Formal Template for Preparing

UNDERGRADUATE DISSERTATIONS

For the

Great Zimbabwe University

(GZU)

Human Resources Management Department

 © GZU (Human Resources Management Department)

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Copyright 2017

All rights reserved. The use, copying and distribution of this document for legitimate academic or research purposes
is highly encouraged.
Foreword

A dissertation is a final stage of the degree that provides students with the opportunity to show
that they have gained the necessary skills and knowledge in order to organise and conduct a
research project. It is a formal academic document that not only aims at putting into practice
theories and concepts learned on the programme, showing evidence of independent indepth
investigation of a particular topic, but also should be presented in an appropriate academic style
and format to ensure that it’s precise aim of demonstrating that a student has mastered the
intricacies of research or is skilled in various aspects of research is met. As such, there are rules
that govern the way in which a dissertation is structured or presented. It must have chapters
that provide an introduction, a literature review, a justification of the data selected for analysis
and research methodology, analysis of the data and, finally conclusions.

This template is intended to guide you structure your dissertation in a way that is not only formal
and acceptable at GZU but that can also assist you come up with a technically and conceptually
sound as well as coherent dissertation with all the required structural elements. The dissertation
which must be written using the format or layout given in this template shall adhere to the
following styles:

ASPECT RECOMMENDED STYLE

Word count 20 000 – 25 000 main text only. Excludes preliminary pages and references.

Paper size A4

Margin settings Top 2.54cm Bottom 2.54cm Left 3.17cm Right 3.17cm

Line spacing 1.5

Page numbering Divide your document into three (3) sections (1. Cover page, 2. Second page to
Acknowledgments, 3. Chapter One to the end). In the 2nd section going on, use Arabic
numerals starting from ii. In the 3rd section, use Roman numerals starting from page 1.

Font Bookman Old Style size 12

Alignment Justified

Referencing style APA system

Binding Spiral soft bound

Number of copies Two hard bound plus an electronic version in pdf format
PLACE THE SHORT TITLE OF YOUR DISSERTATION HERE (SHOULD YOU
DECIDE TO IMMORTALIZE THE DOCUMENT FOR POSTERITY, THIS IS THE
INFORMATION THAT SHOULD APPEAR ON THE HARD COVER)

AND YOUR NAMES ONLY

 REPEAT THE SHORT TITLE PROVIDED ON THE FIRST COVER PAGE:

AND ALSO PROVIDE ON THIS SPACE FULL DETAILS OF / OR THE SECOND

PART OF YOUR FULL/LONGER TITLE

YOUR NAMES (AND STUDENT NUMBER)

NAME OF SUPERVISOR

A dissertation submitted to
The Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)
In partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the BSC (Hons) degree in Human Resources Management

MONTH AND YEAR SUBMITTED

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 DECLARATION

Here insert your Declaration that the work is original and not plagiarised. This is a legal
requirement of all academic institutions which obligates you to make a truthful oath. DO NOT
lie or mislead the University as you will always be caught.

Below is an example of a declaration.

I hereby declare that this dissertation, “Tittle of Dissertation in Italics” is my own unaided work
which has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at any other University. It is
being submitted to the Great Zimbabwe University, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the BSC (Hons) degree in Human Resources Management. All figures, tables and panels, unless
specifically acknowledged as being sourced from other persons, are mine. Where use has been
made of the work of others, it is duly acknowledged.

Signature: ……………………………. Date:…………………

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 RELEASE FORM

This is a signed and stamped endorsement by the supervisor and/or university that the
dissertation was supervised and is ready and hereby released for examination

iv
 DEDICATION

Include here name(s) of people to whom the work is dedicated. These may be your
friends, family, heroes, deity etc.

