Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate

INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

GUIDELINES ON DISSERTATION FORMAT FOR POST
GRADUATE
DRAFT
2011 (First Edition)
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................1
1.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION...................................................................................2
1.1 Length of Dissertation........................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Typing, Style and Printing.................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Typeface, Typing Quality and Font Size ............................................................................2
1.3.1 Font Size..................................................................................................................... 3
1. !argins.............................................................................................................................. 3
1." Paragraphs......................................................................................................................... 3
1.# Spacing..............................................................................................................................
1.$ Preli%inary Pages Pagination............................................................................................
1.& 'eadings and Su(headings............................................................................................... "
1.) *otes and Footnotes.......................................................................................................... "
1.1+ Ta(les.............................................................................................................................. #
1.1+.1 Ta(le *u%(ering....................................................................................................... #
1.1+.2 Ta(le Presentation..................................................................................................... #
1.11 Figures and,or Plates....................................................................................................... $
1.12 -.uations and For%ulae.................................................................................................. &
1.12.1 -.uations and For%ulae *u%(ering.........................................................................&
2.0 LAYOUT AND ARRANGEMENT OF CONTENTS....................................................9
2.1 The dissertation is co%posed of three parts/......................................................................)
2.2 Title Page......................................................................................................................... 1+
2.3 Declaration ...................................................................................................................... 11
2. 0(stract............................................................................................................................ 12
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
2." 0c1no2ledge%ent............................................................................................................ 12
2.# Ta(le of 3ontents............................................................................................................. 12
2.$ List of Ta(les, Figures and Plates....................................................................................12
2.& List of Sy%(ols, 0((re4iations or *o%enclature .............................................................12
3.0 BODY OF DISSERTATION......................................................................................13
3.1 5ntroduction...................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Literature 6e4ie2............................................................................................................. 13
3.3 6esearch !ethods........................................................................................................... 13
3. 6esults , Data 0nalysis.................................................................................................... 13
3." Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.# 3onclusion 0nd 6eco%%endations.................................................................................1
4.0 REFERENCE MATERIALS......................................................................................14
.1 6eference List.................................................................................................................. 1
.2 0ppendices...................................................................................................................... 1
5.0 WRITING CONVENTIONS........................................................................................15
".1 7nits of !easure%ent...................................................................................................... 1"
".2 *u%(ers.......................................................................................................................... 1"
".3 -lliptical !ar1................................................................................................................... 1#
". 7se of 8rac1ets ............................................................................................................... 1#
"." 7se of Sy%(ols for Percentage........................................................................................ 1#
".# Direct Quotations............................................................................................................. 1$
".$ 3iting references.............................................................................................................. 1&
".& Serialization...................................................................................................................... 2+
6.0 UALITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE DISSERTATION .........................................21
#.1 Plagiaris%........................................................................................................................ 21
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
#.2 'o2 to a4oid Plagiaris%................................................................................................... 2"
#.2.1 3opying..................................................................................................................... 2"
#.2.2 Quoting...................................................................................................................... 2"
#.2.3 Paraphrasing............................................................................................................. 2"
#.2. 9eneral 5nde(tedness............................................................................................... 2"
#.2." Penalties for Plagiaris%............................................................................................. 2"
#.3 -diting for 0ccuracy......................................................................................................... 2"
!.0 THE PROCESS OF DISSERTATION SUBMISSION...............................................26
$.1 8inding for Su(%ission..................................................................................................... 2#
$.2 8inding the Final 3opy .................................................................................................... 2#
$.2.1 Paper......................................................................................................................... 2#
$.2.2 3o4er Spine............................................................................................................... 2#
$.2.3 3o4er......................................................................................................................... 2$
A""#$%&'#( 24
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
INTRODUCTION
1. This hand(oo1 on the 9uidelines for Dissertation For%at of Post 9raduate
3ourse2or1 Progra%%es has (een prepared (y the 5nstitute of 9raduate Studies
:59S; of 7ni4ersiti Te1nologi !060 :7iT!; to help graduate students prepare their
dissertations for acceptance (y the uni4ersity.
2. 0 dissertation has to (e for%atted. The dissertation for%atting guidelines presented
in this hand(oo1 are the (asic re.uisites of 2riting that ha4e to (e ta1en into
consideration in order to %eet the acade%ic re.uire%ents. This hand(oo1 deals 2ith
the follo2ing guidelines on for%atting a dissertation for !aster and Doctorate
Degree Progra%%es (y 3ourse2or1.
Technical specification
Layout and 0rrange%ent of 3ontents
8ody of Dissertation
6eference !aterials
<riting 3on4entions
Quality and 5ntegrity of the Dissertation
The Process of Dissertation Su(%ission
0ppendices
3. This dissertation for%at guide could not ha4e (een co%pleted 2ithout the
continuous support and in4alua(le contri(utions (y the 'ead of 9raduate
Progra%%e :3ourse2or1; at each faculty le4el.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
1.1 L#$)*+ ,- D&((#.*/*&,$
0s a general guideline, the length of a/
1. Doctoral dissertation is a %ini%u% of +,+++ 2ords and should not e=ceed
#+,+++ 2ords :e=cluding charts and appendices;.
