Guide To Writing Masters’
Project Paper
1. INTRODUCTION
Master
students at Open University Malaysia are required to write a project paper or a
case as partial fulfillment for the award of the degree. This handbook is
intended to guide the students in the preparation and writing of the project
and the case study.Students are expected to write a
well-articulated paper in chapter formatthat
meets the standard set by the Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS),
Open University Malaysia.
CSG
recognizes a good project paper/case as the one which:
¡demonstrates the student’s understanding of
his/ her research problem, strategy to seek solutions to the problems through
appropriate Use of data collection methods and analytical
techniques, and ability to interpret and relate the results to the
objective(s) of his/her study.
¡Attempts to search for explanations to the
problems and meaning of the concepts through a comprehensive and critical
review of the relevant literature from scholarly books and journals.
¡Constitutes a clean piece of work, well edited
and thoroughly checked [or grammatical errors, spelling mistakes,
sentence construction, report formats and others. Proper citations of authors
in the text and bibliographies should be observed according to the writing
style guide of CGS.
¡Demonstrates the student’s ability to present
ideas, explanations and results in a smoothand logical flow from the
beginning to the end of the chapter.
Overall coherence of the report
should be maintained through appropriate explanatory linkages between the
chapters.
2. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT PAPER!
CASE
A typical project paper will consist of chapters sequentially arranged in the following order.
However, there may be variations depending on specific areas of research and/ or request from the student or
supervisors concerned.
The organization for a case study
report is also quite different from the project paper report (See Appendix n. Students are advised to discuss with their supervisors the organization of their project report before commencing on the
writing process.
i. Chapter One sets the direction for the study by introducing the
issues,research questions/problems, current state of knowledge in terms
of conceptual, theoretical
development and research in the area, research gaps and others.Generally,the chaptercontains thefollowing subsections:
a. Background of the Study
In this section,thestudent should introduce the major variablesof his/ her study and relate them to previous research and theory.To do this successfully the student
needs tolook [or studies or articles published as currently as possibleso that whatever isdiscussed or reviewed is not something out-of-date or even irrelevant.Even if a major variable is not included in the study, the
student should mention this fact, to indicate that he/she is aware of the problem. The
background discussion will highlight thecurrent state of knowledge and possible
gaps in thearea.Hence this section will indicate the
researcher’s intention and reasons for undertaking this research.For applied research studies, the backgroundsection will discuss and highlight the
management problems ororganizationalsituations that warrant this study.
b. Research Problem(s).
The background discussion will lead to statements of the problems.which will be addressed by thisresearch.. Problem statements can be
presented LDthe form of research
questions.In the problem statements,
the student should highlight the variables ofconcern and the type of relationships between them.The subjectsof the studyor thetarget group should also be mentioned.
c. Objectives of the Study
Theobjectives ofthe study
should bestatedclearly.This is
important because the results and achievements of
the study will be evaluated based on these stated
objectives.The objectives of the study must be linked
to the issues and problemsstated in(b).
d. Significanceof the
Study
Aresearch work isjustified if itcan contribute
something totheory building and practice in itsfieldaswell as policy development in the area.Hence the student should be ableto highlight thesignificance of his/herstudy based on these considerations.
e. Definition of Terms
All variablesused in the studyshould be operationally defined so that we know the bases upon which the research was carried out.The student should state clearly thesources of these definitionsif these were taken from somewhere else,or explained how these were developed if these were developed byhim/herself.
f.Limitations ofthe Study
In this section,the limitations andconstraintsofthe research should behighlight Some common limitation faced by researchers are, for example,limitations due to small samplesize,measuring instruments,or generalizabilityof the results. (Some writers prefer 10
discuss limitationsof the studyat the end of the research report, that
is, atthe end of Chapter Five:Discussion Chapter.Students should discuss with their
respective supervisors about this).
ii. Chapter Two: Literature Review
The main purpose of Chapter
Two is to critically review thepublished
workin the area of study which the
student is undertaking. In doing to, the student will have to look at the
concepts, theoretical development andempiricaland non empirical
studies done to explain the phenomenon of interest. The result of the review would
indicate the current state
of knowledge in the area in terms of
itsbreadth and depth of research,the strengths and weaknesses ofpreviousresearch and the knowledge gap which needs further explanation and study. Although the literature
review for a master’s project is not expected to be ascomprehensivelyand exhaustively as for the Doctoral thesis, it should howeverprovide the reader with a picture
of the state of knowledge and of major questionsin the subjectarea being investigated.The review should be on the factorsor variables which are directly and indirectly related to
his/her research topic.
