THESIS GUIDE

1.1 Overall structure

Essentially, the thesis should be structured in such a way that it consists of the preliminary
pages, a five chapter body, list of references and annex as described below.

Preliminary pages:

Arrange the preliminary pages in the following order:

• Cover page,
• Title page
• Declaration page
• Approval page
• Acknowledgment page
• Table of contents
• List of tables
• List of figures
• Acronyms page
• Abstract and key words page,
Chapter One: Introduction

1.1. Background
1.2. Statement of the problem
1.3. Research questions and objectives (hypothesis could be mentioned here or at the
end of chapter two)
1.4. Significance of the study
1.5. Scope/delimitation of the study
1.6. Limitation of the study
1.7. Definition of key terms
1.8. Organization of the paper
Chapter Two: Literature review
2.1. Introduction
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 2.2. Review of theories
2.3. Review of empirical studies
2.4. Research Gap
2.5. Conceptual Framework
2.6. Hypothesis (if mentioned in chapter one, this can be omitted)
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1.Introduction
3.2. Research Design
3.3.Research Approach
3.4.Sampling Design
3.4.1. Population, sampling unit and sampling frame
3.4.2. Method of sampling
3.4.3. Sampling procedure
3.4.4. Sample size determination
3.5.Data type and sources
3.6. Research Instrument and Measurements
3.7.Methods of data collection
3.8. Method of data analysis
3.9.Validity and Reliability
3.10. Ethical Considerations
Chapter Four: Results/Findings and Discussion/Interpretation
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Characteristics of respondents/demographic analysis/
4.3. Descriptive Analysis
4.4. Inferential Analysis
Chapter Five: Summary of Key Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Summary of Key Findings.
5.3. Conclusions
5.4. Recommendations for action (for policy maker, for practitioner/implementation)
5.5. Implications for for theory and/or further research)
List of references

Annex

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 Formats and Content of the thesis

The preliminary pages

The preliminary pages except for the cover page should be page numbered in roman number.

The first title page (cover page):

This page should clearly show the name of the College, title, name of the candidate, etc. The
following template contains all the information that should be included in the cover page.

Template 1: Title (cover) page

School of Online Post Graduate Study

<< Title of the thesis >>

<< Name of the Advisor >>

A Thesis Submitted to School of Online Post Graduate Study of Yardstick International

College in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Master’s Degree in
Master of Business Administration/leadership/

Month, Year
Addis Ababa

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 The second title page:

This page provides information that is similar to that of the cover page except that in this
page the name of the advisor will be included above the month and the year.

Template 2: The second title page

School of Online Post Graduate Study

<< Title of the thesis >>

By:<< Name of the Candidate >>

A Thesis Submitted to School of Online Post Graduate Study of Yardstick International College in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Master’s Degree in Master of Business
Administration/leadership/

<<Name of Advisor>>

Month, Year
Addis Ababa

The declaration page:

This page provides a confirmation of the student regarding the originality of the work.
Furthermore, the advisor confirms that the thesis can be presented to the examiners for final
examination.
Template 3: The declaration page
Declaration
This thesis is my original work and has not been presented in any other university and
This thesis has been submitted for final examination.

Name of candidate Signature Date

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Name of advisor Signature

Date
 The approval page:

On this page, the advisor, the internal examiner, the external examiners provide their
approval of the thesis when the thesis gets at least the passing grade.

Template 4: The approval page

Approval
We, the undersigned certify that we have and here by recommendation to the yardstick
International College to accept the thesis submitted by
entitled
for the fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a
Masters degree in Master of Business Administration/MBA/ .
Examiners:
Advisor: Name Signature Date
External examiner: Name Signature Date
Internal examiner: Name Signature Date

Acknowledgement page: On this page, the candidate acknowledges individuals and

institutions that provided support during the research process.

The table of contents page(s): Depending on availability, include Table of content and list of
tables, figures, boxes and annexes, all with page numbers.
Table of contents, page numbering with lowercase Roman numerals
List of tables, page numbering with lowercase Roman numerals.
List of figures, page numbering with lowercase Roman numerals
List of annexes, page numbering with lowercase Roman numerals
The acronyms page: Include the acronyms in a separate page, arranged in alphabetical order.

Abstract and key words page: Provide an abstract in one paragraph in a separate page but not
exceeding one page. Also include (main objectives, main methodology, main finding and main
recommendation) and some key words or phrases in this same page below the abstract. Overall,
the abstract and key words must not exceed 250 words.

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 Text – the main body of the research thesis report: All pages from the first page of text through
the Vita are numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, beginning with Arabic numeral “1” on
the first page of the thesis or report text.