2. !asters dissertation is a %ini%u% of 1+,+++ 2ords and should not e=ceed
3+,+++ 2ords :e=cluding charts and appendices;.
3. 5ndependent Study is a %ini%u% of $,+++ 2ords and should not e=ceed
),+++ 2ords.
1.2 T0"&$)1 S*02# /$% P.&$*&$)
!icrosoft <ord progra%%e should (e used for typing.
For 2riting style, candidates can use the 0P0 citation style or 'ar4ard style. 0
dissertation should only use one citation style that is generally accepted and suits
its nor% in the field of study and should (e used consistently throughout the
dissertation. 3andidates are ad4ised to refer to the latest con4entions of 2riting
fro% 2e(sites.
0ll final copies of the dissertation should (e printed on laser printer for .uality
printing.
1.3 T0"#-/'#1 T0"&$) 3/2&*0 /$% F,$* S&4#
The entire (ody te=t of the dissertation, including headings and page nu%(ers,
should (e of the sa%e font or typeface. -ither >Ti%es *e2 6o%an? or >0rial?
should (e used. <hiche4er font is used, it needs to (e used consistently
throughout the dissertation.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.3.1 F,$* S&4#
Te=t/ Ti%es *e2 6o%an 12 , 0rial 11. Te=t should not (e scripted or
italicised e=cept for/
Scientific na%es, ter%s in a different language, and .uotation.
1.3.2 Sy%(ols or special characters , notations not found on the co%puter
1ey(oard
Should (e dra2n in (lac1 in1 2ith a %echanical guide.
1.4 M/.)&$(
!argin specifications are %eant to facilitate (inding and tri%%ing. The stipulated
%argins for the general te=t are as follo2s/
T," #%)# 5 2.5 '6 71 &$'+8
R&)+* (&%# 5 2.5 '6 71 &$'+8
L#-* (&%# 5 3.9 '6 71.5 &$'+#(8
B,**,6 #%)# 5 2.5 '6 71 &$'+8
0ll infor%ation including te=t headings, footnotes and illustrations should (e
2ithin these %argins.
N,*#5 I* &( &6"#./*&:# *+/* *+# "/)# (#*;3" &( -,.6/**#% /'',.%&$)20 ".&,. *,
*+# %./-*&$) ,- *+# %&((#.*/*&,$.
1.5 P/./)./"+(
-4ery paragraph should not (e indented.
0 ne2 paragraph at the (otto% of a page %ust ha4e at least t2o full lines of te=t.
5f not, it should (egin on the ne=t page.
0ll paragraphs should (e >@ustified?.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.6 S"/'&$)
7se dou(le spacing (et2een lines and paragraphs 2ith e=ceptions of the
follo2ing 2hich ha4e triple spacing/
B#*<##$ H#/%&$)( /$% T#=*.
T#=* /$% H#/%&$)(
T#=* /$% E>3/*&,$(
T#=* /$% T/?2#(
A""#$%&'#(1 (3'+ /( 3#(*&,$$/&.#(1 L#**#.(
1.! P.#2&6&$/.0 P/)#( P/)&$/*&,$
0ll pages in the preli%inary section such as 0c1no2ledge%ents, Ta(le of
3ontents etc. should (e nu%(ered in consecuti4e lo2er case 6o%an nu%erals :i,
ii, iii, i4, etc.;, e=cept for the Title page 2hich is suppressed.
0ll pages of the %ain te=t including the references or (i(liography, appendices,
ta(les and figures should (e nu%(ered consecuti4ely in 0ra(ic nu%erals :1, 2, 3,
etc.;.
Page nu%(ers %ust not (e punctuated, (rac1eted, hyphenated nor acco%panied
(y any decorati4e sy%(ols and should (e (otto% centered. The position of the
page nu%(er %ust (e consistent throughout the dissertation.
-ach appendi= should (e identified separately using a capital letter :0ppendi= 0,
0ppendi= 8, etc.; on the top center of the page. N, (#"/./*,. "/)#( /.#
/22,<#%.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.9 H#/%&$)( /$% S3?+#/%&$)(
0ll headings :e=cept Le4el 1 heading; and su(headings should (e nu%(ered and
(old. The follo2ing ta(le illustrates the for%at of the heading and su(headings.