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 ABSTRACT

An abstract represents a brief summary of the dissertation. By summarising the research, it allows other people to
get an idea of the what (and why, where, who, and how) was accomplished without having to read through the
whole dissertation. A good abstract is difficult to write and can only be completed after the full dissertation has
been written. On this page, present a brief abstract of the research project you have undertaken. This should not be
longer than a page, written in a flowing style, with no numbered paragraphs, and outlining the relevant points of
the discussion which follows. An Abstract is effectively road map to your research project, and aims to facilitate the
work of others who may have to inform the University, other scholars, or the public at large, of the nature of your
research. A typical Abstract could be structured along the following aspects: Aim and objectives: What are
the main themes, ideas or areas of concept being investigated? Boundaries: What is the context and background
to this dissertation? In what areas of theory or business practice should the reader concentrate their attention?
Methodology: What was/were the main method(s) employed to generate the findings? Findings: What were
your main findings? Conclusions: What are the main conclusions that you arrive at when viewing the entire
dissertation? An abstract ends with

Key words: Include about, five key words, which, if keyed on any search engine, can lead to your abstract

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Create on this page a table of contents which “Chapterises”, i.e. outlines your Chapter headings
and subheadings with accurate pagination. The table will assist readers to navigate around your
document. If the document is properly formatted in MS Word, an accurately paginated table can
be produced on the click of a button. You will be taken through a workshop on “Formatting an
MS Word Document” which will capacitate you with the required skills to automate your contents
table. Manually done contents tables are often inaccurate and clumsy.

In every chapter, section headings and subheadings must be designated by an acceptable

outline/numbering form. The convention of formal outlining requires that main ideas be
designated by a two digit decimal notation. For example in Chapter One, this will be 1.0, 1.1; 1.2
etc. This outline form permits an infinite number of possible subheadings through addition of
another decimal place. For example subheadings of 1.1 will be 1.1.1; 1.1.2; 1.1.3, etc. The
automated table stack chapter headings to the left, with sections, and subsections to the right.

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Table title (as it appears in the main text) Page

Table 4.1: Table title Page

Table 4.2: Table title Page

NB: In the above, Table 2.1 denotes the first table in Chapter Two. Similarly, Table 4.2 means
second table in Chapter Four. Note that your tables, figures and panels must be titled
appropriately in the main text.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Figure Title (as it appears in the main text) Page

Figure 4.1: Figure Title Page

Figure 4.2: Figure Title Page

NB: In the above, Figure 2.1 means first figure in Chapter Two. Similarly, Figure 4.2 means
second figure in Chapter Four.

Note also that tables and figures are numbered 1,2,3,4 etc. However, the numbers must be
prefixed with the number of the Chapter within which the table/figure is found e.g 5.3.

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 LIST OF ANNEXURES

Annexure A Tittle (as it appears in the main text) Page

Annexure B Tittle Page

Annexure C Tittle Page

Annexures or appendices may be used to provide relevant supporting evidence for reference but
should only be used if necessary. You may wish to include in appendices, evidence which
confirms the originality of your work or illustrates points of principle set out in the main text,
questionnaires, and interview guidelines. Only subsidiary material should be included in
appendices.

Annexures are numbered using letters of the alphabet. It is important to note that numbering of
annexures must be consistent with the way they are referred to in the main text of dissertation.
For example, if in your discussion of research instruments in the methodology chapter talk about
interview schedule and refer the reader to (see Annexure B) then your annexure B must be an
interview schedule.

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 LIST OF ACCRONYMS

List in alphabetical order, all the acronyms used in the dissertation here. An acronym is an
abbreviation used as a word which is formed from the initial components in a phrase or a word.
Usually these components are individual letters (as in GZU for Great Zimbabwe University).

AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

ZBC Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation

NB: In the main text of the dissertation, and in each chapter, a full phrase (and the respective
acronym in brackets) must be given at first use of each acronym.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This is a brief signed statement in which you acknowledge all help received in writing the
dissertation. Conducting a research project and writing and submitting a dissertation is a
complex and difficult task that requires, for it to be successful, input from other people,
institutions, and organisations. Identify those who helped you and acknowledge their help. These
may include supervisor, family, participants, friends etc. Some go on to thank their Deity. Try to
keep more personal comments about family and friends to a minimum and concentrate on those
who have given direct assistance.

