CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH HANDBOOK

GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND

DISSERTATIONS/THESES

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
ii

CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH HANDBOOK
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND
DISSERTATIONS/THESES
Prepared by
BIEMBA MALITI, DBA
Reviewed by
THOMAS K. TAYLOR, DSc
iii

PREFACE
iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface iii
1.0 Introduction to Research 1
1.1 Definitions 1
1.2 Dissertation versus Thesis 2
1.3 The Research Proposal 2
1.4 Research Proposal Defense 4
2.0 Research Guidelines 6
2.1 General Requirements 6
2.2 Size /Length 7
2.3 Research Report, Thesis/Dissertation Format 8
2.3.1 Title Page 9
2.3.2 Declaration 9
2.3.3 Dedication 9
2.3.4 Acknowledgements 9
2.3.5 Table of Contents 9
2.3.6 List of Tables 9
2.3.7 List of Figures 9
2.3.8 List of Plates 10
2.3.9 List of Acronyms/Abbreviations 10
2.3.10 Abstract 10
2.3.11 Introduction/Background to the Study 10
2.3.12 Literature Review 12
2.3.13 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework 12
2.3.14 Methodology 13
v

2.3.15 Data Presentation and Analysis 15
2.3.16 Research Findings 15
2.3.17 Discussion/ Interpretation of Results 16
2.3.18 Conclusion and Recommendations 16
2.3.19 References and Bibliography 16
3.0 Ancillary Material 17
3.1 Abstract or Summary 17
3.2 Lists of Contents 17
3.3 Forewords, Prefaces and Introductions 17
3.4 Acknowledgements 18
3.5 References and Bibliography 18
3.6 Citations 18
3.6.1 List of References 20
3.6.2 Appendices/Attachments 23
4.0 Report Format and Binding 24
4.1 Paper Type 24
4.2 Final Report Binding 24
4.3 Dissertation Report Specifications 25
4.3.1 Title Page 25
4.3.1.1 Title of Report 25
4.3.1.2 Authors Names 25
4.3.1.3 Purpose of Dissertation 25
4.3.1.4 Name of School and University 25
4.3.1.5 Submission Date (Month and Year) 26
4.3.2 Pagination 26
4.3.3 Report Headings 26
4.3.3.1 Chapter Heading 26
4.3.3.2 Main Headings 26
4.3.3.3 Sub Headings 27
4.3.3.4 Sub-Sub Headings 27
4.3.4 Main Body Text 27
vi
4.3.5 Page Setup 27
4.4 Terms and Acronyms 28
4.5 Figures and Tables 28
4.6 Ancillary Materials/Attachments 29
4.6.1 Printouts, Plates, Maps, Figures and Tables 29
4.6.2 Tables 30
4.6.3 Artwork and Drawings 31
5.0 The Final Dissertation/Thesis Research Report 32
5.1 Report Submission 32
5.2 Research Presentation/Defense/Examination 32
5.3 Report Assessment 32
References 34
Appendices 35
1

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
1.1 Definitions
Research is one concept which has several definitions depending upon the
needs and interests of the individual concerned. But the following
definitions seem to capture the essence of research in terms of the
objectives of this Handbook.
1. Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to
questions.
2. Research is seeking through methodical processes to add to the body
of knowledge by the discovery of none trivial facts and insights it is a
foray into the philosophy of knowledge. (Cooper & Schindler, 2006)
In both academia and industry/professions, ideas have to be understood,
new information has to be accumulated, plans have to be made and
discoveries have to come out of the scientific processes.
Research therefore is the systematic and scientific vehicle through which
both the communication and utilization of the results of research can be
done both effectively and efficiently. It requires systematic planning
within a structured framework, and hence the need for some guidelines to
enable upcoming coming cope with its demands of rigor, critical analysis
and synthesis of multitudes of information.
While bad research is poorly planned and carried out, good research is that
which is guided by the scientific method standards which are the
utilization of systematic and empirical methods that produce research
which is replicable.
This Handbook emphasizes the scientific approach to research since it is
both efficient and effective in terms of problem-solving both academically
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and managerially. Hence it is organized to ensure the conducting of good,
relevant and replicable research.
1.2 Dissertation versus Thesis
It is very important that the difference between a dissertation and a thesis
is made at this stage for students to understand what is required of them.
Dissertation: Is a research project that is undertaken at the end of an
academic programme of study which comprises taught courses. It
partially fulfills the requirement for the award of a degree (bachelors,
masters, doctoral) in a given field of study.
Thesis: Is a research project that is undertaken at the end of an academic
programme of study where taught courses are not a main requirement. It
partially fulfills the requirement for the award of a degree (masters and
doctoral) in a given field of study.
The guidelines in this Handbook are therefore meant for both
undergraduate and post- graduate degree dissertations and theses.
1.3 The Research Proposal
Upon successful completion of the taught course component of their
degree studies, students will be requested to prepare a research proposal
on a topic of their choice subject to the conditions in section 2.1 below.
The student must obtain the approval of the course coordinator concerning
the chosen topic prior to proceeding to the preparation of the proposal.
The research proposal stage marks the start of the application of the skills
and knowledge the student has acquired during his/her studies, hence it is
a very important part of the whole course of study at this level.
The dissertation proposal should be 2 10 pages long as compared to a
thesis proposal which should be 20 50 pages long.
3

