DISSERTATION FORMAT

Following is the format for submitting dissertation:

I. Preliminary Pages:
 Title Page: Includes the dissertation title, your name, the degree program (MBA), and
the university name
 Abstract/Executive Summary: A concise overview of your dissertation (typically 150-
300 words). It should briefly state the research problem, objectives, methodology, key
findings, and conclusions.
 Acknowledgements (Optional): A section to thank individuals or organizations who
supported your research.
 Table of Contents: A list of all chapters and major sections with their corresponding
page numbers.
 List of Tables (If applicable): A list of all tables included in the dissertation with their
titles and page numbers.
II. Main Body:
 Chapter 1: Introduction:
 Provides background information on the research topic.
 States the research problem and its significance.
 Clearly defines the research aims, objectives, and questions.
 Outlines the scope and limitations of the study.
 Chapter 2: Literature Review:
 Critically reviews existing scholarly literature relevant to your research topic.
 Identifies gaps in the current research that your dissertation aims to address.
 Establishes the theoretical framework for your study.
 Concludes with a summary that highlights the contribution of your research.
 Chapter 3: Methodology:
 Details the research design and approach (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed
methods, case study).
 Describes the data collection methods used (e.g., surveys, interviews,
experiments, secondary data analysis).
 Explains the sampling techniques and sample size.
 Outlines the data analysis procedures.
 Chapter 4: Results/Findings:
 Presents the findings of your research in a clear and objective manner.
  Uses tables, figures, and statistical analysis (if applicable) to illustrate the
results.
 Interprets and analyzes the findings.
 Discusses the implications of your results in relation to the literature review
and research questions.
 Highlights the key contributions of your study.
 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations:
 Summarizes the main findings and conclusions of your research.
 Reiterates the significance of the study.
 Provides recommendations for future research or practical implications for
businesses or organizations.
 May briefly discuss the limitations of the study.
III. Closing Pages:
 References/Bibliography: A comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your
dissertation, formatted according to a specific citation style (e.g., APA, Harvard,
Chicago). Ensure consistency in the chosen style.
 Appendices (If applicable): Includes supplementary materials such as questionnaires,
interview transcripts, detailed statistical data, or other relevant information that is not
essential to the main body of the dissertation. Appendices should be numbered or lettered
(e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
General Formatting Guidelines:
 Font: Typically Times New Roman, 12-point font.
 Spacing: Usually double-spaced throughout the main text, with single spacing for figure
captions, table titles, footnotes, and references.
 Margins: Typically 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
 Page Numbers: Use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for preliminary pages and Arabic
numerals (1, 2, 3) starting from the first page of the introduction. Page numbers are
usually placed at the bottom center or top right of the page.
 Headings and Subheadings: Use a consistent system for formatting headings and
subheadings to clearly indicate the structure of your dissertation. Different levels of
headings should be visually distinct (e.g., bold, different font sizes).
 Justification: Text is usually justified.
 Citations and Referencing: Strictly adhere to the specified citation style for in-text
citations and the bibliography.
 Tables and Figures: Numbered sequentially within each chapter (e.g., Table 3.1, Figure
4.2). Include clear titles/captions.
  Language: Use clear, concise, and formal academic language. Avoid jargon where
possible and define any necessary technical terms.
Key Considerations:
 Supervisor Consultation: Discuss the format and structure of your dissertation with
your academic supervisor. They can provide valuable guidance and feedback.
 Consistency: Ensure consistency in formatting, citation style, and language throughout
your dissertation.
 Professional Presentation: Your dissertation should have a professional and well-
organized appearance. Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, and
punctuation.