw the research fund the student has to follow the following procedures.
i. After getting his/her proposal approved, the student should collect two copies of research fund
(grant) withdrawal form from college/institute/School graduate program coordination office and
fill it.
ii. Then, he/she needs to get the form signed by the thesis advisor, the department head, graduate
program coordinator and director of school of graduate studies.
iii. Later, he/she presents the research grant withdrawal form accompanied by a letter from SGS
to the head of the finance office who, also signs on the withdrawal form and facilitates the
withdrawal.
After withdrawing the fund, students need to utilize it in line with budget breakdown of the
research proposal. They also need to settle the fund as described next.

6.3.2. Settlement
The fund received and utilized for research activities is settled in two forms: petty cash
settlement and per-diem settlement forms. In both forms, students follow similar steps listed
next.

21
a. They collect two copies of per diem/petty cash settlement form from college graduate program
coordination office and fill it.
b. Then, they get the forms signed by the thesis advisor, the department head, the College SGS
coordinator and the director of SGS. Here the College SGS coordinator should make sure that
they bear necessary receipts and supporting evidences. The receipts are signed by the director of
SGS.
c. Finally, they present per diem/petty cash settlement form with a letter from SGS to the head of
the university finance office or to a concerned authority assigned for the task, get the form signed
and finalize the settlement.

6.3. 3. Progress Report

Regular monitoring and supervision of student research is important to ensure quality research
outputs and help students complete their researches on time. Therefore, advisors are required to
consistently follow-up the status of research under their supervision. Students are required to
submit progress report (Appendix 15) other than their draft thesis at least twice (after the
completion of data collection and data analysis). The major advisor, after receiving and
evaluating the progress report, has to forward the same to DGC with recommendations as to
whether the research can be completed within the academic calendar or special consideration is
required.

6.4. Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection and analysis is the central part of any research. It involves the collection and
analysis of relevant information and data using instruments described in the methodology section
of the proposal.
Make sure that there is a close link between the data collection methods/instruments
(including items of the data collection methods/instruments) and objectives/research questions.
Remember to collect the required data yourself. If assistance is required, you have to closely
supervise the assistant(s) during the data collection.
Keep in touch with your advisor(s) while you are in the field for collecting data.
do not forget to store your raw and processed data in a safe place to provide them any time
you are requested.
Give due attention for the representativeness of samples, validity and reliability of the scales
for they significantly determine the research quality.
22
After the relevant and adequate data are collected, careful analyses is required. Therefore, due
attention should be given:
 To analyse the data using appropriate methods of data analysis indicated in the proposal;
 To present and organize the results of the analysis in a way that enables to draw
inferences and conclusions in line with the objectives/research questions.

6.5. Thesis Write-up

After data collection and analysis is completed, students are required to compile their thesis
following the standard format given in this guideline.
A thesis shall contain the following major components:
Preliminaries,
Main text/body,
End matters

6.5.1. Preliminaries
As the preliminaries form a significant part of the whole thesis report, due attention should be
given in preparing them. A general standard pattern suggested here in each case will be helpful
to a researcher.
Preliminaries of a thesis include the following in their order of appearance.
Cover page
Title page
Declaration
Approval pages (Advisor’s approval page, Board of Examiners page)
Acknowledgements
Dedication/Statement of Author (Optional)
Acronyms/Abbreviations
Table of contents
List of tables (if any)
List of figures/illustration (if any)
Abstract

23
6.5.2. Cover page
Cover page (Appendix 7)
Typed in all capital letters, should include
Logo of the university (3 cm diameter) in the middle top of the page
Thesis title typed in the middle of the page
Name of the degree, e g. ‘M.Sc./MA/MBA/LLB/MPH… Thesis’ in the middle of the page
Full name of the Candidate/Student typed in the middle of the page
Name and location of the University on bottom right corner
Month and year of thesis submission typed 5 cm above the bottom margin below the name of
the university

6.5.3. Title Page

This is the second page of a thesis (Appendix 8). It includes:
Title of the thesis
Name of the candidate/student
Purpose or relationship of the thesis to the requirement
College/institute/school and/or department to which the candidate submits the thesis
Name of the university to which it is submitted
Month and year of submission

6.5.4. Declaration
The thesis shall contain a statement(s) of the student declaring (Appendix 11) that the thesis
presented is the result of the student’s own original work, all related works in the study are duly
acknowledged and that it has not been submitted in candidature for a degree/diploma to this or
any other university.

6.5.5. Approval pages

Two forms of approval pages are to be provided: advisors’ and board of examiners.
Advisors’ approval page should state that the thesis presented is done under his/her
supervision and is recommended for evaluation (Appendix 9).
Board of Examiners approval page indicates that the thesis has been critically read;
commented, defended, and comments and suggestions are incorporated. Thus, the thesis is
accepted and approved in the eyes of the examiners (Appendices 10).

24
6.5.6. Acknowledgement
This includes provision of credit to persons and organizations that have made helpful
contributions or support to the investigator for the successful completion of the study. The
support could be financial, professional, moral or in other form.

6.5.7. Table of Contents

Table of contents provides an outline of the contents of the thesis report. Contents should neither
be too detailed nor should too sketchy.
The section:
Starts listing the preliminaries like acknowledgement, list of tables, list of figures, abstract and
their respective pages in small Roman numbers
Continues with main chapter headings and the essential sub-headings in each section with
appropriate page numbers in Arabic numerals against each.
Finalizes with the end matters such as appendices, and indexes.

An example has been given bellow.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
Declaration
Approval pages (Advisor’s approval page, Board of Examiners page)
Acknowledgements
Dedication/Statement of Author (Optional)
Acronyms (if any)
Table of contents
List of tables (if any)
List of figures/illustration (if any)
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
The number of subheadings under each topic should be limited to a maximum of four; font size
of each headings: Heading 1, 14, Bold, all upper case; other headings 12, bold. Heading 2, first

25
letter of each word should be in upper case. Headings 3 and above, only the first letter of the
topic should be in caps.
1.1. Background
1.2. Statement of problem
1.3. Objectives
1.4. Research questions and/or hypotheses
1.5. Significance of the study/Benefits and Beneficiaries
1.6. Delimitation/Scope
1.7. Operational Definitions
1.8. Organization of the study
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS/RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
* References and appendices should not be paginated.

