Content Guidelines

1. PRELIMINARY PAGES

TITLE PAGE OUTLINE (not paginated)

The title should be in upper case and Centered and 14 font size

For Example

LABOUR TURNOVER AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

A CASE STUDY OF XYZ BANK IN KENYA

PAPIUS MURIU

MBA/099/10

(Students full names and Reg. No. in upper case)

Research Project/Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Degree in Master of Business

Management of Mount Kenya University

MAY 2013
DECLARATION - (Roman number- ii ) (centre 14 font size)

a) A signed declaration by the candidate with the following statement

This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University

or for any other award

Students Name: ______________

Sign ____________________ Date _____________

b) A signed declaration by the University Supervisor and all other Supervisors with the following

statement.

c) I/We (delete as appropriate) confirm that the work reported in this thesis was carried out by

the candidate under my/our (delete as appropriate) supervision

Name:

Sign ____________________ Date _____________

DEDICATION - (Roman number- iii ) (centre 14 font size)

A dedication statement not exceeding 25 words may follow the declaration, beginning on a separate

page.

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Dedication may be to a person or persons whom they have special attachments. A simple statement

such as “to my father……. and my mother ……” and a reason for the dedication may be given.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - (Roman number- iv ) (centre 14 font size)

Acknowledgment not exceeding 150 words should follow dedication beginning on a separate page.

An acknowledgement is an extension of appreciation for the contribution of others and assistance

given during the entire research process. It recognizes the person to whom the writer is indebted for

guidance and assistance during the study.

ABSTRACT-(Roman v) (centre 14 font size)

An abstract of the research project/ thesis not exceeding five hundred (500) words and beginning on

a new page. It should be a one paragraph continuous prose, single spaced and on one page only.

The abstract should be one page single paragraphed and should contain

 The purpose and objectives of the study

 Significance of the study

 Methodology used

 Findings

 Recommendations

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TABLE OF CONTENTS - (Roman vi) – (centre 14 font size)

LIST OF TABLES - (Roman vii) (centre 14 font size)

LIST OF FIGURES- (Roman viii) (centre 14 font size)

(All tables and figures must have a number and heading and follow APA style)

LIST OF ACRONYMNS AND ABBREVIATIONS (Roman ix) (centre 14 font size)

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS - (Roman x) (centre 14 font size)

Definition of terms must not be the dictionary meanings of the terms. Give the meaning as

used in that study

Presentation

Term (Bolded) Meaning

2. MAIN DOCUMENT (Pagination of 1, 2, 3, 4, etc should begin in Chapter One)

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

(Chapter Title - centre 14 font size)

1.0 Introduction – Overview of chapter contents

1.1 Background of the Study

Give specifics of the problem and not the history of the case. Give citations. Build a case for

the study. Let there be authoritative sources/citations.

1.2 Problem Statement

Should be a paragraph and should clearly show what the problem is? What the research

seeks to solve. Give authoritative sources/citation what has been done and what is missing.

1.3 Objectives of Study

1.3.1 General Objective

A statement giving the main purpose/goal of the study. It should clearly outline the variables

and the relationship should be clear

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

 The specific objectives are given in bullets (i) (ii) (iii) or (a) (b) (c)

 They should be SMART.

 The variables must be clear and the relationship should be clear.

 They should be within the scope

 There should be no objective as to make recommendations – its assumed to exist.

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1.4 Research Questions/Hypothesis (You can use either but not both)

The research questions are based on the specific objectives.

 An introductory statement should be there.

 The number of research questions has to be same number as the objectives.

 The framing of questions should not attract a yes/No answers.

1.5 Significance of the Study

Should explain who benefits from the study and how. This section must be in future tense

1.6 Limitations of the Study

Should show the extent to which the results of the study can be generalized. The reasons

given must be beyond the researcher’s control. The stereotype limitations are not acceptable

and should not be anticipated e.g. time and money are not limitations

1.7 Scope of the Study

Should include the concept, content scope, the geographical scope and the time scope.

1.8 Organization of the Study

Should include structure of the study chapter by chapter

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CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

(Chapter Title - centre 14 font size)

2.0 Introduction – Overview of chapter contents

2.1 Theoretical Literature

2.2 Empirical Literature

Review of past studies which should be done from a global point down to the local situation

(subtopics should be labeled 2..2.1; 2.2.2 etc } should cover the objectives

NB: Acknowledge the sources using APA

2.3 Critical Review and Research Gap identification

Should identify the gap by citing those who have worked on the concept

2.4 Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and existing

theory/theories that are used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must

demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your

research paper and that will relate it to the broader fields of knowledge in the class you are

taking.

The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and

explanatory power.

2.5 Conceptional framework

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 The conceptual framework is deeper and the models created must be shown.

Theories/principles/concepts must have those who postulated them and when and where the

researcher has gotten them from. Explain how the variables of the study relate to each other.

The sketches must have numbers, title, source and the application of the model to the study.

2.6 Summary

Highlight of the key issues raised, facts- Reviewed issues that have been raised

END OF PROPOSAL

Include

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

Questionnaire

Budget

Timeframe

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

(Chapter Title - centre 14 font size)

3.0 Introduction – Overview of chapter contents

3.1 Research Design

Mention the study design/explain and justify why for example a case/survey is used

3.3 Target Population

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 Explain the total population from an authoritative source

Who are the respondents in the study?

3.4 Sample Design

3.4.1 Sample Size

Includes the sample size and how it was determined considering the target population

3.4.2 Sampling Technique

Include the sampling procedure

Adequate information should be given in explaining the procedures

3.5 Data Collection Methods

3.5.1 Data Collection Instruments

Present and Justify the use of data collection instruments

Why they were used

They must be attached at the appendices

3.5.2 Administration of Data Collection Instruments

o Present the instrument administration methods Administration – how were the questionnaires

given out - and justify why they were used

3.5.3 Reliability and validity

Reliability and validity must be checked

Types of questions and why

o Reliability and Validity

o What was the done where, number of respondents and the findings

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3.6 Data analysis Procedure

Explain how it was done – for each objective

Why which methods

3.7 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

(Chapter Title - centre 14 font size)

4.0 Introduction – overview of chapter contents

4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

Data analysis begins with the general information age, gender etc

4.2 Presentation of Findings

Each objective should be addressed by the

4.2.1 Objective 1

4.2.2 Objective 2

Check to ensure all the objectives are addressed

Tables should have table numbers and headings. Introduce the table, draw the table and

discuss it and the interpretation must be included

The information discussed must be what is presented in the table

The table must be mentioned

The table must be correct

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CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

(Chapter Title - centre 14 font size)

5.0 Introduction - overview of chapter contents

5.1 Summary of Findings

Begin with general information

5.1.1 Objective one}

5.1.2 Objective two, etc } statistics must be used

5.2 Conclusions

Answer to research questions in paragraphs and should be specifics

5.3 Recommendations

Should be in line with the study area and the conclusions.

5.4 Suggestions for further study- should be in line or advised by the study processes.

REFERENCES

Use Reference - acknowledgement of works referred to or citations.

American Psychological association reference style should be used.

APPENDICES

Authorization Letter(s)

Blank Questionnaire

Maps

Etc.

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