Table 1: For%at of headings
H#/%&$)( L#:#2(
3entered, 8old, 7ppercase 'eading
e.g. CHAPTER 1
NEW TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Le4el 1
*u%(ered, 8old, 0ligned Left, 7ppercase 'eading
e.g. 1.0 INTRODUCTION
Le4el 2
*u%(ered, 8old, 0ligned Left, 3apitalise -ach <ord 'eading
e.g. 2.1 C,$(*.3'*&,$ I$%3(*.0
Le4el 3
5ndented, 8old, 0ligned Left, 3apitalise -ach <ord 'eading
e.g. 2.1.1 M/2/0(&/$ C,$(*.3'*&,$ I$%3(*.0
2.1.2 I$*#.$/*&,$/2 C,$(*.3'*&,$ I$%3(*.0
Le4el
5ndented, 8old, 0ligned Left, Sentence 3ase 'eading
e.g. 2.1.1.1 T0"#( ,- <,.@
Le4el "
1.9 N,*#( /$% F,,*$,*#(
They are only applica(le to ta(les and figures. Footnotes, unless necessary,
should (e 1ept to a %ini%u%. The ) point font size is to (e used for notes and
footnotes.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.10 T/?2#(
-ach ta(le caption %ust (e centered at the top of the ta(le :title case;. Ta(le
'eading should (e as sho2n (elo2/
Table 1: For%at of headings
:3entred, 5talisedAonly the 2ord Ta(le 1 and the ta(le nu%(erB and Sentence
3ase 'eading;
1.10.1 T/?2# N36?#.&$)
The rele4ant ta(les are grouped and nu%(ered se.uentially 2ithin the
respecti4e chapter. For e=a%ple, ta(les found in 3hapter should (e
nu%(ered Ta(le .1, Ta(le .2, Ta(le .3, and so on.
1.10.2 T/?2# P.#(#$*/*&,$
Ta(le presentation %ust (e 2ithout 4ertical lines and used consistently
throughout the dissertation.
Example in Chapter 4
Table 4.1: Surface area and porosity of (leaching soil
C+#6&'/2 C,6",(&*&,$
S3.-/'# A.#/
76
2
)
;1
8
P,.,(&*0
7'6
3
)
;1
8
Neutral clay 0.68 0.68
8leaching clay
:+." ! '2SC;
0.80 0.80
8leaching clay
:1.+ ! '2SC;
0.80 0.80
*ote/ Pradas, Sanchez and 3a%po :1))3, p. 23;. 5nfluence of the physical
che%istry properties of an acid acti4ated (entonite in the (leaching of oli4e oil.
5f a ta(le is ta1en fro% another source, the reference %ust (e cited properly at
the (otto% left of the ta(le.
5f any ta(le continues to the follo2ing or su(se.uent pages, the top line of the
page reads :for e=a%ple;/ Ta(le .2 continued. The caption is not repeated
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
1.11 F&)3.#( /$%A,. P2/*#(
-ach figure caption %ust (e centered at the (otto% of the figure :sentence case;.
Figures %ay (e illustrations, graphs, %aps, charts and diagra%s.
Cnly the 2ord Figure and the figure nu%(er are italicised. 0 figure nor%ally
should not e=tend (eyond one page. 5f it does, the sa%e guidelines as for ta(les
should (e follo2ed.
The rele4ant figures are grouped and nu%(ered se.uentially 2ithin the
respecti4e chapter. For e=a%ple, figures found in 3hapter should (e nu%(ered
Figure .1, Figure .2, Figure .3, and so on.
Figure 4.2/ 3o%pressi4e strength of 6ice 'us1 0sh :6'0; concrete of 9rade 3+
5f a figure is ta1en fro% another source, the reference %ust (e cited properly at
the (otto% left of the figure.
5f any figure continues to the follo2ing or su(se.uent pages, the top line of the
page reads :for e=a%ple;/ Figure .3 continued. The caption is not repeated.
Sche%atic and line diagra%s should (e dra2n 2ith the aid of a co%puter or 2ith
%echanical aids using (lac1 in1 on 2hite paper.
The sa%e rules apply for the use of Plates.
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0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Age (Days)
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e

S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h

(
N
/
m
m


2
)
!C30 "#A3020 "#A3030
!C30Sp "#A3020Sp "#A3030Sp
Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
Plate 4.1: The 4ie2 of the Tuan1u Syed Sira@uddin 8uilding, 7iT! fro% the Dataran
Teng1u Fauziah
1.12 E>3/*&,$( /$% F,.632/#
-4ery e.uation should (e nu%(ered and centered continuously in parenthesis
aligned to the right.
1.12.1 E>3/*&,$( /$% F,.632/# N36?#.&$)
The rele4ant e.uations and for%ulae are grouped and nu%(ered
se.uentially 2ithin the respecti4e chapter. For e=a%ple, e.uations and
for%ulae found in 3hapter should (e nu%(ered -.uation .1, -.uation
.2, -.uation .3, and so on. For e=a%ple, the first e.uation should (e
nu%(ered as/
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:-.uation .1;
Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
5f %ore than one e.uation, la(el the e.uations accordingly.
2.0 LAYOUT AND ARRANGEMENT OF CONTENTS
2.1 T+# %&((#.*/*&,$ &( ',6",(#% ,- *+.## "/.*(5
the preli%inary section
the te=t or %ain (ody, usually di4ided into chapters and sections
the reference %aterials, usually consisting of references or (i(liography and
appendices
The contents of each part should (e arranged in a logical order using sections
and su(Asections, all correctly nu%(ered :see 1.&;.
