Research Methodology Thesis Writing

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Research Methodology

Thesis Writing

Professor Dr Wan Azlan Bin Wan Zainal Abidin

Deputy Director

Centre for Graduate Studies

OUTLINES

A. Thesis Writing Concept

B. UNIMAS Thesis Guideline and Template

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https://www.postgrad.unimas.my/

CGS TOP MANAGEMENT

(A) Prof Dr Fasihuddin Badruddin Ahmad

Senior Director

(B) Prof Dr Wan Azlan bin Wan Zainal Abidin

Deputy Director (Coursework)

(C) Prof Dr Awang Ahmad Sallehin bin Awang Husaini

Deputy Director (Research)

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CGS TOP MANAGEMENT

Hadijah bt Hj MorniDeputy Registrar

Khamisah binti EteSenior Assistant Registrar

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Thesis/Dissertation• a long piece of writing on a particular subject,

• especially one that is done for a higher

college or university degree

• a doctoral thesis

(Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary &

Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

A. Thesis Writing Concept

• a dissertation on embodying results of

original research and

• especially substantiating a specific view;

• especially: one written by a candidate

for an academic degree

(Merriam Webster dictionary)

A. Thesis Writing Concept

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Thesis/Dissertation (cont.)

• To demonstrate that you can take a project

and bring it to a genuine conclusion

• Provides a new kind of work and frequently a

new kind of skill.

• Will help you professionally

A. Thesis Writing Concept

The Big Question

What is your thesis about?

So, tell me about your thesis

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General Structure of a Thesis

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Methodology

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Background: context and rationale

• Gap in research

• Purpose of the study

• Significance of the study

• Original contribution on to the body of knowledge in the field; practical/pedagogical implications

Clearly state the purpose and explain the

significance of the study

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Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Theoretical/conceptual framework

• Describe and analyse relevant previous research

on the topic

• Establish gap in research:

• what is known and what is yet to be known

• leading to research questions and hypothesis

• Your review must show original work and

interpretation/analysis of related literature

• Use sub-headings

Chapter 3: Methodology

• Detailed description and justification of data

collection method used

• Data analysis

• Cite reference literature about the method

• Research design/paradigm; research site; data

collection and analysis; research ethics

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Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

• Present results from your data analysis only

• Use tables and/or figures to illustrate and summarise all numeric information

• Results of tests/hypothesis

• Themes or categories uncovered

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

• Focus groups/case studies: brief description(e.g., demographic) profile of theparticipants

• Use direct quotation and paraphrasing of data fromfocus groups, interviews, or historical to supportgeneralizations made

• Break up your results into logical segments by using subheadings

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• answers the "So what?"

• Begin by discussing your findings in relation tothe theoretical framework introduced in theliterature review.

• introduce new literature

• discuss what your findings mean in relation to thetheoretical body of knowledge on the topic and your profession.

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

• Rich in references to similar work and background needed to interpret results.

• Discuss practical/pedagogical implications of your findings

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

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Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

• Refer back to problem posed, and

• describe the conclusions that you reached from

carrying out this investigation,

• Summarise new observations, new interpretations,

and new insights

• that have resulted from the present work.

• Include the broader implications of your results

• Do not repeat word for word the abstract,

introduction or discussion

• What is the strongest and most important statement

that you can make from your observations?

• Outline the limitations of the study.

• Suggest directions/areas for future research

• End with a brief conclusion that provides closure.

• A strong final sentence should be written.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

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Some practical tips to begin thesis writing

• Pick a topic that you are passionate about

(that will interest you for the next few years)

• Useful thesis: to others, to readers

• Contain information on • you can talk about

• and that people can use for years;

• useful for your profession;

• for publication

Some tips (cont.)

Completion plan/milestones

Work/write backwards

Start with a table of content

Time management: write everywhere, anywhere, anytime

Technical/Writing support: writing group/class

Language and voice

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Practice

a) Think about your own thesis structure

• Start with your thesis title

b) Drag an outline of your thesis structure

• Drag your “table of content”

Thesis Submission Procedure

• Refer to CGS Website

https://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/10412/1/Student_Wor

kflow_for_Thesis_Submission.pdf

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B. UNIMAS Thesis Guideline and Template

High Performance FormattingUSING MZJ FORMATTING METHOD

Copyright 2017: CRLY00007437

MOHD ZULI JAAFAR, PhD

I n n ova t orh t t p s : / / w 4 t h e s i s f o r m a t t i n g . w o r d p r e s s . c o m /

mohdzuli@uitm.edu.my

https://www.facebook.com/groups/msword4thesis

Participating Institutions for MZJ Method

UiTM

UMP

UNIMAP

UTMUKM

USM

UNITENUSIM

UNISHAMS

UNIMAS

USAS

KUIS

TOT MZJ FM CRLY00007437 ©2017 MOHD ZULI JAAFAR 26

UPLODED PROGRESSING

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Resources

•Blog

•facebook.com/groups

•facebook page

•padlet

•openlearning.com

•Telegram Channel, Group

•YouTube Channel: MZJ FORMATTING METHOD

•Advisors

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MOH D ZUL I JA A FA R,

PhD

I n n o v a t o r

MZJ Formatting Method- ZLayout

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Z-Layout

Get your

Thesis Guideline (pdf) (CGS Website)

&

UNIMAS Template (Word)(CGS Staff)

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Thesis Contents

• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

• Chapter 1 – Chapter 5

• References

• Appendices

PREFACE

THESIS BODY

REFERENCES

APPENDIX

Preface

• Contents:• COVER PAGE

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

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COVER PAGE

Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• TITLE PAGE

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

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TITLE PAGE

Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• DECLARATION

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

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DECLARATION

Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

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Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• ABSTRACT

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• ABSTRAK

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

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Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• TABLE OF CONTENTS

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• LIST OF TABLES

• List of Figures

• List of Abbreviations

LIST OF TABLES

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Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• LIST OF FIGURES

• List of Abbreviations

LIST OF FIGURES

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Preface

• Contents:• Cover Page

• Title Page

• Declaration

• Dedication (Optional)

• Acknowledgement

• Abstract

• Abstrak

• Table of Contents

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

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Thesis Body

• CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

• CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

• CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

• CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

• CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Thesis Body

• Chapter Structure

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Chapter Structure

Chapter Structure

Style for all paragraphs

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Chapter StructureInserting Caption for Table

Chapter StructureInserting Caption for Figure

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REFERENCES