This document provides guidelines for reviewing thesis papers, including requirements and recommendations for the structure and content of the review. Key points include:
- The review should be submitted as a Word document and 10-slide PowerPoint attached to a specified email. It should be in English and take no more than 10 minutes to present.
- The review should comment on preliminary elements like the title page and table of contents, and evaluate chapters based on criteria like clarity, supporting evidence, and structure.
- When reviewing the introduction, methodology, and literature review chapters, the guidelines specify what each section should contain and factors to consider, like justification, scope, limitations, and citations.
- Conceptual frameworks should link objectives
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Thesis review guideline (kanbiro)
1. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
Presentation &Assessment System
Attach the word document of full thesis you reviewed and the reviewed part to the following
email address (15 marks)
Prepare at most 10 smart slides
Use English Language for presentation
Use only 10 minutes for presentation
A word about your style: let your presentation be well reasoned and objective (15 marks).
Lecturer: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA)
Email address: kanbiro.orkaido@gmail.com
Mobile Number: +251(0) 9-16-03-00-68 or +251(0) 9-27-10-49-07
Thesis Review guideline for post graduate students in any
fields (programs)
1. Introduction of Thesis Review
In this part, you have to touch the following points:
Title you reviewing
carefully see that there are institution logo, Research Title, Researcher name, Month & Year,
Location of institution on first cover page
Carefully check if there is title, the author name, advisors name, Preferred Affiliation ,
Month & Year, Location of institution on title page
Carefully check the existence of preliminary pages such as approval sheets,
acknowledgements, table of contents, list of tables & figures, list of acronyms and abstract
with key words after cover/ title page but before main body of thesis
Note: please give your positive or negative comments on the each points listed above
2. Body of Thesis Review
Review of Main body of the thesis includes the following points (give positive
or negative suggestions on each of them)
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study – Should show understanding and origin of the problem.
Talk about the global, continental (Africa), national (Ethiopia) perspectives followed by
the local scenario/study area (the follow of idea should be form general to specific).
Should be approximately 2- 3 pages
2. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
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.
- Note; Length – maximum 2 pages
1.3 Research questions (optional if there is hypothesis)
It should be generated from the statement of the problem and should fully answered by
the research
They should be in line with the specific objectives and equal in number.
Have to be numbered (1, 2, 3….) and should be questions and not statements.
Maximum of (2 -5) research questions should be stated
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.4.1. General objective: - One general objective which should be in line with the title.
1.4.2. Specific objectives: - have to be in line with the variables the candidates/researcher
hypothesized to influence the phenomenon being investigated or the research
questions stated. It should be related to the general objective. It should not be questions
in the questionnaire.
1.5 Justification (Significance) of the study
Should illustrate why the researcher is conducting the research and whom it shall benefit (at
least the study should benefit at least four parties such as study areas or organizations used
as case study area, researcher him or herself,
1.6 Scope (delimitation) of the study
This is a kind of a disclaimer. It should cite the focus of the study (conceptual scope i.e. variables
incorporated in the model) and geographical area or target group/population/.
1.7 Limitations of the study
Has to be there in the final /senior essay/ thesis/project/term paper/ report.
Indicate the challenges encountered in the study that may have limited the study.
1.8 Organization of the study
Should the list of chapters that have included in the research proposal/senior essay/thesis
with topics discussed under each chapter.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Theoretical review
Review of the theoretical literature should deal about definition of terms, theories about the topic
under the study, the issues relevant to the problem being investigated showing clearly the linkage
of literature review to the research questions;
3. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
2.2. Empirical review
Indicate what has been done by other researchers about the topic including the methodologies
used and identify gaps.
Most recent literatures (2008 – 2018 G.C.) must be stated.
It should be written in researcher’s own words/phrases/sentences
The hypothesized variables should be subheadings of the empirical literature review to form
a framework that would help in analysis.
Cite 3-5 references per key section in the text.
Use Harvard or APA method of citation.
Consistency is important in citation.
Each key variable should be 2-3 pages long.
Critique of the existing literature relevant to the study and Summary of literature review i.e.,
Summary of literature and Research Gaps
2.3. Conceptual framework of the study
The theoretical model that tells us the overall concepts in theoretical and empirical review by
linking our specific objectives or hypotheses with dependent variable if any.