In general, it is made up of the following components: (see a sample in
Appendix 1).
Research Proposal Components
1. Research Topic/ Title
2. Research Problem
3. Research Questions
4. Research Objectives/ Interim Hypotheses
5. Scope of the study
6. Interim Literature Review
7. Interim Methodology
8. Programme of Research Activity
1.3.1 Research Topic
This is really the title of the study and it should reflect an area of interest
to the student which should also possess potential to be researched upon.
1.3.2 Research Problem
This should be a brief statement of the problem to which the research
would like to come up with solutions or answers and it should be stated
very clearly.
1.3.3 Research Questions
The research problem is then broken down into a series of questions
concerning the relationship between the cause (independent variable) and
the effect (dependent variable).
1.3.4 Research Objectives
These are the goals which the research is supposed to attain and there can
be one general objective and a number of specific objectives which are
derived from the former. Interim hypotheses may or may not be included
at this very initial stage in the research.
4

1.3.5 Scope of the Study
This should indicate what the research covers and what it does not. It is
really the range of the study which should adequately deal with the
research problem and resolve it.
1.3.6 Interim Literature Review
This should briefly touch on some initial important aspects of work
previously done on the subject area by other scholars.
1.3.7 Interim Methodology
This should also briefly mention the research methods which the student
plans to utilize in her/his investigation, e.g., study design (case, cross-
sectional, longitudinal, exploratory, etc.), population, sample size and
sampling methodology, data collection (variables, measures/instruments,
methods) and data analysis techniques.
1.3.8 Programme of Research Activity/ Work Plan
This is the work plan for the whole research and, for purposes of
efficiency and effectiveness, should preferably be in the form of a Gantt
chart as the example in Appendix 2 indicates.
1.4 The Research Proposal Defense
The research proposal should be orally defended to a panel of evaluators
using MS- PowerPoint presentation. Each student has to orally defend
his/her proposal before a panel of experts or lecturers from the School/
Faculty and other Schools of the university.
A research proposal defense schedule/order of appearance should be given
to each student and it should indicate the following (see Appendix 9):
i. The date on which the student is to defend the research.
ii. The time and order of appearing of each student
iii. The duration of the defense usually it is 10 minutes student
5

presentation and 5 minutes of questions from the evaluation panel.
This depends on the size of the student population scheduled for
presentation.
The student presentation should be in power-point form hence, students
are required to come with both a hard and soft copies of their
presentations, usually on a flash disk or other suitable storage media.
6

2.0 RESEARCH GUIDELINES
General Requirements
Although research is a highly individualized activity which is tailored to
suit specific needs, there are some common characteristics of degree
student research which include:
a) The student can come up with a suitable research topic or the topic
may be suggested by a potential supervisor. Lecturers have areas of
research interest and therefore it is very important for a student to also
consult.
b) The research must be completed within a given time period which
is 6 to 12 months in this case.
c) The research and its findings must be presented in a specified
manner or format.
d) The dissertation topics may include the following:
Practical business problems.
Practical human resource problems.
Evaluation of business/company performance.
A critical discussion/evaluation of the current state of research in a
specific area of study.
Any other topic as may be approved by a panel or Head of
Department or Dissertation/ Thesis Coordinator (who will be
responsible for managing this kind of student research) or by the
Supervisor of the research study.
e) The student will be expected to meet the following requirements:
Identity the research problem (s).
Analyze the problem and derive the research questions.
Conduct extensive literature review to determine to what extent
existing theory can be of guidance in critical evaluation of the
problem (s).
Plan and execute any necessary investigation into the problem (s).
7

Synthesize the knowledge and skills learned with the results from
the field work/ investigation.
Provide practical and viable solution(s) to the problem(s) identified
earlier.
Make relevant recommendations from the solutions.
Write logically and clearly while paying particular attention to
formal reference requests on research papers and other published
sources.
Meet the study deadlines as set by the appropriate department or
school.
Submit a bound hard copy of the report as well as a soft copy on a
diskette in Microsoft Word on or before the stated date.
Adhering to the specifications as outlined in the following sections
of this guideline.
Report Size/Length
Dissertation
The report should have a minimum number of 10,000 words and a
maximum number of 18,000 words for a bachelors degree; a minimum
number of 15,000 words and a maximum number of 20,000 words for a
masters degree; and a minimum number of 25,000 words and a maximum
number of 30,000 words for a doctoral degree.
The suggested size of the dissertation excludes all the ancillary material,
i.e., tables, figures, graphs appendices and any type of attachments.
2.2.2 Thesis
This report should have a minimum number of 100,000 words and a
maximum number of 150,000 words for a masters degree; and a minimum
number of 150,000 words and a maximum number of 200,000 words for a
doctoral degree.
8

The suggested size of the thesis report excludes all the ancillary material,
i.e., tables, figures, graphs appendices and any type of attachments.
Research Report, Thesis/ Dissertation Format
The research report comprises of:
A. Preliminary Pages (numbered in Roman numerals) as follows:
1. Title page
2. Declaration
3. Dedication (optional)
4. Acknowledgements
5. Table of Contents
6. List of Tables
7. List of Figures
8. List of Acronyms
9. Abstract
10. Main report body
11. Acknowledgements
B. The Text Pages (numbered in Arabic numerals) which consist of the
Following headings arranged as chapters:
a) Introduction or Background to the study
b) Literature Review and/or Theoretical Framework
c) Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
d) Methodology
e) Data Preparation and Analysis
f) Research Findings/Results
g) Discussion of Results and Findings/Interpretation of Results
h) Conclusion: Summary
i) Recommendations (depending on type of study)
j) References and Bibliography
k) Appendices
9