“References” or “Works Cited. ”Continue page numbering with Arabic numerals. The bibliography is
the last page of the thesis or report and the last page listed on the Table of Contents

Appendix. Continue page numbering with Arabic numerals.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background
In this sub-section the candidate should:
• Provide general information in the discipline

• Provide historical, geographical, societal facts

1.2 Statement of the problem and research questions

The problem statement should clearly articulate the research problem, the research questions
and working hypothesis. This sub-section should:

• Not be a redundant presentation of background information that is already stated in the

general background and background to the study area (see above).

• Present a clear articulation of the research problem – stating what is happening/known &
what is not known (research gap).

• Provide a further justification for the research - Indicating if similar studies have been
conducted and their limitations. For example, their gaps/weaknesses/limitations in scope,
methodology, time span, data quality/adequacy, bias, etc); it may also stress the significance
of the context in your study area as a justification.

This sub-section must present three to four clearly articulated research questions to specify
the research problem (gap) more clearly and working hypotheses or hypothesis.
Nevertheless, the working hypothesis (ses) need to be articulated after extensive review of
the literature has been conducted and the conceptual framework has been developed.

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1.3 Research objectives
These include both the clear General Objective and the Specific Objectives.)

In this section the major research objective is addressed. The purpose statement
should emphasize practical outcomes or products of the study. For example, “The
purpose of this study was to determine (measure, examine, or evaluate) factor that
influence entrepreneurial behavior in family businesses”. Note that study should
have one general objective which should be in line with the title.

• The Specific objectives – have to be in line with the variables the candidate
hypothesizes to influence the phenomenon being investigated

1.4 Significance of the study

This sub-section should indicate significance of the study in terms of:

• Policy significance (e.g., in filling policy gaps)

• Practical significance (e.g., in improving the implementation of

policies/strategies/programs by indicating ways of overcoming
implementation challenges)

• Theoretical or empirical significance - How it contributes to the existing

body of knowledge. For example, testing the conformance/relevance of an
existing theory to a particular context will be, providing new empirical
evidence or proposing new research methodology to test a theory.

1.5. Scope/delimitation of the study

This sub-section must clearly show:

• The thematic scope – the scope content-wise.

• The geographic scope – specifying the geographical or spatial coverage of the study.

• Methodological scope

• Time scope – specifying the time period the study covers

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 1.6. Limitation of the study
The possible sources of the limitations of the study include:

Practical weaknesses in the methodologies the researcher adapted

Lack of access to the right data

Poor choice/development/ delivery of instruments

Sampling restriction

Lack of up-to-date literature in the areas

1.7. Definition of key terms

In order to help the reader gain clarity of what the researcher means by a certain term right
from the beginning, this sub section must provide a definition of key terms in the way they
will be used throughout the paper. However, detailed operationalization of concepts, factors
variables shall be conducted in chapter two (conceptual framework)

1.8 Organization of the paper

State that the thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one involves introduction, chapter two
involves review literature, chapter three addresses methodology, chapter four presents data
analysis and findings and chapter five contains summary of key findings, conclusions and
recommendations

Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature

2.1. Review of related theories
This sub-section should provide a summary of relevant theories. In deductive approaches,
it consists of:

• Definitions of key concept(s)

• The factors that cause and the effects of a phenomenon;

• The possible measures/indicators of a variable

• The degree and direction of relationship among variables;.

• Assessment themes/issues, etc.

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 2.2. Review of empirical studies
This sub-section should provide a summary of the empirical studies reviewed. The
empirical studies must be related to the topic/research objectives. The relevance of the
context in which the empirical study has been conducted should be also taken into
account.

2.3. Research Gap

This sub-section should provide a summary

• Theory gap

• Empirical gap

• Methodological gap

2.4. Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework can better be illustrated using a diagram, accompanied by a
textual description of its elements (i.e., the concepts, factors, variables, indicators,
assessment themes, etc).

Chapter Three: Research Methodology

3.1. Research Design
In this sub-section, the candidate needs to mention the research design from different
perspectives. This includes research based on:

Descriptive or explanatory/analytic or a mix of descriptive and explanatory, etc)

3.2. Research Approach

In this sub-section, the candidate needs to mention the research approach from different
perspectives.

e.g The type of data is quantitative or qualitative or mixed

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 3.3. Sampling Design
3.3.1. Population, sampling unit and sampling frame:

In this sub-section, candidates are expected to clearly indicate:

• The population (the target population and the number of its elements)

• Sampling unit: the elements of the sample (e.g., individual persona, households,
schools, etc).

• Source list (sampling frame): the frame or list of the study population from which
sample is to be drawn.

