RPCS

S Directorate

Undergraduate Thesis Handbook

(For Students and Supervisors)

Research/Thesis Writing Guideline, 2021/2022

2021/2022

1
 INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDELINE

Undergraduate Programs at Degree levels with a significant emphasis on research as one of the
examinable areas. As part of the efforts of the office to facilitate research students timely
completion of their required academic research, this guideline has been compiled in consultation
with the concern organ and based on the requirements of the Graduate school of Ethiopian
Universities to offer basic guidelines to Undergraduate students on critical areas facilitating
uniformity and standardization in academic research and thesis writing.

2
SECTION ONE: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF RESEARCH PROJECT/THESIS
1.1 Introduction

To ensure quality and timely completion of a research project, clear guidelines and procedures
are necessary. Therefore, the main purpose of this handbook is to define the parts and procedures
necessary for the preparation of research projects/theses in line with the requirements of the
Undergraduate studies in the college. The first section of this handbook provides a summary of
important general requirements to be met when preparing a research project/thesis and the format
of the research proposal.

1.2 Quality Requirements of Research Projects/Theses

For students seeking to complete undergraduate Diplomas at Degree levels, the UG office
emphasizes quality of academic research. Quality is generally defined as conformance to
requirements or fitness for purpose. The undergraduate level project demonstrates the student’s
readiness to join the community of scholars and practitioners in advancing the knowledge and
practice in the real world of business. Consequently, students are expected to produce quality
research projects/thesis that:

 Make contribution to the knowledge in the discipline,

 Use the right statistical analysis tools
 Address current problems of interest to the practitioners,
 Demonstrate a mastery of a specialization area within the program of study
 Reflect the integration of practice and scholarship, and
 Are of publishable quality.
The office assigns project /theses supervisors to research candidates to direct students to research
areas that will satisfy these requirements; and ensure that research proposals and conceptual
designs provide the foundations for high quality work. The research strategy, scope and
academic rigor should be consistent with the highest level of research project that is expected in
the discipline of study for each candidate.

1.3 The Research Proposal

The school expects each candidate to develop a research proposal for the intended research.
The research proposal is a blue print or a plan for an intended study. Research proposal
preparation is essential in the development and pursuit of a research endeavor. The quality of the
final research project/ thesis often depends on the quality of the research proposal. Consequently,
each student must develop a comprehensive research proposal before submission for oral
examination. The research proposal for the project/thesis should consist of three major chapters,
including introduction, literature review and methodology. In addition, to the three major
chapters, the research proposal should also provide an abstract, reference or bibliography,
implementation schedule and, implementation budget. The three major chapters or sections

3
(introduction, literature review, and methodology) of the research proposal should correspond to
the first three sections of the research project report in terms of quality and comprehensiveness.
The only difference being that, the introduction and methodology sections are written in present
or future tense in the research proposal and past tense in the research project report.
1.4 Format and Type Requirements

1.4.1 Length, Spacing and Font Size

Double line spacing and a standard font size of 12 should be used for the text and front matter
materials except for the title page and tables where different line spacing and fonts may be used.
The final document should be of laser print quality. The print quality should be dark and clean.

1.4.2 Margins

The margins throughout the report or manuscript should be at least 25mm or 1 inch on the right,
top and bottom. The left hand margin must be set to 30mm or 1¼ inches to allow for binding.

1.4.3 Numbers and Percentages

Numbers in texts should be typed in “Arabic numbers”. For example chapter 1, table 2.1 or
figure 3.1. A sentence cannot begin with a number. A number beginning a sentence must be spelt
out in words. For example: “Twenty-five of the union representatives rejected the
employer’s offer”. Similarly, percentages should be written in words when they begin a sentence.
For example, “Sixty-five percent of the senior managers in the company were local

1.4.4 Version of English

The school recommends the use of clear UK English language which will contribute to a positive
assessment of the dissertation. If the candidate is using a spell-check facility he/she
should ensure that it is set to “UK English” and not to an American version. This is very
important because a number of words are spelt quite differently in American English. The proper
and clear presentation of the candidate’s work includes consistent and accurate spelling,
grammar, punctuation and formatting. The dissertation should not contain any spelling errors by
the time it reaches its final draft. It is permissible for the candidate to ask a colleague to check
the spelling and grammar. A supervisor should assist the candidate by not allowing the
dissertation to be submitted in its final form until any required corrections have been made.