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction
This is the first chapter whose main purpose is to describe the context of the research, highlighting
the problem under investigation, explaining what the project is all about and why it is important. It
indicates the theoretical/conceptual framework within which your study is located and why.
Research objectives and key questions are also outlined. The Chapter must also outline the structure
of the whole project and define key terms therein. Remember that you are writing a treatise or
dissertation, not a technical project report. One of the primary requirements of your document is
that it be written in a flowing, learned and discursive manner, with sections speaking coherently to
each other.

An introduction to this chapter, as with all subsequent ones, provides the reader with the objective
and contents ‘map’ of what is contained in the chapter. In this chapter,

- State the problem that the research deals with

- Locate the problem in an appropriate context
- Introduce sections/outline of THIS chapter
1.1 Background of study
In this section you should

- Provide a more detailed explanation of problem briefly establishing the context of the
research, posing the research question/problem/hypothesis
- Show its lineage from background of existing knowledge, previous investigations,
contemporary practice
- Explain whether these or related questions have been asked before, and what answers have
been obtained - i.e. outline, evaluate and synthesise current state of critical/theoretical debate
- Explain why your research is worthwhile and necessary, showing how you built on past
strengths while overcoming limitations.
1.2 Aim/Purpose of the study

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Aims are the general intentions/desired long term outcomes/ aspirations and expectations of the
research. Explain in broader terms what the research seeks to accomplish. Without a clearly defined
aim or purpose, the dissertation is fundamentally flawed from the outset. An aim is usually written
using an infinitive verb plus action (to…).

For example, you can say: My aim in this study is/This study aims to map…/to develop…/to
design…/to track…/to generate…/to theorise…/to build/to improve… In the humanities and social
sciences, some aims attempt to investigate…/to understand…/to explore…/to catalogue…/to
challenge…/to critically interrogate…etc.

For example, “This study aims to improve our understanding on the genesis and objectives of the ZANU PF
reconfiguration exercise”.

1.2.1 Reasons for/Justification of the study

After stating the purpose of the study, add a paragraph or two indicating why you believe the study
is important, arguing why your study should be done. Under this section, answer the question why
this is an important area of study. Provide a rationale for the research study. Was the study
undertaken for example in order to test some aspect of professional or business practice or theory
or framework of analysis? Was it carried out to fulfil the demands of a business organisation? Who
will benefit? Discuss applied and scientific contributions. Do not state that it is a requirement for the
degree course.

Once the purpose and significance of study are established, the next task is to formulate study
objectives that are consistent with (or speak to) the purpose. These should not be more than three.

1.2.2 Objectives of the study

Objectives are action oriented steps the study takes in order to accomplish its aim or goal. Express
these through active sentences, for example: In order to achieve this aim, I will
collect…/construct…/produce.../test…/measure…/document…/pilot…/deconstruct…/analyse…/etc. Present
your objectives as a (1) (2) (3) formatted list not bullet points.

You can say: To achieve the above aim, the study has the following three main objectives:

1. To elicit ZCDC officials’ views on what the reconfiguration exercise seeks to achieve
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 2. To analyse factors that led to the reconfiguration exercise
Objectives must be highly practical, focused and feasible/doable/achievable and aimed at addressing
more immediate project outcomes. At proposal stage, reviewers look to see if the time and money
available for the research will genuinely allow the researcher to achieve their objectives. They also
look to see if the objectives are possible, actually research-able. At the conclusion of your project
you will need to assess whether or not you have met your objectives and if not, why.

1.2.2 Key questions to be answered in the research/Hypothesis.

To achieve stated objectives, state about three key research questions that the study asks. These are
critical questions which you, by conducting the study, intend to provide answers to. One easy way of
doing it is to turn the objectives into questions.