3.3.2. Method of sampling

One sampling technique or the combination of techniques of sampling to be used in the

research (i.e., probability/random, or non-probability/non-random, or both) should be
clearly indicated along with the specific methods or techniques selected. For example,
random sampling, the candidate should clearly specify if the sampling technique will be
simple random sampling, or systematic random sampling, or stratified sampling or
cluster sampling or a combination of such techniques). For non-random sampling, the
candidate should specify whether he/she will use convenience sampling or judgmental
sampling or ad- hoc quota sampling or snow-ball sampling, etc or a combination of these
or other methods/techniques).

3.3.3. Sampling procedure

Mention the steps/procedures followed in drawing the sample.

3.4.4. Sample size determination

Specify the size of the population in the sampling frame and the size of the sample. You
may use sample size determination formula to determine the sample, the sample to come
up with result a representative sample and lead to minimum sampling bias and sampling
error.

3.4 .Data type and sources

• Data type: specify if primary, secondary or both types of data will be used. Data
type could also refer to quantitative and qualitative data types.
• Data sources: specify from where these data will be obtained.

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 3.5. Methods of data collection
The candidate should clearly indicate the proposed method or a combination of methods
of collecting primary data (e.g., Questionnaire , Interview, Focus Group Discussion ,
Observation method; Method - Personal interview or Telephone interview; Method;
Schedule etc).

If it is secondary data , the candidate should clearly indicate the proposed method or a
combination of methods of collecting secondary data (e.g., Reports; databases; review of
documents – government policy documents, regulations, etc).

3.6. Method of data analysis

Data processing begins with analysis. Editing, coding and tabulation process are
necessary to be done prior to analysis. Indicate briefly any analytic software’s (such as
SPSS, STATA E-view) that were employed. Provide a well thought out reason for
making decision on the analytic tools choice. Both primary and secondary data could be
analyzed and presented using statistical techniques like frequency, percentage, tables,
cross-tabs, bar charts, Both primary and secondary data are analyzed and presented using
statistical tools like frequency tables, cross-tabs, bar charts, line charts, pie charts and
others to facilitate the interpretation of the result of the data analyzed. The candidate
must also indicate how the data is analyzed. This depends on the type of research and the
type of data. For example, analysis if qualitative data may involve narrative analysis,
content analysis, etc while analysis of quantitative data may involve use of descriptive
statistics (i.e., measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion), hypothesis
testing (e.g., parametric and non-parametric tests such as t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA,
Mann Whitney Test, etc), and regression analysis. As explanatory studies are likely to
involve use of models, clearly specify the model and its components.

3.7. Validity and Reliability

Pretest/ Pilot Test/: is a form of limited inquiry study (about 10% of the sample size that
can be undertaken applying techniques used in the larger study. For instance, a test of the
new questionnaire to see if the respondents understand the question. If they are unable to
understand, necessary changes have to be made, to make the question easily
understandable. At times a question may be dropped or a lengthy question split into two,

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 etc. The validity and reliability test is done by the data collected for pilot study.

3.8. Ethical Considerations

The candidate is expected to indicate how the proposed research takes care of the
ethical principles. Unethical conduct includes, but not limited to, the following.

• Plagiarism

• Deceiving the research participant (e.g. lying)

• Leading participants to commit acts that lessen their self-esteem:

• Invasion of privacy

• Lack of anonymity and/or confidentiality of personal identity

Introduction, literature review and methodology chapters

The first three sections of the proposal constitute the first three chapters of the thesis. If the
proposal is well done, then much of the work for the first three chapters has been done.
Nevertheless, the candidate must revise these chapters for some reasons. The following are
some of the reasons:

▪ The language, particularly the tenses, needs to change. In the proposal, the future
tense is likely to have been widely used. In the main thesis, however, the present and
the past tenses are more appropriate to use. Hence, language edition is a must.
▪ In consultation with his/her advisor, the candidate might have made certain changes
to the methodology section of the thesis proposal just before or during field work.
Hence, the proposal should not be simply copied and pasted.
▪ Even after field work, the advisor might have requested the candidate to conduct a
review of additional literature.
▪ The actual limitations of the study need to be clearly articulated and become more
comprehensive as the candidate has now been through all the steps in the research
process
▪ A sub-section with the heading “Organization of the paper” needs to be added in the
chapter one of the thesis.

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 Limitations of the study: This chapter must include a sub-section that clearly indicates the
limitations or weaknesses of the study. (e.g., possible sources of errors, uncertainties,
problems, biases, etc). Nevertheless, students often mention the time and financial constraints
they face as limitations of the study while these are not limitations in themselves while they
might lead to other limitations such as small sample size. For example, limitations of a study
could be weaknesses in relation to:

▪ The research objective/scope – e.g., unaddressed issues

▪ The research approach and depth of analysis (e.g. unanswered questions – e.g., root
causes, the “why” or “how” part might not be addressed
▪ Methods – e.g. limitations in generalizability of findings due to the sample size or
sampling technique adopted.
▪ Quality data- possible errors, uncertainties, bias in data collection, etc.

