THINGS TO KNOW CONCERNING YOUR PROJECT WORK

1. Responsibilities of supervisors
i. To keep record of contact with the students as stipulated to indicate the work covered and work
remaining;
ii. To ensure that research guidelines are followed by the student;
iii. To provide appropriate assistance to the students in a prompt fashion e.g. about relevant
literature, scientific discussion groups, responses to questions, etc.
iv. To provide mentorship for scientific skills and critical appraisal of publications, and results
with the students;
v. To assist students to produce scientific papers from their research projects;

2. Responsibilities of Candidates
i. To keep a record of contact with their supervisors as stipulated to indicate work covered and
work remaining;
ii. To follow the research guidelines including prompt submission of the project;
iii. To ensure that supervisors get promptly written work for comments on regular basis and
making appropriate corrections and revisions;
iv. To provide a written progress report on a regular basis
v. To produce scientific papers from their research projects.

Note on proposal (seminar)

A proposal simply means explaining what the student intends to investigate. The explanation
should briefly introduce the problem; explain the nature of the problem, stating what will be
achieved or the purpose/objectives of the study, as well as stating the methods or methodology of
the study. That is, he should state how the study will be conducted, showing the scope of the
study, the significance of the study or the benefits to be derived.
Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, defines proposal as a scheme or plan to be executed. The
verb, to propose, the dictionary defines it thus: to form or declare a plan or intention.
Therefore, the researcher has a task to write out the proposal or scheme of plan including his
objectives, or what he wants to achieve, and the methodology, or how the researcher intends to
carry out the research.

THE MAIN PARTS OF THE PROJECT

Title Page *
Declaration
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents*
List of Tables *
List of Figures*
List of Symbols, and Abbreviations/Acronyms (if necessary) *
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction *
Chapter 2: Literature review*
Chapter 3: Materials and Method*

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Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations
References*
Appendix

The parts marked * (asterisks) are what should constitute the seminar (proposal) write-up.

Table of Contents
This begins on a new page. It should assist the reader to know quickly and clearly, how the thesis
is organized. There must be consistency in the use of headings and subheadings.
List of Tables
This follows the table of contents, beginning on a separate page. Numbering of tables should be:
Table 1.1, 2.1, 3.1…throughout the text. The name/title of the table and source(s) should be
written above it. Use Arabic numbers to label the tables e.g. Table 2.3 (whereby Table 2.3 is the
third Table in Chapter 2).
Indicate the page number where the Tables first appear in the list of Tables.
List of Figures
This is a list of all figures, charts and drawings in the report and should be on its own page. This
immediately follows the list of tables. Numbering should be Figure 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 etc. The
name/title of the figure and source(s) should be written below it. Use Arabic numbers to label the
figures e.g. Figure 1.1 (whereby Figure 1.1 is the first figure in Chapter 1). Indicate the page
number where the Figures first appear in the List of Figures.
Numbering of Chapter and subtitles in proposal/thesis should be based on Chapter numbers
e.g. subtitles in chapter one should be numbered as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.

USE OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Tables and Figures may be included within the text or appear on separate pages. If on separate
pages, however, they should be placed near the text, which refers to them. Each table in the text
must have a number and caption. Number them consecutively throughout, by chapter using a
decimal system e.g. the first table in chapter 2, for example, would be Table 2.1, the second
would be Table 2.2, and so on. Do not number tables and figures by sections in the chapter (as
2.21). In numbering appendix figures and tables, use a separate appendix system and do not
include them in the list of figures and tables.
Guidelines on Tables and Figures
(i)Place a table or figure immediately after the first mention of it in the text-- on the same page if
there is room, or on the following page.
(ii)Tables or figures of peripheral importance to the text may be placed in an appendix.
(iii) All tables and figures must be referred to in the text by number (not by a phrase such as "the
following table").
(iv) Avoid using colour to distinguish different lines or areas in a figure because the distinction
will be lost when your work is photocopied or microfilmed.
(v) Words included in the figure should be typed unless there are technical reasons why this is
not possible.
(vi) List and caption photographs as figures.
(vi) Landscape. If a table/figure is set up in landscape orientation then it should always be on a
page by itself. Landscaped materials must be placed reading outward (i.e., with the top of the
table/figure at the binding [left] side of the page). This page must have a page number. The page
number, however, should be in portrait orientation like all other page numbers.
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(vii) Each figure must have a caption that begins with the word “Figure” (“F” capitalized) and
the figure number, followed by a brief description of the figure. This must be placed below the
figure, with one blank line separating the bottom of the figure and the top of the caption as
follows: Figure, Chapter number, figure number, description e.g Figure 4.3 Variation of MDD
with OMC.
(viii) Each table must have a caption that begins with the word “Table” (“T” capitalized) and the
table number, followed by a brief description of the table. This must be placed above the table,
with one blank line separating the bottom of the caption and the top of the table. Table 3.2
Performance measures obtained using the proposed procedure.
When a figure or table is continued to the following page, a continuation note (e.g. , “Figure 5,
continued” or “Table 5, continued”) must appear in place of the caption on the continuations.
The original caption must not be repeated in either case.

1. CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The introduction should start with an introduction which specifies the subtitles of content
covered.
1.1 Background of the Study (introduces subject area under study and current situation).
1.2 Statement of the Problem (to be precise and focused)
1.3 Objectives of Study
1.3.1 General Objective
1.3.2 Specific Objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound)
1.4 Significance (to explain the benefits and the beneficiaries of the findings of the study).
1.5 Scope of the study (Gives the extent to which the study will be carried out). This should
indicate what the research covers and what it does not. It is really the range of the study which
should adequately deal with the research problem and resolve it.
In chapter one, the introduction explains to the readers what the investigator intends to do or
explain what the topic is all about. It gives the historical background of the study; describe how
the study would be done as follows through with other titles:

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The background explains to the reader where your research journey started and why you got
interested in the topic. That means, that you first establish the context of the research you want to
do with a general overview of the topic and then present the key issues that drove your decision
to study the specific problem you chose.

Once the reader understands where you are coming from and why there was a need for the
research you are going to present, because there was probably a gap in the current research, or
because there is an obvious problem with a currently used process or technology, you can
summarize how you are going to address it.

No matter how surprising and important the findings of your study are, if you do not provide the
reader with the necessary background information and context, they will not be able to
understand your reasons for studying the specific problem you chose and why you think your
study is relevant.

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THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Once the investigator has revealed the problem of the study, he should spell out the statement of
the problem which is only a modification of the problems itself. In short, statement of the
problem means explanation of the problem. The researchers should explain the problem
envisaged.
By defining the problem, the investigator now understands the problem to be solved, which as a
result of an existing problem; the study is being conducted to find solutions to the problem. After
explaining the problem, the investigator could state as follows, based on this, the study is
conducted to find out solutions to the problem which has been identified.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study, otherwise known as the objective of the study, gears the researcher
towards goal achievement. In other words, the researcher should be able to say what he intends
to accomplish in carrying out the investigation. In essence, the researcher is trying to ask himself
a very important question such as, what am I trying to achieve by conducting this study?
Sometimes, the objectives might be many, with some of them being the main objectives, while
others could be the minor ones, the researcher should be able to state all of them. This is the
centre of the research, and once the researcher knows what he wants to accomplish or achieve,
the job becomes simplified. It becomes the guideline or map. A careful selection of verbs should
be made when stating the purpose or objective of the study, for example, the researcher could
say:
The purpose of the study was, to determine, to ascertain, to find out, to search for, to make an
inquiry, to discover, to investigate, to develop, to compare, to question, to analyse, to compute,
to calculate, to recommend, to suggest, etc.
With the purpose or objective of the study been specified, the researcher seems to be clearer as to
what he wants to achieve in conducting the study.
Once you know the primary goal of your research project, you can break it down into smaller
steps and separate objectives. You can choose one general objective and a few other specific,
narrow objectives. In the general objective, state in a broad sense what you aim to achieve
through your research. Then use the specific objectives to describe how you can achieve your
general goal.
Using the SMART format is a key step in writing strong research objectives. Using this format
can make you more likely to achieve them.
 Specific: Be specific about your desired outcomes. They should be clearly written.
 Measurable: Making your objectives measurable is essential to achieving them. You can
create metrics to measure your progress towards achieving your objectives.
 Achievable: Be sure to create objectives that you can realistically achieve to help you
avoid getting overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. Make sure you have the resources
and budget to accomplish your objectives.
 Relevant: Make your objectives relevant to your research and your overall goals. This can
help you stay motivated and on track throughout your research project.

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  Time-based: You can establish deadlines to help you keep your research process on track.
You can set a major deadline for your entire project as well as smaller deadlines for each
objective.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This is the importance of the study, or justification for conducting the study. It concerns itself
with the supposed benefits to be derived from the study, which in effect, is giving reasons for
conducting the study. The investigators main attitude should be persuasive so as to convince a
reader that the study is worth carrying out since it would benefit other people. He highlights the
importance of the study, tells how the study might benefit the institution, other researchers,
learners, the nation or mankind in general. It means that the investigator should be able to show
that the study will advance knowledge if conducted, and specifically state in what ways the study
or findings from the study could be of benefit or advantageous to humanity or identified
individual or groups of people.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This refers to the limits or boundary lines of the study. By so doing, he is trying to show the
extent to which he should be held responsible or accountable by stating how far the study would
go.

2. CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
(i) The Literature Review should start with an introduction which specifies the subtitles of
content covered.
(ii) In this section of Literature Review, student should demonstrate evidence of understanding of
current research on the subject under investigation and show clear gaps in knowledge that will be
discussed.
(iii) Appropriate themes for this chapter can be developed using the specific objectives of the
study. Thus, relevant themes to the study and those derived from related literature should be
discussed here.
(iv) The literature review should be consistent with the requirements of the title (internal
consistency) and aspects of the introduction e.g. background to the study.
(v) The literature review should be properly cited, paraphrased and critiqued.
(vi) The Literature review should have a summary of identified gaps in the reviewed literature.
(vii) Unless for archival studies, 80% of the references used should be less than eight years old.
(viii) Endeavour to use current refereed journals and periodicals as much as possible.

3. CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHOD
The Methodology section should start with an introduction which specifies the subtitles of
content covered. This Chapter highlights methodological details appropriate to the study. It
should include: the materials to be used and source of the materials, how the samples will be
prepared and tests to be carried out on the samples.

4. CHAPTER FOUR

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

(i) Always introduce the results with a statement.

(ii) Present the findings/results obtained as plain text with tables, figures
(iii) Avoid jointly using tables and figures about the same information.
(iv) Point out only the outstanding features of results.
(v) Discuss the results by comparing them with currently used standards and with similar studies
done in the same place or elsewhere.
(vi) State the implications of the outcome of the comparison of the results with the established
standards or earlier findings on the system studied.

5. CHAPTER FIVE:
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This Chapter should have a summary of findings. Besides conclusion and recommendations, the
implication of findings should be explained here. It is in this chapter that additional research
areas should be suggested as well as future projection based on the study.
The specific areas include:
(i) Introduction- (Introduce the chapter as done in the other chapters before).
(ii) Summary- Summary of the major findings among others to begin here.
(iv) Conclusions- Summary of the implications of the main findings. Emphatic, strong
conclusions based on the study findings should be stated here.
(v) Recommendations for Policy/Practice- Summary of the main recommendations based on
the study findings and logical statements in the conclusion should be stated here.
(vi) Recommendations for Further Research- What is considered to be gaps left out by the
study, which would need further investigation through research should be given.
(vii) The references and then appendices should follow this chapter

6. REFERENCING
Reference refers to all sources cited in a document while a bibliography includes all sources read
(cited or not). In our case reference should be used instead of bibliography. It must present all
references cited, including those that may only be cited in figures or tables. There are various
types of reference systems that are used worldwide. We have adopted the American
Psychological Association (APA, 2006) system. List of all references cited should be written in
full at the end of the text on a separate page. They should be arranged in alphabetical order and
formatted with a hanging indention as will be shown.
6.1 In Text Citations
Cite references by author(s) followed by year of publication separated by a comma. If there are
two or more authors they should appear in order of years (begin with the most recent) separated
by semi-colons.
In text citations should take the following forms:
(i) Citing one author/publication
Example one:
Gandye (2009) found that……...............................................
Example two:
…………criticisms which included high default rates (Robinson, 2014).
Example three:
According to Makala (2011) …………………………………………
(ii) Citing two authors/publications

6
Example one:
Gandye and Maige (2010) found that……........................................
Example two:
………….criticisms which included high default rates (Robinson and Maina, 2011).

Example three:
According to Makala (2013) and Wanjoy (2011) ………………………
Example four:
Several studies (Ngowi, 2010; Chuma and Mwajombe, 2009) indicate that …………………
Example Five:
……………………………in Lake Tanganyika (Ngowi, 2010; Chuma and Mwajombe, 2009).
(iii) Citing one author with two publications in the same year/different years
Example one:
Maisha (2009a, b)…………………………
If citing paper published by the same author in the same years
Example two:
……..Mduma and Mduma (2012, 2010) found that…..
If citing paper published by the same author in two different years.
(iv) Citing more than two publications/authors
Example one:
………….. has been described as a producer at subsistence level (Chayanov, 2011; Ellis, 2009;
Isike, 2008).
If citing more than two different authors.
Example two:
Bhuiyan et al. (2012) observe that credit entails the lender…………
If citing more than two authors of the same publication.
Example three:
..…..........................have been reported by Mkenda et al., (2012).
Example four:
…………….that was introduced in 1984 by John Hatch of FINCA (Perez et al., 2011).