- These are not interview questions but issues that you want addressed by the research.
- Quantitative approaches call this hypothesis
1.3 Scope of the study
In this section you must clearly indicate the delimitation or boundaries of your study in terms of
physical, conceptual and temporal boundaries. Clearly state the specific boundaries within which the
study is located or was conducted. Physical is the place where participants were drawn. Justify why,
and relate (if applicable) the importance of the place to the study. Location can also be conceptual.
Here you locate the study in appropriate discipline(s) and/or theories. Temporal is location in terms
of historical period. Justify the location in the context of study. Delimiting does not end with what
the study does/include, but it is also apposite to show what it doesn’t, and why.

1.4 Structure of the dissertation

This short final section of the Introduction should outline all the chapters in the dissertation,
explaining briefly what each deals with. Tell the reader what topics are going to be discussed in each
of the chapters and how the chapters are related to each other. In this way, you are, in effect,
providing the reader with a content map of the whole dissertation that enables them to navigate
their way through your work much more easily and appreciate to the maximum what you have done.
By so doing, readers can see (1) where they are starting from, (2) the context in which the journey is
taking place, (3) where they are going to end up, and (4) the route which they will take to reach their
final destination.

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1.5 Definition of terms
Under this section, provide contextual definitions of key terms and concepts used in the study that,
in absence of these definitions, readers might ascribe unintended meanings. The idea is to guide the
reader as to what you intend, in this study, particular terms and concepts to mean.

1.7 Conclusion
A conclusion is the last section of your chapter which provides a concise summary of what they
have just read. It also forwards the reader to the introduction of the following chapter. The
introduction of Chapter Two (as with all subsequent chapters) should look back to the conclusion of
the previous chapter, and forwards to the contents of the chapter which you are introducing.

NB: Each of your chapters will require both an introduction and a conclusion. These conclusions
and introductions act like small links which bind the ‘chain’ of the chapters together in a more
seamless whole than would have occurred if the chapters had not been introduced or concluded;
they ‘smooth out’ the transition from chapter to chapter and from topic to topic.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW (YOU ARE FREE TO GIVE IT A SUBJECT

SPECIFIC AND APPROPRIATE TITLE)

2.0 Introduction
Provide the reader with the objective and contents ‘map’ of what is contained in the chapter. A
literature review is basically a synthesis and analysis of the work of previously published authors
from which a set of questions that needed to be answered to fulfil the objectives of this study are
derived. It is a critical summary of research on a topic of interest, generally prepared to put a
research problem in context or to identify gaps and weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify a new
investigation.

2.1...??
Unlike other chapters that can have a predetermined titles and structure, the titles of the chapter
and its subsections as well as the structure of a literature review is dictated by YOU, but in a
way that allows concepts to be captured and presented in an order that brings a clear line of
argument in the context of YOUR research project.

Specifically, your review must

- Establish the status quo/expose the problem you are researching on.
- Mobilise literature to formulate a problem or research enquiry.
- Use literature to justify need for pursuing a line of enquiry, and
- Use literature to situate the research within a theoretical and disciplinary context.
Here, you must demonstrate to examiners your professional competence and knowledge in an area
or research.

The following are some tips to achieve the above:

- Provide up-to-date position of research in the field.

- Describe, summarise, evaluate, clarify and/or integrate the content of primary reports to
establish what we know now.
- Present a clear case and context for the project.

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 - Raise questions and identify areas to be explored.
Give an idea of the work that has been carried out in the subject area (do not emphasis on outdated
material), preparing the reader for the study that is to follow.

Organise the chapter into sections that present relevant themes of your story, including relevant
theory (use headings and subheadings).

Make critical comments on what scholars say and use these to express an academic opinion.

An adequate literature review must lead not only to a refined set of research questions and/or
hypotheses but also to which research design and methods might be appropriate.