The follo2ing is an e=a%ple of ho2 4arious sections in a dissertation are
arranged. 5t is reco%%ended that this se.uencing (e used as a guideB not e4ery
dissertation includes all the ite%s listed (elo2.
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:-.uation .2;
Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
I*#6 R#6/.@(
1.0 P.#2&6&$/.0 S#'*&,$
8lan1 leaf
Title page *ot paginated (ut counted as DiD
0uthorEs Declaration Paginated as ii
0(stract Paginated as iii :continuing lo2er case 6o%an nu%eral on
preceding page pagination;B listed in Ta(le of 3ontents
0c1no2ledge%ent PaginatedB listed in Ta(le of 3ontents
Ta(le of 3ontents
Paginated :continuing lo2er case 6o%an nu%eral on
preceding page pagination;B listed in Ta(le of 3ontents
List of Ta(les
List of Figures
List of Plates
List of 0((re4iations
and 9lossary
Paginated :continuing lo2er case 6o%an nu%eral on
preceding page pagination;B listed in Ta(le of 3ontents
2.0 T#=*
!ain (ody :3hapters; Paginated (eginning 2ith page 1 :0ra(ic nu%erals;
6eferences and,or
8i(liography
Paginated 2ith the running nu%(er continuing fro% the last
page of the te=t
0ppendices 5nsert a leaf :the separator; 2ith the 2ord F0PP-*D53-SE in
the centre of the pageB appendices are paginated 2ith the
running nu%(er fro% the last page of the te=t. This separator
sheet is not paginated.
8lan1 Leaf
2.2 T&*2# P/)#
This page should contain the follo2ing infor%ation/
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
The na%e of the 7ni4ersity spelt out in full, (old, capitalised and centered/
UNIVERSITI TEBNOLOGI MARA
THE TITLE OF THE DISSERTATION
The title should reflect the content of the dissertation. 5t should (e centered,
capitalized, (old and to (e single spacing
*a%e of the author %ust (e in capitalised and (old.
The degree for 2hich the dissertation is su(%itted is stated in title case. :For
e=a%ple, !aster of Science, !aster of -ducation, etc.;. 5t should (e indicated
that the dissertation is (eing su(%itted in partial fulfill%ent of the re.uire%ent
for that particular degree as sho2n (elo2/
Dissertation su(%itted in partial fulfill%ent of the re.uire%ent
for the degree of
M/(*#. ,- E%3'/*&,$ 7E%3'/*&,$/2 M/$/)#6#$* /$%
L#/%#.(+&"8
F/'32*0 ,- E%3'/*&,$
June 2011
The faculty in 2hich the candidate is registered is spelt out in title case, (old
and 2ith 1 point font.
The %onth and year in 2hich the dissertation is su(%itted for e=a%ination is
to (e stated 2 c% (elo2 the facultyEs na%e, 1 point font.
2.3 D#'2/./*&,$
The candidate should include on the page (efore the a(stract page, a signed
authorEs declaration stating the %aterial presented for e=a%ination is her,his o2n
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
2or1 or ho2 far the 2or1 contained in the dissertation 2as the candidateEs o2n
2or1, and stating that the dissertation is not (eing su(%itted for any other
acade%ic a2ard.
2.4 A?(*./'*
The a(stract should gi4e a (rief state%ent of the research pro(le%s, ai%s of the
research, %ethodologies used, 1ey findings in the conte=t of the 2hole study,
and i%plications of the study. 5t should (e typed in single spacing and should not
e=ceed ++ 2ords. The a(stract is to (e placed i%%ediately (efore the first
chapter of the dissertation.
2.5 A'@$,<2#%)#6#$*
0 (rief state%ent of appreciation in recognition of any special assistance
rendered to the candidate during the period of research should (e included. 5t
should (e typed in single spacing and should not e=ceed one page in length.
2.6 T/?2# ,- C,$*#$*(
Titles of chapters, headings, and su(headings %ust (e listed in the Ta(le of
3ontents and %ust (e 2orded e=actly as they appear in the (ody of the
dissertation.
0ll headings and su(headings are nu%(ered and to (e @ustified to the left.
2.! L&(* ,- T/?2#(1 F&)3.#( /$% P2/*#(
The nu%(ers and the captions %ust (e listed in the order they appear in the te=t.
2.9 L&(* ,- S06?,2(1 A??.#:&/*&,$( ,. N,6#$'2/*3.#
List of Sy%(ols, 0((re4iations or *o%enclature %ust appear after the lists of
ta(les, figures, and plates arranged in alpha(etical order.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
3.0 BODY OF DISSERTATION
The te=t is %ade up of a nu%(er of chapters. The %a@or chapters of the dissertation
should include (ut not li%ited to the follo2ing/
3.1 I$*.,%3'*&,$
This section sets forth the rationale, significance, and o(@ecti4es of the study. 5t
includes details of the (ac1ground, state%ent of the pro(le%, research .uestions
or hypotheses to (e tested, assu%ptions, li%itations, deli%itations and the scope
of study.
