CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

GRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL

MASTERS’ DISSERTATION & DOCTORAL THESIS HOUSE STYLE

January to June 2024

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................2

2. DEVELOPING AND SUBMITTING A CONCEPT NOTE .........................................................................2

3. DEVELOPING AND SUBMITTING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL ...............................................................3

4. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL ...........................3

5. WRITING AND SUBMITTING THE DISSERTATION/THESIS .................................................................... 6

6. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE DISSERTATION/THESIS ..............................7

7. SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION/THESIS .......................................................................................9

8. BINDING OF THE DISSERTATION AFTER EXAMINATION ...................................................................... 9

9. LODGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF DISSERTATION ..........................................................................9

10. SIMILARITY INDEX CHECK .................................................................................................................10

11. ANNEXURES ................................................................................................................................ 10

12. ASSESSMENT FORM FOR MSC DISSERTATION (REVISED) ................................................................15

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1. INTRODUCTION

To obtain and maintain quality research, the Graduate Business School has certain
expectations especially on the students undergoing the research process.
The following are some of the expectations:

1.1 Nature of Research:

Research by graduate students is expected to address national, regional and
international values and aspirations at the cutting edge of knowledge, skills and
techniques. Graduate students, guided by their supervisors, are also expected to
ensure that research content addresses and advances the Chinhoyi University of
Technology’s mandate in terms of technology development, technology utilisation,
innovation and entrepreneurship. Effort should be made by both the student and the
supervisor to engage in environmentally friendly research whose outputs can be
patented and commercialized or at least solve real life challenges faced by society
while contributing to the current body of knowledge.

1.2 Importance of the Dissertation Workshop

Before embarking on the dissertation writing, every student is expected to attend an
orientation workshop on the guidelines and expectations as contained herein. It is
after the dissertation workshop that students are allocated supervisors.
.
1.3 Medium of Concept Note, Research Proposal and Dissertation/Thesis Writing
The medium of writing should be Zimbabwe, UK or USA English. Be consistent.
Choose any one of these and do not mix.

1.4 Font, Line Spacing and Margins of Concept Note, Research Proposal and
Dissertation/Thesis
 The font should be Arial 11cpi, Times New Roman 12cpi or Courier 12cpi,
typed in Word. The line spacing should be 1.5 throughout the document.
 The dissertation should be printed on A4 portrait with the following margins:
o 2.5 cm on the top, left and bottom margins each.
o 3.2 cm on the left margin to allow for binding.

2. DEVELOPING AND SUBMITTING A CONCEPT NOTE

A candidate shall develop and submit a concept note to the satisfaction of the supervisor.
The length of the concept note should be at most four pages (including references but
excluding the budget and work plan) for MSc and MPhil, and six pages for Doctoral
candidates. The structure of the concept note should include the following:
2.1 Topic
2.2 Background to the study
2.3 Statement of the problem
2.4 Research objectives
2.5 Research questions
2.6 Research hypotheses or Research propositions
2.7 Significance of the study
2.8 Research methodology Work plan
2.9 Budget
2.10 References

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3. DEVELOPING AND SUBMITTING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Upon successful completion of the concept note, a candidate should develop and submit
a research proposal. A candidate shall make a PowerPoint Presentation and defend the
research proposal. The length of the research proposal should not exceed 12 pages for
MSc or MPhil. and 15 pages for Doctoral research. The structure of the research
proposal should include the following:
3.1 Cover page (see the template cover page in the annexures)
3.2 Background to the study
3.3 Statement of the problem
3.4 Research objectives
3.5 Research questions
(DPhil may have only Research Objectives or Research
questions depending on the nature of the research problem of
study)
3.6 Research hypotheses or Research propositions
3.7 Significance of the study
3.8 Delimitations of the study
3.9 Brief outline of literature review
3.10 Research methodology
3.11 Organisation of the research report
3.12 Work plan
3.13 Budget
3.14 References

4. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE RESEARCH

PROPOSAL

4.1 Cover page (Use the template provided in the annexures section).

The topic should be a brief phrase, about 18 words, depicting the problem, location and
population/organization
4.2 Background to the study

This should provide the context in which the study is being conducted. Move from
general to particular. Do not just give the history of the organization or industry unless it
is the core of the research problem. Avoid mere literature review.
4.3 Statement of the problem

The problem to be investigated must be clear. It should show in what way it is a problem.
The research problem should be in two parts; the first part addresses the practical
problem observed while the second part should address the knowledge gap that the
study seeks to close.

