Professional Documents
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Guidelines
No.
Valid for
From
Date
Page
To
G/2026/ExO/XI/2014 Rev3
Bachelors and Masters Degree
Examination Steering Committee
17 November 2014
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Bachelors and Masters Students, Lecturers, Advisors
Thesis Guidelines
FOREWORD
These Guidelines are established in referral to the Study and Examination Regulations Chapter 10, Thesis
and replace thesis guidelines Nr. 0040/Thesis/I/2004.
These Guidelines are intended to help the bachelors and Masters students prepare their theses. Further
information about regulations, submission dates, degree requirements, etc., can be found in the academic
calendar of SGU. All participants should feel free to consult their lecturer/advisor, at any stage in the
preparation of their thesis for further information.
All students who are writing a thesis should pay special attention to the following fundamental points:
The thesis advisor strongly influences a students academic and professional development. Through
the choice of an advisor, a participant also chooses a method of scientific research, a work milieu,
and sometimes moral and financial support. The value and success of a thesis depend in great part
on the quality of the relationship that develops between the advisor and participant.
The Thesis topic should be decided upon as early as possible. The student should be particularly
careful not to choose subjects that are too ambitious or too broadly defined.
The style and format of a thesis are important. It should be clear, concise and systematic. Students
should aim for a style that is interesting as well as informative.
The thesis should demonstrate a deep knowledge of literature on the subject. The presentation of
scientific data (tables, figures, chart, etc) must conform to the requirements of the specific discipline.
All theses must meet the standards and requirements as defined by SGU in order to be accepted.
Questions regarding the format of the thesis not adequately answered in these Guidelines may be directed to
the Examination Steering Committee who will be pleased to give assistance.
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Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................6
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
RESEARCH PROPOSAL.........................................................................................................................6
2.1
2.2
THESIS FORMAT.....................................................................................................................................6
3.1
Paper ................................................................................................................................................6
3.2
Appearance ......................................................................................................................................7
3.3
Fonts .................................................................................................................................................7
3.4
Printers .............................................................................................................................................7
3.5
3.6
Spacing .............................................................................................................................................7
3.7
Margins .............................................................................................................................................7
3.8
3.9
Pagination .........................................................................................................................................8
5.
PARTS OF A THESIS...............................................................................................................................8
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7
4.1.8
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
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1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 13
1.1. Backgrounds ..................................................................................................................... 13
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I.
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 17
8.
9.
10.
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11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
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INTRODUCTION
1.1
Definition of a Thesis
The thesis is a scholarly statement of the results of a period of research and related preparation,
undertaken to partially fulfill the requirements for an advanced degree. It is made available for public
use in the University Library, and other media for archival preservation. The submission of a thesis is
required for completion of a study leading to the award of a Bachelor and Master degree.
1.2
1.3
Phases of Thesis
The Thesis phases consist of the academic research and development of a defined subject, the writing
of the thesis, and the defense of the Thesis.
1.4
1.5
2.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
2.1
2.2
3.
3.1
THESIS FORMAT
Paper
The quality of paper for submission of the final copy of the thesis is white (if possible chlorine free),
bond, 80 grams. Please note that no other quality or color of paper will be accepted.
Standard size of A4 and the same kind of paper must be used throughout the entire thesis. This
includes the preliminary pages, appendices, and vita. Always use a sample page to check margins.
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3.2
Appearance
The thesis must be neat in appearance and without any errors. It is the responsibility of the Students to
proofread their thesis to make sure it does not have any typographical or content errors before
submission to the University. No handwritten corrections, or insertions or interlineations are permitted.
The use of any correction fluid is not acceptable. Copies that have dark shading, lines or any other
marks caused by the copying process as well as off-centered and unevenly copied pages are
unacceptable. Type only on one side of each page.
3.3
Fonts
All typing must be done on a word processor with typeface of 12 point type size. Acceptable
typefaces are: Arial or Times New Roman. All other typefaces are not acceptable. Do not use bold
face or Italics for the core thesis text, except for headings. Underlining is not acceptable; Italics may be
used in lieu of underlining for scientific names of biological organisms, when typing latin or non
English words.
3.4
Printers
The thesis must be printed on a laser printer, or on a printer which produces the same letter-quality.
The print must be letter-quality with consistently clear, dark, and black characters. Do not use dotmatrix printer.
3.5
Non-typed Material
Non-typed matter, such as line drawings, handwritten symbols, formulae, and diacritical marks, should
be in black ink for clear reproduction. Hand-written insertions are acceptable only when a computer
program cannot make the symbols or when the hand-written symbols are superior in quality.