6.5.8. List of Tables

The table of contents is followed by the list of tables on a separate page.
This list should consist of the titles or captions of the tables included in the thesis along with
the page numbers
They should appear in the list of tables in the order they exist in the text.
The capitalized title “LIST OF TABLES” should be the central heading of the page
The capital words “TABLE” and “PAGE” should lead the lists and page numbers at the left
and right margins, respectively.

6.5.9. List of Figures and Illustrations

If any charts, graphs or any other illustrations are used in the thesis, a list of figures on a separate
page is prepared in the same form as the list of tables.

6.5. 10. Main text/body

The text body of the thesis should contain the following chapters.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
26
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
These chapters should be further structured to include relevant sub-titles as deemed necessary.
Details of Main Body of the Report
The body of the thesis is the most important section in the organization of the research report.
It serves the function of communicating the research findings to the reader in a clear and
comprehensible manner. Therefore, you have to write this section with a great care. As indicated,
generally the main body of the research report consists of a minimum of five chapters.
Chapter 1: Introduction
The introduction should set the background to the study, give a clear and concise statement of
the problem including objectives and research questions of the study or the hypothesis involved,
significance of the study, definitions of the important terms, and scope/delimitation of the study.
The details of the subsections of this section are more or less similar to that of the proposal
section. Hence, you are advised to adapt them.
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
This chapter is essential in any research work as it critically reviews related studies, gives
account of up-to-date knowledge in area of study and identifies areas which need further
research. It also provides theoretical and conceptual framework upon which your research is
built. It is important to note that your review should not be simply a description/summary of
what others have said, rather it should take the form of a critical discussion, showing insight and
an awareness of differing arguments, theories and approaches. It should be a synthesis and
analysis of the relevant published work, linked at all times to your own purpose and rationale.
Chapter 3: Methodology of Research
As stated in the proposal, in this chapter, the researcher needs to provide detailed step-by-step
description of the methodology followed in the study.
Remember that in this chapter you write the methodology indicated in the proposal. However,
practical experiences show that some minor changes may be made due to practical reasons. In
this case, the changes have to be approved by the advisor.

27
Unlike the proposal this section is written in the past tense and present perfect tense, whichever
is appropriate.
Chapter 4: Results and Discussions
In this chapter, present your findings in line with the specific objectives/research questions of the
study. Accordingly, this section should be structured into sub-sections based on the research
objectives/questions. Presentations can be made using tables, graphs, charts, texts, etc. Thus,
choose appropriate presentation forms that help you clearly convey the results.
Then, make adequate interpretation (textual description) of the results presented in any form of
your choice.
Following the interpretations of the results of each sub-section, adequate discussions have to be
made. In the discussions, use conceptual and theoretical knowledge of the area to give
explanation and implications of the results of the study. Moreover, you have to connect your
findings with other related studies and justify deviations if any. Here, you may also discuss the
limitations of the study related to generalizability and other methodological issues.
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations
This is the final chapter of the report. It requires the creative and reflective ability of the
researcher. The chapter consists of conclusions and recommendations.
In the conclusion section of the chapter, you should
summarize the main findings (results) of the study in relation to the research
objectives/questions
show your views drawn from the results and discussions of the study
report the original contributions of your study to the existing practice or knowledge
Next to the conclusions, the chapter should provide recommendations based on the conclusions
made. In the recommendations section, you should
suggest measures to be taken by different stakeholders to improve practices, policies,
knowledge, etc.
recommend areas where further studies should focus

6.5.11. End matters

After the main text the end matters come. These include:
Reference
Appendices

28
 Index or glossary (if any)
The detailed explanation of each specific section is given as follows.

6.5.11.1. References
References refer to the list of materials which are cited in the text. Different standard citation
styles could be used in the text and in the reference lists. However,
In making in-text citations and reference listing, you should follow the same citing style (e.g.
APA, MLA, HARVARD, and CHICAGO, etc., ) consistently throughout the thesis.
Make sure that all materials cited in the text are also included in the reference list and vice-
versa.
Be aware that taking ideas without acknowledging the source is plagiarism (an academic
offence) and can lead to severe punishment including rejection of the thesis.
APA (American Psychological Association) and Harvard styles are commonly used styles in
social and natural sciences respectively. To provide an example, how in-text citations and
referencing are used in APA style is briefly discussed next.

6.5.11.1.1. Referencing formats

In the APA system, references are given both in-text (that is, in the written text itself) and end-
text (that is, in a ‘Reference list’ on a separate page at the end of your thesis).
In-text references
Types of in-text references include direct quotes, paraphrases, Summaries and syntheses.
Quotations
All direct quotations from published work should be reproduced word for word, keeping the
original spelling and internal punctuation, even if it is not correct.
Short quotations (less than 40 words)
Short quotations must be incorporated into the text and enclosed within double quotation
marks.
At the end of the quote place the author’s surname(s), the year of publication and the page
number of the quotation, separated by commas, in parentheses (brackets).
The following are examples of different forms of quotations.

29
Example:
“Psychologists have long observed that the physical act of writing gives birth and shape to
thought and is the process by which you truly know what you think” (Putnis & Petelin, 1999, p.
300).
Example:
Putnis and Petelin assert that “Psychologists have long observed that the physical act of writing
gives birth and shape to thought and is the process by which you truly know what you think”
(1999, p. 300).
Example:
Putnis and Petelin (1999) assert that “Psychologists have long observed that the physical act of
writing gives birth and shape to thought and is the process by which you truly know what you
think” (p. 300).
Long quotations (40 words or more)
Long quotations must be displayed in block format without the use of quotation marks.
The quote should start on a new line and be indented about 1.3 cm or 5 spaces from the left
margin.
If there are additional paragraphs within the quotation, indent the first line of each additional
paragraph a further 1.3 cm or 5 spaces.
The entire quotation (in the block format) should be similar to the rest of your document.
Do not change the font size or use italics.
Use double quote marks to show words/phrases that were presented within quotation marks in
the original.
When citing quotations, supply the author’s surname, year and page number.
In the case of electronic sources, supply the paragraph number/section heading instead of the
page number.

30
PARAPHRASES, SUMMARIES OR SYNTHESES
When paraphrasing (and/or summarising, synthesising) an idea contained in another work, you
must provide the author’s surname and year of publication.
There are two ways in which this can be accomplished:
1. Adding a citation within or at the end of a sentence
Example:
A recent publication indicated a potential connection between DNA damage and the
immunostimulatory cytokine IL-12 (Schwarz, 2002).
Example:
A recent publication (Schwarz, 2002) indicated a potential connection between DNA damage
and the immunostimulatory cytokine IL-12.