Although books can be used asreferences, it is preferablethatstudents use asmuch of thereferences as possible from the journals
which are well recognized and known in the area. Because the
literature review indicatesthe current state of knowledge in the
area,the references used should be
as current or most up-to date as
possible.
iii. Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
Chapter
threewill describe insufficientdetail
how thestudy will be carried out
in order to collect thedata to
test thehypotheses oranswer
the research questions. The method of the
studyshould be described clearly so that it can bereplicated
by other researchers.
Although thespecifics of themethod ofstudy will bedifferent from one researchtopic toanotherorfrom quantitative research to qualitative research, the main purposeof the chapter is the same for all- to describe how the
study will be carriedout in order to meet the objective (s)of the study.Generally the chapter willconsist of the followingsubheadings:
·
research design
·
study
population and sampling procedure
·
operational definition
·
instrumentation
·
data collection
procedures
·
scale reliabilities
·
tests for normalities, linearities,and
factor analyses-where relevant.
·
data analysis
Forqualitative studies, the detailsteps may be different, but the overall
expectation of a clear and complete description of study population,
instrumentation, data collection andanalysisis the same as thestudies.
.
Thestudent should explain why particular
research designs, sampling procedures or analytical
techniques were employed. Any deficiencies in a particular method employed should also be mentioned.
iv. Chapter Four: Data Analysis and
Results
The data obtained from research will be analysed and presented in this chapter.The results of analyses can be presented in tables and graphs and accompaniedwith texts, highlighting the trends,
tendencies and differences.
Typically for quantitative studiesin social sciences,the chapter starts with data about the respondents or
subjects characteristics (in tabular and/or graphical forms), and descriptive statistics of the variables
used in the study (e.g.means, standard deviations,range etc).
The major section of the chapter should present results
of hypotheses testing using various statistical techniques such as correlation, multiple regression, factoranalyses and other appropriate techniquesas mentioned in Chapter (iii). It is
preferable to organize the results according to the subheadings basedon
the b hypotheses
beingtested. However if the studyis not predictive in nature, the subheadings canbe arranged according to the
relationships of the variables under investigation.
v. Chapter Five: Discussion
Normally the chapter starts with the
restatement of the
problems, the hypotheses or the relationships of the
variables depending on whether thestudy is exploratory or predictive in nature.If for example [he study involves hypothesistesting,then it should be highlightedwhether the results supported or notsupported the hypotheses.
The results achieved should
then be discussed in termsof
the current state of knowledge in the area.Do the results support or notsupport any previous studies done, and
give explanations why these are so. Any weaknessesin the methodology, data collection or
analytical techniquesusedshould be highlighted, and suggest
possible alternatives or approaches thatmaybemore appropriate to overcome the
weaknesses.
vi. Chapter Six: Summary and
Conclusion
This chapter starts with
brief restatements of essential findings. If thereare
many specific
findings the student may organize these findings into different sections, and
an overall summary of the findings. Students must complete their report with
conclusions. While the findings state facts, conclusions state the researcher’s
inferences drawn from the findings. Other aspect which may be”included in this chapter is
recommendation for future action.If
it is academic research,
recommendation is usually for future research action that may help broaden understanding of the subject.For applied research, the recommendation
is for managerial actions, which
the researcher may suggest several actionable alternatives that
may help inmanagerial decision
making.
vii. List of References
Ail books and articles referred10or cited in the text should
be listed in the
List of
References. Similarly all quotations
must be acknowledged.
Students must followthe convention statedin this handout for writing citation and
references in the text and in the List of References.Make sure all citations and references made in the text
are listed in the List of References and those listed inthe List of references are actually found in the text.