The Title Page
This is the top page of the report and should include the title of the
dissertation, name of the author (student), purpose for which the
dissertation has been submitted, the department, school, university and the
date (see Appendix 3 for a sample).
The Declaration Page
This is a statement whose format is indicated in Appendix 5 and this
should be adhered to.
The Dedication Page
This is a statement where students may dedicate their work to whoever
they may wish to like family members, loved ones, friends, etc. (see
Appendix 6)
The Acknowledgements Page
This is a statement to acknowledge any assistance received during the
course of the research study (see section 3.4 below and Appendix 7)
The Table of Contents
This is a quick reference guide to the report (see section 3.2 below).
List of Tables
This is a list of all tables in the report and should be on its own page.
List of Figures
This is a list of all figures, charts and drawings in the report and should be
on its own page.
10

List of Plates
This is a list of all the pictures (photographs) included in the report and
their respective page numbers.
List of Acronyms/ Abbreviations
This is a list of all terms/abbreviations used in the report and their long
forms.
The Abstract
This is a summary of the report. It is a concise and focused description
and explanation of the issues raised in the entire report. It should not be
more than 1 page long.
The Main Content of the Report
The main body of the research report comprises several chapters of theory,
descriptions, analysis and discussion which should culminate into the
formulation of your studys research questions, hypotheses and logical
conclusions and recommendations. The chapters are described next.
CHAPTER 1
2.3.11.1 Back ground to the Study
This is the first suggested chapter of the report which introduces and lays
the background to the research study. It should include the following parts:
1. Background to the study
2. The Research Problem/ Statement of the Problem
3. The Research Questions
4. Research Aims and Objectives
5. The Scope of the study
6. The Significance of the study
7. The Organization of the rest of the report
11

The research problem should be stated clearly in the form of a statement so
as to unambiguously indicate the problem that needs a solution and the
following is a suggested one:
RESEARCH PROBLEM
The high fuel prices on the global markets are causing many non-oil
producing country economies to go into a recession but the causes of such
oil spikes are still largely unknown. Hence there is a strong need for the
factors which are influencing the upward movement in fuel prices to be
determined.
Research questions should be in question form starting with How, What,
Which, When and Who and ending in a question mark (?).
Examples of research questions are:
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What could be responsible for the rise in fuel prices on world markets?
2. Why is Zambia economically poor when she is natural resource-rich?
3. How can productivity be increased in the Zambian copper mines?
4. When will the global economy go into a recession?
It is recommended that a research study should have one overriding
objective which is then broken down into a number of specific objectives.
For academic research, a single objective will not normally suffice.
For example:
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Main Research Objective:
To determine the causes of the endemic poverty in Zambia.
Specific Research Objectives:
1. To determine the causes of the poor purchasing power among
Zambian households.
2. To determine why Zambians in general are getting poorer every day.
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3. To identify the ratio of disposable incomes to household
requirements in Zambia.
4. To find out why the majority of Zambians do not own titled
property.
CHAPTER 2
2.3.11.2 Literature Review
This is the second chapter of the report which provides the theoretical
basis of the study by comprehensively evaluating what other scholars had
already done on the topic or topic area of study, i.e., in more detail than
what was covered by the Research Proposal. Hence you should report on
what others have already done and discovered concerning your chosen
topic.
CHAPTER 3
2.3.11.3 The Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
This third chapter provides the interrelationships or linkages between the
concepts/constructs of the study. This should result into the development
of a conceptual model that tries to address the research problem and
research questions and provide the requisite answers.
The following is an example of a conceptual model.
Firm Firm
Actions Profits
Training Pickup Dependability Customer Customer Revenues
Procedures increases increases perceptions satisfaction
Route addresses
Customer files
Compensation
Recognition
Fig. 2.1: The BFI Action-Profit Linkage Model (Epstein & Westbrook, 2001).
13

CHAPTER 4
2.3.11.4 Methodology
This fourth chapter explains what the researcher (student) actually did to
provide answers to the research questions. It gives details of how the
study was actually carried out and ends in the development of the study
hypotheses and/or propositions. It should include the following:
1. The Research Design
2. The Research Population
3. Sampling Design and Sample Size
4. Data Collection
5. Data Analysis
6. Hypotheses
7. Study Variables (Independent, Dependent, Control)
The research design provides the framework within which a particular
research study is conducted; hence it is critical to the success of the whole
endeavour. An example of a research design can be as follows:
Table 2.1: Framework of the Study
RESEARCH PHASE ACTION
Study Description Literature Review
Model Development Literature Review
Research Instrument
Design
Questionnaire Design
Questionnaire Pilot Testing
Content Validity Testing
Data Collection Hand-deliver Questionnaire
Company Interviews
Company Records
Data Analysis Testing: Reliability; Validity; Hypotheses

14

Hypotheses guide the research and hence it is imperative that they are
stated correctly. They should thus be stated in the following manner:
The Null Hypothesis.
Ho: The age of a customer account does not affect the chance of payment
being made to settle the account.
The Alternative Hypothesis.
H
A
: The age of a customer account affects the chance of payment being
made to settle the account.
THE SAMPLE SIZE
The following are some of the most common formulas for calculating/
estimating the sample size for the study:
(a) Sample Size for Questions Concerning Means
n = s
2
/ s
?
where
n = sample size
s
2
= sample variance
s
?
= population variance
(b) Sample Size for Questions Concerning Proportions
n = pq/ s
2
p
where
n = sample size
pq = measure of sample dispersion used to estimate the population
dispersion (instead of standard deviation)
s
p
= standard error of the proportion
15

