General Formatting of Thesis/(MBS)
General Formatting
- Length: Approximately 50–60 pages (excluding appendices)
- Paper size: A4
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
- Line spacing: 1.5
- Text alignment: Justified
- Left margin: 1.5 inch
- Top, Bottom, Right margins: 1 inch
- Page numbers:
- Preliminary pages: Roman numerals (i, ii, iii...)
- Main text: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...)
Thesis Structure
Preliminary Pages
- Title Page
- Certificate of Authorship
- Recommendation/Approval
- Acknowledgements
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures (if applicable)
- List of Abbreviations
- Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Problem Statement
- Research Questions
- Objectives of the Study
- Significance of the Study
- Limitations of the Study
- Organization (Chapter Plan)
- Conceptual Framework (if required)
- Hypotheses (if applicable)
Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Theoretical Review
- Empirical Review
- Research Gap
- Conceptual Framework (if not included earlier)
- Hypothesis Development (if applicable)
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
- Research Design
- Population and Sample
- Sources of Data
- Data Collection Procedure
- Variables and Measurements
- Data Processing
- Data Analysis Tools and Techniques
Chapter 4: Data Presentation and Analysis
- Data Presentation
- Data Analysis
- Major Findings
- Discussion
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Implications
- Summary
- Conclusions
- Implications
- Recommendations (if appropriate)
Supplementary Section
- References (APA style)
- Appendices
- Questionnaire/Interview Schedule
- Additional Tables or Documents
Proposal Structure (Before Thesis)
A thesis proposal normally includes:
- Background of the Study
- Problem Statement
- Research Questions
- Objectives
- Literature Review
- Research Methodology
- Work Schedule
- References
Evaluation
For the MBS dissertation:
- Written thesis: 75%
- Viva-voce: 25%
Viva Presentation Plan र Time Schedule
Thesis Presentation and Viva-Voce Time Allocation
Each student will have 15 minutes for the thesis presentation and 10 minutes for the viva-voce (question-and-answer session).
Structure of the Thesis Presentation (15 Minutes)
| Presentation Component | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Title of the Study | 1 minute |
| Background of the Study | 2 minutes |
| Statement of the Problem | 1 minute |
| Objectives of the Study | 1 minute |
| Literature Review | 2 minutes |
| Research Methodology | 3 minutes |
| Major Findings | 3 minutes |
| Conclusions and Recommendations | 2 minutes |
| Total | 15 minutes |
Viva-Voce (Question-and-Answer Session): 10 minutes
Important Instructions
- Proposal Submission: Within one week after the thesis orientation.
- Final Thesis Submission: Within 54 days from the date of the orientation.
- Viva-Voce Examination: To be conducted within one week after the submission of the final thesis.
- Progress Review: Every student must maintain regular consultation and progress review meetings with their assigned supervisor throughout the thesis period.
Chapter-wise Writing Guidelines for TU MBS Fourth Semester Thesis
The Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University (TU) recommends a five-chapter thesis structure. The following guidance aligns with the prescribed format and common supervisory expectations.
Chapter 1: Introduction (Approximately 8–12 pages)
This chapter introduces the research problem and explains why the study is important.
1.1 Background of the Study
- Introduce the broad research area.
- Explain the current context in Nepal or the relevant industry.
- Narrow the discussion to your specific research topic.
- Support the discussion with recent literature and statistics.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
- Clearly identify the research problem.
- Explain the gap in existing knowledge or practice.
- End this section with the research questions.
Example:
- What is the relationship between employee empowerment and job satisfaction?
- Does financial literacy influence investment decisions?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
Include:
- General Objective
- Specific Objectives (usually 3–5)
Objectives should begin with action verbs such as:
- To examine
- To analyze
- To assess
- To identify
- To evaluate
1.4 Significance of the Study
Explain how the study benefits:
- Students
- Researchers
- Managers
- Policymakers
- Organizations
1.5 Limitations of the Study
Mention the study's boundaries, such as:
- Geographic area
- Sample size
- Time period
- Variables considered
1.6 Organization (Chapter Plan)
Briefly describe the contents of each chapter.
Optional (if applicable):
- Conceptual Framework
- Research Hypotheses
Chapter 2: Literature Review (Approximately 12–18 pages)
This chapter reviews previous knowledge and develops the theoretical foundation.
2.1 Theoretical Review
Discuss:
- Definitions
- Concepts
- Relevant theories
- Models related to the variables
2.2 Empirical Review
Summarize previous national and international studies. For each study, mention:
- Author and year
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Findings
- Limitations
2.3 Research Gap
Explain:
- What previous studies have covered.
- What remains unexplored.
- How your study fills that gap.
2.4 Conceptual Framework
Present a diagram showing:
- Independent variables
- Dependent variables
- Moderating or mediating variables (if any)
2.5 Hypotheses Development
Develop hypotheses based on theory and previous studies.
Example:
- H1: Employee empowerment positively influences job satisfaction.
- H2: Training significantly affects employee performance.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology (Approximately 10–15 pages)
Explain how the research was conducted.
3.1 Research Design
State whether the study is:
- Descriptive
- Analytical
- Exploratory
- Causal
- Quantitative
- Qualitative
- Mixed methods
3.2 Population and Sample
Describe:
- Target population
- Sampling method
- Sample size
- Justification
3.3 Sources of Data
Mention:
- Primary data
- Secondary data
3.4 Data Collection Procedure
Explain:
- Questionnaire
- Interview
- Observation
- Document review
3.5 Variables and Measurements
Define each variable and explain how it is measured.
3.6 Data Processing Procedure
Describe:
- Editing
- Coding
- Data entry
- Cleaning
3.7 Data Analysis Tools and Techniques
Mention:
- Descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, standard deviation)
- Correlation
- Regression
- Chi-square
- t-test
- ANOVA
- Software used (SPSS, Excel, etc.)
3.8 Reliability and Validity (if applicable)
Report measures such as:
- Cronbach's Alpha
- Content validity
- Construct validity
Chapter 4: Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion (Approximately 15–20 pages)
This is the core chapter of the thesis.
4.1 Data Presentation
Present:
- Respondent profile
- Tables
- Charts
- Graphs
4.2 Data Analysis
Interpret statistical results. Do not simply repeat table values; explain their meaning.
4.3 Hypothesis Testing
State whether each hypothesis is:
- Accepted
- Rejected
Support your decision with statistical evidence.
4.4 Major Findings
Summarize the key findings according to each objective.
4.5 Discussion
Compare your findings with previous studies. Explain similarities, differences, and possible reasons.
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Implications (Approximately 8–10 pages)
5.1 Summary
Briefly summarize:
- Problem
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Major findings
5.2 Conclusions
Draw conclusions directly from the findings. Avoid introducing new information.
5.3 Implications
Discuss:
- Managerial implications
- Policy implications
- Academic implications
5.4 Recommendations
Provide practical suggestions for organizations, managers, or policymakers.
5.5 Suggestions for Future Research
Recommend:
- Different variables
- Larger samples
- Different industries
- Alternative methodologies
References
- Use APA (7th edition) consistently.
- Every in-text citation must appear in the reference list, and every reference must be cited in the text.
Appendices
Include:
- Questionnaire or interview schedule
- SPSS output (if required)
- Additional tables
- Consent letter (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents
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