DBU Thesis, Research, Research Proposal Guideline

DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY
Research Proposal, Thesis and Dissertation Writing

Guideline
First Draft
Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
April 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................i
1. STYLE AND FORMATTING..............................................................................2
1.1. Margins and Fonts..........................................................................................2
1.2. Letter Cases and Numbering of Headings......................................................3
1.3. Spacing and Indentation.................................................................................3
1.4. Page Numbering.............................................................................................3
1.5. List of Tables..................................................................................................4
1.6. List of Figures or List of Illustrations............................................................4
1.7. Other Common Rules.....................................................................................5
2. RESEARCH PROPOSAL WRITING.......................................................................7
2.1. General...........................................................................................................7
2.2. Components of the MSc Proposal..................................................................8
2.2.1. Cover Page (Title Page).............................................................................9
2.2.2. Acknowledgements (optional)...................................................................9
2.2.3. Abbreviations and Acronyms.....................................................................9
2.2.4. Table of Contents.....................................................................................10
2.2.5. List of Tables............................................................................................10
2.2.6. List of Figures..........................................................................................10
2.2.7. List of Appendices...................................................................................10
2.2.8. Introduction..............................................................................................11
2.2.9. Literature Review.....................................................................................12
2.2.10. Materials and Methods.........................................................................14
2.2.11. Work plan.............................................................................................15
2.2.12. Budget Breakdown...............................................................................15
2.2.13. References............................................................................................16
2.2.14. Appendix(ces) (if any).........................................................................16
2.2.15. Approval Sheet.....................................................................................16
3. THESIS/DISSERTATION WRITING....................................................................18
3.1. Thesis/dissertation Structure........................................................................18
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
3.2. Preliminary Sections....................................................................................18

3.2.1. Cover Page...............................................................................................18
3.2.2. Title Page.................................................................................................19
3.2.3. Approval Sheet.........................................................................................19
3.2.4. Dedication (Optional)...............................................................................19
3.2.5. Statement of the Author...........................................................................20
3.2.6. Acknowledgements..................................................................................20
3.2.7. Abbreviations and Acronyms...................................................................20
3.2.8. Table of Contents.....................................................................................20
3.2.9. List of Tables............................................................................................21
3.2.10. List of Figures......................................................................................21
3.2.11. List of Tables in the Appendix(ces) (if any)........................................21
3.2.12. List of Figures in the Appendix(ces) (if any).......................................21
3.2.13. Abstract................................................................................................21
3.3. The Text of the Thesis/dissertation..............................................................22
3.3.1. Introduction..............................................................................................22
3.3.2. Literature Review.....................................................................................23
3.3.3. Materials and Methods.............................................................................23
3.3.4. Results and Discussion.............................................................................24
3.3.5. Summary and Conclusions.......................................................................25
3.4. References and Appendix(ces).....................................................................26
3.4.1. References................................................................................................26
3.4.2. Appendix(ces)..........................................................................................27
3.5. Biographical Sketch.....................................................................................27
4. CITATION AND LISTING OF REFERENCES................................................29
4.1. In-Text Citations..........................................................................................29
4.2. References List in References Chapter........................................................31
5. PRESENTATIONS AND BINDING THE FINAL MSc
THESIS/DISSERTATION..........................................................................................37
6. SAMPLE PAGES................................................................................................41
PART 1
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1. STYLE AND FORMATTING
Scientific writing requires consistency in style and format in research proposals, thesis and
dissertations. Certain rules are followed consistently throughout these documents. These
rules are presented below.
1.1. Margins and Fonts
Margins of 3.0 cm (1.2 inches) on the left for binding and 2.5 cm (1.0 inch) each on the
right, top and bottom of the page are required. A font of 14 points (Times New Roman) is
recommended for the first order (major titles), all the remaining parts of the
thesis/dissertation including the text, sub-headings, sub-division headings and the captions
of tables and figures must be written in 12 points of Times New Roman font. The cover
page of the thesis/dissertation proposal is presented in 14 point font size. The
thesis/dissertation will have an additional title page where 14 point font size shall be used.
Rules to be followed through the thesis/dissertation document are summarized as follows:
 Left margin: ≥ 3.0 cm

 Right margin: ≥ 2.5 cm
 Top margin: ≥ 2.5 cm
 Bottom margin: ≥ 2.5 cm
 Spacing: 1.5
 Side: One side of the paper (front single)
 Paper format: A4 (normal)
 Font size: 12
 Font type: Times New Roman
 Font style: Regular
 Font color: Black
 Breaking a word on 2 lines: Not allowed
 Corrections with fluid after print: Not allowed
 Overwriting after print: Not allowed
 Crossing out words after print: Not allowed
 Typing machine: Computer
 Printing quality: Clear and visible
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 Copies: High quality photocopy
1.2. Letter Cases and Numbering of Headings
Each of the titles of the preliminaries and the major titles of the text as well as
the titles must be written in bold upper case letters and left. Chapter headings of the text
are numbered with Arabic numerals starting from 1 for the “Introduction” and ending with
the “Appendices”. However, none of the titles of the preliminaries are numbered including
in the Table of Contents.
The second order titles (sub-headings) of the text are numbered consecutively with
fractions of the Arabic numeral of their respective chapters (e.g. 1.1. 1.2., etc. or 2.1.,2.2.,
etc) and must be written in bold title case letters (that is, only the first letter of all major
words of the headings written in upper case letters) flushed to left and should not run with
text. Moreover, all the third order and more sub-division headings are numbered
consecutively with fractions of the Arabic numeral of their respective sub-headings or
divisions (e.g. 1.1.1., 1.1.2., etc or 2.1.1., 2.1.2., etc,) and written in bold lower case letters
(except the first letter of the first word and proper nouns), flushed left margin and should
not run with text. No titles or headings of any division and headings (captions) of either
Table or Figures are underlined, punctuated or italicized.
1.3. Spacing and Indentation
The spacing between the lines in the text is 1.5 and between two paragraphs is always a
two-line space, which is one more free line of 1.5 spacing in addition to the automatically
applied 1.5 line spacing. A free line space is required both between the paragraphs, and
above and below the sub-headings or sub-division headings in the text. Indenting the first
line of a paragraph as a substitute for leaving one free line spacing between two paragraphs
is not acceptable.
1.4. Page Numbering
Every page has a page number typed on it except the Cover Page. The use of two different
series of page numbering is recommended. In the first series small Roman numerals (i, ii,
iii, etc,) are used for all the pages starting from the page next to the Cover Page and ending
on the last page preceding the first page of the Introduction. In the second series, Arabic
numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) are used from the first page of Introduction and continues till the
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end of the Appendix section. However, Arabic page numbering after the last page of the
reference list will not be considered as part of the fixed number of pages of the main body
of the thesis/dissertation. Page numbers will not include like periods or dashes. In addition,
page number should be located at the bottom center of the page throughout the document.
1.5. List of Tables
This comes soon after the Table of Contents. The List of Tables is constituted of the
captions of the tables included in the thesis/dissertation. The major points to be observed in
preparing the List of Tables include:
 In the text, all Tables are numbered consecutively (with Arabic numerals) starting
with Table 1 for the table which appeared first in the thesis/dissertation, and the
captions apart from being short and descriptive must appear on the top of each table.
 In the List of Tables, the number of the Table, the caption (or title) with all entries
corresponding exactly in wording (including fonts and cases) with that in the text and
the page number of the manuscript on which each table occurs are entered.
 Only the initial letters of the first word and of proper nouns are capitalized both in the
text and in the List of Tables.
 No terminal punctuation is used for the headings or after any title listed therein.
 The word Table and Page with their initial letters in capitals head their respective
columns, flush with the margin.
1.6. List of Figures or List of Illustrations
It is the section which appears on a new page following the List of Tables. This section is
constituted of the captions of the Figures and/or Illustrations included in the
thesis/dissertation. The major points to be observed in preparing the List of
Figures/Illustrations include:
 In the text, all Figures and Illustrations are numbered consecutively (with Arabic
numerals) starting with Figure 1 for the Figure or Illustration, which appeared first in
the thesis/dissertation, and the captions apart from being short and descriptive, must
appear on the bottom of each Figure.
 In the List of Figures or Illustrations, the number of the Figures, the captions (or titles)
with all the entries corresponding exactly in wording (including fonts and cases) with
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that in the text and the page number of the manuscript on which each Figure occurs are
entered.
 Only the initial letters of the first word and of proper nouns are capitalized both in the
text and in the List of Figures.
 No terminal punctuation is used for the headings or after any title listed therein.
 The words Figure and Page with their initial in capitals head their respective columns,
flush from the margin.
1.7. Other Common Rules
 Scientific names in any part of the research proposal or thesis/dissertation should be