3.2 L&*#./*3.# R#:&#<
This section includes a fullyAreferenced re4ie2 and discussions of pre4ious
studies 2hich are rele4ant to the research.
3.3 R#(#/.'+ M#*+,%(
This section gi4es a detailed description of the research %ethods and
instru%ents,%aterials used. -=peri%ental %ethods should (e descri(ed so that
future researchers 2ould ha4e no difficulty in replicating the%. 6esearch
%ethods should include e=peri%ental design, the nu%(er of su(@ects, apparatus
etc.
3.4 R#(32*( A D/*/ A$/20(&(
This section pro4ides the results and analysis of data. The results o(tained can
(e presented as a series of figures, ta(les, etc., 2ith descripti4e te=ts and
discussions.
3.5 D&('3((&,$
This section discusses the results of the study in relation to the hypotheses or the
research .uestions. 5t highlights the %ain findings, their significance and
i%plications. The results should (e interpreted in the light of 2hat is already
1no2n and e%phasis should (e placed on 2hat the results add to the su(@ect
area. Strengths and 2ea1nesses of the results should (e discussed.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
3.6 C,$'23(&,$ A$% R#',66#$%/*&,$(
This section highlights the contri(ution of the findings to ne2 1no2ledge ,
applications. 5t should also discuss the li%itations faced in carrying out the
research and the scope for further research (ased on the results.
3andidates %ay %a1e changes to the a(o4e structure of the dissertation
according to the nature of their research.
4.0 REFERENCE MATERIALS
4.1 R#-#.#$'# L&(*
This section (egins on a fresh page (earing the heading 6-F-6-*3-S in
capital letters, centered 2ithout punctuation, 3.+ c% fro% the top. The list of
references (egins four spaces (elo2 the heading and is single spaced in the
sa%e citation (ut dou(leAspaced (et2een citations. This list %ust include all the
references that candidates ha4e cited in the te=t of the dissertation.
5t is reco%%ended that candidates use the 0P0 citation style. 'o2e4er those in
science and technology field are also allo2ed to use the 'ar4ard style in 2riting
their references. 0 dissertation should only use one citation style that is generally
accepted and suits its nor% in the field of study. The selected citation style
should (e used consistently.
3andidates are ad4ised to refer to the latest con4entions of referencing fro%
2e(sites. Sa%ples of the 0P0 and 'ar4ard styles are gi4en in the appendi=
section of this hand(oo1.
4.2 A""#$%&'#(
This section %ay contain supple%entary illustrati4e %aterials such as original
data, .uestionnaires, for%ulas and .uotations too long for inclusion in the te=t or
not i%%ediately essential to the understanding of the su(@ect. 0 description of
lengthy e=peri%ental %ethods or the list of na%es of participants %ay (e
included.
This section %ay (e di4ided into 0ppendi= 0, 0ppendi= 8, etc and centered.
-ach appendi= 2ith its title should (e listed separately in the Ta(le of 3ontents
as a first order su(di4ision under the heading 0PP-*D53-S.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
Ta(les and figures in the 0ppendices %ust (e nu%(ered and captioned and also
listed in the List of Ta(les and List of Figures in the Preli%inary Section.
5.0 WRITING CONVENTIONS
5.1 U$&*( ,- M#/(3.#6#$*
5nternationally recognised a((re4iations for units of %easure%ent should (e
used as follo2s/
2" %illilitres :2" %l;
33 %etric tonnes :33 %t;
1" 1ilogra%s :1" 1g;
12 gra%s :12 g%;
1ilo%eters : 1%;
#." hectares :#." ha;
"$ 7.S Dollars :7SD"$;
The nu%(ers (efore the units %easured should not (e spelt out, unless they
appear at the (eginning of a sentence.
5.2 N36?#.(
0ll nu%(ers less than 1+ should (e spelt out, unless/
the nu%(ers are part of a series of nu%(ers. :e.g. The childrenEs age 2ere 2,
#, $, 12 and 13 or e.g. The standard de4iation for each group 2as 3, , and
1" respecti4ely;.
the nu%(ers are attached to units %easured :e.g. & c%, 2" litres, 2$
hectares;.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
*u%erals should (e used for dou(le :or %ore; digit nu%(ers.
5f a sentence (egins 2ith a nu%(er, then the nu%(er should (e 2ritten in 2ords
:e.g. Fifty one people sur4i4ed the cala%ity;.
0 zero should not (e used (efore a deci%al fraction if the nu%(er is less than 1,
for e=a%ple correlations, statistical significance or proportions. The e=a%ple is as
follo2s/
r:1"; G .3, p H .+"
5.3 E22&"*&'/2 M/.@
-llipses are used to sho2 an o%ission fro% .uoted %aterial. 0n ellipsis (et2een
a sentence consists of three spaced full stops :I;. <hen an ellipsis follo2s a
sentence, it appears as four full stops :I.;, 2here the three full stops signify the
o%ission and the fourth full stop %ar1s the end of the sentence, e.g. <illia%s
:1))#; 2rote a(out the ne2 string of chro%oso%e/ The new chromosomal
composition . . . has never been mappe be!ore" :p. 21;.
