WRITING PROPOSAL AND RESEARCH REPORT
MBS DissertationORIENTATION PROGRAMWRITING PROPOSALANDRESEARCH REPORTPatan Multiple CampusFaculty of ManagementMBS ProgramBijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
PROPOSAL WRITING The dissertation proposal describes what the researcher intends to do and how itwill be done. The proposal works as a road map in the journey of research. Students must submit a dissertation proposal to the Research Department in theircampus. Once approved, the student will have to prepare the report as outlined in theproposal. The title should be concise but should incorporate significant variables in the studyand their relationship. Always avoid using abbreviations and verbose terms (e. g. “A Study of , AnInvestigation into , An Understanding of ” in the title. It is generally suggested to limit the length of the title within 12 words. The approximate length of the proposal is 8-12 pages.Bijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
Sample Topics/Title for the MBS Dissertation The performance indicators of banking industry and its consequence on economic growth Effect of Gold Price and Macro Economic Factors on Stock Market of Nepal Determinants of Bank Profitability: Empirical Evidence from commercial banks of Nepal Determinants of Non-performing Loan: Empirical Evidence from the Commercial Banks ofNepal Determinants of Credit Risk in Nepalese Banking Industry Impact of Credit Risk Factors on Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nepal The impact of domestic gold price on stock price indices in Nepal Determinants of Stock Price of Nepalese Commercial Banks Determinants of Corporate Dividend Payout: Empirical Evidence from Nepal The performance indicators of banking industry and its consequence on economic growth The role of macroeconomic variables on capital structure choices Credit Risk and Profitability of Commercial Banks in NepalJob satisfaction; Employee commitment; Motivation; Organizational commitment;Trade unionism; Career interest and choices of youths are some areas of HRM.
Contents of the MBS Dissertation Proposali. Background of the studyii. Problem statementCover pageandiii. Objectives of the studyTable of contentsiv. Hypothesis (if any)are necessaryv. Rationale of the studyprefatory parts of thevi. Brief review of the literaturedissertation proposalvii. Research methodologyResearch designPopulation and sampling procedureNature and sources of data collectionResearch framework and definition of variablesMethods of analysisReferencesDURING THE COURSE OF CONFIRMING A TOPIC AND PREPARING THE PROPOSAL: Identify the possible area of the study in your specialization subjects as your interest Conduct a preliminary review of the literature in the chosen area and raise some issues forinvestigation Confirm the study variables based on the theory and/or empirical evidences Examine whether data will be available on the chosen topic or not Evaluate possible obstacles in carrying out research on the chosen areaSUBMIT AT LEAST ONE SUPPORTING/BASE ARTICLE ALONG WITH THE PROPOSALThe approximate length of the proposal: 8-12 pages.
Guidelines of the Proposal Write-upI. Background of the StudyHighlight core aspect of the topic - Clearly establish the focus of study - Should be written based on factualinformation on the topic and the industry/institutions under study.II. Problem StatementEstablish research issues - Must be supported by evidence coming from the preliminary review of literature (Theory/empirical) - normally ends by raising research questions.III. Objectives of the StudyWhat the researcher intends to do – General and specific objectives - specific objectives are conversion of researchquestions - Use action verbs (like to examine, analyze, assess, compare, etc.).IV. Hypotheses (if any)A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables – Must be linked with researchquestions/objectives.V. Rationale of the StudyJustify that the study is worthwhile and useful to the readers – Give reasons for expansion of knowledge, improvecurrent practices - Be specific.VI. Review of the LiteratureThis section is meant to review theoretical/conceptual foundation on the topic of the research. The researcher shouldidentify the key issues investigated by the past studies, check the methodology followed, and note the key findings ofthe study. Literature related to the government policy, regulations and any other relevant aspects of the study shouldalso be covered in this section. Based on the review of existing knowledge, the researcher should generate theconcluding remarks as key research gaps.VII. Research MethodologyResearch designPopulation and sampling procedureNature and sources of data collectionResearch framework and definition of variablesMethods of analysisThe approximate length of the proposal is 8-12 pages.References
MBS DissertationWRITING RESEARCH REPORTBijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