1.5 Research Proposal /Project/Thesis format

Students are expected to compile their proposals to follow the format shown below:

4
Preliminary pages:
- Title page
- Declaration
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of contents
- List of tables
- List of figures
- Abbreviation and Acronyms
-Abstract

The text
- Chapter One: Introduction
- Chapter Two: Literature review Only these three are required at the proposal stage
- Chapter Three: Methodology
- Chapter Four: Research findings
- Chapter Five: Summary, conclusions and recommendations
- References
Appendices:
- Questionnaire and interview Questions
- Research permit
- Research budget These two are only required at the proposal stage
-Research program
The exact nature of the contents and style of writing expected for each of the areas of the
proposal is discussed in the remaining part of this section one of the guideline.

1.7 Title page

It includes the research title, author’s name and affiliation.
i. Title
- A concise statement of the main topic and should identify the variables.
- Should be a reflection of the contents of the document.
- Fully explanatory when standing alone.
- Should not contain redundancies such as ‘a study of …… Or ‘an investigation of……
- Abbreviations should not appear in title.
- Scientific names should be in italics.
- Should contain maximum of 15 to 21 words.
Examples of some defined research titles:
 The influence of contextual factors on the performance of banks in case of xxx Bank,
Piaza Branch, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

5
  Teacher-parental factors affecting students' performance in secondary schools- in case of
XXX private secondary schools, shola Branch, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 Factors affecting the implementation of customer care programs in private colleges- in

case of some selected Colleges, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

ii. Author’s name and affiliation.

- Preferred order of names-start with surname, middle followed by first name.
- Full names should be used, initials should be avoided
- Titles like Sir. Mr. Mrs. Prof. Dr. etc. Should not appear in the names.
Example: Nkuru Ngugi Gift

iii. Author’s affiliation

Affiliation should be well illustrated and the year should follow at the bottom of the caption.
An example is shown below:
‘A thesis/research project submitted to the School of business in partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the award of the degree of (e.g Bachelor of Arts degree in management)
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia,
January, 2012

Example of Title Page

EFFECT OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF

COMMERCIAL BANKS OF ETHIOPIA, ADDIS ABABA TOWN, ETHIOPIA

TESFAYE MULUGETA KENO

D53/CTY/PT/24412/2010

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE SCOOL OF UNDERGRADUATE

STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN
MANAGEMENT

ADMINISTRATION OF GREAT COLLEGE

Jan, 2021

6
1.8 Declaration
It should include both the candidate’s and the supervisor’s declaration and duly signed.
Declaration by candidate:
This proposal/ thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree
in any other University

…………………………. ………………………………
Signature Date

Name of candidate and Reg. number

Declaration by supervisor:
I/We confirm that the work in this proposal/thesis was done by the candidate under my/our
supervision

…………………………. ………………………………
Signature Date

Name of supervisor(s), department, school and university

…………………………. ……………………… This is required

for projects only
Signature Date

1.9 Dedication (optional)

1.10 Acknowledgement
This is to appreciate the people who have assisted you direct or indirect the course of your study.
You should begin with appreciating your supervisors who have walked with you the entire
journey of your study. As a rule of the thumb abstract shouldn’t be more that 150 words.

1.11 Table of Contents

 The rubric should be in title case and single spaced.
 The chapter titles should be in caps and bold.
 The subheadings should follow each chapter title and should be in lower case.
1.12 List of tables
 This should capture the title and page number where the table is found.
 The numbering style should be two numbers level
 Titles for Tables should be placed above the table
7
 Example Table 3.1: Distribution of Target Population…………………….……21

1.13 List of figures

 This should capture the title and page number of the figure where figure is found.
 The numbering style should be two numbers level
 Titles of figures should be placed below the figure

Example Figure 1.1: Distribution of Gender of the Respondents……………………17

1.14 Operational definition of terms

- Define terms in the text that are not common but as used in the study.

