BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMMES RESEARCH PROJECT II DETAILED GUIDELINES

Cover Page
i.This page should not be paginated (should not have page numbers)
ii.All wording should be single- spaced and in uppercase/Capital Letters
iii.All wording on the cover page to be bold and font-size is 12.
iv. Items will be arranged in the following sequence:
a) Title should be focused, informative and not more than 20 words
b) Full names of student followed by highest qualification in standard abbreviation in brackets
c) Registration number of student below the name
Then follows the writing:-
For Undergraduates e.g.
“A Research Project submitted to (specific schools) in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Award of the Degree of (specify, e.g. Bachelor of Science) Gretsa University.”
E.g.
A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE
OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT OF GRETSA UNIVERSITY
v. Month and year of submission comes immediately after (e.g. MAY 2016) – immediately before the bottom
margin
vi. The entire wording on the cover page should be centered

Student Declaration Page

To have the following writings in font 12, Times New Roman:
This research project is my original work and has not been presented for award of a (state your level of learning)
or for any similar purpose in any other institution

E.g. of a student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree

This research project is my original work and has not been presented for award of a degree or for any similar
purpose in any other institution

Then the student signs above his/her name and registration number, followed by the date. E.g.:
Signature: ___________________ Date: __________________
Josphat Njoroge Kinuthia
HPM-2-0340-15

Supervisor: This research project has been submitted with my approval as University supervisor

Then the supervisor, sign above at least two of his/her names written in full, together with his/her respective
departments.
Signature: ___________________ Date: ________________________
Name of the supervisor
Department _____________________
Gretsa University (state institution of supervisor(s))

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E.g.
Signature: Date: 2nd June, 2016
Prof. George Obasanjo Kiriamiti
School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences
Gretsa University

Table of Contents
The table of contents should capture the main titles and subtitles (Up to three levels) in the text.
They should be computer generated
List of Tables
Need to be computer generated and as listed sequentially
List of Figures
Need to be computer generated and as listed sequentially

Abbreviations and Acronyms

This section should be included in the proposal. Abbreviations and Acronyms need to be given because they may
be found in the proposal. They should be written in an alphabetical order.

Operational Definitions of Terms

i. Operational definition of terms refers to how the term or the variable has been contextualized in the study
by the researcher (i.e. in which context has the word been used)
ii. This should come immediately after the Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abstract
i. All proposals must have an abstract, which should not exceed 300 words.
ii. Should be single-spaced and not paragraphed.
iii. The abstract should consist of precise summary of the entire proposal including the background to the study,
problem statement, objectives, hypotheses and methodology and data analysis methods. It should give an
overview of the proposal.
iv. The abstract should start on a new page.

FORMAT OF MAIN BODY OF PROPOSAL

Each Chapter of the proposal e.g. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION should start on a separate page.
Note: Numbering of the main body of the proposal to follow as stated below where applicable
Each chapter should start with an introduction section which highlights the contents covered

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION (Centered)
This chapter should start with an introduction which specifies the subtitles of content covered.
1.1 Background to the Study (introduces subject area under study and current situation).
 You are expected to give an overview of your research as follows:
• General overview of the research subject matter
• Overview of the profile of the population of study
• The critical statement should be acknowledged but it should not look like a literature review
• Average 2 to 3 pages
1.2 Statement of Research Problem
 To be precise and focused
 It should show a clear felt need of the problem (from valid source or reference)
 What is the problem at hand?
 When and why is it a problem?
 How is it a problem?
 Literature citation.
 The statement of research problem should be organized in such a way that each paragraph
demonstrates existence of the knowledge gap indicated by the research questions.
1.3 Purpose of the Study (this is what the study seeks to address)
E.g. The study seeks to investigate the effects of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on customer
satisfaction.
1.4 Conceptual Framework
• Explain the relationships between the independent and dependent variables The conceptual
framework to reflect the research title and the objectives
1.5 Research Questions
 Pose a question highlighting the knowledge gap corresponding directly to each specific objectives
set that will address it
1.6 Objectives of the Study
1.5.1 General Objective
 This should be developed from the title
1.5.2 Specific Objectives
 They should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound)
 Revolve around the research title
 Specific objectives are directly linked to the variables used in the study
 They should be at least two
1.7 Hypotheses of the Study
 Should be derived from the specific objectives
 Should follow the order in which the specific objectives are written
 They should be stated in the null [Ho] hypothesis
1.8 Significance of the Study
 To explain the benefits and the beneficiaries of the findings of the study
 On average 4 to 5 beneficiaries should be included