5.4 U(# ,- B./'@#*(
<ithin direct .uotations, s.uare (rac1ets are used to enclose any e=planatory
note inserted (y the researcher,
e.g. >This year J1))#K alone, 2"++ ne2 cases of drug addiction 2ere
reported? :0%inuddin, 1))&;.
The candidate should use >sic? 2ithin (rac1ets :sic; to indicate factual
errors,language errors or any dou(ts a(out %eaning that appear in the original. 5t
is used in .uotations to sho2 that the original is (eing faithfully reproduced e4en
though it is incorrect or see%s to (e so.
5.5 U(# ,- S06?,2( -,. P#.'#$*/)#
The sy%(ol FLE %ay (e used in place of per cent, e.g. 2"."L and typed 2ithout a
space. 5f the candidate prefers to spell out the 2ord :2"." per cent; in full, then
consistency should (e %aintained throughout the dissertation.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
5.6 D&.#'* 3,*/*&,$(
Direct .uotations should (e %ini%ised if a dissertation 2ritten in -nglish .uotes
%aterials directly in another language :e.g. 8ahasa !alaysia, Spanish;. The
candidate is e=pected to pro4ide a direct translation, and 2here4er possi(le,
%ust synthesize %aterials in other languages and paraphrase the% in his,her
o2n 2ords. Quotations should (e positioned 2ithin .uotation %ar1s F...E.
Short .uotations are .uotations 2ith less than + 2ords. They are to (e 2ritten
2ithin the te=t follo2ing the e=isting dou(le spacing. 5t is co%pleted 2ith the
citation of the reference 2hich includes the source, year, and page nu%(er in
parenthesis. 0 period :fullAstop; appears after the end of the parenthesis. The
follo2ing is an e=a%ple/
...>safety (eco%es a producti4ity issue? :Mennedy, 2++3, p. 22;.
Long .uotations are .uotations that ha4e + and a(o4e 2ords. They are to (e
2ritten :a; in freeAstanding (loc1, :(; 2ithout .uotation %ar1s, and :c; on a ne2
line 2hich are indented fi4e spaces fro% the left %argin.
The 7nited States Distance Learning 0ssociation :2+++; has defined learning
as/
Teaching and learning situation IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII..
..................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................... :p. 22;
For long .uotations that ha4e %ore than one paragraph, the first line of the
second and su(se.uent paragraphs are to (e :a; 2ritten 2ith an additional fi4e
spaces indent and :(; co%pleted 2ith the citation of the reference 2hich includes
the source, year, and page nu%(er in parenthesis.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
The 7nited States Distance Learning 0ssociation :2+++; has defined learning
as/
Teaching and learning situationIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII..
...................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
................................................................................................
0dult learnersIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII..
......................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
....................................................... :Mennedy, 2++3, p. 22;.
5.! C&*&$) .#-#.#$'#(
The follo2ing are e=a%ples of citing fro% one author/
0uthor as part of the te=t, the year of pu(lication in parenthesis.
Mennedy :2++; further stressed that it is e4ident ...
0uthor and year in parenthesis.
..... to2ard class and other students :<einstein, 2++$;.
The follo2ing are e=a%ples of citing fro% t2o authors/
3ite (oth na%es each ti%e the reference appears in the te=t. Do not use et al.
Mennedy and 0l(ert :2++; further stressed that it is e4ident ...
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
0uthors and year in parenthesis, use the sy%(ol FNE to separate the authors,
follo2ed (y co%%a to separate the year.
...to2ard class and other students :<e(er N Oohn, 2++$;.
The follo2ing are e=a%ples of citing fro% three and %ore authors/
3ite all the na%e of the authors the first ti%e you cite.
Diehl, Par1s, and !auro :2++#; pointed out ...
3ite the sa%e three and %ore authors 2ithin the sa%e paragraph.
5n this situation, cite the first author follo2ed (y et al. and e=clude the year
Diehl, Par1s, and !auro :2++#; pointed out ... Diehl et al. also...
3ite the sa%e three and %ore authors in su(se.uent paragraphs.
5n this case, cite the first author, et al., and include the year of pu(lication.
Diehl et al. :2++#; disco4ered ...
For each chapter cite the references as if that is the first ti%e you cite.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
5.9 S#.&/2&4/*&,$
<hen there is %ore than one ite% to (e listed 2ithin the paragraph, they %ust (e
listed using a letter in parenthesis 2ith co%%as in (et2een to separate the ite%s.
The follo2ing is an e=a%ple/
... Cetting :1)&3; identified three types of an=iety :a; trait, :(; state, and :c;
conceptAspecific.
