GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING THESIS

Anik Hassan
Lecturer, Dept of Management Studies
Bangladesh University of Professionals
Contents of The Presentation
A Preliminary Components of a Thesis/Report (Structure)

B Structure of the Main Body of the Thesis

C Supplementary Part

D Preparing The Text Of Manuscript

 Preliminary Components of a
Thesis/Report (Structure)
D
D
 Example
COVER PAGE
Thesis Title
• Your title should include relevant
information that gives the reader a
complete picture of what your study was
about.
• University Logo
• Your name (including Student ID if
required)
• The type of document (e.g., Thesis)
• The department and institution
• The degree program (e.g., Master of
Business Administration)
• The date of submission The name of
your supervisor
• No page number
 Abstract
❖ Here, you have to write a short summary of State the problem/objectives
your dissertation, typically in about a third to a
half of the page.
❖ Write the abstract at the very end when you’ve Say why it’s an interesting
completed the rest of the text. problem
❖ Page Number will be – ii
Say what your solution
achieves

Say what follows from your

solution
D

Say what your key

D

results/arguments
 Acknowledgement
(Page no - iii )

iii
Example

Certificate of Supervision
of Research
(Page no - iv)

iv
Example

Declaration of
Authorship
(Page no - v )
Example

List of Table and

List of Figure
(Page no - vi )

vi
Example

Table of Content
(Page no – vii )
(It Should be designed Properly and covered all the
chapters along with subpoints of the chapters)

vii
 Structure of the Main Body of
D
the Thesis
(Page Number will start from – 1)
D
 Chapter one: Introduction

a.Background of the study

b.Research gap (Problem Statement)
c. Research Objective
Chapter one: d.Rationale of the study
Introduction e.Research questions
f. Research hypothesis (If it is Quantitative
Research)
g.Structure of the thesis
 Chapter one: Introduction (Cont.)
Chapter one: Introduction
It may be helpful to write your Introduction last after you have finished the body of the text and therefore are aware of the content and
direction of your work.

In this section, you introduce the reader to your thesis and provide an overview of your study
Ans to all relevant WH questions (what, why, where, which, Where, When, How)

In introduction your every sentence should be linked each other and also linked with the topic

a) Background of the study

The background section, therefore, should provide general information about the topic of your research and
emphasize the main aims of the study.

The background section should discuss your findings in a chronological manner to accentuate the progress
in the field and the missing points that need to be addressed.

The background should be written as a summary of your interpretation of previous research and
what your study proposes to accomplish.
 Chapter one: Introduction (Cont.)
b) Research Gap:
A research gap or a literature gap refers to unexplored or underexplored areas that have scope for further research.

A problem statement should:

- Be clear and specific

- Discuss potential problems for the writer/researcher

- Not offer a solution

c) Research Objective:

Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and summarize what
you hope will be achieved by the study.

Objectives can be general or specific. The general objective of your study states what you expect to
achieve in general terms. Specific objectives break down the general objective into smaller, logically
connected parts that systematically address the various aspects of the problem.

Your objectives should be stated using action verbs that are specific enough to be measured, for
example: to compare, to calculate, to assess, to determine, to verify, to calculate, to describe, to
explain, etc.
 Chapter one: Introduction (Cont.)
d) Rationale of the Study:
The rationale of your research is the reason for conducting the study. The rationale should
answer the need for conducting the said research. That is why it is also referred to as the
justification of the study.

e) Research Question:
The research question must outline a clear task that you will need to complete. A good research question
requires you to analyze an issue or problem.

A research question is the question around which you center your research. It should be: Clear, Focused,
Concise, Complex, Arguable

f) Research Hypothesis:
To help you formulate a
• What is the relationship between your hypothesis and your research topic?
promising research hypothesis, • Is your hypothesis testable? If yes, then how?
you should ask yourself the • Does your hypothesis include both an independent and dependent variable?
following questions:
 Chapter Two: Literature Review
In this section you summarize the key literature
that you have so far read and state how the ideas A summary of the scholarly context and topic
1 or findings within them have relevance to your 4 wise you can design your literature.
work.