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1.9 Delimitations or Scope of the Study
 Gives the extent to which the study will be carried out
 What is the knowledge depth considered for this study
 Why do you limit yourself only to the depth proposed

1.10 Limitations of the Study

 These are the anticipated constraints
 What are the possible constraints that may hinder you from an in-depth investigation?
 What are the mitigation strategies or ways of reducing them?

1.11 Assumptions (if necessary)

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW (centered)

2.1 Introduction (provide structure of this chapter in line with objectives in chapter one)
2.2 Review of literature related to the main concept
2.3 1st Theme: Review by first objective
2.4 2nd theme: Review by second objective
2.5 3rd theme: Review by third objective
2.6 4th theme: Review by fourth objective
(The sequence follows based on the number of objectives in the study)
2.7 Theoretical framework(s)
These originates from existing theories and forms the foundation of the proposed study. Discuss in length the
propositions of the theory and use other experts’ advice pertaining the use of the proposed theories. In addition,
discuss how the proposed theory informs the current proposed study. The candidate should demonstrate how the
theories proposed will help in the research proposal in becoming the basis on which the entire research is based.
It is advised that student retains the key theory and possibly two.
2.8 Summary of identified gaps in the reviewed literature

General guidelines when reviewing literature:

• The literature review should be consistent with the requirements of the title (internal consistency) and aspects
of the introduction e.g. background to the study.
• The literature review should be properly cited, paraphrased and critiqued. Use the latest version of American
Psychological Association (APA) guideline.
• Unless for archival studies, 80% of the references used should not be less than five years old.
• Endeavour to use current refereed journals and periodicals as much as possible (use the University e-resources,
books and e-books). Note that you can seek assistance from the University librarian.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (centered)

The Methodology section should start with an introduction which specifies the subtitles of content covered. This
Chapter highlights methodological details appropriate to the study. They include:
3.1 Research Design (State and justify the chosen design). Link the design to the study topic. In addition, the
research design determines the kind of research instruments that will be used for data collection and the method
of analyses.
3.2 Study Area (State where the study will be done (location) and why it was chosen)
3.3 Target Population (Describe the target population and give figures and a reliable source).
3.4 Sampling Techniques (Explain the Sampling techniques used for the study)
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3.5 Sample Size (explain the sample size-(unit of analysis) and explain how it will be determined).
3.6 Measurement of Variables (the candidate to demonstrate how each variable will be measured in the study)
Use a table per the following format:
Variable Measures/Indicators Measurement scale Question number

3.7 Research Instruments (Justify the choice of instruments that will be used in the study and how they will be
constructed and what they are meant to achieve)
3.8 Validity of Measurements- Explain how the validity of the measurements will be established by describing
the various forms of validity such as face validity, content validity, and construct validity if any.
3.9. Reliability of Measurements – Describe how you will assess the reliability of measurements. For example,
using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient of factor analysis
3.10 Data Collection Techniques (Explain how field data collection will be done)
3.11 Data Analysis
o Explain the techniques that will be applied in analyzing data based on each objective stated
o Clarify the methods of analysis of each research question or hypotheses (use a table to ensure clarity) as
follows:
Hypothesis Hypothesis test Statistical model

o For qualitative data indicate the method of thematizing and coding

o Explain how data will be presented after analysis is complete (e.g. tabular, graphs, and text)
3.12 Logistical and Ethical Considerations
i) Logistics refers to all the processes or activities that a researcher must address or carry out to ensure successful
completion of a research project.
ii) Ethical issues deals with one’s conduct and serve as a guide to one’s behavior.