2. Using the author’s name as part of a sentence

Example:
A potential connection was found between DNA damage and the immunostimulatory cytokine
IL-12 in a recent study by Schwarz (2002).
Example:
In his recent study, Schwarz (2002) indicated a potential connection between DNA damage and
the immunostimulatory cytokine IL-12.
VARIATIONS IN IN-TEXT CITATIONS

1. A source written by one author

Insert the surname of the author and the year of publication into the text at the appropriate point.
i) Author in parentheses
Note. When both the name and the year are in parentheses, include the year in subsequent
citations within the paragraph.
Examples:
In a recent study of the effects of high protein diets (Jones, 2001) . . .
Jones (2001) also found . . .

31
ii) Author as part of the sentence
Examples: first citation in a paragraph
Jones (2001) examines the effectiveness of . . .
In 2001, Jones’s study of high protein diets found that . . .

Note. If the citation written is part of the text, date the source in the first citation in a paragraph
but do not include the year in subsequent citations in the same paragraph. If you start a new
paragraph then again include the year in the first citation in that paragraph.
Example: subsequent citations
In a recent study of reaction times, Brown (2002) described the method. . . Brown also finds . . .
2. A source with multiple authors
Two authors
When a source has two authors cite both names every time the source occurs in-text
Two authors as part of the sentence
Example:
Wallace and Alenby (2004)
Two authors in parentheses
Example:
(Wallace & Alenby, 2004)
Three, four or five authors: in-text citations
When a source has three, four, or five authors cite all authors the first time the source occurs
in the document, but in subsequent citations include only the surname of the first author followed
by “et al.” Include the year of publication if it is the first time the citation occurs in the
paragraph.
Author/s as part of the sentence
Examples:
a. First in-text citation of a source in the document:
Smith, Grierson, Malthus, and Nicholson (2000) found that . . .
b. Subsequent citation of this source within any new paragraph after the first citation in the
document:
Smith et al. (2000) suggest . . .

32
c. After this source has been cited in a paragraph do not include the year for subsequent
citations within that paragraph:
Smith et al. found that . . .
Authors in parentheses
Examples:
First in-text citation of a source in the document:
According to evidence . . . (Smith, Grierson, Malthus, & Nicholson,2000)
Subsequent citation of this source within any new paragraph after the first citation in the
document:
The study concluded . . . (Smith et al., 2000)
After this source has been cited in a paragraph do not include the year for subsequent citations
within that paragraph:
a. The study emphasised . . . (Smith et al.)
Six authors
When a work has six or more authors cite only the surname of the first author followed by ‘et
al.’ and the date of publication.
Note. Rules for dating the source are the same as those for a source with one author.
Six or more authors
Note: The rules governing in-text citations for six or more authors differ to those for end-text
referencing.
Six authors as part of the sentence
a. First in-text citation of a source in the document:
Example:
Abercrombe et al. (2008) suggest . . .
b. Subsequent citation of this source within the same paragraph after the first citation in the
document:
Example:
Abercrombe et al. suggest . . .
c.Subsequent citation of this source within any new paragraph after the first citation in the
document:

33
Example:
Abercrombe et al. (2008) suggest . . .
Six or more authors – exception to the rule
If two references of more than three surnames cite the same year and shorten to the same in-
text form, cite the first author and as many of the subsequent authors as is necessary to make a
distinction between the two references.
Six or more authors
Example:
End-text References:
Ireys, Chernoff, De Vet, & Kim (2001) . . .
Ireys, Chernoff, Stein, De Vet, & Silver (2001) . . .
As an in-text-citation, both shorten to Ireys et al. (2001), which does not distinguish between the
two references in-text.
To tell the references apart, cite as many authors as necessary.
Example:
In-text reference:
Ireys, Chernoff, De Vet, et al. (2001)
Ireys, Chernoff, Stein, et al. (2001)
Citing multiple authors in-text: ‘and’ or ‘&’?
When the names in a multiple-author citation occur
 within the text or narrative they should be joined by using the word ‘and’, but
 if they occur within parentheses (round brackets), captions to tables/diagrams, or in the
reference list, they must be joined by an ampersand (&).
Authors in the text
Example:
Davidson and Porter (1996) demonstrated that . . .
Note. Use ‘and’ rather than ‘&’ within a sentence.
Authors in parentheses
Example:
These findings support the view that . . . (Davidson & Porter, 1996).
Note. Use an ampersand (&) within parentheses.

34
3. Groups as authors
The names of groups that serve as authors (e.g., corporations, associations, government agencies,
etc.) are usually written in full each time they occur in an in-text citation.
However, some are written in full in the first in-text reference and abbreviated thereafter.
If abbreviating names, write the name in full the first time it occurs and place the abbreviated
form in square brackets [ ] next to it.
In subsequent citations you can then use just the abbreviation
Group author/s as part of the sentence
Examples:
As it would appear first time in-text:
Ministry of Health (MOH, 2002).
Example:
As it would appear in subsequent in-text citations:
According to a report by the MOH (2002) . . .

Group author in parentheses

Examples:
As it would appear in the first in-text citation:
(Ministry of Health [MOH], 2002)
As it would appear in subsequent in-text citations:
These results . . . (MOH, 2002).
Group author: end-text
As it would appear in the reference list:
Ministry of Health [MOH]. (2002).
Because material within a book or on a web page is often difficult to locate, authors should,
whenever possible, give page numbers for books or paragraph numbers for web pages in body to
assist readers.
Page numbers (preceded by p. or pp.) or paragraph numbers (preceded by ¶ or para.) follow the
year of publication, and are separated from it by a comma.
For websites with neither page numbers nor paragraph numbers, cite the heading and the number
of the paragraph following it.

35
Examples: Hunt (1974, pp. 25-69) confirms the hypothesis...
(Myers, 2000 ¶ 5)
(Beutler, 2000, Conclusion section, para. 1)
Works with no author
When a work has no author, cite in-text the first few words of the reference list entry (usually the
title) and the year.
Referring to the titles of books and articles in-text
When referring to the titles of sources in the body of your document, capitalize each major
word in the title. Use italics for the title of books, periodicals, films, videos, TV shows, and
microfilm publications, but do not use italics for articles or book chapters.
Title of a book, brochure, report, or periodical: in narrative
Capitalise and italicise all major words (4 letters or more) in the titles of books that you refer to
in the body of the text.
Book title in narrative: (capitalise and italicise)
Examples:
In the book, History of Science . . .
The publication Patients Voices (2004) . . .
Book title (no author) in parentheses
Use italics and only capitalise first word and proper nouns:
Example:
The publication (Patients voices, 2004) . . .
Two or more works cited within the same parentheses (brackets)
a) Multiple works by the same authors cited in the same parentheses
Order the citations of two or more works by the same author(s) in the same order in which they
appear in the reference list i.e. by year of publication and provide the authors’ surnames once
only.
Example:
Past reports (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [DFAT], 2005, 2007, 2009) indicate . . .
Example:
Previous studies (Holland & Nicholson, 1995, 1999) found . . .