written in italic font with the genus name starting with a capital letter and species
epithet will appear in a small letter.
 Complicated, long or awkward sentences and incorrect grammatical rules should be
avoided.
 Must use ‘should not’, ‘cannot’, ‘will not’ instead of using contractions such as
‘shouldn’t’, ‘can’t’, and ‘won’t’ as well as ‘and’ instead of using ampersand (&).
 Avoid use of personal pronouns such as I, You, and We rather indicate the researcher/s
 Minimize use of jargon and avoid use of colloquial language (slang).
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PART 2
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2. RESEARCH PROPOSAL WRITING
2.1. General Considerations
All graduate students in all colleges and disciplines of Debre Berhan University are
required to write their thesis/dissertation proposal before embarking on their research
work. The ultimate success of thesis/dissertation depends upon the preparation of a sound
research proposal. It is essential that there is uniformity in these proposals in the main
structure of the proposal, although some minor variations are accommodated depending
on the specific requirements of the different fields of study. The proposal serves to justify
the students’ planned research to those who will fund it, to the student’s research
advisors, to the graduate program of the respective department, and also forces the
graduate student to consider exactly how, where and when the research will be carried
out, what resources it will require and what the expected outcome is. It facilitates the
smooth sailing of the various research operations, thereby making the research as efficient
as possible yielding maximum information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and
money. Preparation of the research proposal should be done with great care as any error
in it may upset the entire project. The graduate student prepares his/her proposal in close
consultation with his/her advisor. The proposal should be defended through oral
presentation to the Department Graduate Committee (DGC) before the student starts the
research. The proposal defense period shall be in first week of October, February and
June depending on the nature of the departments. Students should submit the final version
of their proposal confirmed by respective advisors before two weeks ahead of the defense
time.
The research proposal constitutes the firm foundation of the entire structure of the
research work. The research proposal is the arrangement of conditions for collection and
analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with
economy in procedure. In fact, the research design is the conceptual structure within
which research is conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement
and analysis of data. As such, the design includes an outline of what the researcher will
do from writing the hypothesis and its operational implications to the final analysis of
data. More explicitly, the proposal decisions happen to be in respect to the following
points:-
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 The text of the proposal should be written using Times New Roman font size 12 with
line spacing of 1.5. All other formats of the proposal are similar to the format of the
thesis/dissertation explained in Part 1 and 3. It has to be noted that most parts of the
proposal is written in the future tense, while most parts of the thesis/dissertation is
written in the past tense.
 This document is intended to lay down the main principles to be followed during
thesis/dissertation proposal writing, such as the Ethical aspects of research, and the
step-by-step development of the proposal (main components of the proposal).
2.2. Components of the Proposal
There are different formats of proposal writing depending on the requirements of the
organization funding the research. The proposal of graduate students of each college and
discipline of Debre Berhan University has the following components. Each of these
sections should start on a new page and all section titles should be capitalized.
 Cover Page (Title Page)

 Acknowledgements (optional for proposal)
 Abbreviations and Acronyms
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables (if any)
 List of Figures (if any)
 List of Appendix(ces) (if any)
 Introduction
 Literature Review
 Materials and Methods
 Work Plan
 Budget Breakdown
 References
 Appendix(ces) (if any)
 Approval Sheet
A brief description of the most common components of the proposal is presented below.
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2.2.1. Cover Page (Title Page)
The Cover Page should contain the title of the research, name of the graduate student,
names of the Major advisor and the co-advisor, logo and name of the University, the
graduate college/school and the department, the place and date (month and year) of
submission. Title case letters should be used for the text of the cover page; however, the
title of the research and the name of the University must be written in upper case letters.
All information on the cover page must be centered except date and place of submission
which should be placed at the right margin.
Title: the title of the research proposal should accurately reflect the scope and content of
the study. In addition, it should be concise, simple and catchy in not be too long. The title
should be informative/descriptive and comprehensive enough to include all the key words
of the study. Botanical/scientific names may be included in the title. Do not use terms like
"Research into...", "A Study of...”, "The study of …" or "An investigation on ..." etc. A
model of the Cover Page is given in Sample 1.
2.2.2. Acknowledgements (optional)
The Acknowledgements section recognizes the persons and/or institutions the student is
grateful to for guidance or assistance received and those to whom the student extends
thanks for special aid or support in the preparation of the proposal.
2.2.3. Abbreviations and Acronyms
In this section, students list in alphabetical order the abbreviations or acronyms followed
by their descriptions in full. In the narrative, each abbreviation and each acronym should
be defined in full when they are first used and then followed by their abbreviation or
acronym in parentheses. Common abbreviations such as m for meters, cm for centimeters,
Kg for Kilograms, g for grams, 0C for degree Celsius, etc., which are known by most
people, should not be included in this list. Students should use standard SI units (never
use lb for pound, quintals, inch, feet, etc.). Abbreviations coined by the author and
explained in the text and in tables and figures should not also be included in this list.
Abbreviations and symbols such as i.e. and etc. should not be italicized. A sample page
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that illustrates how the list of abbreviations and acronyms will be prepared is shown in
sample page of this guideline (Sample 10).
2.2.4. Table of Contents
The Table of Contents includes all the headings, sections, sub-sections, etc., and their
page references. All the headings or entries in Table of Contents should correspond
exactly in numbering and wording (including fonts and cases) with headings and entries
as they appear in the text of the proposal. Sections are usually sub-divided using the
decimal (Judicial) method of sub-dividing. Too many sub-divisions should be avoided,
with an absolute maximum of four, with the lower sub-division indented one “Tab” or
1.27 cm below the upper. To have a numbered sub-heading, there must be at least two
sub-headings; the same is true about sub-sub-headings. Only the main text (Introduction,
Literature Review, Materials and Methods, Work Plan, Budget Breakdown, References)
is numbered. The Table of contents, List of tables and Figures, and Appendixes are not
numbered. A sample of the Table of Contents that illustrates capitalization, indentation,
line spacing, and numbering of the headings, sub-headings and sub-sub-headings is given
in Sample 2.
2.2.5. List of Tables
The List of Tables comes after the Table of Contents and contains the list of tables and
the respective pages on which each table is to be found. Once the word Table is written at
the top left margin of the page there is no need to repeat it for each table. The word Page
is put at the top right margin to indicate the page on which the table is found. A sample
List of Tables is given in Sample 11.
2.2.6. List of Figures
This list is prepared in a similar way to how the list of Tables is prepared. A sample List
of Tables is given in Sample 12.
2.2.7. List of Appendices
List of Appendices is not a common part of a proposal. However, some models, formula,
secondary data on climate of the study area, the interview questionnaire and other
procedures of analyses can be put in the List of Appendices. List of Appendices is a
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common part of a thesis/dissertation and samples of such lists, which can be divided into
List of Tables and List of Figures in the Appendix, are given in Sample 13 and Sample 14
of this document, respectively.
2.2.8. Introduction
This chapter is usually brief giving only the most relevant and pertinent background
information about the research under consideration. This can be divided into background,
statement of the problem, objectives, hypothesis/research questions, scope/delimitations,
significance and limitations (in terms of methodology). In some cases, some departments
shall merge justification and objectives instead of writing statement of the problem and
objectives separately.
Objectives, Research questions/Research hypothesis
The objectives should be presented clearly and precisely. A research hypothesis is a