3. CONTENTS OF PROJECT PAPER
Contents of the project paper should be
arranged in the following order. However,this
is only a guide as project papersdifferin termsof the contents, headings and
subheadings. Studentsshould
consult and get agreements of
their supervisors when finalizing the arrangements and contentsoftheir project paper.
With Roman Numerals
Time Page
Abstract
Pages
Abstract
Dedication – optional
Acknowledgements
Approval
Declaration
Table of Contents
List of tables
List of figures/illustrations
Lest of
Abbreviations/Notations/Glossary
Of Terms (if any)
With Arabic Numerals
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background of the study.
1. 2 Problem Statements
1..3 Research
Objectives.
2.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
2..2
2..2.1
.
.
2..5 Summary
3.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
Research Design
.3.2 Study Population.
3..2.1 Sampling
Procedures
3.3 Research Instrument
.
3.6 Summary
4.
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
4.1
4..2
4..3
4..3.1
4..3..2
.
.
4.6 Summary
5.
DISCUSSION
5.1
5..2
5..3
.
.
5.6 Summary
6.
SUMMARY AND CONCULUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
(Contents
arrangement for case writing is shown in Appendix 1)
4. GENERAL FORMAT FOR WRITING PROJECT PAPER AND
CASE
a. Writing and Printing Format
Language
The language of the
project paper/case is ether standard American or British English. The use of a
language must be consistent throughout the project paper/case. Mixing of
British and American English is not allowed. The project paper/ case must be
written in the third person.
Technical Specification
i.
Typing –typing should be done on a word processor, with printing done on a
letter quality or a laser printer. Word processor soft wares such as Microsoft
Word or Word perfect can be used. For tables and calculations Microsoft Excel
and lotus 123 may be used.
IJ. Typeface and Font
Size-the entire text, including headings and page numbers must be produced with
the same font or type face. The font
size should be 12 point and should not be scripted or italicized except for
scientific names and terms in a different language. Bold print may be used for
headings.Footnotes and text in tables canbeill 10 point font size. The font styles can be
in Times New Roman or Arial.
iii. Margins-
The left margin should be at least 35mm and
the right, top and bottom margins are at least 30 mm.
iv. Spacing-the
project paper/ case should be typed on one side of the page and doubled-spaced
throughout. Spacing between two paragraphs in the text should be set at 4
spaces. Single spacing will be used for the following purposes only:
· Abstract
·Explanatory footnotes (if absolutely necessary).
·Quotations longer than 3 lines set in a block.
·References and bibliographies (except between
entries)
·Long headings or subheadings
·Long captions to tables, figures or plates
·Appendices such as questionnaires and letters.
v.Pagination-all pages should be numbered centrally or right
flushed at the bottom margin. Page numbers should appear by themselves and
should not be placed in brackets, hyphenated or accompanied by other decorative
devices. Only the original word-processed copy of the project paper/ case or
its good and clean photocopies will be accepted. When a page consisting of
Figures or Tables needs to be inserted, it may be numbered with a lower case
letter (e.g. 5a if inserted between pages 5 and 6).
vi. Paper-white paper (80 gm) or paper of
equivalent quality with A4 size (210 mm x 297 mm) should be used.
Vii. Heading-chapter number
and heading should be centered and written in bold, upper case letters with 16
point font size. Subheadings should be aligned to the left margin and written
with14Ipoint font
size, upper case and
lower case letters.
b. Abstract
An abstract of the project paper/ case is
required in English and Bahasa Malaysia. The abstract should not exceed more
than 200 words. It is a summary of all the
important elements of the project paper/ case such as the research problem,
method, results, implications and conclusions. It should be written in one
paragraph. The abstract should be written in past tense to describe processes
or activities already done by the researcher, and present tense to describe
conclusions and implications based on the study.
c. Text Citations
Ideas,
words, findings, figures and others which are taken indirectly or indirectly
from the others must be duly acknowledged by the writer. To acknowledge others
works In the text, students must following certain conventions. The following examples illustrate some of the
conventions when making citations in the text.
i. Writing the
author’s name(s).
Western
or English name, use only the surname (or the family name) in the text.
For
example: John Smith, use Smith. ,. .