CHAPTER 5
2.3.11.5 Data Presentation and Analysis
This fifth chapter describes how the collected data was prepared, analyzed
or manipulated and then used to test the research hypothesis. The data has
to be initially entered into some spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel to
create a database from which data can then be subsequently manipulated.
Statistical computer software packages like the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS),SAS, Minitab and others are normally used to
analyze the data by running regression analyses, factor analyses,
correlation analyses, structural equation modeling (SEM), etc. Graphical
tools like tables, graphs, charts, computer printouts, etc. are used to
present the results of the data analysis.
An example of a regression equation which can be estimated using a
regression analysis for hypothesis testing is:
Y = a + b
1
X
1
+ b
2
X
2
+ b
3
X
3
+ b
4
X
4
+. + b
n
X
n
where
Y = dependent variable (the effect)
X = independent variables (the causes)
CHAPTER 6
2.3.11.6 Research Findings/ Results
This sixth chapter describes the outcome of the data analysis especially the
results of the hypotheses testing. All the research findings are presented
here.
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CHAPTER 7
2.3.11.7 Discussion and Interpretation of Results
This seventh chapter interprets the research findings and discusses them in
light of the research problem and research questions. It provides a
connection between the findings of the study and the problem in terms of
providing a solution or some answers.
NOTE: Alternatively Chapters 5, 6 and 7 can be amalgamated into a single
Chapter entitled Data Analysis, Findings and Discussion, if so desired.
CHAPTER 8
2.3.11.8 Conclusions and Recommendations
These should be based on the discussion in the main report body (Chapter
1 to 4) and on the Research Findings. All creative/innovative ideas from
the findings should be prominently highlighted here.
2.3.11.9 References and Bibliography
International copyright laws require that all work from published sources
should be properly and formally acknowledged. All references should be
put at the end of the dissertation report in alphabetical order (see section
3.5 below).
A bibliography is a secondary source (to a reference) that helps to locate a
book, article, photo, etc. Hence, it should be placed after the references
(if required).
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3.0 ANCILLARY MATERIAL
This is the material that is not part of but supplementary to the main report
body. Hence, it supports the studys arguments, justifications, validations,
etc. and as such it deserves to be handled with the same amount of
seriousness as everything else to do with the study. It includes the
following items:
3.1 The Abstract or Research Summary
This is a very brief summary of the entire investigation or research study.
It is meant to save time for those interested parties who do not have the
time to read the whole report. But the summary should be able to give
such readers the information contained in the report.
3.2 The Table of Contents
These serve as a quick reference guide to the report and also to provide an
indication of the scope of the research work. These should list the
chapters, parts, appendices and other attachments or ancillary material.
But it is not necessary to list every section, sub-section and sub-sub-
section of the chapters. Then should follow accurate separate lists of
tablets, figures, acronyms, maps and plates.
Example: The contents lists of this handbook.
3.3 Forewords, Prefaces and Introductions
Normally, the foreword is written by eminent personal scholar to
recommend a book or some other literary work. This is not for a
dissertation type of work. The preface on the other hand is written by the
author (student) to explain briefly how the report or book came to be
written, what purpose it is supposed to serve, who the target readership is,
how it should be utilized, etc.
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3.4 Acknowledgements
Any assistance which you received during the duration of the research
study should be acknowledged. This is simple common courtesy but when
submitting the final copy of dissertations, it is mandatory to acknowledge
any academic assistance that one received.
In a dissertation or a book, acknowledgements should be placed before the
contents lists.
3.5 References and Bibliography
Any information, idea, concept, etc. which you include in the report but is
not yours (i.e., from a publication or some other worker) MUST

be
acknowledged in the text by placing a marker immediately after it. This
is called citing or citation. Then list all such marked sources at the end of
the text/report under the heading References. All other secondary sources
should be similarly listed under Bibliography.
3.5.1 Citations
The citation requirement is met as follows:-
a) By placing the last name of the author and year of publication in
brackets after the publication has been referred to. For Example: It
has been shown that .. (Maliti, 2001).
b) If there is no date, refer to as undated or s.d. (which stands for sine
datum = without date).
c) If the source is an up published one, refer to as upubl.
d) If it has been accepted for publication but the full publication details
are still not known, refer to as in press.
e) If it is a personal communication from another researcher or worker,
refer to as [date] pers. comm..
f) If the publications authors name is a part of the syntax of the
sentence, only put the date in brackets, e.g. Maliti (in press) has
proposed that .
19

g) If you want to utilize insert quotations, e.g. Maliti (2001) argues that
, then it is usually neater to include the reference into
the sentence before the actual extract.
h) But where the reference follows the extract, then it should be in
brackets/parentheses after the final full stop of the extract, e.g. it has
been shown that .. (Mulenga, 2000).
i) Where a short quotation is placed in the text, then the reference is put
in brackets and placed before the final full stop of the sentence, e.g.
In this world of globalization and intense price wars, companies
would be prudent to switch to alternative fuels" (Mubiana, 1999).
j) Do not include the authors initials, unless more than one author with
the same surname is quoted; authors title should never be included.
k) If there is need to quote various publications by a single author in a
single year, then use letters to distinguish among the publications.
Example: Economic partnership agreement (EPAS) have been
recommended as a way to provide access to western markets for
development country exports (Sichone, A.C., 2001 a; 2001 b). A
contrary view has been expressed by much more recent research
(Sichone, J., 2006; Sichone, L., 2007).
l) Two authors should be cited as (Phiri and Musole, 2005).
m) More than two authors should be cited as (Phiri et al., 2005). (Et al,
'Et alii' or And other persons.
n) Quote an organizations publications where no personal author has
been credited as (The Post, 2008).
o) Where you have to quote what one person (Reviewer) alleges that
another person (Originator) had written, make the reference as
(Originator, 2007, quoted in Reviewer, 2008). But the full reference
list should only include the Reviewers paper. You could also cite
originator in the text but provide the originators details in the full
reference list and then followed by Cited by Reviewer, 2008
.. (giving the full reference).
20