Conceptual framework should demonstrate an understanding of what variable influences
what.
Preferable in figure form
For example, using the topic below
Topic: Determinants of micro and small scale enterprise performance of in Konso
Note that variables in the two rectangles at the left side are independent variables and variable in
the square at the right side of the figure is dependent variable of the study respectively.
Figure 2.1: Conceptual framework of the study
4. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
Source: (Kanbiro, 2018)
2.4 Summary of literature Review and research gaps
This should summarizes what other researchers find out about the topic in local
(Ethiopian) and in global (world) context
Better if it is in table form by including research topic, study area, dependent
variable, independent variables, model used (if any) and findings
It should in knowledge gaps from global and local perspective
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
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.
3.1 The description of the study area
Should describe the geographical location, seasonal, economic activities of the study, the
most recent population of the study and map of the study area.
3.2 Research design and Approach
3.2.1 Researchdesign - It is essential to state the research approach/paradigm to be adopted by
the research e.g. descriptive, explanatory, hypotheses testing, survey design, giving the
justification for choosing it by citing authority.
3.2.2 Research Approach
According to (Abiy et al., 2009) there are two research approaches. These are quantitative and
qualitative research approaches. Quantitative research approach involves numerical or statistical
data and emphasis on the quantifiable observations of the research. Whereas, qualitative research
approach is an approach to gather non-numerical data in which words and observations are used
to express the reality.
3.3 Data type and Source-
Indicate the types of data used in the research and their sources e.g. primary & secondary
data. Primary data source: There are several instruments and tools through which primary
data could be collected, for example, questionnaire, personal interview, and observation etc.
from sample of the study. A clear indication should be made by the researcher in this
section. Secondary Data Sources: In this section the researcher is supposed to provide
details about the possible sources where s/he can get the secondary data, for example,
Hawassa City Administration public library, university Library, FDRE Policy Documents,
World Bank Reports, Journals, books, internet websites etc.
3.4. Population of the study, sampling technique and sample size
5. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
3.4.1 Population of the study
All items in any field of inquiry constitute a ‘Universe’ or ‘Population.’ A complete enumeration
of all items in the ‘population’ is known as a census inquiry
3.4.2 Sampling technique and sample size determination
Sampling technique - In this sub-section researcher is supposed to state which technique of
sampling is being adopted i.e. probability (representative) sampling or non-probability
(judgmental) sampling. After starting the broader sampling technique, researcher should state
sub-category of the chosen sampling technique. For probability sampling, (simple random
sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, customer sampling, multistage sampling and
justify the reason for using it. For non-probability sampling, (quota sampling, convenient
sampling, referral or snowball sampling etc. justify the reason for using it by illustrating
understanding of the technique.
Sample Size determination- Statisticians agree that a sample size of 30 or more will usually
result in a sampling distribution for the mean that is very close to a normal distribution.
It preferable to use of a minimum number of 30 sample size for statistical analyses provides a
useful rule of thumb for the smallest number in each category within your overall sample.
Where the population in the category is less than 30, and you wish to undertake your analysis
at this level of detail, it is advisable to use census method (taking all population as sample).
The researcher should use scientific formula to determine sample size & provide a report
justifying the sample size calculated
3.5. Data collection methods & procedures
Data collection instruments: There are several instruments and tools through which primary
and secondary data could be collected. For collecting primary data instruments such as,
questionnaire, personal interview, observation etc. A clear indication should be made by the
researcher in this section. For collecting secondary data review of necessary documents is used
as an instrument of data collection.
Data collection procedures
Data will be collected from the respondents by researcher her/himself or by trained enumerators
under the supervision of the researcher.
3.6 Operational definitions of the variables
All explanatory and dependent variables should defined appropriately with their scale of
measurement
3.7. Model specification – It is what mathematically explains the dependent (response)
variable and independent (explanatory) variables that affects the earlier negatively or positively
and the error term due to other variables that are extraneous to the model.
6. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
3.8. Data Processing, Analysis & Presentation –
Data processing begins with Editing, coding and tabulation process are necessary to be
done prior to analysis. The data will be analyzed using analytic tools (such as SPSS,
STATA, E-view) that were employed. Provide a well thought out rationale for making
decision on the analytic tools selected.