It is expected that your final Thesis will cite You can emphasize the timeliness of the topic
between 40 to 50 relevant and credible (many recent studies have focused on the
2 references. 5 problem of x”) or highlight a gap in the literature
(“while there has been much research on x, few
researchers have taken y into consideration”)

You must use the APA style reference system in A literature review also provides a thorough and
both the body of the text and your Reference critical outline of the intellectual developments in
3 section. 6 a field with a focus on major debates
Chapter Two: Literature Review (Cont.)
In general, the literature review should:
❖ Provide A Context For The Research
❖ Justify The Research
❖ Ensure The Research Hasn't Been Done Before (Or If It Is Repeated, That It Is Marked As A
"Replication Study")
❖ Show Where The Research Fits Into The Existing Body Of Knowledge
❖ Enable The Researcher To Learn From Previous Theory On The Subject
❖ Illustrate How The Subject Has Been Studied Previously
❖ Highlight Flaws In Previous Research
❖ Outline Gaps In Previous Research
❖ Show That The Work Is Adding To The Understanding And Knowledge Of The Field
❖ Help Refine, Refocus, Or Even Change The Topic
(You can follow the suggested thesis paper)
Chapter Three: Theoretical and
Conceptual Framework
• A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their
definitions, and existing theory/theories that are used for your
particular study.

• Conceptual/theoretical frameworks are abstract representations,

connected to the research project’s goals that direct the collection and
analysis of data.

• Position your theoretical framework within a broader context of related

frameworks, concepts, models, or theories

• Brainstorm on what you consider to be the key variables in your

research

• Discuss the assumptions or propositions

 Chapter Four: Research
Methodology
• This section presents your proposed research method.
You should state whether you are intending to
undertake qualitative or quantitative research and give
justification for your decision.

• The method should be clearly explained giving details

of your intended sample, research instrument and
data collection method. Finally, cite all sources you
used to determine your choice of methodology.
 Chapter Five: Findings and
Analysis
The Findings section should include the findings of your study.
The findings include:
• Data presented in tables, charts, graphs, and other figures
• Acontextual analysis of this data explaining its meaning in sentence
form
• Report on data collection and/or participants
• Data that corresponds to the central research question(s)

As a general rule, any information that does not present the direct
findings or outcome of the study should be left out of this section.
 Chapter Six: Discussion

The discussion section is where you explore its

possible implications in other areas of study, and the
possible improvements that can be made in order to
further develop the concerns of your research.

Snippets of Effective Discussions:

• Summarize the key findings in clear and concise
language
• Acknowledge when a hypothesis may be incorrect
• Discuss potential future research
Chapter Seven: Conclusion

When writing your conclusion, you can consider the

steps below to help you get started:

• Restate your research topic.

• Restate the thesis.
• Summarize the main points.
• State the significance or results.
• Conclude your thoughts.

(You can also include Recommendation and Research

Limitation in this chapter as per the requirements)
Chapter Seven: Conclusion

• Order of appendices
They should appear in the order in which they are
introduced in the text.

• Appendix headings
The researcher may include one appendix or a
number of appendices. In case of more
than one appendix, she/he would letter each
accordingly (i.e., Appendix A, Appendix B,
etc.). Appendix headings should be written in the
same manner as chapter headings.
D Supplementary Part
(References and Appendix)
D
 Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA preferred).

Cite all sources used in the thesis report.

Referencing
Create a comprehensive list of references at the end.

Highlight the consequences of plagiarism and the

importance of academic integrity.
Referencing
(APA Format)

Easy way for citation from Google scholar (APA Format)

Video Link: https://youtu.be/tRvnHz0uIWg
 Appendices

• Order of appendices
They should appear in the order in which they are
introduced in the text.

• Appendix headings
D

The researcher may include one appendix or a

D

number of appendices. In case of more

than one appendix, she/he would letter each
accordingly (i.e., Appendix A, Appendix B,
etc.). Appendix headings should be written in the
same manner as chapter headings.
 D
D
PREPARING THE TEXT OF
MANUSCRIPT
(Most Important)
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT

Dissertation must be printed on a high quality A4 (297 x 210 mm) size offset 80-gram
paper.

The print should be with dark black characters that are consistently clear and dense,
double spaced, Times New Roman size 12 and on one side of the paper.

Margins: 1.25 inches (32mm) from left, 1 inch (25mm) from right, 1 inch (25 mm) from
top and | inch (25 mm) from bottom.

Pagination: All pages, except the cover page, must be numbered at least *%” from the
bottom of the page. Pages must be numbered consecutively and bottom centered.
Numbering the pages of prefatory part shall be in lower case roman numerals.

Cover Page : Not numbered but counted.