p) Quoting several sources concurrently has to be done in a consistent
manner: either put authors in alphabetical order or in date order and
use a semi-colon to separate the authors, e.g. (Chongo, 2000; Zulu,
2001).
q) The term ibid = ibidem or in the same place may also be used
instead of repeating the same reference especially if it recurs but
without any other reference breaking the pattern.
r) Another citation form is op. cit. = opera citato or in the work, e.g.
'Chuma, op. cit.' means by Chuma most recently.
3.5.2 List of References
References should be listed in full at the end of the main report text in the
following manner:
a) First, in alphabetical order of the summaries of the first-named authors
cited in the text.
b) Second, in alphabetical order of the initials of the first named
authors.
c) Third, in alphabetical order of the surnames of (if any) second-named
authors, third-named authors, etc.
d) Fourth, in chronological order of the date of the publication cited.
e) Fifthly and finally, in the order of the reference letter following the
same alphabetical order/sequence of the titles.
For Example:

Chanda, C.B (2000)
Chansa , A. (2000)
Chansa, A. K. (1999a)
Chansa, A.K. (1999b)
Chansa, A. K. (2000)
Chansa, A.K. (in print)
Chansa, A.K., Butete, B.K. and Bwali, C.T. (2000)
21

Chansa, A.K. and Chansa, B. (1999
Chansa, A.K. and Bwali, C.T. (2000)
Chansa, B. and Bwali, C.T (2000)
Chansa, B. and Chansa, A.K. (1998)
Chiliba, B.M. (1999)
Full Reference:
i) This should be the same as the citation in the report in order to
avoid ambiguity and facilitate tracing of the original source.
ii) The names of all the authors should be included.
iii) Typography, punctuation and layout do vary between Schools
and Universities.
iv) Examples of Layouts:
- Personal Communication.
Chabala, E.M. (2008). Personal Communication, School of
Business, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, P.O Box 21692
- Contribution to an Edited Volume/ Book.
Mwila, L. L., Kashweka, H. and Maseka, K. K. (2006): The
effects of the financial markets crash on the Zambian mining
industrys competitiveness. In S.K. Silumbu, F.G. Kayula and
W. L. Muti (eds.), Global Financial Markets and the World
Economy. Mission Press, Ndola, Zambia.
- A Journal article.
Mesquita, L. F., Anand, J. and Brush, T. H. (2008):
Comparing the Resource Based and Relational Views-
Knowledge Transfer and Spill- over in Vertical Alliances.
Strategic Management Journal, 29 (9), 913 941.
22

- A Book.
Cooper, D. R. and Schindler, P. S. (2006): Business Research
Methods. Ninth Edition. McGraw-Hill, Boston, USA.
- A Newspaper article.
Maliti, B. (2008): The Causes of the endemic poverty in
Zambian Households. The Post, October 24, p.4
- An unpublished report.
Maliti, B. (unpubl.): Examining performance variables in the
Zambian Food and Beverage Industry using the action profit
linkage (APL) model. Cleveland State University, Ohio,
USA.
v) It is important to also note the following:-
Always give the full title of the journal instead of merely
abbreviating it.
For the title of a book or journal, some capital letters and italics
are used.
The volume number is usually in bold type or is underlined

and
then is followed by page numbers (see iv) above).
Contributions to volumes that have been edited are given page
numbers indicated by pp.
For books, the place of publication and the publisher should be
indicated.
Important government publications/documents are published by
the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and are given
command numbers.
e.g.: Ministry of Finance (2008): Fifth National Development
Plan, Cmnd xxxx. Lusaka: GRZ
Acts of parliament are just given their full title, their date and the
publisher again is GRZ.
23

e.g.: The University Act 1999, No. 11. Lusaka: GRZ
It is always advisable to list personal communication and the
address (es) of the source(s).
Ensure that all the citations have been put in the list of references
and that all the items in the list of references have been cited in
the text as well.
3.6 Appendices/ Attachments
Appendices comprise the following materials which are relevant to the
research document:
a) Material which is so bulky that it can impair anyone reading the text.
b) Material which gives examples of a process or some principle which
has been covered in the text.
c) Material which is from the work of others as given in the literature
review.
d) Material which does not distract from reaching a conclusion but is
relevant to the topic.
Only material which supports the reading and comprehension of the report
must be in the appendices. Any unnecessarily material should not be
included therein. Each appendix should have content that is cohesive but
not necessarily sequential in format. Additionally, each appendix should
be indicated in the text where it is of most help to guide the reader.
Appendices may be numbered in two ways:
(i) According to the chapter which is applicable, e.g. appendix 1.1 for
Chapter 1 materials.
(ii) Using a series of Roman numerals, e.g. Appendix I, Appendix II, etc.
Although normally placed after the references, appendices should be
placed before the references if the appendices cite the reference.
24