NB: A literature review is NOT

- A catalogue of sources or annotated bibliography/list of sources

- A cut and paste from another source.
Do not start every sentence/paragraph with According to….Give prominence to the idea; NOT
names of authors or theorists.

2…?? Conclusion
See previous notes on chapter conclusions

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20
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
An introduction to this chapter, as with all subsequent ones, provides the reader with the objective
and contents ‘map’ of what is contained in the chapter. Show the reader what techniques were
available, what their advantages and disadvantages were, and what guided you to make the choice
you did. Argue for or justify each methodological decision made when arriving at the way in which
the research is organised. Every time that you have to make a methodological choice from a number
of options, you must state what each of these methods are, why you chose the method you selected,
and why you rejected those methods not used. Do not simply state abstract/theoretical advantages
and disadvantages of these methods, but relate these to your study.

For example, if the advantage of qualitative research is to extract indepth knowledge about
phenomena, state that “Using qualitative research allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of (the
issue you are investigating).

2.1 Research approach

State, as clearly as possible, the research approach that is appropriate for the study. Is it
quantitative, qualitative or mixed method? Define the approach, explaining its characteristics, and
justify why it is relevant or significance for your study. You can start this section by restating the
purpose of the study and then go on to state the appropriate approach to achieve the purpose.

2.1.1 Research design

Research design is an overall plan for obtaining an answer to the research question or for testing the
research hypothesis. Designs are informed by the approach used. There are designs exclusively
applicable to either quantitative or qualitative approach. State and explain the design used for the
study. Is it a survey, a case study, an experiment, an intervention, a phenomenological study, an
ethnographic study, or desktop research? There many other designs.

Justify in concrete terms (as in the example above) why the design is appropriate for YOUR study.

2.2 Study population/participants

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In this section, identify the appropriate population/material from which sample was drawn.

- Explain characteristics of the participants

- Justify why you chose such participants
- How many were they, and how did you arrive at this number? During the design of the
study, the sample size calculation will indicate whether the study is feasible or not.
- Who will be included, state the inclusion criteria, for example Age >18.
- Who will be excluded, state the exclusion criteria, for example, those who refuse to give
informed consent.
2.2.1 Sampling/selection approach

Sampling is the process of selecting a portion of the population to represent the entire population of
interest (target population). Selection methods are also dictated by the chosen approach and design.
Don’t chose a method randomly, be systematic.

In this section, explain

- how participants were selected

- Describe what method was used to recruit participants.
- Justify why such method was used
3.2.2 Data collection methods and techniques

These are methods through which data was obtained from participants or sources of information.

- identify instruments you used for collection

- specify which tests/scales/questionnaires were used
- describe how (procedures) these were administered
- describe techniques used during the process (if interviews, were they face to face, email,
single or multiple contacts)
- describe the recruitment procedure
3.2.3 Ethical considerations

Ethical principles include

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 - Respect for persons (autonomy) – explain how this was ensured.
- Respect for privacy (confidentiality/anonymity) – Explain how this was ensured.
- Non-maleficence (do not harm) – explain if the potential harms and benefits (stating these)
of the research on the participants was explained to them prior to the research.
- Attach in your annexures a copy of your consent form and/or guidelines for questionnaires
and telephone surveys
2.3 Method of analyses
This is the procedure or lenses through which data was analysed. In this section, explain how you
analysed your data

- Apply known techniques accepted in the field as valid before embarking on untried methods
of analysis
- If quantitative, what statistical method or standardised instruments were used?
- If qualitative, explain the lenses or theory which was used
- Provide a specific and detailed account of how you tested your assumptions/hypotheses and
answer your research questions
3.5 Reliability and validity/true worthiness or rigour of findings
- Discuss the reliability and validity of specific instruments and procedures and of entire
method
- Show what you have done to ensure the results can be replicable or generalised.
- Here you can talk for example (where applicable) of triangulation of methods, sources,
theories; adherence to standard procedures etc.
3.6 Conclusion