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION (centered)

This chapter should deal with the interpretation and explanation of the study findings with respect to the stated
research questions or hypotheses
Guidelines for Chapter Four
i. Introduction to the chapter
ii. An overview of the findings need be mentioned.
iii. Discussion of the findings is to be based on the objectives. The results are actual presentation of
observations, including statistics, tables and graphs. Discussion of findings need to follow the logical
sequence in which the objectives occurred in chapter 1.
iv. Move from the descriptive (univariate) to the inferential statistics (multivariate). Mention negative results
as well as positive. Concur and critique other studies.
v. Lay out the case as for a jury. Present sufficient details so that others can draw their own inferences and
construct their own explanations.
vi. Break up your results into logical segments by using subheadings.

Describe the nature of the findings; do not just tell the reader whether or not they are significant.
The discussion section should be a brief essay in itself, answering the following questions and cautions:
i. What are the major patterns in the observations?
ii. What are the relationships, trends and generalizations among the results?
iii. What are the exceptions to these patterns or generalizations?
iv. What are the likely causes (mechanisms) underlying these patterns resulting predictions?
v. Is there agreement or disagreement with previous work?
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 vi. Interpret results in terms of background laid out in the introduction – what is the relationship of the
present results to the original question?
vii. What is the implication of the present results for other unanswered questions in policy, practice and
development?
viii. Include the evidence or line of reasoning supporting each interpretation.
ix. What is the significance of the present results: why should we care?

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (centered)

This Chapter should have a summary of findings. Besides conclusion and recommendations, the implication of
findings should be explained here. It is in this chapter that additional research areas should be suggested as well
as future projection based on the study.
The specific areas include:
(i) Introduction- (Introduce the chapter as done in the other chapters before).
(ii) Summary- Summary of the major findings among others to begin here. (The major findings should
tally with the number of objectives).
(iii) Conclusions- Summary of the implications of the main findings. Emphatic, strong conclusions based
on the study findings should be stated here.
(iv) Recommendations for Policy or Practice- Summary of the main recommendations based on the
study findings and logical statements in the conclusion should be stated here.
(v) Recommendations for Further Research- What is considered to be gaps left out by the study, which
would need further investigation through research should be given.

The references and then appendices should follow this chapter.

REFERENCES
References should be single-spaced and listed alphabetically in the reference list.
For citations within the text, the format of author and year of publication is recommended. Use the latest American
Psychology Association (APA) style of referencing. For further reading follow the link below:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/560/

E.g.: APA referencing of a book

Mugenda, O.M. & Mugenda, A.G. (2003). Research Methods Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Nairobi: ACTS
Press.

E.g.: APA referencing of a journal

Zopiatis, A. & Constanti, P. (2007). “And never the twain shall meet”: Investigating the Hospitality industry-
education relationship in Cyprus. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 49(5), 391–407.

APPENDICES
They includes such items as Work Plan, Budget, Maps, and Questionnaires.
These must be numbered sequentially e.g. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3...

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RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTATION DETAILS
(a) Typing
o Typing: All research projects should be typed in font size 12 (Times New Roman) on A4 size paper,
double- spaced, and on one side of the page;
o Page margins: Page margins are as follows: left 40 mm (1.5 inches) and all other sides 25 mm (1 inch);
o Page numbering: e.g. 1, 2, 3…should be aligned bottom centre and start on the INTRODUCTION
page. All preceding pages except cover page should have Roman numbering system (i.e. i, ii, iii…). From
title page to abbreviation/acronyms page, the numbering should be in Roman lower case numbers (i, ii…)
in a sequential manner
(b) Tense: Past and present perfect participle tense should be used.

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