1.15 Abstract
This is a brief statement of the problem, objectives of the study, target population, sampling
technique and sample size, instruments, data collection, data processing and analysis, key
findings and major recommendations. The abstract is required for all research projects. The
purpose of the abstract is to provide a clear and concise summary of the:
 Purpose or problem This is required when
 Methodology used writing the final thesis
 Major findings and conclusions
 Major recommendations or suggestions for policy and future research

The abstract should be approximately 300 - 400 words. It should be prepared after the three
chapters of the proposal or the five chapters of the project/thesis or the major sections of the
proposal or project have been written but presented as front matter material in terms of sequence.
The abstract is usually a one block, single spaced and without citations.

Note: paginate using roman numbers starting with the declaration page which is roman ii.

8
Chapter one: Introduction

The introduction section of the proposal should include:

1.1 Background of the problem

In this section, the researcher defines the context of the study by providing a brief discussion of
key theoretical approaches and findings reported in earlier related studies. Trends related to the
problem, unresolved issues and social concerns are discussed. Authoritative sources or citations
should be provided in the section. It’s important to the following:
 Should show understanding and genesis of the problem.
 Start with the global perspective followed by the local scenario.
 Should be approximately 5 pages (4-6 pages)

1.2 Statement of the problem

The problem statement describes the need for the research project in terms of the knowledge gap
to be filled. The researcher should present a clear and precise statement that indicates the gap
that previous research studies have not addressed. Authoritative sources or citations should be
used to support the problem statement. The gap may be with considering the variable gap,
methodological gap, time gap, place
gap….It should answer “why are you conducting research on this topic?” Note; Length –
maximum 2 pages
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.3.1 The study or general objective
 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. Should be a breakdown of the general
objective.
 Hypothesis/Research Questions; should be in line with the specific objectives and equal
in number. Should be stated in the form of questions and not statements. The hypothesis
should be stated if the study involves experimental designs or statistical tests. However,
most often research questions are preferred. The research questions need to be broad
enough to allow further breakdown into questionnaire or interview guide items for the
data collection. On the average 3-5 research questions are sufficient.

9
1.4 Significance of the study
Should illustrate why the researcher is conducting the research and whom it shall benefit. In this
section the researcher describes the values or the benefits that will accrue from doing the study.
The significance of the study is concerned with the relevance of the problem both to the practice
and theory. That is, does the study explore an important question, meet a recognized need or
make a useful contribution to practice and theory. Much value is placed on doing research, which
has primary value for the solution of practical oriented business problems.

1.5 Scope of the study

This is the kind of a disclaimer. It should cite the focus of the study geographical area or target
group/population/depth of focus in concepts or variables. In this section, the researcher describes
the focus or scope of the study to enable an enthusiastic reader to make generalization of the
findings.

1.6 Limitation of the study

This brings out the perceived factors which might affect the research in the course of the study. It
should also show the suggested methods which are supposed to deal with the problem. The
limitations should not be stated in terms of time or financial resources constraints. Researchers
are expected to plan and implement research projects within the available time and financial
resources.

1.7 Organization of the study

It is always important to provide structure on the organization of the proposal/project/ thesis
section for example:

This thesis is structured as follows: the foregoing chapter one provides the research background,
research objectives, significance of the study, scope, and the limitations encountered in the
course of the study. Chapter two presents literature review on the determinants of ICT adoption
by SMEs and a conceptual framework. Chapter three deals with the methodology employed in
the study; the study findings and their interpretation are presented in chapter four; while chapter
five has conclusions of the study and the policy implications.

Note:
 Paragraphing should be consistent. Either leave space or indent between paragraphs.
 Spacing and indenting should not be used together.
 One sentence paragraphs are unacceptable. A paragraph should have a minimum of five
sentences.