Abstract : start from page no- ii

All chapters should begin in a new page and chapter heading should be centered.
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)

Abstract Legend title and source:

Whenever the heading of a
While outlining the abstract the authors should adhere to the Legend title for tables and
section or sub-section
following figures should be written at
appears near the bottom of • Microsoft Word to be used.
a page, it must be followed the top and center while the
• Placed at the beginning of every article.
by at least one complete source should be written
• Font will be Times New Roman and size 12.
line of text, or the heading • Not more than 150 words in length. within a bracket at the
should be forced to the top • Should be limited to a single paragraph, and " Italicized o bottom and center of each
of the next page. • List of keywords to be placed after abstract table and figure

The word limit of the manuscript is

expected to be within 20000 to-
Title of the Paper: The title
30000 words which includes the
entire paper encompassing should be within 10 - 15
appendices, attachments, and Words
enclosures (without the references)
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)

Typing/Printing: The text should be

Front Page: lt should contain title of the typed in Times New Roman while font
Headings: Headings must be concise,
paper, author's name(s) affiliations, size should be Lines are to be justified at
with a clear indication of the hierarchy of
mailing addresses with e-mail, cell phone both left and right margins. The
headings.
number, etc. manuscript should be printed on one side
of the paper.

Paper Size: The prescribed paper size is Spelling: British style of spelling is to be Page Margins: The margin should be
A4 followed. one inch {1”) from all sides

Tables: AIl tables are to be titled and

numbered sequentially. lt should be
Line Spacing: Double line spacing Page Numbers: All pages are to be placed above the table. Source(s) or
should be adopted numbered at the bottom center. note{s) are to be placed immediately
below the table. Single spacing is to be
maintained for table contents.
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)

Manuscript with plagiarized

content will not be accepted. The soft copy of the
Any content copied from other manuscript is to be submitted
materials must be placed to the concerned supervisor of
under quotation, The your department and office of
paraphrased contents from the concerned department.
other sources must be
properly cited. Copying from
other sources with appropriate
citation must not exceed 15%
of the total volume of the
paper.
 D
D
Thank you
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT

1. Dissertation must be printed on a high quality A4 (297 x 210 mm) size offset 80-gram paper.

2. The print should be with dark black characters that are consistently clear and dense, double spaced, Times New Roman

size 12 and on one side of the paper.

3. Margins: 1.25 inches (32mm) from left, 1 inch (25mm) from right, 1 inch (25 mm) from top and | inch (25 mm) from

bottom.

4. Pagination: All pages, except the cover page, must be numbered at least *%” from the bottom of the page. Pages must

be numbered consecutively and bottom centered. Numbering the pages of prefatory part shall be in lower case roman

numerals.

Cover Page : Not numbered but counted.

Abstract : start from page no- ii

5. All chapters should begin in a new page and chapter heading should be centered.
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)
6. Whenever the heading of a section or sub-section appears near the bottom of a page, it must be followed by at least one

complete line of text, or the heading should be forced to the top of the next page.

7. Legend title and source: Legend title for tables and figures should be written at the top and center while the source should

be written within a bracket at the bottom and center of each table and figure.

8. Abstract
• While outlining the abstract the authors should adhere to the following:
• Microsoft Word to be used.
• Placed at the beginning of every article.
• Font will be Times New Roman and size 12.
• Not more than 150 words in length.
• Should be limited to a single paragraph, and " Italicized o
• List of keywords to be placed after abstract

9. The word limit of the manuscript is expected to be within 20000 to-30000 words which includes the entire paper

encompassing appendices, attachments, and enclosures (without the references).

10. Title of the Paper: The title should be within 10 - 15 Words.

 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)
11. Headings: 6 Headings must be concise, with a clear indication of the hierarchy of headings.
12. Front Page: lt should contain title of the paper, author's name(s) affiliations, mailing addresses with e-mail, cell phone
number, etc.

13. Typing/Printing: The text should be typed in Times New Roman while font size should be Lines are to be justified at both

left and right margins. The manuscript should be printed on one side of the paper.

14. Paper Size: The prescribed paper size is A4

15. Spelling: British style of spelling is to be followed.

16. Page Margins: The margin should be one inch {1”) from all sides

17. Line Spacing: Double line spacing should be adopted

18. Page Numbers: All pages are to be numbered at the bottom center.

19. Tables: AIl tables are to be titled and numbered sequentially. lt should be placed above the table. Source(s) or note{s) are

to be placed immediately below the table. Single spacing is to be maintained for table contents.
 PREPARING THE TEXT OF MANUSCRIPT (Cont.)

20. Manuscript with plagiarized content will not be accepted. Any content copied from other materials must be

placed under quotation, The paraphrased contents from other sources must be properly cited. Copying from

other sources with appropriate citation must not exceed 15% of the total volume of the paper.

21. The soft copy of the manuscript is to be submitted to the concerned supervisor of your department and office of

the concerned department.

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