Malay and Chinese names: Use the whole name or
the first name for the Malay and family
name for the Chinese. – ,
Example: Mohd. Ali Bin Kassim, use Mohd. Ali.
Lee Ah Hua, use Lee.
For Single Author
When the author is a part of the formal structure of the
sentence the citation is as follows:
Franklin (1998) pointed out
that, universities as providers of Management education have both provider’s
opportunities and critical responsibilities to…..
According to Denison (1990), culture refers to underlying
values, benefits and principles that serve as….. ‘
When the author of the source is not part of the formal
structure of the sentence t e citation is as follows; ,
As
the average inter-item correlation is low, Cronbach,s alpha will be low. As the
average inter-Item correlation increases, Cronbach’s alpha increases as well
(Santos, 1999).
(Note
the way of the author and year are written for each condition or situation.)
For Multiple Authors
Similar
style is used for multiple authors, but with theuse of “and”
and “&“as follows:
·
Mallak and Kustedt (1996)
introduce their model of participative management…
·
It reflects the enforcement of
rules, conformity, and attention to technical matters (Denison &
Spretzer,1991).
·
The legitimacy Models (Miles
& Cameron, 1982 Zammuto,1982 considers organizational effectiveness it
terms of contextual measure…
(Note (1) semi colon
separates the two source of information, and (2) the sources are arranged in
alphabetical order)
When many authors
are found in one source, use (et al.) for second time citation. For example:
·
Moh’d. Ali, Lee, Smith and
Bradner (1990) found that..(First time citation).
·
Mohd. Ali. Et al (1983) found
that… (Second citation and onwards).
The knowledge obtained through this
process must be retained (Mohd. Ali et al., 1983)
Same Authors over several works and Several Years
Several studies by
the same author in one year are referred to by the writer , then citation is as
follows:
·
(Mohd. Ali (1990a,1990b,1990c)
Several studies by
the same author over several years are referred to by the writer, then citation
is as follows:
·
Mohd. Ali (1990, 1991, 1993)
When the citation is not taken directly from the source
Ridlev and Mendoza developed a model based on interre1ilted
organizational processes which was used primarily as a tool for management
consultants as cited by Rojas, 2000)
(Cite
only the study that you have read in the Reference List-in this case it is
Rojas (2000)).
d.Quotations
i. When short quotations (less than 40
words) are taken from the source, these can be incorporated in the text but
enclosed by double quotation marks marks. Example:
According to Emory (1985, p.
115), even when the research design is ideal, “there is always a question
about whether the results are true.”
ii. When long quotations arc taken from a source (more than 40 words),
display the quotations in a free-standing block of typewritten lines but
without the quotation marks. Start the quotation block on a new line, indented
five spaces from the left margin. Type double-spaced lines.Ifthe quotation takes more than one paragraph, then start the new sentence of the new
paragraph indented five spaces from the new left margin.
(Note: (i). Materials quoted
must follow the wording, spelling, and interior punctuation of tile original
source, even if the source is incorrect. Student’s must make sure to check the
typed copy with the original source to ensure no discrepancy exists
(ii). for quotations, write the authors’
names, year and page number of the source.)
Example of a long
quotation:
In summarizing the research finding on the roles of ISO
consultants, Salleh Yahya (2003) stales that:
In the old of ISO
9000 quality assurance systems, consultants often acts as knowledge brokers who
transfer their codified knowledge of ISO 9000 technical requirements and
implementation, which is learnt through the precise ISO 9000 codebook, to the
clients organization. They also function as informs or advisers of best
practices and ‘know-how’ in ISO implementation to their clients (p.162).
e. List of References (or Bibliography)
All references cited in tile text must be listed in the
List of References or Bibliography. The listing must be ordered in the alphabetical
order based on the name of the author that appeared in the citation. Writing of
references in the Bibliography must follow the style outlined in the following’
examples.
(ii)
Example of references to periodicals
(Take note of how the authors’ and journal’s names are
arranged, and also how the journal’s volume and page numbers are written.