10
Chapter Two: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

Literature review is a critical look at the existing research that is significant to your project.
However, start this chapter with an overview of contents of the chapter. This should be very brief
and precise.

2.2 Theoretical review

This section should discuss current/relevant theory that supports the research problem been
studied. For example in marketing problem particularly consumer related, the underlying
marketing theory relevant to your project e.g. Consumer behaviour, brand research, customer
satisfaction) should be discussed.

2.3 Empirical Review

This literature review section of the proposal should present a review of the literature related to
the problem and purpose. The literature review section should therefore be organized or
categorized according to the research questions or specific objectives in order to ensure
relevance to the research problem. It should be written using appropriate writing style of the
American Psychological Association (APA) style as recommend by most school of Business
of Ethiopian Universities. Cite 3-5 references per key section in the text. Review the empirical
literature relevant to the problem being investigated showing clearly the linkage of literature
review to the research questions. During literature review, it’s important to note the following
points:
 You should evaluate what has already been done, show the relationships between
different works, and show how it relates to your project.
 Refer to work by recognized experts in your chosen area
 Consider and discuss work that supports and work that opposes your ideas
 Make reasoned judgments regarding the value of others’ work to your research
 Support your arguments with valid evidence in a logical manner
 Distinguish clearly between facts and opinions
 Ensure the review is done chronologically
 Each key variable should be 2-3 pages long.
 The hypothesized variables should be subheadings of the literature review to form a
framework that would help in analysis.
 It is not supposed to be just a summary of other people's work but Critique of the existing
literature relevant of the study

11
  Review and critique any previous studies. For the review to be critical, you will need to
develop critical judgment.
 Indicate what has been done by other researchers including
including the methodologi
methodologies used and
identify the gaps.
 The emerging Research gaps.
2.4 Summary of literature and Research Gaps

This sub-section
section is supposed to summarize the literature reviewed and bring out clearly the
research gaps identified, if possible
possib in a table format

2.5 Conceptual/theoretical framework

The Conceptual framework should demonstrate an understanding of what variable influences

what. For example using the topic below

Topic: The effect of intensive growth strategies on the performance of commercial banks in,
Kenya.
The variables could be: innovative products, technology, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),
staff training and branch network. This could be conceptualized
lized as shown below
below.

Chapter Three: Methodology

3.1 Introduction
The research methodology section of the proposal should provide explanation and description of
the methods and procedures to be used in conducting the study. Research methodology is an
important chapter in research work. It is important to start this chapter with an overview of
contents of the chapter. This should be very brief and precise.

12
3.2 Research design
In this section, the researcher should identify, and provide justification forfor the specific research
design or strategy used in carrying out the study. Research designs include exploratory,
descriptive, causal, or quasi experimental. The research design should emphasize on defining the
design, revealing its merits and providing justification
justification for its selection. In experimental study, the
tests, equipment and control conditions should be described.

3.2.1 Research Philosophy

Research philosophy is important in the development of the research background, research
knowledge and its nature
ature (Saunders and Thornhill, 2007). Furthermore research philosophy can
also be described as a paradigm which involves a broad framework, which comprises perception,
beliefs and understanding of several theories and practices that are used to conduct a rresearch
(Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2000). A paradigm is a way of thinking about and conducting a
research. It is not strictly a methodology, but more of a philosophy that guides how the research
is to be conducted. Research paradigm and philosophy comprises comprises various factors such as
individual’s mental model, his way of seeing thing, different perceptions, variety of beliefs
towards reality, etc. It is necessary for the researcher to understand the philosophical position of
research issues to understand the different combination of research methods.

3.2 Empirical model It is possible to build a mathematical model solely out of the abstract
concepts. However, if the models are to be made to confront reality it is through the data that the
confrontation happens.
ens. This section is supposed to capture the empirical model to be used in
testing the research hypothesis. The candidate should just why the chosen model fits his or her
study.