4.0 REPORT FOMART AND BINDING
The final copy of the research report should be produced according to the
following specifications:
4.1 Paper
Colour = White
Size = A4 (letter size)
Material = Bond
Weight = 80 g/m
2
(gsm)
The report MUST BE TYPED

(word processed) using the appropriate
Microsoft Word version.
4.2 Final Report Binding
The standard of report binding should be one that is acceptable to the
Department /School.
The preliminary dissertation report to be assessed by the examiners should
be spiral bound.
Three (3) copies of this report should be submitted to the Course
Coordinator/ department by the specified date.
The final dissertation report should be prepared after the student dissertation
defense and upon being approved by the examiners. This report should be
bound as a hard cover and three (3) copies should be deposited with the
course coordinator/department by the specified date.
25

4.3 Dissertation Report Specifications
The report format/sequence of pages is as specified under section 2.3 of
this Handbook.
4.3.1 Title Page
4.3.1.1 Title of the Report
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow; All
CAPS (all capital letters) case.

Font Size: 14 pt

Font Style: Bold no italics.

Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.1.2 Authors Details
Names: First name then followed by surname/last name
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial, Narrow; Title
case.
Font Size: 12 pt
Font Style: Bold with no italics
Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.1.3 The Purpose for which the Dissertation is being Submitted
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case.
Font Size: 14 pt
Font Style: Regular (no bold, no italics)
Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.1.4 The Name of Unit/School/University
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case.
Font Size: 16 pt
Font Style: Regular (no bold, no italics)
26

Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.1.5 The Month and Year of Submission
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case.
Font Size: Regular (no bold, no italics)
Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.2 Page Numbers
The report pages must be numbered in the right order.
All the report pages that contain text, apart from the Title Page, MUST be
numbered.
Page numbers must be placed at the bottom of each page and centre-aligned.
The page number should be in Greek numerals (1, 2, 3, .).
But the following should have page numbers in Roman numerals (i, ii, iii,
etc.): The declaration, dedication, acknowledgement, table of contents, lists
of tables, figures, charts, acronyms and the abstract.
4.3.3 Report Headings
4.3.3.1 Chapter Headings
Font Face: All CAPS (All Capital Letters) case; Times New
Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow.
Font Size: 16 pt
Font Style: Bold and no italics
Text Alignment: Centered
4.3.3.2 Main Headings (Heading 1)
Font Face: All CAPS (All Capital Letters) case; Times New
Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow.
Font Size: 14 pt
Font Style: Bold and no italics
27

Text Alignment: Left
4.3.3.3 Sub Heading (Heading 2)
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case
Font Size: 14 pt
Font Style: Bold an no italics
Text Alignment: Left
4.3.3.4 Sub-Sub Heading (Heading 3)
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case
Font Size: 12 pt
Font Style: Italics and no regular
Text Alignment: Left
4.3.4 Main Report Body Text
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial Narrow;
Sentence case.
Font Size: 12 pt
Font Style: Regular (no bold and italics)
Text Layout: 1 (single) column
Text Spacing: 1.5 lines
Text Alignment: Justified
4.3.5 Page Setup: Margins
Top: 2.5 cm
Bottom: 2.5 cm
Left: 3.5 cm
Right: 3.0 cm
28

4.4. Acronyms
An acronym has been explained under section 2.3.8 and the first time that
it is used in the report it must be typed out in full to indicate what it stands
for and the acronym put in brackets immediately after.
For Example: The Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) was set up to
provide loans to Zambian Entrepreneurs.
Following this introduction, the acronym DBZ can then be used alone
throughout the report. But acronyms should not be used to begin a sentence
but instead its full description should be thus utilized. If many acronyms
have been used in the text, then either a list of acronyms or a glossary of
acronyms should be included.
4.5 Tables, Figures, and Charts
Headings: Titles and Descriptions
Font Face: Times New Roman, Arial or Arial narrow;
Sentence case.
Font Size: 12 pt
Font Style: Regular (no bold and italics)
Text Alignment: Justified and 0.6 hanging
Tables:
Text width = 18 cm or half- text width = < 8.5 cm
Table Number and Full Heading (Description): Above table with full-stop
at end.
Full colon: After table number.
Example. Table 1: Number of Graduates in the School of Business since
1988.
29

Figures:
Text width = 18 cm or half-text width = < 8.5 cm.
Figure Number and full heading (Description): Below the figure with full
stop at end.
Full colon: After figure number.
Example. Figure 4: Bar chart of student majors in the school.
4.6 Ancillary Materials and Attachments
4.6.1 Tables, Figures, Maps, Plates, Charts, Diagrams
With regard to all the above items, highest quality standards in terms of
accuracy, clarity and neatness are very important in dissertations.
This is because they are an indication of the level of care that one has put
in his work.
For figures and tables, use them to display a large quantity of information
and then highlight the datas important attributes within the report.
Tables: Best for revealing small differences in a discrete continuous
variable (e.g. gender), for instance.
Figures: Best for bringing out any important trends in a continuous
variable (e.g. return on investment.)
Any item that is not mentioned in the text is superfluous to understanding
the report and hence should either be placed in an appendix or completely
left out.
All tables, figures, diagrams, maps, plates, charts, etc. must be
appropriately numbered and captioned, as outlined under section 4.5.
Numbering can be sequential (e.g. Figure I IX) or by chapter number
(e.g. Table 1.1, Figure 2.4 found in chapter 4 of the report)
30

