CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS SCIENCES

UNDERGRADUATE DISSERTATION HOUSE STYLE: 2018

1. SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS SCIENCES REARCH EXPECTATIONS

Research by all undergraduate students is expected to address national, regional and

international values and aspirations at the cutting edge of knowledge, skills and techniques.
Graduate students, guided by their supervisors are also expected to ensure that research
content addresses and advances the Chinhoyi University of Technology‟s mandate in terms
of technology development, technology utilisation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Effort
should be made by both the student and the supervisor to engage in environmentally friendly
research whose outputs can be patented and commercialised or at least solve real life
challenges faced by society while contributing to the current body of knowledge.
2. MEDIUM RESEARCH PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION WRITING
The medium of writing shall be Zimbabwe, UK or USA English. The medium adopted must
be used consistently. Choose any one of these and do not mix.
3. FONT, LINE SPACING AND MARGINS OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION
The font shall be Arial 11cpi, Times New Roman 12cpi or Courier 12cpi, typed in Word. The
line spacing shall be 1.5 throughout the document. The dissertation shall be printed on
A4portrait with the following margins:

 2.5 cm on the top, left and bottom margins each.

 3.2 cm on the left margin.
4. DEVELOPING AND SUBMITTING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A candidate shall develop and submit a research proposal to the satisfaction of the
supervisor. The length of the research proposal approved by the supervisor shall not exceed
15 pages. The structure of the research proposal shall generally include the following:

 Cover page (see the template cover page in the annexures)

 Background to the study
 Statement of the problem
 Research questions
 Research objectives
 Research questions
 Research hypotheses/Research propositions
 Significance of the study
 Scope of the study
 Literature review
 Research methodology
o Research methodology includes research approach, research design, target
population, sample size, sampling method, research instruments, data
collection procedures, data analysis and presentation methods, reliability and
validity, and ethical considerations.
 Organisation of the research report
 Work plan
 Budget
 References
5. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
5.1 Cover page
 Use the template provided in the annexures section.
 The topic shall be a brief phrase, usually not more than 15 words, adequately
describing the contents of the research proposal. Think of an informative but catchy
title. An effective title does not only prick the reader‟s interest, but also predispose
him here favourable towards the proposal. After drafting the topic, consider the
following questions;
 Do I have any motivation to pursue this topic or I am just doing it for the sake
of completing my studies?
 Do I have enough expertise or experience in the subject?
 Am I going to produce a meaningful report? Note that the topic can change
along the way as you progress with your research. Your topic should indicate
independent and dependent variables. Avoid overused words such as „an
investigation into...‟‟an analysis of ...‟

5.2 Background to the study

 The purpose of this section is to frame or substantiate the problem that is to give it
more meaning by showing its source and how it has manifested itself. Provide the
context in which the study is being conducted. Move from general to particular. A
funnel approach is encouraged in approaching this section. Describe the broad
foundations of your study- provide sufficient background for readers while indicating
the general scope of your project. Do not just give the history of the organisation or
industry unless it is the core of the research problem. The background should provide
a lead to the statement of the problem. Remember that you should use as little
independent opinions as possible. You therefore must refer to a lot of literature in this
section and it must be properly referenced. Avoid making conclusions or providing
answers for the situation that you find as this will render your topic not researchable.
Each time you are tempted to interpret the situation, remember this is what you want
to find out through field work. The expected length is 1 to 2 pages.

5.3 Statement of the problem

 In not more than half a page, state the research problem. The research problem is a
gap between the real and the desired, potential and actual, a contradiction between
principle and practice or an answered need within the chosen area of study. It is
imperative to make reference to the ideal situation in the background of the study as
part of the justification of the problem. The problem statement can be a declaration
or interrogation. The research problem must be explicitly stated. The research
problem shall be in two parts. The first part addresses the practical problem
observed. The second part addresses the knowledge gap that the study seeks to
close. Clearly show what knowledge gap the present study fills. Thus the key
questions that needs to be answered in this section are:
 What is the gap that needs to be filled?
 What is the problem that needs to be solved?
  5.4 Research objectives
 State the main objective (aim) and specific objectives (objectives) of the study.
Normally, 3 to 5 objectives shall be required. To be able to formulate the objectives,
you must understand the meaning of your main action and intention from the
research topic and also articulated in your statement of the problem. Objectives
should be logically listed in numbered format. Bullets must be avoided. Research
objectives must conform to the SMART principle.