Paper and Typography Paper size: The dissertation should be typed on ISO A4-size white bond paper. Line spacing: The line spacing should be 1.5 in all text lines. Allow 1.5-line space afterevery line in the title, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, appendices andfigure captions. Single spacing should be used only in the table of contents, charts,graphs, tables, quotations, and references. Margin: Top, bottom and right margin should be 2.54 cm (1 inch) and left marginshould be 3.18 cm (1.25 inches). The rationale behind more left margin is to allow spacefor binding. Type face and font: Use uniform typeface and font size. Use Times New Roman, with12-point font size. Typing should be done only on recto side of the paper. Page number: Beginning with the first page of the main body of the text, pages arenumbered consecutively and runs to supplementary section of the dissertation. Theyare numbered with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, .) and put at top right corner of thepage. But all pages preceding the first page of the body are counted and numberedwith lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, ) and put at the center at the bottom of thepages. Note that the title page is counted but the number is not printed on the page. Tables and Figures. Tables have their titles and numbers above the tables. Figureshave their titles and numbers below the figures.Bijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
Regulation of Faculty of Management on Dissertation Writing An original and accurate account of research that meets the academic standard set byTribhuvan University, FOM guidelines for Master’s level dissertation writing. Dissertation must be written in English language only. Achieved a satisfactory standard of expression and presentation in the report. On a topic approved by the Research Department of the respective campus, thecandidate should defend dissertation proposal at research committee of the college. Not submitted (or not intended to submit) fully or partially to any organizations,institutions for any other academic award. Supervised by the faculty member of the campus. However, there could be co-supervisorfrom outside the campus. Duly signed by supervisor, viva voce expert and research committee head. Examined by external examiner and viva voce completed at college as a first step ofevaluation. Students can submit dissertation proposal at 4th semester to respective campus andcan work with close supervision of assigned supervisor. Students can only attend viva-voce examination after the final examination of 4thsemester. The time interval between dissertation registration (after proposal defend) and vivavoce date should be minimum 2 months (60) days. College/ research department must keep record of each student’s proposal registrationdate, dissertation submitted date and viva voce date along with dissertation topic.Bijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
Sections in the MBS Dissertation/GRPPrefatory section:A master’s dissertation is a substantialdocument presenting independentTitle page of the dissertationresearch that makes a contribution to theCertification of authorshipcurrent body of knowledge in a scholarlyReport of Research CommitteeApproval sheetfield.AcknowledgmentsTable of contentsA dissertation typically is made up of threeList of tablesmain sections:List of figuresPrefatory sectionAbbreviationsBody of the dissertation sectionAbstractSupplementary materials sectionBijaya Gopal ShresthaProfessor, PMC,TU
Body of the MBS Dissertation:1Chapter IIntroductionBackground of the StudyHighlight core aspect of the topic - Clearly establish the focus of study - Should be written based onfactual information on the topic and the institutions under study.Problem StatementEstablish research issues - Must be supported by evidence coming from the review of literature (Theory/empirical) - normally ends by raising research questions.Objectives of the StudyWhat the researcher intends to do – General and specific objectives - specific objectives are conversionof research questions - Use action verbs (like to examine, analyze, assess, compare, etc.).Hypotheses (if any)A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables – Must be linked withresearch questions/objectives the research questions.Rationale of the StudyJustify that the study is worthwhile and useful to the readers – Give reasons for expansionof knowledge, improve current practices - Be specific and honest.Limitations of the StudyIt specifies the generalizability and applicability of the research findings. It is genuine indication to thereaders on the applicability of the study.Organization of the Study: This section is not mentioned in prescribed guideline. However, you caninclude it in a paragraph about the organization of the report at a glance.
Body of the MBS Dissertation:2Chapter IILiterature ReviewIntroductionIt is general section of Chapter II to create a link between Chapter I and remainder of thisChapter. It also should provide an overview of the organization of the second chapter.Theoretical ReviewThis section is meant to review theoretical underpinning on the topic of the research. But atmaster’s level dissertation, it is equally useful to review literature related to conceptualaspects of the topic.Empirical ReviewThe researcher should identify the key issues investigated by the past studies, check themethodology followed, and note the key findings of the study. Literature related to thegovernment policy, regulations and any other relevant aspects of the study should also becovered in this section.Concluding Remarks (Research Gap)Based on the review of existing knowledge, The researcher should generate the concludingremarks as key research gaps.