Chapter four: Findings and Discussion/Interpretation

4.1. Introduction: Include an introduction to this chapter. In this introduction, the candidate
could, for example, briefly restate the aim of the research, the research questions and the
methodology adopted and the procedures followed. The response rate could also be
mentioned here.

4.2 Description of characteristics of respondents: In this sub-section, the candidate is

expected to describe the characteristics of the respondents. This depends on the variables
included in the study for describing their characteristics. For example, respondents could be
described in terms of their age distribution, education level, gender, marital status, religious
background, etc.

4.3 Presentation of results with respect to the research objectives/ question/: In this sub
section, the results with respect to each of the research questions/objectives must be
summarized and presented clearly using appropriate methods of data presentation. The
methods to be used for presenting the results will depend on the design /type of the study
(e.g., descriptive, explanatory, mixed).

In dealing with research objectives /questions/ that require the descriptive design, tables,

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 simple bar charts, multiple bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, boxes, figures, etc could be used.
Results could be reported in terms of frequencies, percentages, measures of central tendency
(mean, median and mode), and measures of dispersion (variance, standard deviation, range,
etc). Such studies could also involve an analysis of the correlation between the dependent
variable and the independent variables. In dealing with research questions/objectives that
require the explanatory/analytic design, the candidate and the advisor must make sure that the
cause and effect relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables
has been done appropriately using appropriate regression models that can be used with cross-
sectional, time series or panel data.

▪ Highlight the significant information in a table, graphs or chart

▪ Include observation of the trends/patterns
▪ State positive/negative result or surprising/interesting results
▪ Provide his/her observations about qualitative data: themes, issues, challenges, etc
▪ Conduct tests of hypothesis

4.4 Interpretation/discussion of results/findings: In this sub-section, the candidate should:

▪ Do cross-reference to previous research (already reviewed in chapter two) and indicate

if the findings are in conformity (support) or in contrast with findings of previous
research.
▪ Provide explanations for the results. For example, providing reasons why certain
variables are insignificant (i.e., addressing the why part) and how that could happen.
▪ Suggesting general hypotheses or drawing implications – indicating what can be
suggested /hypothesized based on the findings, the issues that emerge or what the
findings imply.

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 Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Introduction:
In this sub-section, the candidate should:

▪ Remind the reader of the aim of the research or what the first/second/third research
questions/objectives sought to determine.
▪ Provide a summary of the significant/important findings.
5.2 Conclusion: In this sub-section, the candidate is expected to draw conclusions with
respect to the research questions/objectives based on the findings and the
interpretation/discussion.

5.3 Recommendations
o Suggests way forwards
o Suggest policy directions
o Suggests corrective actions
o Always give possible recommendations
Further Research:
o It is useful in both academic reports and work-related reports to include a
section which shows how the research can be continued. Perhaps some
results are inconclusive, or perhaps the research has thrown up many more
research questions which need to be addressed.
o It is useful to include this section because it shows that you are aware of
the wider picture and that you are not trying to cover up something which
you feel may be lacking from your own work

List of references

(This refers to the complete (not partial) list of all the references that are cited in the
body of the thesis proposal. Follow the APA referencing style in producing the list of
references.)

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Annex
Things that need to be annexed should include:
i) Research Instruments.
ii) Letters of introduction
iii) Research Permits/authorization letter moreover, the candidate could possibly annex
tables/graphs/charts of results that are not presents in chapter four, letters of consent, parts of
secondary data, and tabular summary of quantitative primary data.

Caution and reminder!

Plagiarism detection and measures
Forms of plagiarism
Plagiarism includes the following acts:
• Copying others’ work full paper or a significant portion of it.
• Blending arguments of another author with the candidate’s argument without
acknowledging him/her - sentences/paragraphs directly taken
• Paraphrasing others’ work but not indicating the source.
Detecting plagiarism
The candidate can self-check the presence and degree of plagiarism using online plagiarism
detecting software. The advisor must also check this before approving the proposal and
before signing on the draft thesis for examination by examiners.

NB: The result of the plagiarisms test shall not exceed 20% when carried out by excluding
the list of references, direct quotations and phrases with five words or less.

Subsequent measures
When the advisor finds out that a significant or all portion of the thesis proposal or the thesis
itself has been copied from other papers, then the proposal or the thesis must be rejected
automatically. Then, the advisor shall provide a written report to the department/ Coordinator
Office for final decision. The AC then makes a final decision as to the consequences of the
act in line with the legislation of the College. Furthermore, candidates should be aware that
detection of plagiarism any time after graduation leads to the nullification of the master’s
degree.
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