5n a situation 2hen there is %ore than one ele%ent that has internal co%%as,
se%iAcolons are needed to separate the different ele%ents. The follo2ing is an
e=a%ple/
The scores 2ere categorised into four categories :a; 1& A 2&, 2ere 4ery rela=edB
:(; 2) A 3), generally rela=edB :c; + A "+, %ildly an=iousB and :d; #2 A $2, 4ery
an=ious.
<hen a listing is presented in a separate paragraph, 0ra(ic nu%erals follo2ed (y
a period :fullAstop; are used. The follo2ing is an e=a%ple/
Taylor :2++2;, and Patric1 :2++3; su%%arised culture and refer to as/
1. The total pattern of (eliefs, custo%s, practices, institutions, techni.ues
and o(@ects ...
2. 0n integrated and shared pattern of hu%an (eha4iour that includes
thought, speech ...
3. 0 2ay of life 2hich gi4e %e%(ers in a society a sense of purpose,
identity, %eaning, 2ellA(eing and generates ...
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
6.0 UALITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE DISSERTATION
3andidates are re%inded that consistency and accuracy of the su(%itted dissertation
are i%portant. 3areful editing is re.uired in order to ensure that the dissertation is free of
errors (efore su(%ission for dissertation e=a%ination.
6.1 P2/)&/.&(6
Plagiaris% is passing off the idea or 2ords of so%eone else as though they 2ere
their o2n. 5t applies e.ually to the 2or1 of other candidates or researchers as
2ell as to other pu(lished and unpu(lished sources. 3andidates are responsi(le
for 2riting their dissertations in their o2n 2ords. Quotations fro% pu(lished or
unpu(lished sources and the sources of any other %aterials should (e clearly
cited and ac1no2ledged. 0 syste%atic style of citation and references according
to the chosen style of referencing :0P0 , 'ar4ard style; %ust (e adhered to.
Sources of 4isual presentations such as photographs or %aps %ust also (e
clearly indicated.
3andidates are re%inded that 7iT! ta1es a serious 4ie2 of plagiaris%. 8efore
su(%ission of dissertation, students are re.uired to chec1 their 2or1 for
plagiaris% using soft2are such as T76*5T5*. 0 copy of the Si%ilarity 6eport
produced (y the soft2are %ust (e su(%itted together 2ith the final dissertation. 5f
it is higher than the accepta(le le4el of si%ilarity report, students ha4e to re4ise
their 2or1 again or face action for plagiaris%, 2hich %ay lead to suspension or
e=pulsion fro% the progra%%e. 6eference should (e %ade to the 0cade%ic
6ules and 6egulations 'and(oo1 for Post 9raduate Studies on regulations
pertaining to plagiaris%.
7pon su(%ission of dissertation, the students %ust also insert a signed
FDeclarationE declaring that the 2or1 is original and free of plagiaris%.
The incorporation of any %aterial 2hich has (een su(%itted earlier to a degree
a2arding (ody is also unaccepta(le.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
6.2 H,< *, /:,&% P2/)&/.&(6
6.2.1 C,"0&$)
*othing should (e copied 2ithout e=plicit ac1no2ledge%ent as
descri(ed (elo2 under D.uotingE. This includes copying the 2or1 of
other candidates,researchers.
6.2.2 3,*&$)
Direct .uotations :fro% a (oo1 or paper; are entirely accepta(le
pro4ided that they are referenced properly/
Cpen and close .uotation %ar1s should (e used and the sentence:s;
is to (e italised. Sources should (e pro4ided in the te=t, using an
accepta(le citation style such as 0P0 :e.g. S%ith, 1)&#, p. 21;.
Details of the source should (e 2ritten in the reference list.
6.2.3 P/./"+./(&$)
0 2riter paraphrases 2hen he,she puts so%eone elseEs idea into
his,her o2n 2ords. Paraphrasing is entirely accepta(le pro4ided that it
is ac1no2ledged. 0 general rule for accepta(le paraphrasing is that an
ac1no2ledge%ent (e %ade in e4ery paragraph. There are %any 2ays
in 2hich such ac1no2ledge%ent can (e %ade :e.g. S%ith :1))#;
goes on to argue that II. or S%ith :1))#; pro4ides further proof
thatI..;.
6.2.4 G#$#./2 I$%#?*#%$#((
This can (e a difficult area. 5f there is any dou(t, candidates should
cite the source. 5f the 2hole %anner in 2hich a candidate thin1s a(out
an issue is dra2n pri%arily fro% one source, then the source should
(e cited. 5f the ordering of e4idence and argu%ent or the organisation
of %aterial reflects one particular source, then this should (e cited.
6.2.5 P#$/2*&#( -,. P2/)&/.&(6
Plagiaris% is a 4ery serious offence against scholarship. 3andidates
are re%inded that 7iT! 2ill refer to their indi4idual depart%ent for
specific guidelines for penalties against plagiaris%.
6.3 E%&*&$) -,. A''3./'0
The responsi(ility for 2riting, preparing and su(%itting the dissertation 2ithin
the stipulated ti%e period rests 2ith the candidate.