Body of the MBS Dissertation:3Chapter IIIResearch MethodologyIntroductionIt is general section of Chapter III to create a link between previous chapters and remainderof this Chapter. It also should provide an overview of the organization of the third chapter.Following sections are required to enumerate precisely.Research Design: Mention which research design followed, e.g., Descriptive, Comparative(Correlational/Causal-comparative), Exploratory, Interventional, Qualitative etc.Population and Sampling Procedure: Clearly define the population of the study, mention thesampling frame, specify sampling unit/size, and sample design (sampling method).Nature and Sources of Data and Instrument of Data Collection: Specify whether primaryor secondary or both types of data have been used. Also specify the sources, methods andinstruments of data collection.Methods of Analysis: Mostly, a set of tools (e. g. financial, statistical) are used to analyze thedata. In some cases, models are used in the analyses. They must be spelt out in this section.Research Framework: The research framework should be developed to streamline theresearch process. The review of theory and evidences from the empirical studies reviewedin the second chapter should guide the development of the research frameworkDefinition of Variables: The researcher should clearly identify the variables (based on theresearch framework), define them and establish their interrelationship at this point.
Body of the MBS Dissertation:4Chapter IVResults and DiscussionResultsIn this section, the researcher should present and analyze the collected data toextract their meaning. The analysis should seek to answer the research questionsposed or test the hypotheses set in the introduction chapter. The outcomes of theanalyses are the results. Organize the results section in a number of subsectionsto cover each aspect of the study. Follow APA Style of presenting tables andfigures.DiscussionIn this section, the researcher evaluates and interprets the results. Here theresearcher examines every aspect of the results in terms of related theories andempirical findings of other researchers. The researcher should discuss why thefindings are consistent or inconsistent as predicted by the theory, compare theresults with that of other researchers and try to explore the reasons for thesimilarity or the contradiction. Care should be given to the effect of sample size,and other methodological limitations and weaknesses.
Body of the MBS Dissertation:5Chapter VSummary and ConclusionSummaryIn this section, a researcher should provide an overview of the study, it shouldcover a very brief introduction and justification of the study. Then give the generalobjective of the study and describe the methods followed in the research process.Then it should report the key findings based on the analysis and discussionsection. Organize findings in a purposeful manner so that they answer the researchquestions, support or negate the hypotheses, and lead to conclusion.ConclusionIn this section, the researcher wraps up the things by telling the readers what waslearned from the research. The researcher should draw the conclusion only fromthe findings of the study. Number of findings may lead to one conclusion. Theresearcher’s logical interpretation of the findings leading to new knowledge makesthe research original.ImplicationsThe research may have number of implications to policy makers, practitioners andacademic community. They may be reported as recommendations and areas forfuture research.
Supplementary SectionThe most common materials placed in this section are the list of references consultedfor the research purpose and data set used for analysis.ReferencesThe purpose of reference list is to provide information necessary to identify and retrieveeach source and give due credit to the works of others which are quoted in the presentwork. The researcher extensively uses reference materials while writing research report.These reference materials are required to be listed as part of the research work. [Followthe APA style]AppendicesThe purpose of this section is to provide a space for materials that are relevant to theresearch work but their inclusion in the main text distract the readers. Some materialseven work as the evidence to what has been presented or discussed in the text.
Conventions of Academic WritingDo not use pronouns like I, We or You. Keep the language impersonal. If required use thewords like: Researcher or Investigator.Keep the writing formal. Avoid emotive language and slang like: Wonderful, Heavenly,Snatched, OMG .Write small numbers in words, but larger numbers in figures. For instance: five years; 5,000 years.Avoid contractions of words: For instance: can’t/don’t should be written as cannot/do not.Maintain confidentiality: Researcher should not disclose the name and privacy sensitivethings of the participants or respondents. Maintain the ethical considerations.Use the non-English terms in italicized font. For instance, Talabandi, Gherau, Hadtal.Maintain the consistency in writing layout and spelling format. For instance: British or American.Ensure that your paragraphs are appropriately sized.Avoid over-reliance on quotations. Do not copy large piece of text from the publications. Useeither a few relevant sentences in quotation form or paraphrase, crediting the author byproviding a reference. Quotations should be used in support of your argument and not insteadof writing. Pursue the authorized writing style and format. For instance: APA Style.Follow the prescribed guidelines of the concern academic authority.