For graphs, both axes (y and x) must be labeled and scaled in appropriate
units. The dependent variable is usually on the vertical (y) axis and the
independent variable on the horizontal (x) axis.
Figures should not be cluttered with data as this can lead to confusion.
Similarly, maps, plans, plates, etc. must be neat and clear, with the scale
and compass points shown clearly.
Ensure too that photocopies are of very high quality or they may
negatively impact the impression of the dissertation.
4.6.2 Tables
Arrange and place all tables so that they can be easily interpreted and
understood independent of the text. A good table should have the following
attributes:
Reveal important relationships among variables.
Facilitate comparisons between subjects.
Make evident important classifications and categorizations.
Save valuable space.
Tables should have the same layout if they are to be compared to each other.
Tables should also be arranged so that their values can be totaled by
columns (downwards) rather than by rows (across).
Arrange tables in manner which makes it possible to have in a single column
any figures that is to be compared.
For example: column 1 for year, column 2 for income, column 3 for costs,
etc.
Important:

1. To avoid clutter, minimize the usage of superscripts as indicators of
footnotes to the tables in the report.
2. If the use of superscripts cannot be avoided completely, then make
sure that they do not flow into other boxes/fields.
31

3. Where numbers are large, then it is better to scale them up, e.g. put
000 in the heading.
4.6.3 Artwork and Drawings
Due to advances in Information Technology, it is now possible to generate
artwork and drawings either by using a scanner to scan an item or by using a
host of computer software packages.
The resulting image or output can then be imported/ transferred directly into
a Microsoft Word document.
32

5.0 THE FINAL DISSERTATION/THESIS REPORT
5.1 Report Submission
The final dissertation report MUST be typed/word processed as specified
above, spiral-bound and three (3) copies should be submitted to the Course
Coordinator or department by the specified date which should have
already been communicated to the students.
5.2 Research Presentation/ Defense/ Examination
Each student has to orally defend their report before a panel of lecturers
who teach on the programme.
A research defense schedule should be given to each student and it
should indicate the following (see Appendix 8):
i. The date on which the student is to defend the research.
ii. The time and order of appearing of each student.
iii. The duration of the defense usually it is 10 minutes
student presentation and 5 minutes of questions from the
evaluation panel depends upon the size of the student
population scheduled for defense.
The student presentation should be in power-point form hence students are
required to come with both a hard and soft copies of their presentations,
usually on a flash disk or other suitable storage media.
5.3 Report Assessment
Both the oral defense and the spiral-bound copies of the dissertation/thesis
are assessed by a panel of evaluators and two (2) examiners respectively,
both groups composed of lecturers from the different schools of the
University.
33

The scoring sheets used for scoring the report and the defense are given in
Appendix 10 at the end of this Handbook.
At the bottom of the scoring sheets will be a total mark given to the
student, which will be out of 100 and the student will either pass if he/she
scores at 50 and above or fails if he/she scores below 50.
A failed student in this regard may be asked to make some corrections to
the report in a given time period which will again be assessed to determine
suitability for a passing grade. Usually the assessors and examiners will
provide detailed written comments regarding shortcomings in terms of the
report and these comments are given to the student. The student has then
to correct the shortcomings pointed out in the assessment report to the
satisfaction of the assessors and examiners before the report is passed.
Once the report has been passed, the student will be given a date when to
submit the final hard cover report which should be in three (3) copies to
the department.
One of these copies should be sent to the university library and the other
two copies should be retained by the department.
34

References
Centre for Lifelong Education (2006). A Guide to the Preparation of Final Year Research
Project Reports. First Edition. The Copperbelt University.
Cooper, R.D., Schindler, P.S. (2006). Business Research Methods. Ninth Edition.
McGraw-Hill International. New York:NY.
Maliti, B. (Unpubl.). Business Research Methods Lecture Notes for MBA class. CBU,
Kitwe.
Makerere University Graduate School (2001). Guidelines For Research Proposal,
Thesis/Dissertation Writing and Examination. Makerere University Printery, Kampala:
Uganda.
35

APPENDIX 1

THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
MBA PROGRAMMES
POWERPOINT SLIDE FORMAT FOR DISSERTATION PROPOSAL
PRESENTATION
SLIDE I Topic of Research Proposal and Name of Candidate
SLIDE II Research Problem
SLIDE III Research Questions
SLIDE IV Research Objectives
SLIDE V Scope of the Study
SLIDE VI Interim Literature Read on the Subject Matter
SLIDE VII Interim Methodology to Collect and Analyse Data
SLIDE VIII Programme of Research Activity

36

APPENDIX 2

Programme of Research Activity (Gantt Chart) for the study.
Time Period/
Activity
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week 7 Week
8
Week
9
Week
10
Days 1
5
Days 8-
12
Days
15-19
Days
22-26
Days
29-2
Days 5-
9
Days
12-16
Days
19-23
Days
26-30
Days
2-6
Defend proposal XXX
Literature Review XXX
Chapter 1 XXX
Chapter 2 XXX
Design Questionnaire XXX
Pilot-test
questionnaire
X
Revise questionnaire XX
Administer
questionnaire
X XX

Collect secondary
data
X
XXX
Conduct interviews XXX
Collect questionnaire XX
Data preparation X
Data analysis X X
Write final chapters
XX
Proof-read report
X
Submit final report
for grading

X
37

APPENDIX 3

THE TITLE PAGE: MASTERS
THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
THE MANAGEMENT OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES: A CASE STUDY OF
THE XYZ WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY.
Likumbi Mwila
Bachelor of Science in Production and Operations Management, The Progressive
University, Zambia
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the award of the Master of Business
Administration degree of the Copperbelt University
October 2008
38