Both primary and secondary data are analyzed and presented using statistical tools like
tables, bar charts, line charts, pie charts and others to facilitate the interpretation of the
result of the data analyzed.
In this sub-section researcher should also clearly state various quantitative techniques i.e.
descriptive statistic such as (mean, median/mode, standard deviation, range etc.) or
inferential (chi-square, Z test, correlation, regression etc.); qualitative techniques like
content analysis, projective techniques etc. by which he/she is planning to analyze the
collected data.
Apart from data analysis technique researcher should also state how the data will be
presented i.e. through photographs, maps, tables, figures etc.
3.8 Validity & Reliability Test
Reliability test of the questionnaire, will be measured by using a pilot test to be carried out by the
researchers before actual data analysis. Reliability refers to random error in measurement. To
measure the consistency of the questionnaire particularly the Likert-type scale the reliability
analysis is essential in reflecting the overall reliability of constructs that it is measuring. To carry
out the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s Alpha (α) is the most common measure of scale reliability
and a value greater than 0.7 is very acceptable (Cohen A. & Sayag, G., 2010).
Besides,(Cronbach’s, 1951) a reliability value (α) greater than 0.6 is also acceptable. Data
collected from pilot test will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences)
version 21.0
3.9. Ethical considerations
The following ethical considerations should be attention by the researcher and enumerators while
conducting the research or collecting the data:
Voluntary participation (no participants will be forced to take part in the research and
participants were free to withdraw from the research at any moment).
No harm to participants (the researcher ensured that no physical or psychological harm be
done to the participants as a result of the study).
7. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
Anonymity and confidentiality (all information gathered during the study should be
handled confidentially and permission from the participants was obtained for all information
to be shared publicly).
Not deceiving the subjects (participants should inform about the aim, the, purpose and the
procedures of the study and would not deceive in any way).
Privacy of participants (the privacy of the participants should be respected).
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT & DISCUSSION
4.1. INTRODUCTION-
A brief overall idea of on the chapter should discussed including the response rate of the study
4.2. THE RESULTS
Results Descriptive Statistics
In this section data should analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency, Cumulative
Frequency, percentage mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum value, and cross
tabulation etc. The qualitative (descriptive research data analysis is fully depend on descriptive
statistics).
Style of presentation – Apart from data analysis technique the researcher should present
the data in systematic way i.e. Presentation of raw data should be done through
photographs, maps, tables, figures etc. & followed by discussion
It should be guided by the methodology. Unit of analysis should be based on the research
questions or objectives and should capture the independent variables.
Tables should have no vertical lines (use simple formatting)
Table titles should be at the top of the tables.
Tables copied from elsewhere should have source below them.
Any table generated by the researcher should not have the source quote.
Figure titles should be at the bottom of the figures.
Figures can have different shadings. Discussion should follow the results.
The Result Of Inferential Statistics
This section of chapter four should show the result of model (regression) it states degree to
which dependent variables explained with independent variables. The model should interpreted
in logical and organized manner.
This optional in qualitative/descriptive research but significant issue in quantitative
type research.
4.3 Discussion (Hypotheses Testing)
8. Thesis Review Guideline Prepared by: Kanbiro Orkaido (MBA) August, 2019
Pharma College Hawassa Campus School of Postgraduate Studies RealEducation Real Results!
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS & DIRECTION FOR
FURTHER RESEARCH
5.1. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS-
This is an extended abstract that states the result of descriptive and inferential statistics
(if any).
5.2 CONCLUSIONS-
Must be derived from the summary of findings
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS-
Should be derived from the conclusions
5.4. DIRECTION FOR THE FURTHER RESEARCHES –
Since any study cannot be free from limitations. Hence, there will be some limitations in current
Study; The Findings Of Single Study That Conducted On Single Local Area Say One Woreda
May difficult to generalize to other woredas, zones, regions, nations, continents and the world
about the issue researched. These dimensions should be forwarded for the further researches.
REFERENCES
It is preferable to use Harvard or APA referencing styles and depends on
organizations need
APPENDIXES
- Tools of data collection such as questionnaires and interview
- Supportive letters from study area and your educational institutions
3. Summary of Thesis Review
2. Give an overall comment on the thesis you reviewed
Wish You All the Best!