36
Multiple works by the same author & same publication date cited in the same parentheses
Identify works by the same author(s) with the same publication date by using the suffixes a, b, c,
and so forth after the year; repeating the year in each case. These suffixes should also appear in
the reference list entries, where these references are ordered alphabetically by title.
Example:
Several studies (Smith, 1998a, 1998b, 1998c) point out that . . .
Example:
Past research (Thornlie & Winters, 2009a, 2009b)
Two or more works by different authors cited in the same parentheses
List the citations in alphabetical order by the first author’s surname.
Use a semicolon to separate each citation.
Example:
Several studies (Jones & Williams, 2009; Muller, 2010; Steiner et al., 2005)
Author referred to by another author
If you are quoting an author referred to by the author you are reading, you need to identify the
citation and where it occurs in the text in which it is cited.
Example:
Beaty (cited in Gibbs, 1981, p. 73) asserts . . .
Note. Where you have quoted an author referred to by the author whose work you actually read,
the reference list will show only the name and title of the work actually read, i.e., Gibbs, G.
(1981). Beaty does not get a mention in the reference list.
No publication date available
When a work has no publication date, cite in-text the author’s name, followed by a comma and
‘n.d.’ to indicate that the source has no date.
Example:
These strategies have been successfully used . . . (Browning, n.d.).
Citing specific parts of a source (Chapter, pages, paragraphs etc.):
To cite a specific part of a source, indicate the page, chapter, figure, table, or equation at the
appropriate point in the text. Always give page numbers for quotations.

37
Page number
Example:
According to Gibbs (2009, pp. 34-35) . . .
Note. The word “page” is abbreviated but not italicized.
Chapter
Example:
A case in point . . . (Jamieson, 2000, Chapter 2).
Note. Chapter (with a capital C) is not abbreviated.
Section and paragraph
Example:
General consensus . . . (Butler, 2002, Conclusion section, para. 1).
Example:
It was found that . . . (Jones & Avery, 2002, Results section).
END-TEXT REFERENCES
Reference list format
All in-text sources need to be recorded in full detail at the end of the text in a reference list.
This list is organised alphabetically using a left aligned, hanging indent format.
It is usually recommended to use single line spacing within each reference, but use a double
space between references in the list.
Different types of referencing sources
Examples of common referencing types:
1. Journals/articles
General form of end-text reference
Journal article without a DOI:
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Date).Title of article. Title of Journal, xx(x), pp.-
pp.
Journal article with a DOI
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Date).Title of article. Title of Journal, xx(x), pp.-
pp. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

38
Journal article with one author
Example:
In-text citation
(Giroux, 2000)
Giroux (2000)
End-text reference
Giroux, H. (2000). Public pedagogy as cultural politics: Stuart Hall and the ‘crisis’ of culture.
Cultural Studies, 14(2), 341-360.
Note. The volume number is italicised, the issue number is not
Journal article with two authors
If a work has two authors, include both names in the in-text and end-text reference every time the
citation is mentioned.
Examples:
First in-text citation
(Lock & Jongeling, 1994)
Lock and Jongeling (1994)
Subsequent in-text citations
(Lock & Jongeling, 1994)
Lock and Jongeling (1994)
End-text reference
Lock, G., & Jongeling, S. (1994). Maximising return rates in school based research. Issues in
Educational Research, 4(2), 109-115.
Journal article with three to five authors
Example:
First in-text citation
(Ganster, Mayes, Wesley, Sime, & Tharp, 1982)
Ganster, Mayes, Wesley, Sime, and Tharp (1982)
Subsequent in-text citations
(Ganster et al., 1982)
End-text reference
Ganster, D. C., Mayes, B. T., Sime, W. E., & Tharp, G. T. (1982).

39
Managing organizational stress: A field experiment. Applied
Psychology, 67(5), 533-542.
Journal article with six authors
Use the first author, followed by ‘et al.’ in- text. However, all six authors must appear in the end-
text reference.
Examples:
In-text citation:
(Kernis et al., 1993)
End-text reference:

Journal article with seven authors

If there are seven authors, use the first author followed by ‘et al.’ in-text, and include all seven
authors in the end-text reference.
Example:
In-text citation
(Berry et al., 1999)
End-text reference

Note. With two to seven authors, use an ampersand (&) before the last author in the end-text
reference.
Journal article with eight or more authors
If there are more than seven authors, include the first six authors, followed by three ellipsis
points (. . .) then the last author’s name.
Note. There is a space between each dot point in the ellipsis. You must also type a space before
and after the ellipsis.

40
Example:
In-text citation
(White et al., 2008)

BOOKS, BROCHURES AND BOOK CHAPTERS

General form of end-text reference

Electronic media
An end-text reference for an Internet text needs:
• an author (where possible)
• a date: publication date, update date, or date accessed
• a title or description of the text
• a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if there is one
• if a DOI is unavailable, include a web address: URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
Example:
In-text citation
(Stultz, 2006)
End-text reference

Note. There is no full-stop at the end of the DOI.

Article not assigned a DOI
Where there is no DOI, provide the home page URL of the journal/periodical.

41
Example:
In-text citation
(Miretti & Beck, 2008)
End-text reference [URL of journal home page]

Doctoral dissertations and master’s theses

Dissertation or thesis from a database
Example:
In-text citation: Master’s thesis
(Aitken, 2001)
End-text reference

Example:
In-text citation: Doctoral dissertation
(Pendar, 1982)
End-text reference: Doctoral dissertation

Unpublished dissertation or thesis,

Example:
In-text citation
(Lock, 1993, p. 38)

42
End-text reference

Thesis: Name of the author. Year of submission. Title of the thesis. Name of the degree. The
word thesis. Name of the university, place.
Ottevanger, W. (2001). Teacher support materials as catalyst for science curriculum
implementation in Nambia. PhD Dissertation. University of Twente, Enschede.
Government/Institution/Society publications: Name of the institute/society/place. Year of
publication. Title of publication. Place of publication: Publisher’s name.
Ministry of Education. (1994). Education and training policy, Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: St. George
Printing Press.