prediction of the outcome of a study. The prediction may be based on an educated guess
or a formal theory. A simple research hypothesis predicts a relationship between two
variables. The prediction states that the two variables are related.
The hypotheses should state what the student expects to find, given the available
literature, state of the research problem and method of analysis. It refers to the predicted
outcome of the research. A hypothesis should be posed such that it can be clearly
accepted or not to accept, and it must be falsifiable! We may substitute a research
hypothesis by a research purpose. A research question may also be substituted for a non-
directional hypothesis. Be careful not to state a question that can be answered with a
simple “Yes or “No”. The choice between a non-directional hypothesis, a research
purpose, and a research question, is purely a matter of personal taste – all are acceptable
in the scientific community. Of course, when we are willing to predict the outcome of a
study, we should state a directional hypothesis – not a research purpose or question. We
have to distinguish the difference between a research hypothesis and the null-hypothesis,
which is a statistical hypothesis. The research objectives can also be divided into General
Objective and Specific Objectives if these are relevant. The general objective should be
aligned with the title of the research work. While specific objectives should be extracted
from the general objective and must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time
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bounded (SMART). Research questions, which are the reflection of specific objectives,
can substitute research hypotheses.
2.2.9. Literature Review
This section of the proposal provides a resume of the history and the present status of the
problem by means of a brief critical review of the findings of previous and most recent
investigations of the research problem in question as well as of problems very closely
related to it. Each one of the literature review items presented in this regard should be
made clear together with the fact that the investigation now in question arises from the
fallacies or inadequacies of earlier studies.
Formats on literature review, materials and methods should be the same as in the
thesis/dissertation writing format. However, students could also use the following as entry
point during the writing of the Literature Review.
The literature review serves several important functions:
 Deals with the analysis of existing literature on the subject with the
objective of revealing contributions, weaknesses and gaps.
 Ensures that you are not ‘’reinventing the wheel’’.
 Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research.
 Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem (its source and relevance).
 Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research issues related to
your research question.
 Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information. You do not
simply copy and paste information from various sources, but you are able to compare
and contrast different ideas and synthesize them into a coherent review.
 Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual
framework for your research.
 Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a significant and
substantial contribution to the literature (i.e., resolving an important theoretical issue
or filling a major gap in the literature).
The Literature Review should be according to the themes of the study and should
reflect the objectives, hypotheses, methods and research questions.
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Most students’ literature reviews suffer from the following problems:
 Lacking organization and structure;

 Lacking focus, unity and coherence;
 Being repetitive and verbose;
 Failing to cite influential papers;
 Failing to keep up with recent developments;
 Failing to critically evaluate cited papers;
 Citing irrelevant or trivial references;
 Depending too much on secondary sources.
There are different ways to organize your literature review. Make use of sub-headings to
bring order and coherence to your review. For example, having established the
importance of your research area and its current state of development, you may devote
several sub-sections on related issues as: theoretical models, measuring instruments,
cross-cultural and gender differences, etc. It is also helpful to keep in mind that you are
telling a story to an audience. Try to tell it in a stimulating and engaging manner. Do not
bore them; it may lead to rejection of your worthy proposal.
Materials and methods/Research Methodology
The materials and methods (research methodology) section includes the description
precisely of where will the research be located, how and how much sample to select, what
will be done and how it will be done, what data will be needed, who are the unit of
analysis, what tools (instruments) to be used in data collection and data analysis. It should
be appropriate to the problem area, i.e., the statement of the problem, the objectives and
the hypotheses. It should be stated carefully and precisely for each objective to be
achieved or hypothesis to be tested. The student should concentrate on the questions of
affordability in terms of the expenses to be involved and of feasibility in both temporal
and spatial senses. The description of the methods of data collection should include the
information/data requirements of the study, the method(s) of measurement and the unit(s)
of measurement. The selection of variables is an important task as it detects the database
for the study. The student should recognize the nature of the data (quantitative and/or
qualitative), the kinds of data (secondary and/or primary data), the sources of the data
(secondary and/or primary sources) and how to collect the data (survey, observation and
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measurement, experiment, discussion or a combination of these methods). Once a method
or a combination of methods is chosen, reasonable amount of description of the method(s)
should be given as to how it would be used. The student may include in here information
on issues such as (1) the experiments site (the study area) (2) various materials to be used
in the experiments (the study area) (3) the treatments and experimental design and (4) the
population from which the student is to collect samples. The choice of method(s) of data
collection largely depends on the efficiency and accuracy with which the information will
be collected and the method(s) practicability (the need for personnel, skills, time,
equipment and other facilities, in relation to what is affordable). In making the choice,
account must be taken of the importance of the information, in the light of the purposes
and objectives of the study. During the proposal writing stage, the student should also
decide, at least in a broad outline, how the information would be analyzed. Even though
optional, description variables (both dependent and independent variables) should be
done. Description of the analytical method(s), technique(s), tool(s) and statistical tests
that will be used in analyzing the data to discover truth should be given. The data analysis
procedure(s) should be appropriate to the problem on the basis of existing theory, past
research and resources (time, money, personnel, and facilities) available. The student
should take a further opportunity for second thought as to whether the study, as planned,
is likely to meet its objectives. By doing all this, the student can reach at an effective
research methodology.
Ethical considerations (if applicable)
Ethical considerations are critical to the completion of any social sciences, health,
medical and veterinary science/medicine research. It is required that ethics be discussed
when researching people or animals. Examples of ethical issues include
 Known benefits and risks of participant involvement in the research  Exact description
of the information to be delivered to the subjects of the study  When appropriate,
indicate any special incentives for treatment that human subjects will receive through
their participation in the study.  Discuss the procedures for informed consent by the
study participants where applicable.  Indicate how the data collected in the study will be
kept secure and confidential.  List drugs, vaccines, diagnoses, clinical procedures and
instruments to be used and whether they are registered, unregistered, new or currently in
use in Ethiopia. Ethical principles when studying human and animal subjects include
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respect for the subjects, kindness, justice, whether the objectives of the study are ethically
achievable and the ethical soundness of the methods. In recognizing the critical nature of
ethics, the formal approval of the planned research study by a university or national ethics
review committee must be made and must be stated in the research proposal. Thus ethics
involves all forms of academic misconduct such as plagiarism, data fabrication,
falsification of results and dishonesty. Advisors play an important role in preventing
possible academic misconduct through close supervision and verification of raw data.
2.2.10. Work plan
The work plan gives details of the activities entailed by the approach adopted and their
phasing. It may not be possible to give detailed time table or bar chart before the project
begins; however it is often the first task of the researcher to complete this task, usually in
the form of a table. Nevertheless, it is desirable that indications be given of the duration
of the project, the beginning and the end of each research activity target dates for each of
the outputs in a concrete timeline. The detailed work plan should contain adequate
designs for experimental work if this is envisaged. Budgeting the whole time of the
research assists in systematizing the whole work and avoids unnecessary delays, assisting
the graduate student to schedule himself/herself, ensuring smoothness of operation, the
monitoring of the project, and reviewing its progress. The work plan should consider the
time for writing of the proposal, conducting all necessary research activities and writing
the thesis/dissertation and its defense.
2.2.11. Budget Breakdown
This section sets out the financial resources required for the implementation of the
research. This ensures that the necessary personnel, travel, per diem, equipment, materials
and associated services and expendable supplies (paper, stencil, ribbon, literature, etc.)
will be available for the research. The student should summarize towards the end all the
expenditure under various headings that may include unforeseen expenditure
(contingency of 5 to 10% of the proposed budget incase if external sources are available)
as well. The budget estimate must, therefore, be prepared with utmost care and
thoroughness. It must be realistic, as both overestimation and underestimation should be
scrupulously avoided. A careful analysis has to be made of the manpower resources
required, what skills are needed and over what period. Also the necessary equipment has
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to be listed, eg. transport, laboratory equipment (especially any new equipment),
stationary, etc. A budget must be included showing the financing required and its phasing
year by year.
2.2.12. References
The references chapter must include all works cited in the research proposal. All citations
appearing in the narrative of the proposal must be included in the references chapter and
vice versa. In-text citations and references should carefully follow the style shown in Part
4 of this manual which provides many examples.
2.2.13. Appendix (ces) (if any)
If there is any appendix, it will appear as the last chapter of the proposal. It includes, for
example, information such as drafts of questionnaires in English and other languages,
participant informed consent forms, observation check lists, pictures and specifications of
the equipment to be used in the research, mathematical formulae or derivations, detailed
description of the sample selection procedures and dummy tables.
2.2.14. Approval Sheet
The approval sheet is the last page of a thesis/dissertation research proposal. The approval
page will be used to get formal approval of the proposal. An example of the approval
sheet for thesis/dissertation proposal is provided in the sample pages (Sample 3).
NB.: All research proposals should be approved by the respective advisors for
submission. The DGC/Department shall assign an internal assessors who have the
expertise and knowledge to the field to critically evaluate the research proposal. Students
may obtain the format for the approval sheet from their respective colleges, schools or
departments or from the office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
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PART 3
17
3. THESIS/DISSERTATION WRITING
3.1. Thesis/dissertation Structure
Preliminary sections of the thesis/dissertation:
a) Cover page
b) Title page
c) Approval sheet
d) Dedication (optional)
e) Author’s declaration
f) Biographical sketch
g) Acknowledgements
h) Acronyms and abbreviations
i) Table of contents
j) List of tables (if any)
k) List of figures (if any)
l) List of tables in the appendix(ces) (if any)
m) List of figures in the appendix(ces) (if any)
n) Abstract
Chapters in the thesis/dissertation include the following:
a) INTRODUCTION
b) LITERATURE REVIEW
c) MATERIALS AND METHODS
d) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
e) SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
f) REFERENCES
g) APPENDIX(CES)
18
3.2. Preliminary Sections
3.2.1. Cover Page
The Cover Page is the first page of a thesis/dissertation. It is preferably printed on