Spaces between words should also be noted)
Single author,
journal article
Ichniowski,
C. (1986). The effects of grievance activity on productivity. IndustrialandLabor Relations Review, 40, 75-89.
Salleh
Yahya. (2003). the role of ISO 9001: 2000 consultants. IIUM Journal Economics and Management, 11(2), 143-165.
Evans, D. L. (1987).
More than one author, Journal article
Kinner,
L. & Sutherland, M (2000). Determinants of organizational commitment
amongst knowledge workers. South African Journal of Business Management, 31(3),
106/112.
Kinicki,
A.J., & Carson, K.P. & Bohlander ,G.W. (1992). Relationship between an
organization’s actual human resource efforts and employee attitudes. Group and
Organization Management,17,135-152.
Newspaper article
Moh’d.
Ali Hassan (Year, Month, 7 Date). Title, Name of Newspaper.
Chapter in a book
Salancik, G.R. (1977). Commitment and the control of
organizational behavior and belief. In B.M. Staw & G.R. Salal1cik (Eds.),
New Directions in Organizational Behavior (pp. I-54). Chicago: St. Clair Press.
Choudhury, M.A. (1996). Why cannot
neoclassicism explain resource allocation and development in the Islamic
political economy? In Ahmed, E. (ed.), Role of Private and Public Sectorsin
Economic
Development in an Islamic Perspective (pp. 17-44). Herndon, VA: international
Institute of Islamic Thought.
Reference to Entire Books
Armstrong,
M. (1992). A Handbook of Personnel .Management
Practice. Lendon: Kogan Page Ltd.
Emory,
C. W, (1985). Business Research methods (3rd.). Illinois: Richard D. Irwin.
Proceedings of Meetings and Symposia
Manjula,
1.(2004),Knowledge
management in organizations: An essential journey. Proceedings of 2nd
NationalHRMConference: Gearing
Human resources. Towards New Dynamism (pp. 88-93). Pulau Pinang: Penerbit University Utara} Malaysia.
Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation and Master’s Theses
Evans,
D.L. (1987). Human resource planning practice in Southern California Hospitals.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, united states International university.
Mohammad
Nairn Ahmad (1999). Anteseden komilmen kepada organisasi. Unpublished doctoral
dissertation, Uuiversiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Web Document
Roberts,G.E.(1994).
Acceptance of performance appraisal.Retrieved September 24,
2003 from http:// www.ignoumcids.ac.in/ignou’crl/articles/TIR
/5952.html
Elangovan,
AR.,&Karakowslcy, L.(1999). The role of trainee and environmental factors
intransfer of training:An
exploratory framework.
Leadership&Organization Development Journal, 20(5), pp.268-275.
Retrieved September 3,2003 from http://www.emerald-library.com
f. Tables and Figures
Titles of the tables
and figures must be written at the top left hand side. Number all tables and
figures with Arabic numerals in the order in which chapters the tables and
figures appear, for example, Table 3.1, Table 3.2, or figure 4.1 and Figure
4.2. The contents of the tables and figures must be written using front of size
10 and single spaced. The source(s) of data must be written at the bottom left
of the table and figure.
G. Physical Appearance of the Project Paper
(i)
Cover Page
Must be written
using upper case letters and font size of 16. The specifications are shown in
the following illustration. (Appendix 11)
(ii)Title Page-follow Appendix III.
(iii)Declaration
Page-follow Appendix IV.
(v)
Preparing Spine of the Project
Paper-follow Appendix V
Appendix I – TABLE
CONTENT FOR CASE STUDY REPORT
DEDICATION
ABSTRACT
ABSTRAK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
APPROVAL
DECLARATION
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF
ABBREVIATIONS/NATATIONS/GLOSSARY
OF TERMS
PART 1 – CASE TEXT
1.
INTRODUCATION
1.1Critical
Incident
1.2Background
of Company ABC
1.3Organization
Structure
1.4Major
activities of Company ABC
2.
FUCTIONAL AREAS OD COMPANY ABC
2.1Marketing
2.2Human
Resource Management
2.2.1
Management Stuff
2.2.2
Production Stuff
2.3Marketing
2.3.1
Product
2.3.2
Promotion
2.3.3
Distribution
2.4Finance<