Online sources
Authors using internet sources should direct readers to the information being cited and provide
address of the cited work.
Internet articles based on print sources
If internet articles are the exact duplicates of those in print version and do not have any
additional data attached, the same basic journal reference format can be used. But if you have
viewed it in electronic form, you should add in a bracket after the title of the article
[Electronic version] as seen in the example below.
Barab, S., & Squire, K. (2004). Design-based research: Putting a stake in the ground [Electronic
version]. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(1), 1–14.
An article in internet-only journal
Thorn, A., McLeod, M., & Goldsmith, M. (2007). Peer coaching overview. Mentoring and Peer
Couching, 3, Article 0001A. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from
http://www.marshallgoldsmithlibrary.com/docs/articles/Peer-Coaching-Overview.pdf

43
Non-periodical documents on internet
Multipage document created by a private organization, no date
When an internet document comprises multiple pages (i.e different sections have different
URLs), provide a URL that links to the home. Use n.d (no date) when a publication date is not
available.
Eg. Greater New York Area Health Community 2014, Taskforce on Teen and Adolescent
Issues. (n.d.). Who has time for family meal? Retrieved October 5, 2014, from
http://www.familymealtime.org
Document available on university program or department Website
If a document is contained within a large and complex Web site such as that of a university or
government agency, identify the host organization and the relevant program/department before
giving the URL for the document itself. Precede the URL with a colon.

6.5.11.2 Appendices
Appendices include the materials which are less important to be part of the main body but
relevant to provide justifications to the arguments in the main text. The appendix serves the
function of providing greater clarity and authenticity for the readers or consumers of the thesis.
The appendices usually include: tools of research, statistical tables, and sometime raw-data
(when data were processed through computer), etc. Even the material of minor importance e.g.
mathematical derivations, model descriptions, forms, letters, reminders, charts, tables, lengthy
questions, report of cases, etc. could be included. Remember to
give titles to the appendices with appropriate reference numbers (e.g. Appendix 1, Appendix
2, etc.)
link the appendices to the relevant part of the main text,
Place tools1

6.6. Thesis Report format

To maintain uniformity among all students’ reports, the thesis has to comply with standard format.
Use the specifications provided under.

1
Tools refer to data collection instruments such as questionnaire, interview schedule, observation checklist,
etc.

44
6.6.1. Language: English

6.6.2. Paper specification

Items Guideline
Paper Colour White
Paper Size 21 cm x 29.7cm (A4)
Paper weight >80gm

6.6.3. Typing

items guideline
Typing with Computer
Left margin > 3.5 cm
Right margin > 2.0cm
Top margin > 3.0 cm
Bottom margin > 2.5 cm
Spacing (between lines) 1.5
Spacing (paragraph) 6pt before and after
Font size (text) 12
Font type Times New Roman
Font style Regular
Font color Black
Table Caption Above the table, Centred
Figure Caption Below the Figure, Centred
Breaking a word on 2 lines Not allowed
Correction with fluid Not allowed
Overwriting Not allowed
Crossing out words Not allowed
Printing quality Laser or better quality
Copies High quality photocopy
Binding before examination Spiral
Binding (final) Hard cover

45
1) Illustrations (Figures, Tables and photographs)
Illustrations should be of good quality (clear, explanatory, well labelled etc)
Place illustrations within the text at appropriate places
2) Cover page (Appendix 7)
Typed in all capital letters, should include
University Logo, top centred, 3 diameters width
Approved thesis title typed in the middle of the page
Name of the degree, e g. M.Sc./MA… Thesis
Full name of the author/Student typed in the middle of the page
Name and location of the University
Month and year of thesis submission typed 5 cm above the bottom margin
The left binding width should contain:
o Name of the degree, e.g. Master of Science
o Short name of the author followed by a comma and year of submission.
e.g. Ketema Tadesse, 2016

3) Title page (Appendix 8)

Title length should not be longer than 15-20 words.
It is the first page under the top cover typed in all capital letters and centre justified on each line with the
following information.
o Approved thesis title 5 cm below the top of the page
o Full name of the author typed 8 lines below the title
o The following contents typed 8 lines below the title:

THESIS SUBMITTED TO WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL OF………….,
COLLEGE/INSTITUTE OF ……………, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE
STUDIES, WACHEMO UNIVERSITY, HOSSA`INA, ETHIOPIA

o Three lines below type:

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF …… IN …….

46
 Further 3 lines below, the following should be typed.
Name of the degree Specialization: ………….. (Within parentheses)
Month and year of final copy of thesis submission should be given at the bottom line

4) Approval Sheet
Each thesis submitted for evaluation will have two certificates
Approval Sheet from the Principal and/or co-advisor (Appendix 9)
Approval Sheet from the Board of Examiners (Appendix 10)
5) Acknowledgement
A short acknowledgement sheet should be next to the title sheet. It should acknowledge contributions
of all concerned including financial sponsors, if any. (These all should be taken to their specification
given earlier)

47
7. Thesis Submission, Open defence and approval
7.1 Submission of the Thesis
When a candidate, after conferring with the advisor, gives notice of readiness to submit a thesis,
the DGC shall appoint an examining board and select an external examiner. The external
examiner should be decided in good time and obtain a copy of the thesis of the candidate at least
six weeks before the date set for the defence. The Board shall have a minimum of three and a
maximum of five members consisting of at least one member of the University. An external
member of the examining Board shall be the external examiner of the candidate whose decision
shall play a major role in determining the fate of the thesis defence. Normally internal members
of the examining boards shall be drawn from the advisory committee where this is
already established. All members of the examining board will comment on all aspects of the
thesis.

7.2 Board of Examiners and their functions/duties

The thesis evaluation will be done by the Board of Examiners including one senior staff as a
chairperson, one external examiner and one/two internal examiners.

7.2.1 The External Examiner

The purpose of having external examiners is to ensure that degrees awarded in similar subjects
at the University are comparable in standard with those awarded by other universities, though
their content does, of course, vary; and secondly, that the assessment system is fair. The main
function of the external examiner is to serve as a member of the Board of Examiners, a
determining role in examining and deciding the fate of the Thesis. The external examiner shall
also comment and give advice on course content, balance and structure.
i) The DGC selects and appoints the external examiners based on relevance of their
specialization, academic achievements, publications, and experience and recommends to the
SGS.
ii) External examiners should be anonymous to the examinee and the advisor. However, if the
situation requires, the advisor may suggest potential examiners.
iii) In all cases the external examiner must have an academic rank of at least Assistant Professor
(or equivalent).