3.6
Spacing
The text of the thesis must be 1.5 spaced throughout, but long tables and long quotations may be
single-spaced. Text within a chapter should be continuous. No short pages are acceptable unless it is
the last page of the chapter or if there is a table or figure in it. There are special spacing requirements
for some of the preliminary pages (see sample pages for the thesis in Appendices). The layout for these
pages must be followed carefully as departures from the standard format are not acceptable.
3.7
Margins
Text, illustrations (figures) or tables must not appear outside the specific margins. Page numbers are
the only item which may appear outside the margin requirements.
Left:
1.5 inches (3.8 cm); this margin is wider because of binding requirements
Top:
1 inch (2.5 cm)
Right:
1 inch (2.5 cm)
Bottom: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
With the exception of page numbers, all other thesis material must fit within these margin requirements.
This includes tables, figures, graphs, and appendices. When oversized pages are used, the same
margin measurements are maintained.
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3.8
Page numbers
The title page is page 1 of the thesis. All pages which follow are numbered in a single sequence with
Arabic numerals. Page numbers must be placed at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the sheet, and
1 inch (2.5 cm) from the right edge. The numbers must be at least inch (0.63 cm) above the first line
of text.
3.9
Pagination
Every sheet of paper in the thesis must be numbered except for one: the title page. This includes
references, appendices, and vita. The title page is counted but not numbered. Arabic numerals are
used for all thesis pages. The font for the page numbers should be consistent with the text font (e.q. If
the text is in Arial font, then the page numbers should also be in Arial Font)
4.
PARTS OF A THESIS
The thesis consists of three main parts:
the preliminary pages
the text pages and
the reference section
The student, in consultation with his/her Advisors, determines the internal arrangement within the text
and reference sections. The student is advised to consult with his/her Thesis Advisor regarding an
acceptable style before preparing the final copy of the thesis. Manuals of style are superseded by the
regulations for thesis preparation in this manual if there is a conflict in the instructions
regarding format.
Order of Thesis
The Preliminary Pages
Title page
Statement by the Author & Approval Page
Abstract
Copyright page
Dedication (optional)
Acknowledgments
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Text Pages
Body of Thesis
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Preliminary Pages
The information on the preliminary pages and the format for these pages are standardized and the
student must follow the samples and instructions presented in this manual (see samples). The student
will need to read both this general instruction section and the appropriate sample page section. The
approval page is always numbered 2. There must be consistency between approval page and all
preliminary pages with respect to the students name, major field, advisor/co-advisor, title of thesis and
year the degree is awarded.
4.1.1
Title Page
The title for the thesis appears in full capital letters at the top of the page and should include
meaningful keywords descriptive of the subject and content to facilitate its location on a subject
index, since titles are the basis for computer searches from which subject lists are prepared by
Microfilm reference services.
Formulae, symbols, superscripts, subscripts, Greek letters, acronyms, and abbreviated forms in
general are to be spelled out (e.g KMnO4 is written as Potassium permanganate; TESL is
written as Teaching English as a Second Language).
The students name must be the name under which he or she is registered at SWISS GERMAN
UNIVERSITY
The date at the bottom of the title page is the month and the year in which the thesis is
submitted. This also applies to the revision of thesis that must be submitted after thesis
defense. See sample of the Title Page in Appendix.
4.1.2
4.1.3
Abstract
Abstract is a summary of your research result, consists of (1) background, (2) problem
statement, (3) methodology, (4) Results/Findings, and (5) Conclusion and Recommendation.
The Abstract is included as a page of your thesis. It is a numbered page in the thesis,
appearing just before the main body of the text. The heading ABSTRACT is centered at the
beginning of the page.
Keywords should be added at the end of the abstract containing maximum five key scientific
terms related to the content of the thesis. See Appendix 4.
4.1.4
Copyright Page
Copyrighted page is inserted immediately after the committee approval page. The following
information must appear centered (vertically and horizontally) on the copyright page:
Copyright 2013
by (students name)
All rights reserved
To be consistent, use the name as it appears on the title page, committee approval page, and
abstract. This page is counted and numbered. The format for the copyright page is the same for
the bachelors thesis. See appendix 5.
4.1.5
Dedication Page
This page is optional, but if included, must always be numbered. The dedication should be brief
and no heading is necessary. See Appendix.
4.1.6
Acknowledgments
This page is to thank those who have helped in the process of obtaining the graduate degree.
Acknowledgments page must always be counted and numbered. See Appendix.