 5.5 Research questions

 Corresponding research questions shall be used instead of, or in conjunction with,

the research objectives. Research questions should be developed from and should
correspond with research objectives

 5.6 Research hypotheses/Research propositions

 At this level research hypotheses are optional. Research hypotheses shall only be
stated if they are going to be tested statistically in Chapter 4. Research hypotheses
should bear a relationship with the objectives, questions and conceptual framework.
See an example of current trends in stating research hypotheses.
 H1: Perceived service quality has a positive effect on customer satisfaction.
 H2: Customer satisfaction has a positive effect on customer loyalty.
 H3: The effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty is stronger for female than
male business students.
 Research hypotheses are used in quantitative research. For qualitative research, use
research propositions. Research propositions should be supported or not supported
in Chapter 4.
5.8 Significance of the study
Explain why and how the findings of your study are important. Identify the major
stakeholders of the study and explain how they may benefit from the findings of the study.
Focus on unique benefits; not just general benefits. Examples of generic benefits include
benefits to the student, or benefits to Chinhoyi University of Technology. In explaining the
significance, you cannot be sure that your final report will be adopted by the said
beneficiaries. Therefore, one is expected to use such words like: „it is hoped that..., the
research may be useful to..., the research is intended to benefit....‟ This section should be
between ½ a page to a page in length.
5.9 Scope of the study/Delimitations of the study
The scope or delimitations of the study should set the boundaries of the study in terms of
geography (where the study is conducted), time (period the study is conducted), target
population, and field of study

5.10. Organisation of the Study

Outline how the chapters in the final research report will be arranged. The length of this
section should be up to ½ a page.
5.11 Literature review
The literature review shall be on the specific subject of interest, showing what strides have
been made regarding the research area, and hence the knowledge gaps. The APA
referencing style should be used. The major theories underpinning the study should be
outlined. The review should be current and backed by recent and traceable references (most
references shall be within the last five years, unless it is seminal work). The literature shall
be understandable to colleagues from a broad range of disciplines. Use scholarly
sources/references. Review literature to illuminate the research gaps that the study aims to
address instead of just writing notes.
5.12 Research methodology
Research methodology includes research method/research approach, research design,
target population, sample size, sampling method, research instruments, data collection
procedures, data analysis and presentation methods, reliability and validity, and ethical
considerations.
5.12.1 Research Approach
Identify the research approach that is going to be adopted and justify. The major
research approaches are quantitative approach, qualitative approach and mixed
methods approach.
5.12.2 Research design
Identify the research design going to be used and justify why this is going to be used.
Three major types of research design include experiment, case study and survey
(cross-sectional survey and longitudinal survey).
5.12.3 Target population
State the target population. Provide statistics and source (sampling frame).
5.12.4 Sample size
Show the sample size and justify its sufficiency.
5.12.5 Sampling method
Identify the sampling method going to be used and justify.
5.12.6 Research instruments
Identify the research instrument(s) and justify. These may include questionnaires and
interview guides.
5.12.7 Data Collection
5.12.7.1 Data collection procedures
Explain how data will be collected from the sample using the identified sampling
method and research instrument(s).
 5.12.7.2 Data Sources
In this section you explain the nature of data to used in your study, whether it will
be primary or secondary data.
5.12.8 Data analysis and presentation methods
Explain how data will be analysed and presented.
For quantitative research, data analysis methods include descriptive statistics (e.g.
frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation), Chi-Square test, T-test,
ANOVA, F-test, regression analysis, structural equation modelling. Software
packages that can be used to execute such quantitative analyses include Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS), Linear
Structural Relations (LISREL). Data are normally presented in tables and figures.
For qualitative research, data analysis is usually done at three levels, namely
thematic, content and discourse. NVivo is an example of software packages that can
be used to analyse qualitative data. Data are normally presented as themes and in
tables, figures and verbatim.
5.12.9 Reliability and validity
Explain how you are going to ensure reliability and validity of data collected.
Reference can be made to pilot testing of the research instruments, Cronch Bar‟s
Alpha. English editing etc.
5.12.10 Ethical considerations
Ethical considerations in the context of the research area and societal expectations
should be spelt out. Explain how you are going to ensure that the study is ethical
before, during and after data collection.
5.13 Work plan
Show in the form of a Gantt chart, table or any other suitable format the sequence of
research activities and when they will be executed.
5.14 Budget
Present a research budget showing research activities and related costs.
5.15 References
The American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition referencing system shall be used
(read the APA 6th referencing guide provided).In-text citations shall balance with the
reference list.
6. WRITING AND SUBMITTING THE DISSERTATION
6.1 General provisions
Under the guidance of a supervisor, a candidate shall write and submit a dissertation within
the Department set deadline. A candidate shall take full responsibility for the quality of their
academic work and dissertation submitted for examination under the guidance of a
supervisor. The candidate, with the help of the supervisor, shall be responsible for the
completion of the progress report form during the supervision period (use the supervision
progress report form provided in the annexures).
6.2 Length of dissertation
The recommended length of dissertation shall be plus or minus of 25,000 words preliminary
pages and references.
6.3 Structure of the dissertation
The dissertation shall comprise the following major sections:
Cover page
Preliminary pages
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Research methodology
Chapter 4: Results and discussion
Chapter 5: Conclusions and implications
References
Appendices
7. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE DISSERTATION
7.1 Cover page
Use the template provided in the annexures section.
The topic shall be a brief phrase, usually not moiré than 15 words, adequately describing the
contents of the dissertation.
7.2 Preliminary pages
Include approval form, declarations, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, list of
tables, list of figures, definition of terms, and list of abbreviations/acronyms.
Use the templates of approval form and declarations provided in the annexures section.
The abstract shall highlight research objectives/questions, research methodology, major
findings, conclusions and implications.
Define terms in the context of the study.
7.3 Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1 is normally the last chapter to be written. The chapter includes background to the
study, statement of the problem, research objectives, research questions, research
hypotheses/research propositions, significance of the study, scope of the study/delimitations
of the study, organisation of the study/structure of the dissertation, and chapter summary.
The contents of Chapter 1 (from background to the scope) are largely derived from the
research proposal (see the research proposal section).
.
7.4 Chapter 2: Literature review
Refer to the literature review section under the research proposal above. In addition to that,
the literature review should reveal both the theoretical framework and prior empirical
evidence. Literature must adequately address the thematic areas as informed by the
research objectives/questions/hypotheses/conceptual framework. Use scholarly
sources/references. Do not write notes but review literature.
7.5 Chapter 3: Research methodology
Refer to the research methodology section under the research proposal. This section
includes a detailed explanation and justification of the research methods including research
approach, research design, target population, sample size, sampling method, research
instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis and presentation methods, reliability,
validity, and ethical considerations. Whilst reference shall be made to literature to
substantiate your choice of methods, take note that this is not a literature review and note
making section. Focus on the critical. Also explain the structure of the research instrument(s)
and how they were developed.
7.6 Chapter 4: Results and discussion
In this chapter, data are analysed, presented and discussed. Results and discussion shall be
guided by research objectives/questions/hypotheses instead of the structure of the research
instrument.
7.7 Chapter 5: Conclusions and implications
Conclusions are derived from the findings based on the research objectives/hypotheses as
outlined in Chapter 1. Implications are based on theory, policy and practice, and limitations
and future research. Implications are informed by conclusions.
7.8 References
The APA 6th edition referencing system shall be used (read the APA 6th referencing guide
provided to you). In-text citations shall balance with the references list.
7.9 Appendices
Include the following:

 CUT permission letter (use template provided in the annexures section)

 Research instrument(s)
 Similarity index report (first page of the summary)
 Any other relevant documents

8. SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION

Upon completion of the dissertation, a candidate shall submit to the Department two spiral
bound copies for examination and a soft copy of the dissertation in Word and PDF. It is the
responsibility of the candidate to submit his/her own dissertation to the Department upon
clearance by the supervisor.

It is important to note the following rules:

1. The Department shall not accept any dissertation after the deadline, any late
submission shall be penalised as stipulated in the departmental regulations.
 2. The Department shall not accept any dissertation from an unregistered student; and
3. The Department shall not accept any dissertation submitted by the supervisor on
behalf of the student.

9. EXAMINATION
A dissertation shall be examined as recommended by the departments.

12. PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and the School of entrepreneurship and Business
Sciences shall check any dissertation submitted for plagiarism. In the case of more than
20% plagiarism being discovered in a dissertation, the candidate shall be failed and re-
submission shall be at the discretion of Senate in accordance with the General Academic
Regulations.
15. ANNEXURES
Cover page
Approval form
Declarations
CUT permission letter
Supervision progress report form
 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

TITLE OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL / DISSERTATION

By
Firstnames Surname
Student number
A Research Proposal/Dissertation Submitted In Partial Fulfilment Of The
Requirements For The Degree Of
Bachelor of Science Honours In xxx

School of Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences

Department of xxx
Chinhoyi
Zimbabwe

Supervisor: Name of Supervisor

Month Year
APPROVAL FORM
The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to the Department of ....,
Chinhoyi University of Technology, for acceptance a dissertation entitled, “Insert Topic
Here”, submitted by Firstnames Surname, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Bachelor of Science Degree in xxx.
………………………………………
Name of Supervisor
………………………………………
Signature
………………………………………
Date
DECLARATIONS
I, Firstnames Surname, declare that this Undergraduate study is my own effort and is a true
reflection of research executed by me. This research in full or part thereof has not been
submitted for examination for any degree at any other university/institution.
No part of this dissertation may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form, or by any means (e.g. electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise) without the prior express permission of me the author, or Chinhoyi University of
Technology on my behalf.
I, Firstnames Surname, grant Chinhoyi University of Technology permission to reproduce
this dissertation in whole or in part, in any manner or format, which Chinhoyi University of
Technology may deem fit.
………………………………………
Name of Student
………………………………………
Signature
………………………………………
Date
 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
PERMISSION LETTER

Student Name …………………………………………………………………………………..