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 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS (YOU ARE ALSO FREE TO

GIVE OWN BUT APPROPRIATE TITLE THAT IS SUBJECT SPECIFIC)

4.0: Introduction
Appraise the reader with the objective and contents ‘map’ of what is contained in the chapter. This
chapter seeks to present the outcome of the research, i.e. the evidence and/or results of primary
research which you have undertaken. This is one key chapter of your dissertation where you must
show how your results illuminate your research questions/hypotheses. In essence, your presentation
and analysis of the data that you have collected from your fieldwork should provide answers to these
questions. As with any other chapter, it begins with an introduction. See previous notes on chapter
introductions.

4.1 Finding 1
Section 4.1; 4.2; 4.3 up to wherever you wish to end; are the main parts of the chapter where the
presentation of the data that you obtained is made. Since large amounts of data will have been
generated and has to be considered, the data must be organised in a logical and coherently ordered
whole so that your thought processes and interpretation are clear to the reader. Decide on the
structure and sub titles of this chapter. The standard practice is to structure the chapter according to
themes that emerge from research objectives or key questions. So it is important that you group the
finding in meaningful themes that speak to the objectives or key questions of the study.

Presentation of your findings, depending upon your methodological outline, can be in the form of
detailed quantitative models, basic descriptive statistics or qualitative techniques dealing with
structured content analysis, textual analysis, to case study descriptions.

In the case of company case studies, include a brief outline about the company and its activities.
Keep these comments focused on the topic area and not just a broad and general description of
everything you know about the organisation.

- Whatever form of data presentation/analysis has been undertaken; it must be accomplished

with care and attention to detail.
- Avoid cataloguing of arid mass of tables, figures and statistics.

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 - Describe in an accessible manner what the research has uncovered and include (where
necessary) only the most pertinent figures as evidence of your findings.
Analysis is essentially about searching for patterns and themes that emerge from the findings. The
goal is to discover what meaning you can make of them by comparing your findings both within and
across groups, and with those of other studies. If doing quantitative analysis

- Show what is typical or atypical about the data

- Show the degree of difference or relationship between two your variables
For qualitative research, present and analyse findings that relate to your research questions and
issues that you explored during your fieldwork.

Your analysis should endeavour to

- Identify themes/patterns/categories that the findings may be grouped into

- Explain why these exist
- Avoid describing each interview or focus group in turn but what you found from all
participants regarding each of the key questions. This provides a degree of logical flow and
development to the analysis.
- You are not required to include all the transcripts of interviews, surveys or data
- Sheets.
- Here, only include the summarised data.
4…Conclusion
See previous notes on chapter conclusions and what they seek to achieve.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION/INTERPRETATION (FREE TO GIVE OWN BUT

APPROPRIATE TITLE THAT IS SUBJECT SPECIFIC)

5.0 Introduction
The introduction of this chapter reminds the reader what exactly the research objectives were, and
the order in which the discussion is presented. This is important because in this chapter, discussion
should focus attention on data that is directly relevant to the research questions. Also highlight the
objective and contents ‘map’ of what is contained in the chapter

5.1…? (Decide on what to begin with, and also the number of sections)
These sections are the heart of the dissertation and must be more than descriptive. This chapter
develops analytic and critical thinking on primary results and analysis with reference to theoretical
arguments grounded in the literature review.

Through an in-depth interpretation, the chapter thus examines the emergent patterns among
findings examining whether the literature corresponds with, contradicts, and/or deepens
interpretations. Discussion may include interpretation of any findings that were not anticipated
when the study was first described.

In order to undertake this task, you must provide answers to the question: WHAT DOES IT ALL
MEAN?

A variation of the above question is: “NOW THAT WE KNOW WHAT THE FINDINGS ARE;
SO WHAT?