hard paper. It includes the title of the thesis/dissertation, the degree for which the
work is conducted, the full name of the student and the month and year and place of
submission of the thesis/dissertation. This is the only page of a thesis/dissertation for
which a page number is not assigned. The logo of the University should be included
on the top of the title of the thesis/dissertation. Please refer to the sample pages for the
thesis/dissertation (Sample 4).
The title is the label of the thesis/dissertation. The title should tell what was studied
and where it was studied; may include how it was studied. As much as possible titles
should be short, clear and accurately describe the content of the paper. Moreover, the
accuracy of the title is necessary for automatic indexing such as in the Science
Citation Index. Avoid abbreviations, chemical formulas and trade names in the title.
Always omit waste words: "A study of ...", “Investigations of ...”, "Observations on,
A, An, or the ...” etc. In a study of a particular species/region, the name of the
species/strain, region and country must be included in the title.
3.2.2. Title Page
The Title Page is the second page of a thesis/dissertation and the second page for
which a page number is not assigned. It includes the title of the thesis/dissertation, the
name of the department, school, or college, the School of Graduate Studies, Debre
Berhan University, the degree for which the thesis/dissertation is presented, the name
of the candidate, and the month, year and place of submission. The major advisor and
co-advisor are provided in the title page (Sample 5).
19
All research proposals should be approved by the respective advisors for submission.
The DGC/Department shall assign an internal assessors who have the expertise and
knowledge to the field to critically evaluate the research proposal. Students may
obtain the format for the approval sheet from their respective colleges, schools or
departments or from the office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Each thesis/dissertation should be approved by the respective advisors for submission

(Sample 6). The DGC/Department shall assign an internal and external
assessors/examiners who have the expertise and knowledge to the field to critically
evaluate the thesis/dissertation. For final acceptance, each defended/evaluated
thesis/dissertation will have certificate of approval sheet from the major and/or co-
advisor and board of Examiners (Sample 7). However, the final approval page will be
incorporated into the student’s thesis/dissertation after duly signed by the board of
examiners and advisors, which is after the open defense examination.
3.2.3. Dedication (Optional)
Dedication is optional. If it is included, it should be short and concise and ideally it is

not more than one sentence.
3.2.4. Author’s Declaration
This is the page where the candidate declares that the thesis/dissertation is entirely his
or her own work. The student states that all the information that he or she has
included in the thesis/dissertation has been cited. The student also declares that the
thesis/dissertation is not submitted to any other institution for the award of a degree,
diploma or certificate. A template of the statement of the author is shown in the
sample pages. It should be used by all the students without any variation and placed
after the dedication page (Sample 8).
3.2.5. Acknowledgements
The Acknowledgements page recognizes the persons and/or institutions the student is
indebted to for guidance and assistance received, and those to whom he or she is
thankful for special aid or support. Acknowledgments should be expressed simply and
concisely. Any acknowledgement to religious deities in a research proposal, or
thesis/dissertation is not appropriate as in any scholarly paper.
20
3.2.6. Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations and Acronyms are listed in alphabetical order of the terms when
written in full form. Well known abbreviations such as FAO, WHO and HIV do not
need to be listed. While not listed in the Abbreviations and Acronyms, S.I. units of
measurement should be used in the thesis/dissertation. Other than S.I. units, each
abbreviation and acronym should be defined in full when it is first used and followed
by its abbreviation or acronym in parenthesis. Standard units such as g, kg, m, and km
should not be listed. Internationally known abbreviations such as i.e. and etc. are not
italicized. A sample is provided in the sample pages (Sample 9).
3.2.7. Table of Contents
All of the headings and entries in the Table of Contents should correspond exactly in
wording, fonts, and cases with the headings or entries as they appear in the narrative
of the thesis/dissertation. The headings and subheadings in the table of contents
should not exceed four levels. A sample Table of Contents is shown in the sample
pages that illustrate the capitalization, indentation and line spacing (Sample 10). It is
advisable to use the built-in style of Microsoft Word or other word processing
programs to create the table of contents so long as it is in keeping with the sample
shown. If the Table of Contents is more than one page, the title followed in
parenthesis with the word “Continued” must appear.
3.2.8. List of Tables
A List of Tables comes next to Table of Contents. A sample page of List of Tables is
provided (Sample 11).
3.2.9. List of Figures
A List of Figures comes next to List of Tables. However, if there is no any list of
tables, it comes next to Table of Contents. Sample page of List of Figures is provided
(Sample 12).
3.2.10. List of Tables in the Appendix(ces) (if any)
A List of Tables in the Appendix comes next to List of Figures. Please see the
template in the sample pages (Sample 13).
21
3.2.11. List of Figures in the Appendix(ces) (if any)
A List of Figures in the Appendix comes next to List of Tables in the Appendix.
Please see the template in the sample pages (Sample 14).
3.2.12. Abstract
The Abstract is the last component of the preliminaries of the thesis/dissertation. It

appears on a new page preceding the introduction. The word “ABSTRACT” is written
in capital letters and is centered. The abstract should be one single block paragraph. It
should be no longer than a single page in length. The abstract should not be divided
into sections or paragraphs. The appropriate 1.15 line spacing should be used. The
abstract is a mini-version of the paper. It is a shortened version of the
thesis/dissertation and should contain all information necessary for the reader. It
should include the major objective, methodology, key findings and conclusion/implication.
Key words are written at the end of the abstract used for indexing and abstracting
services. These are important words in addition to those in the title. Good key words
may increase the ease with which interested readers can locate the thesis/dissertation.
Key words should not be mere repetition of title. The number of words should be
three to six and ordered alphabetically.
3.3. The Text of the Thesis/dissertation
The thesis/dissertation is divided into chapters. These chapters include the

Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results and Discussion,
Conclusions and Recommendations, References and Appendix. The results and
discussion may be placed in two separate chapters.
3.3.1. Introduction and Statement of the problem
This chapter includes the background information on the research, what is known
about the research area with supporting literature (citations), the gaps in
literature/knowledge, the research question/a statement of the problem, the relevance
to the field of study, the need for the study and objectives of the study. Generally the
introduction section answers “what is the problem?” and “why the study was
made?” The introduction may not be divided into subchapters or divisions. Rather, all
22
the contents of the chapter must be presented in a logical order and well organized to
maintain a flow of ideas. The chapter should be brief. Ideally, the chapter is no more
than four pages using 1.5 line spacing. The first page of the introduction will begin
with page number 1.
The purpose of the introduction section is to supply sufficient background information

to the reader, to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without
needing to refer to previous publications on the topic and to provide the justification
for the present study. Choose references carefully to provide the most important
background information. It is written in the present and past tense as appropriate. In
fact, much of the introduction should be written in the present tense, because it will be
referring primarily to the problem and the established knowledge relating to it. The
objective/s of the research (may be separated as General and Specific Objectives)
have to be clearly stated in this section.
3.3.2. Literature Review
The Literature Review is chapter two. It is a critical analysis of relevant existing