APPENDIX 4

THE TITLE PAGE: DOCTORAL
THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
THE MANAGEMENT OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES: A CASE STUDY OF
THE XYZ WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY.
Likumbi Mwila
Bachelor of Science in Production and Operations Management, The Progressive
University, Zambia
Master of Business Administration, Copperbelt University
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree of
the Copperbelt University
October 2008
39

APPENDIX 5

THE DECLARATION PAGE
I, Likumbi Mwila, do declare that this work is my own and that the work of other persons
utilized in this dissertation has been duly acknowledged. This work presented here has
not been previously presented at this or any other university for similar purposes.
40

APPENDIX 6

THE DEDICATION PAGE
To my beloved parents who unfortunately did not live to witness their love and sacrifices
for me bear these wonderful fruits.
41

APPENDIX 7

THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PAGE
I would like to acknowledge all the invaluable assistance rendered to me by the following
individuals during the course of this work in order to bring it to fruition: Dr. ABC, my
supervisor, for his patience, perseverance and fatherly advice to me; Prof. DEF, for help
with the data analysis; Mrs. GHI for helping to type the work; my lecturers J, K, L,.; all
my classmates during the postgraduate studies whom I had turned into a surrogate family
thanks for all the material, spiritual and moral support; and to all people who were
connected in one form or another to the realization of this dream.
To you all I shall forever remain indebted and may God bless you abundantly in all your
endeavours.
42

APPENDIX 8

THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
MBA STUDENT DISSERTATION PROPOSAL DEFENSE
ORDER OF APPEARANCE FOR PRESENTATION
DATE TIME OF
PRESENTATION
NAME OF
STUDENT
STUDENT
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
RESEARCH
TOPIC
OUTCOME

43

APPENDIX 9

THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
MBA STUDENT DISSERTATION DEFENSE
ORDER OF APPEARANCE FOR PRESENTATION
DATE TIME OF
PRESENTATION
NAME OF
STUDENT
STUDENT
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
RESEARCH
TOPIC
SUPERVI-
SOR
EXAMI-
NERS

44

APPENDIX 10

DISSERTATION/THESIS DEFENSE SCORING SHEET
THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT
MBA THESIS/DISSERTATION ASSESSMENT FORM
AUTHOR:
STUDY TITLE:.. .
Component of the Report Maximum
Mark to be
Awarded
Mark Awarded Total
Marks
Introductory Pages of the Report
Topic and its relevance to the MBA programme
Abstract exposition and its explicit explanation of the project
Organization of the Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures in relation
to the text
1.5
1.5
2.0
0.5 1.0 1.5
0.5 1.0 1.5
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
5.0 Total
Background of the Study
Introduction
Research Problem
Research Goals and Objectives
Scope of Research
Description of the Study
Significance of the research in contemporary business and national development
1.5
2.5
2.0
1.5
2.0
1.5
0.5 1.0 1.5
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.5 1.0 1.5
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.5 1.0 1.5

11 Total
Literature Review
Quality of the Review
The Relevance of Issues Raised

The Depth of the Review
3.0
4.0
3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
45

Conventionalism of Style of Write-Up 2.0 1.0 1.5 2.0

12 Total
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework of the Study
Adoption and application of existing theory or concept
Evolution and appropriateness of new concepts and theories
Evolution and quality of research hypotheses
Quality of research questions

Conventionalism of Style of Write-Up
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0

13 Total
Data Analysis and Findings
Quality of data generated and used
Methodology used in generating the data
Procedures used in analyzing the data
Inferences made from the data analysis
Inferences made to answer the research questions
Method used in evaluating each research hypotheses and its validity
The relationship of the research outcome and the validity of the theories and
concepts applied
2.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
1.0 1.5 2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0

23 Total
Conclusion and Recommendation
Main conclusions drawn

Main recommendations, i.e. their viability and practicability
5.0
5.0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

10 Total
Miscellaneous Issues on the Report
Style of Writing, i.e. professional manner
Grammatical errors, typing mistakes, etc.
Observation of standard procedures of referencing and citation
Level of innovation and ambition of the researcher
Tidiness and formatting procedures observed

General presentation of the document
2.0
2.0
4.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
0.5 1.0
0.5 1.0
0.5 1.0

11 Total
Total Mark Awarded Total Marks (Page 1)
Oral Presentation and Defense

Self-expression 3.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0
46

Students familiarity with the topic and area of study
Students articulation and understanding of issues
Students response to questions raised
2.0
2.0
8.0
1.0 1.5 2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
6.0 7.0 8.0

15 Total Marks (Page 2)

FINAL MARK
Notes as Guidance for Marking
Where there are 2 categories in grading: 0.5 = Average; 1.0 = Good
Where there are 3 categories in grading: 1.0 = Average; 1.5 = Good;
2.0 = Very Good
Where there are 3 categories in grading: 1.0 = Average; 2.0 = Good;
3.0 = Very Good
Where there are 4 categories in grading: 0.5 = Poor; 1.0 = Average;
1.5 = Good; 2.0 = Very Good
Where there are 4 categories in grading: 1.0 = Poor; 2.0 = Average;
3.0 = Good; 4.0 = Very Good

Interpretation of the Final Mark:
Less than 40 Points = Fail
Above 50 Points = Pass
Between 50 and 69 Points = Pass with major corrections
Above 70 Points = Pass with minor corrections
47

(BACK COVER)