What the above questions require is for you to give meaning of the findings in respect of the
research objectives, reviewed literature, theory and employed methodology. Meaning to your
findings is given by closing the loop; i.e. revisiting your overall purpose, research questions. Provide
in this chapter a solid and reasoned discussion for those research hypotheses that have been
supported or refuted.

Do NOT skimp on this task because it seeks to provide answers to research questions.

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As you discuss your findings, attempt also to answer the following questions which speak to the
significance of the study.

1. Why is what you found important and relevant to your audience, your sample population,
and the general body of knowledge?
2. Why should we (your readers) care?
The question ‘Why we care’ offers you an opportunity to highlight the importance of the findings in
as far as the research problem (that you highlighted and motivated in your proposal and continue to
highlight throughout the research report) and the significance of the study are concerned. This is
your original contribution. Carry the examiner or reader to a new level of perception about the
study.

In qualitative research, there is no accepted single set of conventions for the interpretation of
findings. One important aspect of qualitative research is willingness to tolerate ambiguity. As such,
examining issues from all angles in order to demonstrate the most plausible explanation is
encouraged. Your integrity as a researcher is given credence by inclusion of all information, even
that which challenges inferences and original assumptions.

5....? Conclusion
As with previous chapter, end with a conclusion that summarises and links this and the next chapter.

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 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSION

6.0 Introduction
Introduce the objective and contents map of the chapter. This is the final chapter of the dissertation.
It is a conclusion of the whole dissertation that brings together all the chapters by showing how the
initial research plan has been addressed in such a way that conclusions may be formed from the
evidence presented. NO new material should be included in this chapter.

The chapter’s main function is to make a statement on the extent to which each of the aims and
objectives has been met. Be careful NOT to make claims that are not substantiated from the
evidence presented in earlier chapters.

6.1 Refer back

The first task is to refer back to what you have written, noting the employed tools and methods as
well as the findings presented and discussed. Remind the reader of your argument and giving some
sort of evaluation and/or interpretation. Here, reaffirm the problem statement. Cohesively tie
together, integrate and synthesise the various aspects raised in the discussion chapter, whilst
reflecting on the original purpose and problem statement

6.2 Discuss the issues and reach a final judgment on each.

This is the place to share with readers the conclusions you have reached on different aspects
through your research. Summarise findings to research question (s) and offer what these results may
mean. The main purpose here is to complete the story that the problem statement began. So here
you must summarise the relationship of findings to the original research questions established

6.3 Identify implications of the findings

Help readers understand with respect to the overall objectives your study’s overall meaning, if
applicable, by identifying:

6.3.1 Theoretical implications where you must explain what implications the study findings have on
theory, and

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6.3.2 Implications on policy and practice where you explain what implications the study findings have on
policy and practice.

6.3 Identify areas for further research

Point forward to what you think might happen in the future, with suggestions or predictions or
warnings. Indicate for colleagues who might wish to undertake research in this area in the future
areas for further research, learning from the limitations of the current study, and perhaps from un-
anticipated findings.

Most students are wont of proffering recommendations. Such students often confuse
recommendations with conclusions.

Please do NOT suggest in this dissertation any recommendations. This is not only an academic (it is
not a commissioned) research but a mere first year research whose conclusions address wider
understanding of issues you have been studying NOT recommendations. In any case, the
dissertation has not yet passed examination, so even if you do, no one will take your
recommendations seriously.

However, if you are undertaking a company project based around a business issue, you may want to
write directly to the company sharing your findings. Otherwise the dissertation remains the property
of Great Zimbabwe University.

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ANNEXURES

Appendices may be used to provide relevant supporting evidence for reference but should only be
used if necessary. You may wish to include in appendices, evidence which confirms the originality of
your work or illustrates points of principle set out in the main text, questionnaires, and interview
guidelines.

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REFERENCES

All references used in writing the dissertation (whether direct quotations or paraphrasing) should be
included in a reference list/bibliography, compiled in alphabetical order by author. The APA system
for listing references should be used.

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