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4.1.7
Table of Contents
The table of contents should have a heading TABLE OF CONTENTS in capital letters,
centered below the top margin. The titles of the chapters or sections, and at least the primary
and secondary subdivisions should be listed. They must be worded exactly as they appear in
the body of the thesis. This includes the list of references, appendices and vita. Tables and
Figures are listed separately. Page numbers must be given for each item listed. See Appendix
8.
4.1.8
4.2
Text Pages
4.2.1
Body of Thesis
The thesis must be divided in some manner of logical organization. Customary major divisions
are chapters which consist of: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methods, Results and
Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation.
Each chapter must be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals. Each new chapter must
begin on a new page. The chapter number and title must be in all capital letters.
4.2.2
Photographs
Photographs should be professional-quality black and white. Color photographs if
necessary could be included in the appendix. Photographs should be mounted on
sheets of paper of the same quality as the ones used for the text in a way that fits
within the required margins. Mounting of photographs should be done using the dry
mounting method with tissue pressed properly to exclude all air bubbles. Do not
mount any material using rubber cement, glue, tape, staples or photo mounting
corners.
Photo page-number placement follows standard requirements. Photo captions may
be placed on the subject and shot as part of the original negative. Captions may be
typed on the facing page to the photo, typed below the photo paper on the thesis
page (and within page-number margins), No captions or page numbers may be typed
directly on the printed photo used in the thesis or on the photo paper.
The copies of the thesis submitted to the University, for library archives, must have
original photographs unless the student is able to use a high quality, high contrast
copying machine to reproduce photographic material for submission in lieu of
photographs.
4.2.3.2
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4.3
List of References
The list of references should go after the end of the main text. On occasion, especially in the
sciences, references are needed at the end of each chapter. This format is acceptable. The
student should consult with the Advisor to discuss the manner in which references are cited.
4.3.2
Appendices
Appendix material should be supporting documentation. Information central to your research
should be placed in the main text. All appendices follow the list of references. All appendices
must meet the margin requirements and have a page number. Material may be reduced to fit
margin requirements. Every page must be clear and legible.
4.3.3
Curriculum Vitae
The vita provides a brief biographical background of the student. It is not intended to be a
comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae. The heading CURRICULUM VITAE (centered, in
capital letters, and not underlined) should be typed below the top margin. All vita entries should
be listed in strict chronological order, with no subcategories or subheadings. The vita includes
the date (optional) and place of birth, dates of degrees and names of colleges or universities
(exclude the degree for which this Bachelors Thesis is written), academic or professional
employment, publications and presentations. If the student wishes, it may also include military
services, honors, awards and distinctions.
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PROPOSAL OF THESIS
[TITLE OF THESIS PROPOSAL]
By
[Name of Student]
[Student ID Number]
I propose to the Advisors and to the Committee Members a study of the afore mentioned topic to be
carried out in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
BACHELORS DEGREE / MASTERS DEGREE
in
[NAME OF STUDY PROGRAM]
[NAME OF FACULTY]
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Hypothesis #2: Subjects from higher income levels will demonstrate higher rates of breast cancer
screening than those from lower income level.
Hypothesis #3: Subjects with a family history of breast cancer will demonstrate higher rates of breast cancer
screening.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of scientific publications describing previous studies related to the research topic, and research
objectives. Thus, general theory and knowledge, should be limited to the minimum. Review is expected to be
carried out on scientific articles in journals, proceedings, and thesis.
Citation of review is strictly from scientific publication, non scientific or popular publications such as media,
newspapers, and popular magazines are strictly to be avoided in a scientific writing. Lecture notes, laboratory
manual, and training manual are neither allowed.
3. RESEARCH METHODS
(How research will be carried out)
There are various kinds of research. This guideline outlines five of them, i.e., evaluation research,
experimental research, hardware and software design, simulation and modelling, and unique research such
as in the information technology. Other type of research will be rather inclusive, and should be discussed with
the advisors.
The common mistakes that should be strictly avoided are as follows.
1.Using a title of chapter or sub-chapter that have been used previously such as repetition of introduction,
and research objectives.
2.The use of major research as sub-chapter after preliminary research. There is no such major research
since all part of the research is essential. After preliminary research name the following part of your research
to reflect the content.
3.Putting outline of thesis in sub-chapter of Research Method. Outline of thesis has been stated in the Table
of Content.
4.Putting question mark in the chapter title. This is scientific publication, all sentences are statement
sentences except in Research Question.
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2. System Overview
System overview consists of system definition, planning, and implementation. Each should be
described proportionally to the framework outlined in the previous chapter.