48
7.2.2 The Internal Examiner
The internal examiner
Internal examiner, with a minimum rank of assistant professor, is staff of the university who has
experience in examining master thesis and chosen by DGC/SGC and approved by SGS. On the
basis of biographical data including academic achievements, publications, and experience as
examiner, selection of internal thesis examiner is done by DGC/SGC. Normally, one internal
examiner is required for each thesis except in situations where the nature of the thesis work
requires more than one internal examiner. Once approved by SGS, the head of the
department/school/faculty/institute/college dispatches the thesis to internal examiner on time for
critical evaluation.

7.2.3 The chairperson

A chairperson of a thesis can either be staff of the university or outside the university who has
experiences in examining master thesis and who is chosen by DGC/SGC and approved by SGS.
On the basis of biographical data including academic achievements, publications, and experience
as examiner, selection of chairperson is done by DGC/SGC. Once approved by SGS, the head of
the department/school/faculty/institute/college dispatches the thesis to chairperson on time for
evaluation. A chairperson can handle a maximum of 4 theses in case there is a large number of
students or where the study program covers a wide range of specializations.

7.2.4. Selection and Appointment

1. Normally, one external examiner is required for each student/Thesis except in
situations where the nature of the thesis work requires more than one external examiner.

2. The DGC selects external examiners and recommends to the SC/DC

3. The appointment is made by the head of the department after the

recommendation of the DGC is approved by the SC/DC.

4. The Department seeking the appointment of an external examiner should submit

to the SC/DC the biographical data including academic achievements,

publications, and experience as an external examiner of the nominee.

5. In approving the nomination of an external examiner, the SC/DC shall ascertain

the following:

49
 o Only persons of seniority and experience who are able to command
authority are appointed and in all cases must have an academic rank of at least
Assistant Professor (or equivalent). Exceptions shall be approved by the SC/DC
on a case by case basis when presented to it by the concerned DGC.

o An external examiner in general must be external to the University.

o Former staff members can be invited to become external examiners unless

the termination of service was due to discipline problem.

6. The number of external examiners for any particular graduate degree program
shall be sufficient to cover the full range of specializations. More than one external
examiner may be needed per program where there is a large number of students or
where the study program covers a wide range of specializations. One external examiner
should not be assigned per program for more than three theses at any one time.

7. External examiners from outside the higher education system, for example from
industry, research institutions, etc. may be selected when necessary.

7.2.5 Participation in Assessment Procedures

1. An external examiner, as a full member of the specific Board of Examiners, shall

be present at all examiners' meetings at which significant decisions are to be taken with regard
to the specializations which are relevant to the examiner.

2. The views of an external examiner are particularly decisive in the case of

disagreement on the evaluation/rating of a particular unit of assessment.

3. The signature of the members of the Board of Examiners shall be required as

evidence of their decision on the student’s thesis work.

4. External examiners are encouraged to comment on the assessment process and

the schemes for marking.

7.2.6 Discussion of Course Structure

Departments shall use the opportunities created by the visits of external examiners to discuss the
structure and content of the course and of the graduate program and the assessment procedures.
Any comments or suggestions made by the external examiners shall be discussed by the

50
Departments and decisions shall be made whether or not to accept the comments.

7.2.7. Reports
1. External examiners may make written confidential reports to the
school/department head at the end of their visits. They are free to make any comments
they wish, including an observation on teaching and course structure and content.

2. The head shall instruct the DGC to take action with respect to the comments. The
head has the responsibility to see to it that the recommendations are considered and the
proper measures are taken.

7.3 Thesis Defence Procedures

The procedural guidelines to be followed in the administration of the thesis open defence
examination are as follows:

1. There shall be three different thesis defence periods in every academic year.
These allow graduate students to complete and defend their theses at different times during
their final study year. The first period will be conducted around the end of June; and the
second period organized around the beginning of October to provide an opportunity
for students who have failed to complete their research during the first period. The third
period (session) will be arranged at the beginning of February to offer an additional chance
for students who still fail to finalize their research during the second period (session).
These defence periods (sessions) will be approved by the university registrar and made part
of the university calendar.

2. The institute scientific director/college dean, department head, all staff members
of the respective department and graduate students are required to participate in the defence
session of graduate students. In addition, the thesis defence is open to all interested from
other departments as well which needs to create an academic environment from
which the participants can draw useful lessons.

3. The Board of Examiners shall take their designated seats to examine /evaluate the

candidate.

4. The Chairperson of the Board opens the defence session by introducing

the candidate, the other members of the Board and the advisors, and invites the advisor to

51
 give a brief report of the candidate’s graduate work.

5. The advisor invites the candidate to present his/her findings.

6. The candidate presents for a maximum of 30 minutes the main results of his/her
research work.
7. The members of the Board of Examiners interrogate the candidate for 60 minutes
on the subject of the thesis. The External Examiner shall take 30 minutes, the Internal
Examiner 20 minutes, and the Chairperson and Audience 10 minutes altogether.

8. After the interrogation, the advisor shall be given a chance (by the Chairperson)
to make clarifications or give comments on relevant issues, and shall leave the room along
with other audiences, leaving only the three Board members to evaluate the candidate.

9. Each one of the board of examining members (BoE) evaluates the thesis based on
the open defence and assessment of the thesis. Grades are given both in the thesis defence
evaluation and performance certification forms, which are duly signed by the members.

10. Evaluation points given by each BoE member are averaged using the respective
weight of

o External Examiner, 50% (0.5),

o Internal Examiner, 35% (0.35),

o Chairperson 15% (0.15).

11. The weighted average evaluation results determine the fate of the thesis as “Pass”
or “Fail”.

12. Thesis or Dissertation evaluation shall be graded on the following ranking

system, with corresponding grading scales and letter grades;

13. The grading scales of each rank are as follows:

Rank Grading scale in per cent Letter Grade

(100%)
Excellent X ≥ 85 A
Very Good 75 ≤ X ≤ 85 B+
Good 60 ≤ X ≤ 75 B

52
Satisfactory 50 ≤ X <60 C+
Fail X ≤ 50 F
Out of 100 = 0.5* External Examiner + 0.35* Internal Examiner + 0.15* Chairperson

14. A thesis that is defended and accepted (Pass) shall be rated as “Excellent”,
“Very Good”, “Good” or “satisfactory” which may appear on the transcript but will not
be used for calculation of the CGPA of the student.