3.2.1 Operationalization and measurement of VariablesThis

Variables sub-section
section is supposed to
identify and operationalise the key variables (independent and dependent variables) of the study.
The operationalized should be based on how the variable has been used in the current study. The
criteria of measurement to be used should also been give. For example

3.3 Target Population The researcher should identify and describe the characteristics of the
population involved in the study. Population refers to the entire group of people, events, or things
of interest that the
he researcher wishes to investigate. Population forms a basis from which the
13
sample or subjects for the study is drawn. Clearly identify the population and the target
population and its size and characteristics. Justify the source of the target population. Where
necessary provide the Sampling frame in the form of a table.

3.3 Sampling design

In this section, details description of sampling method and the actual sample size should be
provided. Sampling methods may include probability and non-probability techniques. In
nonprobability sampling designs, the elements in the population do not have any probabilities
attached to their being chosen as sample subjects. This means that the findings from the study of
the sample cannot be confidently generalized to the population. Typical examples of
nonprobability sampling techniques include convenience sampling, and purposive sampling. To
ensure fair representation and generalization of finding to the general population, probability
sampling technique should be used. Typical examples of probability sampling include simple
random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling and cluster sampling. The
sample size should, therefore, be representative of the general population.

3.5 Data collection instruments

The researcher is supposed to discuss the type of data which will be collected. This should be
followed by the instruments to be used to collect the data. In this section, the researcher should
describe the major methods for collecting data from the subjects. The major methods for
obtaining data in a study may include interviews, questionnaires and observation techniques. The
data collection instruments should be developed and organized on the basis of the research
questions or specific objectives to ensure relevance to the research problem. A description of the
instruments should be given, whether they are researcher developed or standardized instruments.
A description of the nature of instrument items, validity and reliability, and administration
procedures should be provided. It is worth noting that for primary data the researcher can use
more than one instrument, in such a case he/she should justify why used more than one method.
In addition, the researcher should operation which part of the questionnaire/questions will
address which objective (s).

3.6 Data collection procedure.

After development of the data collection instruments what next? This section describes step by
step which will be followed in data collection. It should discuses which method(s) to be used to
address Validity and reliability of the study instruments. Such methods include pilottesting,
Cronbach alpha, test-retest method among others. Beside this the researcher should discuss the
method of administering the data collection instruments, justify the use of such
method. Issues related to research permit, research assistants should also be discussed. Finally
the research should state the approximate time required to collect the data.

14
3.8 Data analysis and presentation
This should present detailed steps of how the quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed.
For quantitative data it should included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to be used,
also show which of these will be used for which objective or hypothesis. Descriptive statistics
include frequencies, measures of central tendencies (mean, medium or mode) and measures of
dispersion (standard deviation, range or variance). Inferential statistics involve measurement or
relationships and differences between or among the variables. Inferential statistics include
correlation, regression and analysis of variance among others. The qualitative data analysis
technique used should be content analysis. The candidate should also explain how Type I and
Type II errors will be controlled. In addition, the researcher should include, the procedures used
to examine the variables and steps taken to control for extraneous influences that might threaten
the findings of the study. Finally the section should explain how the results of data analysis will
be presented and justify why use that specific method of presentation.

15
 SECTION TWO: PROJECT/THESIS MATTER
2.1 Introduction
Research project/thesis reports consist of three main sections, the preliminary section or front
matter, the text or body and appendices or annexes.

2.2 The Front Matter

The front matter or preliminary pages in a research project should be retained form the proposal
stage. However, a few issues need to be adjusted. Such issues include:
 The word proposal should be replaced with project/thesis
 The abstract should be expanded to include findings and recommendations
 The tense should be modified from future tense to past tense
The Text or Body of the project/Thesis
The majority of research projects in business, economic and social sciences follow a five model
chapter. The major sections in the five-model chapter include:
 Chapter 1: Introduction
 Chapter 2: Literature Review Already discussed at the proposal stage
 Chapter 3: Methodology
 Chapter 4: Research Findings
 Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations.
 REFERENCES
 APPENDICES: Instruments (e.g. questionnaire), Research permit