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
0 candidate should scrutinize his,her dissertation for consistency throughout
the docu%ent and (e critical of the content, presentation and for%at. The
4arying needs of the different disciplines %ay de%and different lengths of
dissertation (ut candidates are 2ell ad4ised to adhere to the for%at stipulated
(y the 5nstitute of 9raduate Studies :5PSis;, 7iT!.
!.0 THE PROCESS OF DISSERTATION SUBMISSION
The dissertation is ready to (e su(%itted for e=a%ination 2hen the super4isor is
satisfied 2ith the 2or1 done in ter%s of its suita(ility fro% the point of 4ie2 of
contents, presentation, language, for%at and free of plagiaris% after su(%ission for
plagiaris% process.
!.1 B&$%&$) -,. S3?6&((&,$
Three :3; hard copies su(%itted for su(%ission should (e looseA(ound, using
spiralArings together 2ith a soft copy. The full title, the na%e of the author, the
na%e of the degree, and the year of su(%ission should (e typed on the title
page. :See Figures 1 and 2 in the appendi=;. The soft copy 2ill (e chec1ed
for plagiaris% to ensure its originality (efore the looseA(ound hard copies are
distri(uted to the super4isor and e=a%iner :s; for %ar1ing purposes.
!.2 B&$%&$) *+# F&$/2 C,"0
0fter presentation and corrections, t2o :2; hard(ound copies should (e
su(%itted together 2ith 2 soft copies 0 !asters dissertation should (e
hard(ound in dar1 (lue colour, 2hile a Doctorate dissertation should (e
hard(ound in %aroon colour. The final su(%itted copies %ust (e lettered in
gold. 0ll pages should (e per%anently secured.
!.2.1 P/"#.
Quality plain 2hite si%ile paper :&+ g%; of 0 size :21+ = 2)$ %%;
should (e used for all copies of the dissertation. Te=t or illustrations
should (e printed on only one side of each sheet. Cnly original .uality
printed copies 2ill (e accepted.
!.2.2 C,:#. S"&$#
The follo2ing particulars should (e lettered in gold :direction of te=t
fro% head to foot;, using 1&Apoint font. :see Figure 1 in the appendi=;
Full na%e of candidate
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
Degree for 2hich the 2or1 is su(%itted
7iT!
Pear of su(%ission :after presentation and corrections;
!.2.3 C,:#.
7sing 1&Apoint font 9CLD initial capitals, the follo2ing particulars
should (e printed on the dissertation co4er/ :see Figure 1 in the
appendi=;
7ni4ersiti Te1nologi !060
Title of the dissertation
Full na%e of candidate :do not use initials, acrony%s or titles;
Degree for 2hich the 2or1 is su(%itted
!onth and year of su(%ission :after presentation and corrections;
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
A P P E N D I C E S
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
URAN DEVELOPMENT POLICIES!
"OUSING FOR T"E URAN POOR IN
KUALA LUMPUR
IDRIS IRA"IM
MS#
June 2004
Figure 1: For%at of Spine and 3o4er of Dissertation
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18 point,
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18 point, bold
5 cm
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Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
5 cm from top
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
URAN DEVELOPMENT POLICIES!
"OUSING FOR T"E URAN POOR IN
KUALA LUMPUR
IDRIS IRA"IM
Di""ertati!n "u#mitte$ in %artial ulillment ! t&e re'uirement"
!r t&e $e(ree !
M%st)r o* S#i)n#)
F%#+,t- o* Ar#&it)#t+r). P,%nnin/ 0 S+r1)-in/
June 2004
Figure 2: For%at of a Title Page for a Dissertation :partial fulfill%ent;
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18 point, bold
18 point, bold, upper
case and single
spacing
5 cm
14 point, bold
14 point, bold,
single spacing
14 point
2 cm
5 cm r!m
#!tt!m
Guidelines on Dissertation Format for Postgraduate
AUTHORCS DECLARATION
5 declare that the 2or1 in this dissertation 2as carried out in accordance 2ith the regulations of
7ni4ersiti Te1nologi !060. 5t is original and is the results of %y o2n 2or1, unless other2ise
indicated or ac1no2ledged as referenced 2or1. This topic has not (een su(%itted to any other
acade%ic institution or nonAacade%ic institution for any degree or .ualification.
5n the e4ent that %y dissertation (e found to 4iolate the conditions %entioned a(o4e, 5
4oluntarily 2ai4e the right of confer%ent of %y degree and agree (e su(@ected to the disciplinary
rules and regulations of 7ni4ersiti Te1nologi !060.
*a%e of 3andidate / 5dris 5(rahi%
3andidate 5.D. *o. / 2++123"#
Progra%%e / !aster of Science :5ntegrated 3onstruction Pro@ect
!anage%ent;
Faculty / 0rchitecture, Planning N Sur4eying
Thesis Tittle / 7r(an De4elop%ent Policies/ 'ousing For The 7r(an Poor 5n
Muala Lu%pur
Signature of 3andidate/ IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII..
Date / Oune 2++
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