knowledge on the research topic. A literature review is an account of what has been
published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. It should be current,
relevant and up-to-date. It is recommended to use references within the past five years
which are ideal and generally considered current. But it does not mean that references
prior to this time cannot be used at all. The purpose is to convey to your reader what
knowledge and ideas have been established on the topic, and what their strengths and
weaknesses are. It can suggest a method or technique of tackling the research problem
and helps the researcher in the interpretation of results or findings. Unpublished
documents and generic sources like Wikipedia, encyclopedias and class notes are
generally considered sub-standard sources and should not be cited as references in
scientific writing.
3.3.3. Materials and Methods/Research Methodology
The materials and methods provide a statement of the sources of data and the methods
and procedures of data collection and analysis. Generally the material and method
section answers to “What did you use?” and “What and how did you do?” A concise
description of the conditions under which the investigation was carried out and the
23
materials, procedures, techniques, treatments, experimental design/techniques and the
treatments and inputs used should be given under this heading. The materials and
methods could be divided into as many subchapters/sub-headings and divisions and
sub-divisions depending on the nature of the study.
When the used methods are new, all details must be given. However, if a method has
been previously published in a standard journal, only the literature reference should
be given. The student should use past tense to describe the research processes. If the
chapter “Research Methodology/Materials and Methods” is subdivided, use the same
order as in the next chapter “Result and Discussion”. This facilitates comparison
between a used method and the corresponding results. For a more detailed description
of this chapter, please refer to the Research Proposal part of this manual (Part 2).
3.3.4. Results and Discussion
This is the fourth chapter of the thesis/dissertation. Results and Discussion answers
to “what did you find or what happened?” and “what does it mean?” This part of
the text presents the results and their analyses and interpretations. Students may also
choose to present the results and discussion in separate chapters, as Chapters 4 and 5,
respectively. When the results and discussion are presented separately, the results
should be presented without interpretation. Presenting the same data both in tables
and in figures should be avoided. However, when data are presented in the form of a
figure, the raw data may be shown in the Appendix(ces). The narrative for each table
and figure should present only observations that are most relevant. The narrative of
the results must be written in a way that avoids redundancy with the information in
the tables and figures. However, all figure and table should be cited in the text.
Common mistakes in the result section include: inclusion of raw data including data
of each replication, redundancy; for example; text form plus citing data in tables and
figures, giving the same data in both tabular and graphic forms, repeating the
materials and methods parts and citing wrong numerical values from tables while
writing the text.
24
The discussion presents interpretation and analysis of results. If students choose to
write the Results and Discussion as one chapter, they should follow the description of
major findings with appropriate interpretation and discussion. However, when writing
the discussion as a separate chapter, students synthesize the discussion to flow with
the results chapter. The following issues are included in the discussion with possible
ranges of variations depending on the fields and nature of the study:
A common mistake in the discussion is to present a superficial interpretation that

merely restates the results. Therefore, restating the results in the discussion should be
avoided. If the results differ from earlier published reports, it should be explained why
that may have happened. If the results of the study agree with earlier works, the
reports and interpretations of the previous works shall be used as supports. It is not
adequate to simply state that the data agreed with earlier reports. In addition, students
should not attempt to discuss each and every finding. The discussion should focus on
the major findings which call for interpretation. Besides these, the discussion should
not include findings that have not been described in the results.
The results and discussion chapter is divided into subheadings sequenced similar to
the major subheadings of the materials and methods chapter. When the discussion is
presented in separate chapter, the subheadings shall be the same to that of the results
section. However, subheadings of the materials and methods chapter should not be
copied verbatim as subheadings for the results but should be rather be modified in a
way that reflect the findings of the study. Each subheading can also be divided into
other lower subheadings.
3.3.5. Conclusions
This is the fifth chapter of the thesis/dissertation. It establishes the aspect of the
investigated problem proved by the findings of the study/”What the research has
proved?” It also highlights the interpretations and state the respective implications of
the core findings of the overall study in a way that can be picked out by interested
bodies for practical applications as is or with additional study findings. It also
indicates what requires more study.
25
It draws conclusions and gives recommendations. Ideally, the chapter should be
informative, but brief and precise. Citations of previous studies and references to
tables or figures in the narrative or the appendix should be avoided. This chapter can
be divided into two sections, namely, conclusions and recommendations. The
conclusions should be presented in a narrative sentence format. However, bulleting or
numbering may be appropriate for recommendations. Recommendations should be
derived from only from the key findings of the study and should not be over
ambitious.
References and Appendix (ces)
3.3.6. References
The References chapter includes lists of all works cited in the thesis/dissertation. All
references appearing in the references chapter of the thesis/dissertation must have
been cited in the text. This chapter should include a complete list of online searches,
journal articles, books, book chapters, governmental reports, non-governmental
reports and any other reference materials cited in the text. References are cited to give
credits to the sources of scientific information and ideas; to assist readers to locate the
source for any further information; to validate/support arguments/findings by giving
the source and to show the depth, breadth and quality of reading made in a certain
research work.
As mentioned previously, references should be relevant and recent. The majority of

the citations should be articles published in peer-reviewed journals or recognized
official reports from national and international agencies. Ideally, current and up to
date publications are recommended. Also, any dependence on unpublished materials
and printed or web-based encyclopedias as references is strongly discouraged. All in-
text citations and the reference list in the references chapter should strictly follow the
style shown in Part 4 of this manual. It is the responsibility of the student to
accurately present the references in accordance with this manual.
3.3.7. Appendix(ces)
26
The Appendix(ces) is the last separate chapter of the thesis/dissertation. It may
include information such as questionnaire(s), focus group discussion guidelines, maps
as appropriate, participant informed consent forms, observation check-lists, pictures,
specification of the research equipment, formulae, models or frameworks, raw data,
analysis of variance tables and other relevant information to the study but
inappropriate to be placed in the main text of the thesis/dissertation.
The Appendix(ces) chapter begins with a new page containing the single capitalized
word “APPENDIX(CES)” in the center of the page. It has a page number. Each
appendix should have a clear, precise and appropriate title. It is customary to label
appendices as Appendix Table or Appendix Figure which can then be conveniently
listed in the preliminary sections of the thesis/dissertation as List of Tables in the
Appendix or List of Figures in the Appendix, respectively. However, some materials
such as questionnaires, participant informed consent forms, observation checklists or
letters such as culture collection center reports on species identification do not qualify
as table or figure. In such cases, appendices can be labeled consecutively using upper
case Roman numerals as Appendix I, Appendix II, etc. which could then be listed in
the preliminary sections as a single List of Appendices. This style is acceptable in a
thesis/dissertation if used consistently, i.e. by consecutively numbering tables, figures
or other materials in a logical sequence. However, mixing this style with Appendix
Table and Appendix Figure style should not appear in a thesis/dissertation.
3.4. Biographical Sketch
The biographical sketch should be brief. It is suggested that it include only the
student’s date and place of birth, schools attended and professional work experience.
It is the last page of the thesis/dissertation.
27
PART 4
28
4. CITATION AND LISTING OF REFERENCES
The Reference is a separate section of the thesis/dissertation manuscript that follows
the body or text of the thesis/dissertation. Since the reference is as much an integral
part of the format of the thesis/dissertation as is any other section, it is paged
continuously with the text in Arabic numerals. There are various styles and forms to
be followed in presenting references; it appears to be the responsibility of the author
to check the accuracy of presenting the reference.
4.1. In-Text Citations
For in-text citations, the author-date method is used. There are two possible ways of
in-text citation, namely, the subject-centered and author-centered citation. In the
subject-centered citation, the author’s last name followed by a comma, a space, and
the year of publication are written in parenthesis usually at the end of the sentence. In
the author-centered citation, only the year of publication is placed in parenthesis and a
comma is not required after the author’s name. Ethiopian names should follow the
pattern as European names.
Single Author
 Author-centered citation: Hailu (2009)

 Subject-centered citation: (Hailu, 2009)
Two Authors
Subject- centered citation: (Mamaw and Abebe, 2017)

Author- centered citation: Mamaw and Abebe (2017)
Three or More Authors
Subject-centered citation: (Hailemariam et al., 2014)

Author-centered citation: Hailemariam et al. (2014)
29
* Single author will be followed by year of publication, two authors will be connected
by “and” and followed by year of publication whereas three or more authors will take
the first author followed by et al. and year of publication.
Citation of Two or More Works
When citing two or more works, it is required to order the works chronologically by
the year of publication and separate them by a semi-colon. Subject centered citation is
commonly used.
E.g. Subject-centered citation: (Gatew et al., 2013; Hailu, 2015; Alemayehu and
Mamaw, 2017).
Same Author and Same Year Published Works
In cases where more than one articles of the same author published in the same year
are cited, small letters a, b, c, etc. are assigned to each article and identified using
these letters.
 Subject-centered citation: (Abebe, 2019a); (Abebe, 2019b); (Abebe, 2019c)

 Author-centered citation: Abebe (2019a); Abebe (2019b); Abebe (2019c)
Organizational Author
Use the acronym of the organization to cite the work of an organization as author.
 Subject-centered citation: (FAO, 2010)
 Author-centered citation: FAO (2010)
Citation of Other Sources of Information
As much as possible, citation of unpublished and other sources of materials not

readily available in the library must be avoided or at least kept to a minimum.
Anyway personal communications, unknown authors, and undated works can be cited
as follows.
Personal Communications
30
Even though personal communications are not included in the references chapter of
the thesis/dissertation, citing interviews, phone conversations, and letters or e-mail
messages is mandatory in-text. Include the communicator’s name while citing in-text.
E.g (Wondimu, K, personal communication, 25th July/ 2025)
Unknown Authors
When the work has no named author, cite it as “Anonymous” as below.