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4.4 Research objectives/Research questions

State the main objective (aim) and specific objectives (objectives) of the study. Normally,
3 to 5 objectives are required for MSc and more for MPhil and Doctoral research.
Corresponding research questions should be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the
research objectives.
4.5 Research hypothesis (es) or Research propositions

Research hypotheses should only be stated if they are relevant to your study and are
going to be tested statistically in the Results Chapter. Research hypotheses should bear
a relationship with the objectives and statement of the problem. See an example of
current trends in stating research hypotheses.
H1: Perceived serviced quality has a positive effect on customer satisfaction.
H2: Customer satisfaction has a positive effect on customer loyalty.
H3: The effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty is stronger for female
than male MSc students.

Research hypotheses are used in quantitative research. For qualitative research, use
research propositions. Research hypotheses/propositions should be supported or not
supported in the Results Chapter.

4.6 Significance of the study

Explain why and how the findings of your study are important. Identify the major
stakeholders of the study and explain how they may benefit from the findings of the
study. Focus on unique benefits; not just general benefits. Examples of generic benefits
include benefits to the student, or benefits to Chinhoyi University of Technology.
4.7 Delimitations of the study

The delimitation of the study should set the boundaries of the study in terms of
geography (where the study is conducted), time (period the study is conducted), target
population, and field of study/theory and concepts involved.
4.8 Outline of literature review

This outline is meant to show what strides have been made regarding the area of study
and hence the knowledge gap. The major theories underpinning the study should be
outlined. The sources should be current and backed by recent and traceable references
(most references should be within the last five years, unless it is seminal work). Use
scholarly sources/references.
4.9 Research methodology

Research methodology includes research philosophy, research paradigm, research

design, target population, sample size, sampling method, research instruments, data
collection procedures, data presentation and analysis methods, reliability and validity,
and ethical considerations.

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4.9.1 Research philosophy

Identify the research philosophy to be adopted and justify. Two major extremes
of research philosophies are positivism (deals with quantitative research) and
interpretivism (deals with qualitative research). In between these extremes are
variations such as pragmatism.
4.9.2 Research paradigm

Identify the research paradigm to be used and justify. Three research paradigms
are quantitative (related to positivism), qualitative (related to interpretivism) and
mixed methods (related to pragmatism).
4.9.3 Research design

Outline the research design to be used and justify. Major types of research
designs include:

 Descriptive (e.g,case-study, survey)

 Experimental (e.g, field experiment, controlled experiment, quasi-
experiment)
 Correlational (e.g., case-control study, observational study)
 Review (literature review, systematic review)

4.9.4 Target population

State the target population (accessible population). Provide statistics and
source/sample frame.
4.9.5 Sample size
Show the sample size and show how the sample has been derived.
4.9.6 Sampling method
Outline how the sample items are to be chosen and justify.
4.9.7 Research instruments
Identify the research instrument(s) to be used and justify.
4.9.8 Data collection procedures

Explain how data is to be collected and research instrument(s) to be used.

4.9.9 Data presentation and analysis methods
Explain how data is to be presented and analyzed
Data are normally presented in tables and figures. For quantitative research, data
analysis methods include descriptive statistics (e.g. frequencies, percentages,
mean and standard deviation), Chi-Square test, T-test, ANOVA, F-test,
regression analysis, structural equation modelling. Software packages that can
be used to execute such quantitative analyses include Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS), Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS), and Linear
Structural Relations (LISREL).

For qualitative research, data analysis is usually done at three levels, namely
thematic, content and discourse. NVivo is an example of software packages that

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 can be used to analyze qualitative data. Data are normally presented as themes
and in tables, figures and wordart/ texts/ quotes (verbatim)
4.9.10 Reliability and validity
For quantitative study, explain how to ensure reliability and validity of data
collected. However for qualitative study do credibility of research findings.

4.9.11 Ethical considerations

Ethical considerations in the context of the research area and societal

expectations should be spelt out. Explain how you are going to ensure that the
study is ethical before, during and after data collection.
4.11 Organisation of the Dissertation

Explain how the dissertation is to be structured in terms of chapters and their major
contents.
4.12 Work plan

Show in the form of a Gantt chart, table or any other suitable format the sequence of
research activities and when they will be executed.
4.13 Budget
Present a research budget showing research activities and related costs.
4.14 References

The American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition referencing system should be
used (read the APA 6th referencing guide provided). In-text citations should be reflected
in the reference list.