15. A rejected thesis shall be rated "Fail".

7.4. Thesis rating format

Name of the Candidate ____________

Thesis Components evaluation Points (80%)

(a) Abstract ………………………………. _____ (5%)
(b) Materials and Methods ………………. _____ (15%)
(c) Literature Review ……………………. _____ (10%)
(d) Result and Discussion ……………….. (40%)
(e) Summary and Conclusion ………….… (10%)

Thesis defence examination Points (20%)

(a) Manner of presentation ………………. __ (5%)

(b) Confidence in the subject matter …….. _ _ (5%)
(c) Ability of answering questions ………. __ (10%)

Total _______ (100%)

Evaluation result (Excellent (A), Very Good (B+), Good (B), Satisfactory(C+)) Fail (F)

_______________ ________________ ______________

Name of Examiner Signature Date

53
7.5. Decision

The decision of the Board of Examiners is based on the thesis write-up, presentation and the
candidate’s ability to defend it. The following decisions are open to the examining board:

7.5.1. Thesis Acceptance

The thesis may or may not require typographical and/or minor editorial corrections to be made to
the satisfaction of the advisor(s).
a. Accepted with minor modification

The thesis may require typographical and/or major editorial corrections to be made to the
satisfaction of the advisor(s).

b. Accepted with major modification

The thesis requires minor changes in substance and major editorial changes, which are to be
made to the satisfaction of members of the Board of Examiners or to a committee designated by
the Board. The examining board’s report must include a brief outline of the nature of the changes
required and must indicate the time by which the changes are to be completed.

7.5.2. Pending of Thesis

If the Board of Examiner is not prepared to reach a decision concerning the thesis at the time of
the thesis defence, it is the responsibility of the chairperson to determine and obtain what
additional information is required by the Board to reach a decision and to call another meeting of
the Board as soon as the required information is received. Candidates should not normally be
required to present themselves to the Board of Examiners at the second meeting.

7.5.3 Thesis Rejection

A thesis may be rejected in the following three cases:

1. If it does not maintain the standard due to methodologies used in execution, analysis and
interpretation.

2. The work is plagiarized as judged by the examining boards; or

3. The work has been already used to confer a degree from this or another university.

54
 The Board shall report the reasons for rejection and advice on the future opportunity of
the candidate to complete the study.

If a thesis work of the graduate student is rejected, the student will be asked to redo the thesis,
following all necessary procedures (selection of a title, defence of proposal and conduction of
the thesis).

7.5.4. Appeal
A candidate has the right to appeal his/her complaints in writing on his/her own or with the
comment of the advisor(s) to SGS through the DGC/SGC when a thesis is rejected by the Board
of Examiners. The SGS will examine the candidate’s appeal vis-à-vis the Board of Examiners‟
decision by establishing a committee of professionals and pass a final verdict which will be
communicated to the candidate by the Board of Examiners.

7.5.5. Final Thesis document

The candidate should correct the thesis in accordance with the decision of the Board of
Examiners and submit it to the Chairperson of the DGC. The DGC should deliberate on the
thesis and submit its recommendations to the SC/DC. Then the academic unit will accept five
copies of the typed final thesis, both in electronic and hard copy, from the candidate and it will
be verified by the DGC.

55
 APPENDICES
Part I: Components of Thesis Proposal
Appendix 1: Sample Cover Page of Thesis Proposal (Outer Cover for Thesis Proposal)

EFFECTS OF HOUSE HOLDS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ON AQUATIC LIFE OF

CHAMO LAKE

MSc THESIS PROPOSAL

BY

CHAKISO MEKISO ERANGO

AUGUST, 2021
HOSSANA, ETHIOPIA

38

56
Appendix 2: Sample Title Page (Inner Cover for Thesis Proposal)

EFFECTS OF HOUSE HOLD SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ON AQUATIC LIFE OF

CHAMO LAKE

BY

CHAKISO MEKISO ERANGO

ADVISOR: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS,

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES,
WACHEMO UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

OCTOBER, 2021
WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

57
Appendix 3: Advisors’ Proposal Approval Sheet

WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
ADVISORS’ PROPOSAL APPROVAL
SHEET
This is to certify that the thesis proposal entitled “______________________________” has
been developed by _______________ Id. No __________, under my/our supervision.
Therefore I/we recommend that the student’s proposal can be presented for review and open
oral presentation.

Name of Major Advisor______________________ Signature __________Date_______

Name of co-advisor _________________________ Signature __________ Date _____

Remark: This has to be signed in three copies and be attached with the proposal.

58
Appendix 4: Approval Sheet of Reviewed Proposal

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
APPROVAL SHEET OF REVIEWED PROPOSAL
Name of the candidate: ___________________________________________________
College/institute__________________________ Department/School : _______________________
Thesis
Title:__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Review _______________________
1. Comment on proposal and open presentation
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________
2. Suggestions made by the reviewer/s
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________
3. Modification(s) to be made
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Final decision by the Reviewer/s
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Name of the Reviewer/s Signature Date
________________________ ________________ ____________
_______________________ __________________ ________________
Department Head‟s Name Signature and Stamp Date
_________________________ __________________ ____________________

59
39 Appendix 5: Work Plan/Time table

No Activity Duration Remark

1

60
Appendix 6: Budget Plan

Required Items Total Cost in Birr

1. Per diem

2. Transportation

3. Supplies (materials) including stationery

4. Services

5. Others

Total Cost in Birr

61
Part II: Components of Masters Thesis
Appendix 7: Sample Cover Page of Thesis (Outer Cover for Thesis)

EFFECTS OF HOUSE HOLDS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ON AQUATIC LIFE OF

CHAMO LAKE

MSc THESIS

BY

CHAKISO MEKISO ERANGO

AUGUST, 2021
HOSSANA,
ETHIOPIA

38

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Appendix 8: Sample Title Page (Inner Cover for Thesis)

EFFECTS OF HOUSE HOLD SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ON AQUATIC LIFE OF

CHAMO LAKE

BY

CHAKISO MEKISO ERANGO

ADVISOR: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, COLLEGE OF

BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES, WACHEMO
UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

OCTOBER, 2011
WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

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Appendix 9: Advisors’ Approval Sheet (Final Thesis)

WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
ADVISORS’ APPROVAL SHEET
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “______________________________” has been
developed by _______________ Id. No __________, under my/our supervision. Therefore
I/we recommend that the student’s thesis can be submitted as final copy of the thesis and can
be used as further reference to students and other concerned bodies.