Subject-centered citation: (Anonymous, 2011)
Author-centered citation: Anonymous (2011)
Undated Works
When the works are not dated, cite the year of publication as “n.d.”
Subject-centered citation: (Anonymous, n.d.)
Author-center citation: Anonymous (n.d.)
4.2. References List in References Chapter
Start the list of reference on a new page. The list should use the hanging indent
method where all lines after the first one are indented 0.5 inch. The list should be in
alphabetical order by the last names of the first authors. Follow the same tradition as
in in-text citation. Observe the proper use of spacing, periods, semi-colons, colons,
backstrokes (/), the parenthesis, and italicizing in the reference listings. These are all
important to the proper presentation of the references. The titles of journals should be
italicized. Full journal titles should be used in listing such publications.
Citations of Print Sources
Journal Articles
Alemu, D., Lemessa, F., Wakjira, M. and Berecha, G. (2014). Inhibitory effects of
some invasive alien species leaf extracts against tomato (Lycopersicum
esculentum Mill) bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum). Archives of
Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 47(11), 1349-1364.
31
Alemayehu, A. and Bewket, W. (2017). Local spatiotemporal variability and trends in
rainfall and temperature in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Geografiska
Annaler: Series A. Physical Geography, 99(2), 85–101.
Breitenback, F. (1961). Exotic trees in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Forestry Review,2, 19–38.
Books
Sposito, G. (1989).The chemistry of soils. Oxford University Press, New York. 277
pp.
Chapter in Edited Books
Mekonnen, M., Sewunet, T., Gebeyehu, M., Azene, B., and Melesse, A. (2016). GIS
and remote sensing-based forest resource assessment, quantification, and
mapping in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. In A. Melesse and W. Abtew (Eds.),
Landscape dynamics, soils and hydrological processes in varied climates.
Springer Geography.
Paper in Conference/Workshop/Seminar Proceedings
Abebe, M. (1982). An investigation into the cause of wilt in cotton. Pp. 129-139. In
A. Tadesse (Eds.), Proceedings of Symposium on Cotton Production under
Irrigation in Ethiopia. Melka Werer, Ethiopia, 21-22 October 1982, Institute of
Agricultural Research.
32
Theses and Dissertations
Gebremedhin, H. (2013). Influence of preservative solutions on Vase life and

postharvest characteristics of Rose Cut Flower (Rosa hybirida) cultivars.
(Unpublished MSc. Thesis). Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
Zewde, T. (2007). Garlic white rot (Sclerotium cepivorum Berk.) in Shewa:

Significance, variability and management options. (Unpublished PhD Thesis).
Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
Amsalu, A. (2006). Caring for the land best practice in soil and water conservation in
Beresa watershed highland of Ethiopia (Published PhD Thesis). The Netherlands:
Wagenian University.
Published Reports/Part of Reports
EARO (Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization) (2003). EARO annual report

2002. EARO, Addis Ababa.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) (2011). Technical report on food

insecurity in US households with children: Prevalence, severity and household
characteristics. USDA: Washington, DC.
Citations of Internet Publications
As internet is a powerful tool in conducting literature reviews and identifying and

selecting the most current citations and references, students should give attention to
ensure that internet citations are both complete and correct. URL addresses are always
in parenthesis/dissertation. The date that the student accessed the publication should
be stated. Included below are the major types of online citations.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/gdv/ (accessed on 20 March 2020 at 2: 00pm)
33
Journal Article with DOI (with or without volume number)
Zhao, Y. (2010). Auxin biosynthesis and its role in plant development. Annual Review
of Plant Biology, 61, 4-64. doi: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042808-112308.
Journal Article without DOI
Follow the format indicated in the citation from Journal Article.
Web Document with No Author’s Name or Date of Publication
Anonymous (n.d.). Census data revisited. Harvard psychology of population website.

http://harvard.edu/data/index.php. (Accessed on 9 March 2009 at 10:00am).
PART 5
34
5. FINAL THESIS/DISSERTATION DEFENCE
5.1. General
The thesis/dissertation defense period shall be in last week of May and September,
and first week of January. Students should submit the final version of their
thesis/dissertation to the respective department confirmed by respective advisors one
month ahead of the open defense time.
Oral presentations are an important means of communicating scientific information,

not only in research defense but also at scientific meetings. Hence, students should
carefully prepare their presentations in order to gain positive experience with oral
presentations. A presentation should start with a title slide, then the introduction of
the topic, statement of the problem, objectives, materials and methods, key findings,
conclusion/implication.
The standard presentation tool nowadays is Power point. The following points should
be carefully considered:
 the individual slides should not contain too much information;

 only clearly legible fonts should be used (see below specifications);
 colors and color combinations should be selected cautiously;
 bullet lists should not be overused (it is not recommended to use bullets more than
four and lines more than three)
 animations are highly discouraged and should be used to emphasize specific
results.
In the presentation, it is important that the speaker
 speaks clearly and loudly;

 holds eye contact with the audience;
 does not read long parts from the slides;
 uses the pointer in a calm manner.
35
5.2. Guidelines for Proposal Presentations
The total amount of time required for presentation is 20 minutes. The maximum
number of slides should be 15. Font size of power point presentation should be 24
with aerial font. However, the title should be written with 28 font size. Simple and
concise presentations are encouraged. Students should not waste much of their time
on Introduction and Literature review parts, rather they should focus on
statement of the problem, objective, materials and method part of their proposal.
N.B: The time given for presentation and number of slides may slightly vary
depending on the issues raised.
The advisors/department heads should make sure that all comments given by the
assessor as well as audience during presentation of the proposal are incorporated in
the final document.
5.3. Guidelines for Thesis/dissertation Presentations
The maximum amount of time allotted for thesis/dissertation presentation is 30

minutes, followed by 60 minutes of introgression by board of examiners. The number
of slides should between 20 and 30 with Times New Roman font size of 28 point.
However, the title of each slide should be 32 point. During presentations, students
should give much emphasis on the statement of the problem, objectives, major results
along with discussions, and conclusions/implication.
After defense, the department and advisors or delegates by the board of examiners
should check that all comments given by the board of examiners have been properly
incorporated in the final corrected thesis/dissertation. A thesis/dissertation, which is
approved by board of examiners with “minor modifications”, the corrected version
should be submitted to the respective department within one month of defense. A
thesis/dissertation, which is approved by board of examiners with “major
modifications”, the corrected version should be submitted to the department within
three months.
36
N.B: in case if the thesis /dissertation is failed to be accepted by the examining board,
the students prepare new thesis/dissertation or can modify depending on the directions
given by the examining board.
5.4. Thesis/Dissertation evaluation components
Students will be evaluated based on the following thesis/dissertation component and

weights allotted for each.
N Thesis/dissertation component %
o allotted
1 Abstract 5
2 Problem of the statement/justification 5
3 Materials and methods 15
4 Literature review 10
5 Results and discussion 40
6 Conclusion and Recommendation 5
Sub total 80
7 Defense component
8 Manner of presentation 5
9 Confidence on subject matter 5
10 Ability of answering questions 10
Sub total 20
Evaluation points given by each board of examiners members are averaged using the
respective weight of external examiner, internal examiner, and the chairperson as
follows
 External 50%
 Internal 35%
 Chairperson 15%
5.5. Binding the thesis/dissertation
The thesis/dissertation should be bind in a very proper way and should bear the logo
of the Debre Berhan University by considering the points stated in sub-section 3.2.1
herein. The final and corrected thesis/dissertation should be submitted to the
respective departments in three hard copies as well as soft copy. Copies should be
available at the department, graduate library and college.
37
PART 6
38
6. SAMPLE PAGES
Sample pages of selected pages of the research proposals and thesis/dissertation are
listed below. The style of components, fonts, spacing, and margins in the sample
pages are to be followed in their entirety. However, although all sample pages are
numbered for ease of reference, students should follow the style and formatting
guides in Part 1 and respective sections in Part 2 and Part 3 of this manual regarding
page numbering. For instance, cover pages are not numbered and page numbers start
with title pages of thesis/dissertation but a page number does not appear on the title
page either.
Sample pages are provided for the following components of thesis/dissertation

proposal.
1. Cover page of thesis/dissertation proposal (Sample 1)