5. WRITING AND SUBMITTING THE DISSERTATION/THESIS

5.1 General provisions

Under the guidance of a supervisor, a candidate should write and submit a

dissertation/thesis within the Graduate Business School set deadline. A candidate
should take full responsibility for the quality of their academic work and dissertation
submitted for examination under the guidance of the supervisor. The candidate, with the
help of the supervisor, should be responsible for the completion of the progress report
form during the supervision period (use the supervision progress report form provided in
the annexures).
5.2 Length of dissertation

The recommended length of dissertation/thesis should be a minimum of 25,000 words

and a maximum of 40,000 words for MSc, a minimum of 45,000 words and a maximum
of 70,000 words for MPhil, a minimum of 70,000 words and a maximum of 75,000 words
for Doctoral thesis with taught component, and a minimum of 80,000 words and a
maximum of 100 000 words for DPhil.

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 5.3 Structure of the dissertation/thesis
The dissertation should comprise the following major sections:

Cover page (See Appendices for the order)

Preliminary pages

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Chapter 4: Results and discussion

Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recomendations

References (in alphabetical order)

Appendices
However, the structure may vary for MPhil and Doctoral theses.

6. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS UNDER EACH SECTION OF THE

DISSERTATION/THESIS

6.1 Cover page

Use the template provided in the annexures section.

6.2 Preliminary pages

Include approval form, declarations, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, list

of tables, list of figures and list of abbreviations/acronyms.
Use the templates of approval form and declarations provided in the annexure of action.

The abstract should highlight the research problem, purpose of the study, research
methodology, major findings, conclusions and Recommendations.

6.3 Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1 is normally the last chapter to be written. The chapter includes background to
the study/background to the research problem, statement of the problem/research
problem, research objectives and research questions, research hypothesis(es)/research
proposition/s, significance of the study, delimitations of the study, structure of the
dissertation, and chapter summary. The contents of Chapter 1 (from background to the
scope) are largely derived from the research proposal (see the research proposal
section but put in past tense).
6.4 Chapter 2: Literature review

Refer to the literature review section under the research proposal above. In addition to
that, the literature review should reveal both the theoretical framework and prior
empirical evidence and show the research gap. Literature must adequately address the
thematic areas as informed by the research objectives and questions, conceptual
framework/hypothesis/proposition/s. Use recent scholarly sources/references. Do not
write notes.

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6.5 Chapter 3: Research methodology

Refer to the research methodology section under the research proposal. This section
includes a detailed explanation and justification of the how data were collected and
analyzed.
If the study is simply collecting data from people, then the chapter should show the
research philosophy, research paradigm, research design, target population, sample
size, sampling method, research instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis
and presentation methods, reliability, validity/credibility of findings, and ethical
considerations.
For Data analytics research that work with big data the chapter should include, the
research philosophy, research paradigm, research design ( single or multi-case study),
Operationalisation- describing variables as measurable variable e.g. scaling), Data
manipulation (data Model development procedure, data quantification), procedure- data
cleaning, data mining, data algorithm etc techniques used), data analysis procedure (e.g.
economic models, regressions, multivariate analyses, include statistical software used,
e.g. R, Starta, SPSS with Amos), Ethics, Data validation, Chapter summary.

Whilst reference should be made to literature to substantiate your choice of methods,

take note that this is not a literature review and note making section. Focus on the
critical. Also explain the structure of the research instrument(s) and how they were
developed. Do not write notes.
6.6 Chapter 4: Results and discussion

In this chapter, data are presented, analysed, and interpreted.

Results, interpretation and discussion should be guided by research
objectives/questions/hypotheses/proposition instead of the structure of the research
instrument.
6.7 Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

Summary of research findings, Conclusions are derived from the findings based on the
research objectives/hypotheses/proposition as outlined in Chapter 1. Include the
outcome model or framework and its applicability or feasibility. Recommendations are
based on theory, policy and practice, and limitations and future research.
Recommendations are informed by conclusions.
6.8 References

The APA 6th edition referencing system should be used (read the APA 6th referencing
guide provided to you). In-text citations should balance with the references list.
6.9 Appendices
Include the following:

 CUT permission letter (use template provided in the

annexures section) Research instrument(s)
 Ethical clearance certificate
 Similarity index report (first page
of the summary)
 Any other relevant documents