STRUCTURE OF PROJECT REPORT/THESIS

The Thesis/Report will include the above three chapters plus;

16
Chapter Four: Research Findings

4.1 Introduction
This is generally the longest section of the research project. The objective is to present and
explain the data rather than draw interpretations or conclusions. The findings should be presented
and analyzed on the basis of the research questions, specific objectives or hypotheses. Tables and
figures should be used to present quantitative data when appropriate. A brief description in
words of what is shown in the table or figure should be provided. A general rule is to prepare the
table or figure and the text, in such a way that they can stand alone in describing the outcomes of
the study.

4.2 Analysis of Response rate and descriptive statistics.

This provides the response rate of all questionnaires issues and justification of why that response
rate is adequate for data analysis. It is important to note that a response rate of at least 50% and
above is recommended. Further this section provides the descriptive analysis of the background
information using the descriptive statistics.

4.3 Inferential analysis

i) This should be guided by the methodology and the objectives/hypothesis.
ii) Table titles should be at the top of the tables and figure titles should be below the figure
iii) All tables and figures should have source written below them. The source should be Survey
data and the year when the data was collected shown. The interpretation of results of data
analysis should be below the table or figure followed by detailed discussion in light of the
empirical literature reviewed. The discussion should focus on the major findings of the study and
should be organized or structured according to the research questions, specific objectives or
hypothesis. The discussion should provide interpretation of the results by comparing them to the
findings of previous studies or theoretical background presented in the literature review.

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Introduction
The section should start with a brief summary of the structure or organization of the chapter.

5.2 Summary
The final chapter of the research project should provide a summary of important elements
including the purpose of the study and research questions or specific objectives, methodology
used and major findings or results.

5.3 Conclusion
In this section, major conclusions drawn from the research findings should be presented.
Conclusions should be drawn on the basis of research questions or hypothesis.
17
5.4 Recommendations
Should be derived from the conclusions; Research projects/thesis should provide
recommendations for practice or improvement and for further studies. In applied research
recommendations are often provided for practice or improvement. In this case the researcher
offers suggestions for improvement with justification.

5.4.1 Suggestion for Further Research

Research projects/thesis often pave way for further work; consequently, the researcher should
provide suggestions for future research work based on the findings and conclusions generated
from the study.
REFERENCES A project/thesis should indicate the references of materials used in the
development of the study.

Reference List
The reference list at the end of the project report provides the information necessary to identify
and retrieve each source. Researchers should choose references judiciously and must include
only the sources that were used in the preparation of the research project

i. Agreement of Text and Reference List

Reference cited in the text must appear in the reference list; conversely, each entry in the
reference list must be cited in the text. The author must make certain that each source referenced
appears in both places and that the text citation and reference list entry are identical. Failure to do
so can result in an expensive change after the research project report has been bound.

ii. Reference List Format and Order

The reference list format should provide the author’s last name and initials, the year of
publication, the title, the city, and publisher in that sequence. The entries in the reference list
should be arranged in alphabetical order by the surname of the first author.(See Appendix)

APPENDICES/ANNEXES

This should include:

i) Research Instruments.
ii) ii) Letters of introduction
iii) iii) Research Permits/authorization letter

SECTION THREE: PROJECT/THESIS EXAMINATION

3.1 Introduction
The examination process for project/ thesis in the School of postgraduate studies in Queens
college has 5 stages:
18
  Submission of the copy of the thesis proposal by candidate
 Take training on research statistical analysis tools
 Submission of the copy of first draft and second draft thesis to your advisors and
signature and Submission for final defense
 Defense to Internal examiners and External examiners by the candidate And Oral
examination of the candidate by a constituted board
 Correcting and Submission of the final hard bound copy thesis