APA Style of Citation and ReferencingAPA style is a writing style and format for academic documents.It is commonly used for citing sources within the field of behavioral and social sciences.It is described in the style guide of the American Psychological Association (APA), which istitled the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.APA citation style requires author/s to cite sources when they are using direct quotations,paraphrasing, concepts, ideas, images, facts and figures from other publications that arenot common knowledge.It is known as crediting the sources in academic writing.So far the MBS Dissertation of TU is concern, atpresent, the style of APA 6th Edition is inpractice (According to the Master’s DegreeDissertation Guidelines- 2019 of Faculty ofManagement, TU).However, APA 7th Edition had been released inOctober, 2019 and from 2020 many universitiesadapted the style of APA 7th Edition in theiracademic writing and publications.It had to be done sooner or later.There are some differences regardingwriting styles in two publications.Prof. Bijaya Gopal Shrestha
Displaying Results in APA StyleSee Publication Manual of the APA (6th ed.), pp. 125 - 167 for more detailNote. Necessary notes about the results in normal typing.Do not write:Following table, above table, following figure, abovefigureWrite:Table 4 shows Figure 2 depicts .Bijaya Gopal Shrestha 18Professor, TU
Crediting the Sources in APA StyleAPA citation style requires scholar/s to cite sources when they are using directquotations, paraphrasing, concepts, ideas, images, facts and figures from otherpublications that are not common knowledge.Quoting and ParaphrasingWhen quoting we use the author’s exact words, and when paraphrasingwe use the author’s ideas but put them in our own words. Paraphrasing is our own unique explanation of another person's ideas. In paraphrasing, we must express the idea in our own words and our ownsentence structure. Paraphrasing is not merely inserting synonyms to replace the words that theoriginal author used. Scholars often paraphrase other sources' ideas to support new ideas. Good paraphrasing helps researchers avoid unintentional plagiarism.Prof. Bijaya Gopal Shrestha
Crediting the Sources in APA StyleQuoting: Direct Quotation from the SourcesWhen quoting, always provide the author, year, and page(p)/ pages(pp) orparagraph number for no paginated material.ExamplesInterpreting contemporary situation, Roach (2007) wrote that“Pressure from a number of directions is pushing MNCs to becomemore transparent and accountable regarding their social andenvironmental impacts, but much more needs to be done”(p. 29).Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are an economic, political,environmental, and cultural force that is unavoidable in today’sworld. Therefore, “Pressure from a number of directions is pushingMNCs to become more transparent and accountable regarding theirsocial and environmental impacts, but much more needs to bedone”(Roach, 2007, p. 29).Prof. Bijaya Gopal Shrestha20
Crediting the Sources in APA StyleQuoting : Direct Quotation of SourcesIf the quotation comprises 40 or more words, display it in a freestanding block of text andomit the quotation marks. Start such a block quotation on a new line and indent about ahalf inch from the left margin (as a new paragraph). If there are multi paragraphs, indentthe first line of each an additional half inch. Direct quotation must be accurate. Doublespace entire quotation. For example:Highlighting the nature of a free economy, Friedman (1962) argued thatThere is one and only one social responsibility of business–to useits resources and
Sample Topics/Title for the MBS Dissertation The performance indicators of banking industry and its consequence on economic growth Effect of Gold Price and Macro Economic Factors on Stock Market of Nepal Determinants of Bank Profitability: Empirical Evidence from commercial banks of Nepal Determinants of Non-perform
Writing a Research Proposal 1 KhurshidAhmad Professor of Computer Science Department of Computer Science, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Presentation for Trinity CS post-grads, April 2011, Dublin Writing a Research Proposal A research proposal is similar in a number of ways to a project proposal; however, a research proposal addresses a .
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Successful Proposal Writing A proposal must convince the prospective donor of two things: ¾ that the problem you wish to address is of significant magnitude and, ¾ you have the means and the imagination to solve theproblem or meet the need Proposal Types ¾ Unsolicited - You may submit an unsolicited proposal at any time,
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Proposal writing is only one of the phases of project management. It is one of the numerous actions that form a logical sequence of events usually referred to as the project cycle. 3) Conducting preparatory work prior to proposal writing A quality project proposal is the final product of a participatory process that involves
Proposal Tracking (PT): The IRES system that captures and stores pre-award and award information. Proposal Development (PD): Used to create and submit proposals, as well as capture data for Proposal Tracking IRES PT Record: The Proposal Tracking record, created for each proposal. S