3. Data Collection and Analysis
Method to collect data should be explained here like data preparation, survey, and measurement. The
analysis of collected data is described such as algorithm or other ways of analysis.
4. Application and Performance Test
This sub-chapter covers the application of the defined system, the performance measurement, and
other characteristics such as the indicated error, and precision.
4. REFERENCES
Refer to the guidelines for references.
PROPOSED ADVISOR
I propose Mr./Ms..............................................as my Advisor, and Mr./Ms.......................................................
as Co-Advisor for my proposed Thesis.
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I.
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Thesis Guidelines
7.
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[TITLE OF THESIS]
By
[Name of Student]
[Student ID Number]
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8.
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Bachelors Degree:
FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND HUMANITIES
Study Program:
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
ACCOUNTING
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - HOTEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT concentration
COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
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I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge, it contains no material
previously published or written by another person, nor material which to a substantial extent has been
accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at any educational institution, except where due
acknowledgement is made in the thesis.
[Name of Student]
_______________________________________________
Student
_______________
Date
Approved by:
________________
Date
(OPTIONAL)
[Name and Title of Co-Advisor]
_________________________________________________
Thesis Co-Advisor
________________
Date
________________
Date
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10. Appendix 6:........ Template Statement by the Author After Thesis Defense
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge, it contains no material
previously published or written by another person, nor material which to a substantial extent has been
accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at any educational institution, except where due
acknowledgement is made in the thesis.
_______________________________________________
Student Name
_______________
Date
Approved by:
_________________________________________________
Thesis Advisor
________________
Date
_________________________________________________
Dean
________________
Date
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ABSTRACT
By
James Students
Prof. Thesis Advisorus, Advisor
George Coadvisoris, S.Si, M.Si, Co-Advisor
Begin typing the abstract here, 1.5 spaced. The abstract must include the following components:
purpose of the research, methodology, findings, and conclusion. The body of the abstract is limited
to maximum 200 words. The abstract may consist of one or more pages. The first page is formatted
the same as a first chapter page; subsequent pages are formatted the same as general text pages.
Begin typing the abstract here, 1.5 spaced. The abstract must include the following components:
purpose of the research, methodology, findings, and conclusion. The body of the abstract is limited
to maximum 200 words. The abstract may consist of one or more pages. The first page is formatted
the same as a first chapter page; subsequent pages are formatted the same as general text pages.
Begin typing the abstract here, 1.5 spaced. The abstract must include the following components:
purpose of the research, methodology, findings, and conclusion. The body of the abstract is limited
to maximum 200 words. The abstract may consist of one or more pages. The abstract must include
the following components: purpose of the research, methodology, findings, and conclusion. This is
to give the example of abstract with the length of exactly 200 words.
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Copyright 2014
by James Student
All rights reserved
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DEDICATION
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This is the part where you express your gratitude to all parties involved in the success of your thesis
work. However, keep it simple and short.
Example: I wish to thank the members of my committee for their support, patience and good humor.
Their gentle but firm direction has been most appreciated. Prof. Thesis Advisorus was particularly
helpful in guiding me toward a qualitative methodology. George Coadvisoriss interest in sense of
competence was the impetus for my proposal. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Stephen Fain. From
the beginning, he had confidence in my abilities to not only complete a degree but to complete it
with excellence.
I have found my coursework throughout the Curriculum and Instruction program to be stimulating
and thoughtful, providing me with the tools with which to explore both past and present ideas and
issues.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
STATEMENT BY THE AUTHOR...............................................................................................2
ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................22
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................24
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................ 25
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... 26
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. 27
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................29
1.1
Background..........................................................................................................32
1.2
Objectives.............................................................................................................40
1.3
Hypothesis............................................................................................................45
2.1
Theoretical Perspectives......................................................................................50
2.2
Previous Studies..................................................................................................55
3.2
4.2
Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 90
5.2
GLOSSARY
.....................................................................................................................105
REFERENCES .....................................................................................................................110
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figures
Page
1. Example of figure placement in your body of thesis and its label ..................... 20
2. Another example of figure placement in your body of thesis and its label ....... 35
3. Another example of figure placement in your body of thesis and its label ....... 40
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LIST OF TABLES
Table
Page
1. Example of table placement in your body of thesis and its label ........................ 43
2. Another example of table placement in your body of thesis and its label ...........47
3. Another example of table placement in your body of thesis and its label........... 50
4. Another example of table placement in your body of thesis and its label .......... .60
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Name:
Place of Birth:
(city, Region)
Date of Birth:
Address:
Education:
1997 - Present,
1994 1997
1991 1994
1985 1991
Courses:
Work Experience