Name of Major Advisor______________________ Signature __________Date_______

Name of co-advisor _________________________ Signature __________ Date _____

Remark: This has to be signed in three copies and be attached with the proposal.

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Appendix 10: Examiners ‘Approval Sheet
WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
EXAMINERS ‘APPROVAL SHEET
We, the undersigned, members of the Board of Examiners of the final open defence by having
read and evaluated his/her thesis entitled“-------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------”, and examined the
candidate. This is, therefore, to certify that the thesis has been accepted in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree---------------------------------------------.
______________________________ _________________ _______________
Name of the Chairperson Signature Date
______________________________ __________________ _______________
Name of Internal Examiner Signature Date
______________________________ __________________ _______________
Name of External examiner Signature Date
______________________________ __________________ _______________
SGS Approval Signature Date

Final approval and acceptance of the thesis are contingent upon the submission of the final copy
of the thesis to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) through the Department/School Graduate
Committee (DGC/SGC) of the candidate’s department.

Stamp of SGS
Date: ____________

Remark

 This form should be filled in 3 copies

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Appendix 11: Declaration
Declaration
I hereby declare that this MSc/MA/MPH/MBA/ MD+ Specialty or equivalent thesis/PhD
dissertation is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other
university, and all sources of material used for this thesis / dissertation have been duly
acknowledged.

Name: _______________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________

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47 Appendix 12: Advisors’ Thesis Submission Approval Sheet

WACHEMO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES ADVISORS’
THESIS SUBMISSION APPROVAL SHEET
(Submission Sheet-1)
This is to certify that the thesis entitled“ submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree of Master’s with specialization in ________________, the Graduate Program
of the Department/School of _______________________, and has been carried out by
_______________
Id. No __________, under my/our supervision. Therefore I/we recommend that the student has
fulfilled the requirements and hence hereby can submit the thesis to the department for defence.
____________________ _________________ ___________________

Name of Major Advisor Signature Date

______________________ _________________ ____________________

Name of Co-advisor Signature Date

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Appendix 13: Thesis Evaluation Sheet
Wachemo University
School of Graduate Studies
Master's Thesis Evaluation

Name of the Candidate_________________________________

Research Title:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

Thesis Components Evaluation points Evaluation results given

a. Abstract 5
b. Material and Methods 15
c. Literature Review 10
d. Result and Discussion 40
e. Summary and Conclusion 10
Defense Examination
a. Manner of Presentation 5
b. Confidence in the subject matter 5
c. Ability of answering questions 10
Total points 100

Evaluation result (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Satisfactory and Fail) ___________________

_______________________________ ________________ ______________

Name of Examiner Signature Date

NB: The Grading scales of each rank are as follows:

Rank Out of 100

Excellent X ≥ 85
Very Good 75 ≤ X < 85
Good 60 ≤ X < 75
Satisfactory 50 ≤ X <60
Fail X < 50

Out of 100 = 0.5 *External Examiner + 0.35* Internal Examiner + 0.15 * Chairperson

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Appendix 14: Thesis Evaluation Sheet (Average)
Wachemo University
School of Graduate Studies
Master's Thesis Evaluation (Average Result)

Average Result

Name of the Candidate_________________________________

Research Title:_________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Thesis Components Evaluation points Evaluation results given

f. Abstract 5
g. Material and Methods 15
h. Literature Review 10
i. Result and Discussion 40
j. Summary and Conclusion 10
Defense Examination
d. Manner of Presentation 5
e. Confidence in the subject matter 5
f. Ability of answering questions 10
Total points 100

Evaluation result (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Satisfactory and Fail) ___________________

Name of Examiner Signature Date

External Examiner: ______________________ ______________ ____________

Internal Examiner: ______________________ ______________ ____________

Chairperson: ______________________ ______________ ____________

NB: The Grading scales of each rank are as follows:

Rank Out of 100

Excellent X ≥ 85
Very Good 75 ≤ X < 85
Good 60 ≤ X < 75
Satisfactory 50 ≤ X <60
Fail X < 50

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Out of 100 = 0.5 *External Examiner + 0.35* Internal Examiner + 0.15 * Chairperson

Appendix 15: MASTER THESIS PROGRESS REPORT

Instructions
This form represents a report of the candidate’s progress since enrolment and/or the last report
and the progress planned for the period until the next report and/or submission.
Completion of Form
The student is required to complete section A and pass the form to the adviser who completes
section B in consultation with the candidate. The student signs section B after reading the
adviser’s report. Section C is will be completed by department head. The College PG
coordinator completes section D and retains the original.
Unsatisfactory Progress
The Coordination office is to discuss the situation with the adviser, student and head/chairperson
of department. Once satisfied that appropriate steps have been taken to rectify any concerns, the
office will provide a full report on the situation to the Dean Graduate studies with a copy to the
chairperson of department, adviser, college dean and candidate.

Note: If students have concerns they wish to discuss confidentially with someone other than their
adviser they should contact the school of Graduate studies Dean or the College dean Office

SECTION A – TO BE CO MPLETED B Y STUDENT

Name Student ID

Department

Regular Weekend

Principal Adviser

Thesis title

Mobile phone email

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Current projected date for submission of thesis

REPORT ON PROGRESS
With reference to your plan for the previous period, comment on how the plan has been fulfilled.
Outline any difficulties that may have affected your progress. Use a separate sheet if necessary
and attach it to this report form.

Give an outline of your plan for the period of study. Indicate any difficulties that may affect your progress

SECTION B: TO BE COMPLETED BY ADVISER

The adviser completes section B and is responsible for arranging for section C to be completed
by the appropriate staff members and for passing the form to the College PG coordinator.
Advisers are to maintain a record of the student’s progress for reporting purposes.

Major Advisor Co-advisors 1.

2.

Adviser’s estimate of current submission date

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 Advisor’S Report on Progress

1: Withreference to the student’s plan, comment on how the plan has been fulfilled. Use a
separate sheet if necessary.

2: Comment on outline of the student’s plan for the next submission.

3: Please summarise the student’s progress..

Excellent Regular Irregular Not progressing

Adviser signature Date

Student : I have read my Adviser’s report :

Student signature Date

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 SECTION C: TO BE COMPLETED BY DEPARTMENT HEAD

1: Department head comments

Name

Signature Date

SECTION D: TO BE COMPLETED BY COLLEGE GRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

College SGS Coordinator’s comments

73
Name

Signature

74