SECTION FOUR: ETHICS IN THESIS/PROJECT WRITING

4.1 Plagiarism in Research Project/thesis

Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas or words as your own. Whether deliberate
or accidental, plagiarism is a serious and punishable offense in research projects. Students found
guilty of plagiarism get an E grade in research project or may be disqualified from a degree
candidacy. Deliberate or accidental plagiarism occurs when a writer draws words, phrases or
passages from someone else’s work and presenting them verbatim as his/her own work without
providing complete documentation or source citation. Deliberate plagiarism may include:
 Copying or downloading someone else’s work (a phrase, a sentence or a longer passage)
and passing it off as your own without proper source citation.
 Handing in as your own work, a paper you have bought, had a friend write, or copied
from another student.
 Summarizing, or paraphrasing someone else’s idea without acknowledgement in a source
citation. Accidental plagiarism may include:
 Forgetting to place quotation marks around another writer’s words.
 Omitting a source citation for someone else’s ideas without acknowledgement in a source
citation. To avoid plagiarism the researcher should always acknowledge other people’s
ideas that are not common knowledge.

4.1.1 Documentation of Sources

Documentation Styles
To avoid plagiarism in research projects, a researcher is required to acknowledge the sources of
words, facts, or ideas borrowed from other scholars. Most academic disciplines or professional
bodies require special documentation formats or styles in research project reports. Consequently,
the style used should be consistent with the requirements of each discipline. For example, the
American Psychological Association (APA) style is commonly used in social sciences, business
and economics fields; the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style is used in
electrical engineering and computer science fields; the Chicago style is used in history,
philosophy and humanities; and the MLA style is commonly used as a guide in English and

19
foreign languages fields. Most professional publications have abandoned the use of footnotes or
endnotes as a method of referencing within the text and have adopted instead the author/year
method of documentation. The author year method provides the reader with names and dates in
the text that can be used to identify complete bibliographic listings in the reference list. One
main advantage of the author/year method is that it offers key documentary information where
appropriate within the text in order to ensure continuity in reading and economic use of the page
particularly where lengthy documentary information is required.

4.1.2 The APA Style

APA style uses the author-date method of citation. That is, the surname of the author and the
year of publication are inserted in the text at the appropriate point.

4.1.3 Documentation in Text

Citation of an author’s work in text is used to document work, briefly identify the sources for
readers, and to enable the readers to locate the source of information in the alphabetical reference
list at the end of the paper. The sources of reference chosen should be relevant and current. There
are specifications for citations in academic work based on the number of authors, the source of
the material and referencing at the end of the document. Appendix…provides details on how to
cite.
iv) Work by a Single Author
v) Work by Two or More Authors
vi) Corporate Authors
vii)Authors with the Same Surname
viii) Specific Parts of a Source or Quotation of Sources

APA style uses the author-date method of citation; that is the surname of the author and the year
of publication are inserted in the text at the appropriate point. For example: Human resource
management can be defined as the management of activities undertaken to attract,
develop, motivate, and maintain a high performing workforce within the organization (Harvey,
2001).

4.2 Compliance to Regulatory requirements

All research worldwide (involving the collection of data or personal information) is subject to
increasingly strict ethical codes and regulation. These codes and regulations vary from discipline
to discipline, but are guided by twin pillars of:
 the human rights of the individuals who may be the subjects of the research (in particular
the right to privacy) and
 The scientific principle of an honest search for truth, free from bias.
The researcher must be both neutral and objective. Purely literary research is not normally
subject to regulatory control. The research you are likely to undertake would usually be
categorised as Social Sciences Research
20
REFERNCES

Cohen, L. Manion, L. and Morrison, K.R.B. (2007) Research methods in education, 6th Edition.
Routledge.

Cooper, D.R. and Schindler, P.S. (2006) Business Research Method, 9th Edition. Boston:
McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Kasi, P. (2009) Research: What, Why and How? A Treatise from Researchers to Researchers, 1st
Edition. Bloomington: AuthorHouse.

Saunders, M. et al. (2007) Research methods for business students, 4th Edition. London:
Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Sekaran, U. and Bougie, R. (2010) Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach,
5th Edition. Hoboken, N.J./Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.div

21