Student number …………………………………………………………………………………
Programme ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Approved research topic
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I hereby confirm that the above-mentioned student is registered at Chinhoyi University of
Technology for the programme indicated. The proposed study met all the requirements as
stipulated in Chinhoyi University of Technology policies and guidelines and has been
approved by the Department of ...
The proposal adheres to ethical principles as outlined by the Research Ethics Committee of
the University. Permission is hereby granted to carry out the research as described in the
approved proposal. May you please assist the student in any way possible.
The main objective of the study is to
…………..………………………………………………………………………………………….……
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Best Regards

………………………………………….
Signature and Date Stamp
………………………………………….
Name of Chairperson, Department of................................................................
Phone Number.................................................................................................
E-mail: ..............................................................................................................
 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
School of Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences
Department of …………………………………

SUPERVISION PROGRESS REPORT FORM

Name of student:……………………………Registration number:………….…………. Name

of supervisor: ………………………..

Topic:……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Date of Area Lecturer’s Key deliverables for Date of next Supervisor’s Student’s
review covered recommendati next review review signature Signature
on
Overall comments by the supervisor:
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Student’s signature: …………………………… Date…………………………..
Supervisor’s signature: ……………………….. Date…………………………..
 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF............

RESEARCH PROJECT MARKING GUIDE

Name of Student: …………………………………… Registration Number: ……………….…

Dissertation title:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………..................................................

Areas of Focus Considerations Examiner’s Mark

comments Awarded
Formulation of Is it worth researching on? Is it researchable? Does
Research Topic it add value? /5
Abstract Does it give a concise picture of the study in terms
of the purpose, methodology, major findings and
recommendations? /5
Chapter 1: How well formulated is the background to the study,
Introduction statement of the problem/knowledge gap, research
questions, objectives, etc? /10
Chapter 2: Literature Adequacy of coverage of literature in view of the
review topic, relevance of the literature, extent to which the
candidate demonstrated competence in reviewing
the literature, proper use of citations and
presentation of references, relevant, recent,
addresses research /20
objectives/questions/hypotheses, critical,
comprehensive and logically/theoretically integrated,
well referenced by recent traceable citations,
absence of plagiarism
Chapter 3:Research Is it clear how the study was conducted in terms of
methodology population, sampling, instruments, data collection,
data analysis? Is it detailed, informative and were
specific methods identified and justified. Is Software
appropriate and was it supported by literature? /15
Results Was the data collected adequate and relevant?
/5
Results Was the data analysis appropriate, relevant to
objectives/questions/hypotheses? How well have
data been analysed to respond to the demands of
the study? Are the research questions adequately /15
answered?
Results Was the data presented adhering to technical
aspects, appropriately, concisely, informatively and
clearly? Have the data been well-presented in ways /5
that are informative and easy to understand?
Chapter 5: Was it clear, concise and supported by data,
Conclusions and findings must answer the
implications: objectives/hypotheses/research questions. /5
Conclusions must be linked to the findings.
Implications must be informed by conclusions
References Appropriate format, consistency between in-text
citation and reference list /5
Overall Presentation General presentation in terms of formatting,
language, neatness and readability, etc /5
TOTAL 100
Any Other Comments:

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Name of Examiner: …………………Signature: …………Date: ……………………………………….

SUMMARY OF EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DISSERTATION

(To be completed by Internal/External Examiner)

Name of Student: …………………………Student Number: ………………….…………….

Programme: .…………..………………….
Dissertation title:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Examiners Recommendations Mark (%)
1 Thesis PASSES subject AS IS (Mark ……….%)

2 Thesis PASSES subject to MINOR corrections (Mark ……….%)

3 Thesis PASSES subject to MAJOR corrections as indicated in the

report (Mark …..%)

4 Thesis MUST BE RE-SUBMITTED FOR RE-EXAMINATION after

one or more of the following has been done (specify in the
report):(No mark to be allocated)

Thesis FAILED (reasons specified in Main Report).

Mark allocated:………… (< 50%)