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7. . SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION/THESIS
a) A candidate shall submit a soft copy of the completed dissertation/thesis to gbsdissertations@cut.ac.zw.
No hard copies are necessary. Any dissertation submitted outside the gbsdissertations@cut.ac.zw email
address platform will not be accepted and it will be deemed as non-submission.
b) A dissertation/thesis which has been presented for examination at another University will not be
accepted.
c) The Approval form and the Supervision Progress Report, signed by the supervisor, must be sent as a separate
attachment (they should not be part of the main document).
d) On submission, the plagiarism test report summary first page showing the similarity percentage should be
attached as the last page of the student’s document.
e) MSc candidate shall not be required to have published to be allowed to graduate. An MPhil candidate
must have published (or show evidence of manuscript acceptances of) at least two (2) articles as first
author in refereed journals approved by the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) before being allowed
to submit dissertation for marking. A Doctoral candidate must have published at least three (3)
articles as first author in refereed journals approved by the HDC or show evidence of manuscript
acceptances before he/she can be allowed to submit thesis for marking.
f) At least three (3) months prior to the scheduled date for the submission of the dissertation/thesis, an
MPhil and DPhil candidate should, through their supervisors, submit a written notice using the
Application for Examination Form, to the HDC, declaring their intention to submit their
theses/dissertations. A candidate shall submit to the Graduate Business School, a soft copy of the
dissertation/thesis for marking.
g) It is the responsibility of the candidate to submit his/her own dissertation to the Graduate Business
School upon clearance by the supervisor.
h) It is important to note that Graduate Business School will not accept any dissertation
 after the deadline;
 from an unregistered student;
 submitted by the supervisor on behalf of the student.
 where there is no evidence that the student was adequately guided by the allocated supervisor.

8. SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION AFTER EXAMINATION

a) After the dissertation/thesis has been marked and after the publication of results, a passing candidate
shall make all the necessary corrections as required.
b) AN MSc candidate shall submit 2 soft copies of the dissertation one in Word and the other in PDF
format.
c) An MPhil thesis should be bound in black. A Doctoral thesis should be bound in red.

9. LODGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF DISSERTATION

A student shall only be permitted to bind the dissertation/thesis copies once all the major
changes/corrections suggested by examiners have been effected to the satisfaction of
the examination panel.

An MPhil and a DPhil student qualifying for graduation shall be required to lodge with the
Deputy Registrar - Academic, six (6) hard bound copies of the corrected

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 dissertation/thesis and a soft copy on CD or USB memory stick saved in MS Word and
PDF format at least a week prior to the graduation ceremony.

An MSc and a DBA or DSc student qualifying for graduation will be required to lodge
with the Deputy Registrar - Academic, four (4) hard bound copies of the corrected
dissertation/thesis and a soft copy on CD or USB memory stick saved in MS Word and
PDF format at least a week prior to the graduation ceremony.
The Deputy Registrar Academic shall pass on two hard bound copies to the Registrar
and soft copies to the University Librarian; one copy each to the school and department
and the rest to the Main Supervisors who shall hand over one copy to the student.
The soft copies should normally be deposited into the library’s electronic repository.
The Senate shall have the authority not to place copies of the dissertation/thesis in the
public domain.

10. SIMILARITY INDEX CHECK

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and the Graduate Business School shall check
any dissertation/thesis submitted for similarity index. In the case of more than 20%
similarity index being discovered in a dissertation, the candidate shall be failed and re-
submission shall be at the discretion of Senate. In the case of less than or equal to 20%
similarity index, not more than 5% from a single source shall be permitted. In such a
case, the candidate shall be required to rework the dissertation to meet this criterion.

11. ANNEXURES

 Cover page
 Approval form
 Declaration
 CUT permission letter
 Supervision progress report form – for MSc

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 (For MSc candidates only)

TITLE OF RESEARCH DISSERTATION

By
First names Surname
(Student number)

A Research Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Science in Strategic Management

Graduate Business School
Chinhoyi University of Technology
Zimbabwe

Supervisor

……………………………………………..(insert name)

Month Year

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APPROVAL FORM

The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to the Graduate
Business School, Chinhoyi University of Technology, for acceptance a dissertation
entitled, “Insert Topic Here”, submitted by First names Surname, in partial fulfilment of
the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in xxx xxx.

Name of Supervisor: ………………………………………

Signature: ………………………………………

Date: ………………………………………

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DECLARATION

I, First names Surname, declare that this MSc study is my own effort and is a true
reflection of research executed by me. This research in full or part thereof has not been
submitted for examination for any degree at any other university/institution.

No part of this dissertation may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form, or by any means (e.g. electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise) without the prior express permission of me the author, or
Chinhoyi University of Technology on my behalf.