2. Table of contents of thesis/dissertation research proposal (Sample 2)
3. Approval sheet of thesis/dissertation research proposal (Sample 3)
Sample pages are provided for the following components of the thesis/dissertation.
1. Thesis/dissertation cover page (Sample 4)

2. Thesis/dissertation title page (Sample 5)
3. Thesis/dissertation submission for defense approval Sheet I (Sample 6)
4. Thesis/dissertation final submission approval Sheet II (Sample 7)
5. Statement of the author (Sample 8)
6. Acronyms and Abbreviations (Sample 9)
7. Table of contents (Sample 10)
8. List of tables (Sample 11)
9. List of figures (Sample 12)
10. List of tables in the appendix (Sample 13)
11. List of figures in the appendix (Sample 14)
39
40
Sample 1: Cover Page of the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal

COLLEGE OF POST GRADUATE
GROWTH, YIELD AND NODULATION RESPONSE OF CHICKPEA

(Cicer arietinum L.) VARIETIES TO RHIZOBIA INOCULATION AND
PHOSPHOROUS FERTILIZER APPLICATION AT GISHE RABEL
BY
Eshetu Zenebu
Major Advisor: Asmare Melesse (Ph.D.)

Co-Advisor: Wondwosen Tena (Ph.D.)
A Thesis/dissertation Proposal Submitted to the Department of Plant

Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, Debre
Berhan University
In partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of

Science/ Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science
March 2020
41
Sample 2: Table of Contents of the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………….…….…i
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS……………………………………………........ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………….........iii
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………….……..vi
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………….........v
LIST OF APPENDICES…………………………………………………………….........vi
1. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………1
1.1. Background of the Study….. ……………………………………………………..1
1.2. Statement of the problem. .... . . ………………………………………………..2
1.3. Objectives ……………………………………………………………………........3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ………………………………………………………….…5
2.1. Origin, Taxonomy and Distribution of M. stenopetala …………………………...5
2.2. Uses of Moringa ………………………………………………………………..…6
2.3. Nutritional Quality of Moringa …………………………………………………...7
2.3.1. Chemical composition of moringa …………………………………………...7
2.3.2. Effect of leaves on carcass characteristics of chicks ………………………....9
2.3.3. Anti-nutritional aspects of moringa …………………………………………12
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS/RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...……………….14
3.1. Description of the Study Area …………………………………………..……….15
3.2. Data and Methods ………………….…………………………………………….15
3.2.1. Experimental Design ……….. .. . .…………………………………………..17
3.2.2. Statistical Analysis …………..……………………………………………….20
4. WORK PLAN ………………………………………………………………………..23
5. BUDGET BREAKDOWN …………………………………………………………...24
REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………….27
42
APPENDICES ………………………………………………………………………..30
APPROVAL SHEET …………………………………………………………………31
43
Sample 3: Approval Sheet of the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal
APPROVAL SHEET
Growth, Yield and Nodulation Response of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Varieties to
Rhizobia Inoculation and Phosphorous Fertilizer Application at Gishe Rabel
Submitted by:
____________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Student Signature Date
Approved by:
1. ___________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Major Advisor Signature Date
2. ___________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Co-Advisor Signature Date
3. ___________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Chairman, DGC Signature Date
4. ___________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Associate Dean, PG Signature Date
5. ___________________ __________________ ________________

Name of Dean, CPG Signature Date
44
Sample 4: Cover Page of Thesis/Dissertation


MSc. Thesis/dissertation
Eshetu Zenebu
June 2020
45
Sample 5: Tittle Page of Thesis/dissertation


A Thesis/Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Plant Science,

College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, Debre Berhan
University
In partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of

Science/ Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science
Eshetu Zenebu
Major Advisor: Asmare Melesse (Ph.D.)

Co-Advisor: Wondwosen Tena (Ph.D.)
June 2020
46
Sample 6: Approval Sheet I of Thesis/Dissertation Submission for Defense

COLLEGE OF _______________________________________________
THESIS/DISSERTATION SUBMISSION FOR DEFENSE
APPROVAL SHEET – I
This is to certify that the thesis/dissertation entitled: [insert title of the thesis/dissertation]
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of
Science/Arts /Doctor of Philosophy with specialization in [insert the program] of the
Graduate Program of the [insert the Department], College of (insert college name), Debre
Berhan University and is a record of original research carried out by [insert name of
candidate] [insert Id. No], under my supervision, and no part of the thesis/dissertation has
been submitted for any other degree or diploma.
The assistance and help received during the course of this investigation have been duly
acknowledged. Therefore, I recommend that it to be accepted as fulfilling the
thesis/dissertation requirements.
________________ _________________
OR
_________________ _________________
Name of Co-Advisor Signature Date
47
Sample 7: Approval Sheet II of Thesis/Dissertation Final Submission

COLLEGE OF _______________________________________________
THESIS/DISSERTATION FINAL SUBMISSION
APPROVAL SHEET – II
We, the undersigned members of the boarded of the examiners of the final open defense
by [insert name of candidate] have read and evaluated his thesis/dissertation entitled
[insert title of the thesis/dissertation], and examined the candidate. This is therefore to
certify that the thesis/dissertation has been accepted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Science/Arts/Doctor of Philosophy in [insert the
program, i.e. field of study].
_____________________ _______________ _____________
Name of the Chairperson Signature Date
_____________________ _______________ _____________
_____________________ _______________ _____________
Name of Internal Examiner Signature Date
_____________________ _______________ _____________
Name of External Examiner Signature Date
48
Sample 8: Table of Contents of Thesis/dissertation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii
DEDICATION iv
STATEMENT OF THE AUTHOR v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OF TABLES xvi
LIST OF TABLES IN THE APPENDIX xvii
LIST OF FIGURES IN THE APPENDIX xviii
ABSTRACT xviii
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 6
2.1. The Chickpea Crop 6
2.2. The Significance of Biological Nitrogen Fixation 8
2.3. The Legume-Rhizobia Symbiosis and the Role of Rhizobia in N2 Fixation 11
2.4. The Impact of P on Nodulation and Nitrogen Fixation 14
2.5. Factors Affecting Biological Nitrogen Fixation 15
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 22
3.1. Field Experiment 22
3.1.1. Description of the study area 22
3.1.2. Source of inoculants 23
3.1.3. Treatments 23
3.1.4. Experimental design and procedure 24
3.1.5. Seed inoculation 25
3.1.6. Sowing 25
3.1.7. Agronomic practices 25
3.2. Data Collection 26
3.2.1. Nodulation assessment 26
3.2.2. Dry matter yield at flowering 26
3.2.3. Plant height 27
3.2.4. Number of pods per plant 27
3.2.5. Straw yield, grain yield and hundred grain weights 27
3.3. Soil and Plant Tissue Analysis 28
3.3.1. Soil analysis 28
49
3.3.2. Plant tissue analysis 28

3.4. Pot Experiment 29
3.5. Statistical Analysis 30
4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION 31
4.1. Physical and Chemical Properties of the Soil 31
4. 2. Field Experiment Results 34
4.2.1. Nodulation and growth parameters 34
4.2.2. Yield and yield components 42
4.2.3. Straw yield and Harvest index 48
4.2.4. N uptake and residual soil N 52
4.3. Pot Experiment 58
4.3.1. Nodulation and growth parameters (at 50% flowering) 58
4.3.2. N uptake of the crop and residual soil N 66
5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 68
6. REFERENCES 71
7. APPENDICES 83
8. BIOGRAPHY 87
50
Sample 9: Author’s Declaration
AUTHOR’S DECLARATION
I declare that this thesis/dissertation is my genuine work, and that all sources of materials
used for this thesis/dissertation have been profoundly acknowledged. This
thesis/dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master
of Science (MSc)/Arts (MA)/Doctor of Philosophy at Debre Berhan University and it is
deposited at the University library to be made available for users under the rule of the
library. I declare that this thesis/dissertation is not submitted to any other institution
anywhere for the award of any academic degree, diploma or certificate.
Brief quotations from this thesis/dissertation are allowable without special permission,
provided that accurate acknowledgement of source is made. Requests for permission for
extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be
granted by the head of the department or the Dean of College of Post Graduate when in
his/her judgment the proposed use of the material is in the interest of scholarship. In all
other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author and advisors of this
thesis/dissertation.
Name: [insert name of candidate] Signature: ---------------------
Place: College of____________________________________, Debre Berhan University.
Date of Submission: -----------------------------------
51
Sample 10: Abbreviations and Acronyms
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
AvP Available Phosphorus

CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture
BNF Biological Nitrogen Fixation
CEC Cation Exchange Capacity
CSA Central Statistical Agency
DAP Diammonium Phosphate
DMRT Duncan’s multiple range test
EMA Ethiopian Mapping Agency
ESP Exchangeable Sodium Percentage
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
GIS Geographic Information Systems
ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Area
OC Organic Carbon
PBS Percent Base Saturation
RCBD Randomized Complete Block Design
RPM Revolution Per Minute
RSGS Reference Soil Groups
SAS Statistical Analysis System
SNNPR Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region
TN Total Nitrogen
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
WRB World Reference Base
XRD X-ray Diffraction
ΔpH Delta pH (pH-KCl - pH-H2O)
52
Sample 11: List of Tables in the Thesis/dissertation
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1. Dose and method of application of fertilizers in lettuce field 37
2. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on plant height at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 44
3. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on number of leaves/plant at different growth
stages of lettuce crop 47
4. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on leaf length at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 50
5. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on leaf breadth at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 53
6. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on fresh weight/plant at different growth
stages of lettuce crop 56
7. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on dry weight/plant at different growth stages
of lettuce crop 59
8. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on yield (kg/plot) at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 62
9. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on yield (t/ha) at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 65
10. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on total yield at different growth stages of
lettuce crop 67
11. Cost and return of lettuce cultivation as influenced by Nitrogen fertilization and
plant spacing 69
53
Sample 12: List of Figures in the Thesis/dissertation
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Transplant trays floating in plastic tubs containing varying 16
2. Cabbage transplant fresh shoot mass response to nitrogen nutrition 19
3. Cabbage transplant dry shoot mass response to nitrogen nutrition 23
4. Cabbage transplant fresh root mass response to nitrogen nutrition 25
5. Cabbage transplant dry root mass response to nitrogen nutrition 28
6. Meteorological data for field experimental farm daily maximum, minimum and
average temperatures (0C) and rainfall (mm), 09 March to 16 June, 2009 34
7. Plot layout of the field trial 46
8. Untrimmed cabbage head yield as influenced by spacing 54
9. Trimmed cabbage head yield as influenced by spacing and nitrogen fertilizer 63
54
Sample 13: List of Tables in the Appendix
LIST OF TABLES IN THE APPENDIX
Appendix Table Page
1. Average temperature data of the study area (1996-2006) 81

2. Mean monthly rainfall data of the study area (1996-2006) 82
3. Description of DB1 Pedon 83
7. Correlation analysis among soil properties 91
55
Sample 14: List of Figures in the Appendix
LIST OF FIGURES IN THE APPENDIX
Appendix Figure Page
1. Stem nodules on Sesbania rostrata 91

2. Unrooted phylogenetic tree showing different rhizobial branches in the
α-subdivision of Proteobacteria 92
3. The Fe-protein cycle and the MoFe protein cycle 93
4. Dendrogram highlighting phenotypic similarity of the isolates 94
5. A. Vigna unguiculata plants inoculated with isolate AURE2, AURC36,
AURI30 and AURT2; and N+ and N- control plants 95
B. Nodules induced by isolate AURC36, AURE2 and AURT2 on
Vigna unguiculata 95
7. A. Phaseolus vulgaris plants inoculated with isolate AURE, AURC36,
AURI30 and AURT; and N+ and N- control plants 96
B. Nodules induced by isolate AURC36, AURE2 and AURT2 and
AURI30 on Phaseolus vulgaris 96
56
Author’s Checklist
The following list, though by no means complete, would serve as a checklist for research
proposal and thesis/dissertation preparation and submission
Cover page is exactly in the format presented in the sample page. The other many sample
pages in the manual have been carefully examined and followed for the research proposal
or thesis/dissertation.
Style and formatting have been followed regarding capitalization, font size, margins,
spacing, page numbering, bolding, indentation and the presentation of tables and figures.
The English language is carefully reviewed from cover page to the last page. You have
had your advisor(s), in particular, and at least one other language-skilled colleague proof-
read your document for language clarity before submitting it.
“Spelling/Grammar Check” software has been used from the title page to the last page of
document. There are no spelling or grammatical errors in the document as a result of this
action. S AMP LE
The numbers and names of the chapters have been carefully identified.
All in-text citation and reference including internet citations have been checked for
completeness and formatting. Special attention has been given to cite Ethiopian names in
accordance with the manual.
The student has planned ahead major advisor, co-advisor and committee members have
been provided by the student sufficient time to study the document and are not forced to
suggesting any last minute revisions or signatures. With revisions, additional time for
signing off on the document will be required at the discretion of the advisors.
Again, the student has planned ahead. All required signatures on the official approval
sheet have been received by the student in a timely matter. Also there is no last-minute
rushing for required signatures for submission to meet the college or University deadline.
Students shall have checked with either Debre Berhan University’s College of Post
Graduate or with their academic department or graduate program coordinating office to
57
learn the necessary number and type of bound copies required for submission. Any
binding should be in accordance with the office guidelines.
The document is submitted early but, at the very latest, on the day and time announced for
its acceptance to receive further consideration. Students recognize that a document
submitted late could lead to delays in their graduation.
S AMP LE
58

DBU Thesis, Research, Research Proposal Guideline

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DBU Thesis, Research, Research Proposal Guideline

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DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY

Research Proposal, Thesis and Dissertation Writing

Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

3.2. Preliminary Sections....................................................................................18

1.1. Margins and Fonts

Rules to be followed through the thesis/dissertation document are summarized as follows:

 Left margin: ≥ 3.0 cm

1.2. Letter Cases and Numbering of Headings

1.3. Spacing and Indentation

1.4. Page Numbering

1.5. List of Tables

1.6. List of Figures or List of Illustrations

1.7. Other Common Rules

 Scientific names in any part of the research proposal or thesis/dissertation should be

2.1. General Considerations

2.2. Components of the Proposal

 Cover Page (Title Page)

2.2.2. Acknowledgements (optional)

2.2.3. Abbreviations and Acronyms

2.2.4. Table of Contents

2.2.5. List of Tables

2.2.6. List of Figures

2.2.7. List of Appendices

Objectives, Research questions/Research hypothesis

The objectives should be presented clearly and precisely. A research hypothesis is a

2.2.9. Literature Review

The literature review serves several important functions:

 Lacking organization and structure;

Materials and methods/Research Methodology

Ethical considerations (if applicable)

2.2.10. Work plan

2.2.11. Budget Breakdown

2.2.13. Appendix (ces) (if any)

2.2.14. Approval Sheet

3.1. Thesis/dissertation Structure

Preliminary sections of the thesis/dissertation:

Chapters in the thesis/dissertation include the following:

3.2.1. Cover Page

The Cover Page is the first page of a thesis/dissertation. It is preferably printed on

3.2.2. Title Page

Each thesis/dissertation should be approved by the respective advisors for submission

3.2.3. Dedication (Optional)

Dedication is optional. If it is included, it should be short and concise and ideally it is

3.2.4. Author’s Declaration

3.2.7. Table of Contents

3.2.8. List of Tables

3.2.9. List of Figures

3.2.10. List of Tables in the Appendix(ces) (if any)

The Abstract is the last component of the preliminaries of the thesis/dissertation. It

3.3. The Text of the Thesis/dissertation

The thesis/dissertation is divided into chapters. These chapters include the

3.3.1. Introduction and Statement of the problem

The purpose of the introduction section is to supply sufficient background information

3.3.2. Literature Review

The Literature Review is chapter two. It is a critical analysis of relevant existing

3.3.3. Materials and Methods/Research Methodology

3.3.4. Results and Discussion

A common mistake in the discussion is to present a superficial interpretation that

References and Appendix (ces)

As mentioned previously, references should be relevant and recent. The majority of

3.4. Biographical Sketch

The Reference is a separate section of the thesis/dissertation manuscript that follows

part of the format of the thesis/dissertation as is any other section, it is paged

__

1. _

2. _

3. _

4. _

5. _

_____________ _ _______

_____________ _ _______