I, (First names Surname), grant Chinhoyi University of Technology permission to

reproduce this dissertation in whole or in part, in any manner or format, which Chinhoyi
University of Technology may deem fit.

Name of Student: ………………………………………

Signature: ………………………………………

Date: ………………………………………

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 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
PERMISSION LETTER

Student Name ………………………………………………

Student number ………………………………………………
Programme .……………………………………………..
Approved research topic
…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I hereby confirm that the above-mentioned student is registered at Chinhoyi University of

Technology for the programme indicated. The proposed study met all the requirements
as stipulated in Chinhoyi University of Technology policies and guidelines and has been
approved by the Graduate Business School.

The proposal adheres to ethical principles as outlined by the Research Ethics Committee
of the University. Permission is hereby granted to carry out the research as described in
the approved proposal. Please assist the student in any way possible.
The main objective of the study is to
…………..………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Best Regards

………………………………………….
Signature and Date Stamp
………………………………………….
Name of Director, Graduate Business School
Tel: +263 267 2129447
E-mail: directorgbs@cut.ac.zw / directorcutgbs@gmail.com

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 CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
GRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL

SUPERVISION PROGRESS REPORT FORM

Name of student: ……………………… Registration number:………….………….

Name of supervisor: ……………………………………

Topic:…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Date of Areas covered Comments by Date of next Signature of

Review lecturer review supervisor

Overall comments by the supervisor:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Signature of Supervisor: …………………………… Date…………………………..

Signature of Student: …………………………… Date…………………………..

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 12. ASSESSMENT FORM FOR MSC DISSERTATION (REVISED)
(To be completed by Internal/External Examiner)

Name of Student: ………………………………..…………………… Student Number: ………………….…

Programme: .…………..…………………………………. Date: ……………………………….

Dissertation title: .…………..………………………………………………………………………

Assessment Criteria Possible Mark Comments by

Mark Awarded Examiner
Topic:
Research topic should be appropriateness and clearly stated 3
Abstract:
Should contain the purpose/problem, how the study was 5
approached and major findings.
Not more than a page long
Introduction:
Is the background of the study sufficient and relevant?
Is the statement of the problem clear and logical
Are the research objectives / questions well-constructed and 12
relating to the problem?
Is the hypotheses / propositions well deduced
Literature review:
Check for relevance to the study, adequacy to cover the topic,
objectives / questions / hypotheses / propositions, comprehensive
and logically integrated.
Is there adequate theoretical framework? Is the conceptual
20
framework a sound model for the study?
Check for in-text referencing.
Research methodology:
This must be clear, detailed and informative with specific 15
methods identified and justified.
Software appropriate and supported by literature
Data Presentation and Analysis
Use of charts and other presentation techniques, Appropriateness 10
of analysis tools used
Testing of hypothesis where appropriate
Discussion of Results:
Reference to research problem / objectives, literature and 10
evidence of the author’s position
Conclusions and Recommendations
Theoretical Recommendations Practical Recommendations Future 10
research Recommendations
References:
Appropriate use of APA style, Evidence of wide reading, all
sources used consistency between in-text citation and reference 5
list.
Presentation:
Writing style, use of language and technicalities 5
TOTAL 100

Name of Examiner: ……..……………………… Signature:…………….……… Date:…………

FORM GSD11: SUMMARY OF EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR MSC DISSERTATION
(To be completed by Internal/External Examiner)

Name of Student: ………………………………………… Student Number: ………………….…………….

Programme: .……………………………………….……..………………….

Dissertation
title: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………….

Examiner’s Recommendations Mark (%)

1 Thesis PASSES subject AS IS (Mark ……….%)

2 Thesis PASSES subject to MINOR corrections (Mark ……….%)

3 Thesis PASSES subject to MAJOR corrections as indicated in the report

(Mark …..%)

4 Thesis MUST BE RE-SUBMITTED FOR RE-EXAMINATION after one or more of the

following has been done (specify in the report):(No mark to be allocated)

Thesis FAILED (reasons specified in Main Report).

Mark allocated: ………… (< 50%)

Name of Examiner: ………………..…………………………….

Signature: …………..……………………………………….

Date: ……………………………………………………..

13. Dissertation Timelines for the January to May Semester 2023

Milestone Latest Date for
completion
Dissertation workshop 13 January
Concept Note Development 30 January
Proposal Defence 19 - 23 February
Chapter 2: Literature Review 31 March
Chapter3 Research Methodology 15 April
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion 15 May
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations 30 May
Complete draft 15 June
Submission of work 28 June