(v) Citing authors with the same surname

J. M. Ndunguru (2012) and Y. N. Ndunguru( 2013)...............................
6.2 Style for a List of References
6.2.1 Books
Referencing a book should be in the following sequence:
(i) Author’s or editor’s name and initials, name of sponsoring or issuing organization or
corporate body in the absence of a named individual author or editor,
(ii) Year of publication in brackets followed a period/full stop,
(iii) Title of book to be italicized;
(iv) Name of publisher and town, in that order;
(v) Total number of pages in the form: 278pp,
(vi) Include Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number for electronically accessed books if
available, otherwise give the URL of the book.

Example one:

7
Salvatory, D. (2005). Theory, application and cases. McGraw-Hill Publication Company: New
York. 333pp.
Example two:
UNDP (2008). Handbook for poverty assessment in rural Africa. Mkuki na Nyota Publishers:
Dar es Salaam. 201pp.
Example three:
Maneno, J. and Makundi, K. (Eds.) (2008). Handbook on climate variability status in
Kilimanjaro region. Sage Publications: South Africa. 334pp.
Example four:
Majule, D. (2005). Co-operative theory and application. Mareno Publication Ltd: Moshi. 221pp.
doi: 10.1006/1-4030-4467-7

Example five:
Maasai, D. (2005). Co-operative practices in developing countries. Maseno Publication Ltd:
Moshi. 340pp. Retrieved from http://oks.lib.gin.edu.au/index.php/ejap
Example six:
Maganga, J. & Masanja, P. (Eds.). (2013). Co-operatives in Africa. Moshi Publishers: Moshi.
40pp
6.2.2 Journals
6.2.2.1 Printed journal
Referencing a printed journal should be in the following sequence:
(i) Author’s surname and initials for forenames,
(ii) Year of publication in brackets followed by a period/full stop,
(iii) Title of published paper;
(iv) Name of journal or publication spelt in full and written in Italics,
(v) Volume and/or issue number,
(vi) First and last page numbers for journal article.

Example:
Navajas, S., Schreiner, M., Meyer, R. L., Gonzalez-Vega, C. and Rodríguez, M. J. (2000).
Microcredit and the poorest of the poor: Theory and evidence from Bolivia. World
Development. 28(2): 333 – 346.
6.2.2.2 Journal Article (accessed electronically) with Digital Object
Identifier
Referencing should be in the following sequence:
(i) Author’s surname and initials for forenames,
(ii) Year of publication in brackets followed by a period/full stop,
(iii) Title of published paper;
(iv) Name of journal or publication spelt in full and written in italics,.
(v) Volume and/or issue number,
(vi) First and last page numbers for journal article,
(vii) Digital object identifier (DOI).

Example:
Panga K.L., & Nchimbi, J.A. (2005). Co-operative development and gender in Mwanza region,
Tanzania. Co-operative Development. 14(1): 22-30. doi: 10.1038/0278- 6133.25.2.170
8
6.2.2.3 Journal Article (accessed electronically) without Digital Object Identifier
Referencing should be in the following sequence:
(i) Author’s surname and initials for forenames,
(ii) Year of publication in brackets followed by a period/full stop,
(iii) Title of published paper,
(iv) Name of journal or publication spelt in full and written in italics,
(v) Volume and/or issue number;
(vi) First and last page numbers for journal article,
(vii) Give URL: Retrieved from http://www.XXX (journal website).

Example:
Ilick, T.J., and Schutte, N.S. (2006). Classroom observations: Enhancing teachers practice and
improving performance. Applied Education, 17(1): 212-250. Retrieved from
http://oks.lib.gin.edu.au/index.php/ejap
6.2.3 Individual chapters in multi-authored books
Referencing individual chapters in multi-authored books should be in the following sequence:
(i) Author’s surname and initials,
(ii) Year of publication in brackets followed by a period/full stop,
(iii) Title of chapter or article, followed by the word In,
(iv) Title of book in italics,
(v) The words “edited by”, followed by the name(s) and initials of the editor(s) of the
publication, enclosed in brackets,
(vi) Name of publisher and town, in that order,
(vii) First and last page numbers of chapter, article, part or section:

Example:
Widengard, M. (2011). Biofuel governance: a matter of discursive and actor intermesh. In
Matondi, B. and Haynevik, K. (Eds.) Biofuels, land grabing and food security in Africa.
Zed Books Ltd: London. pp. 44 – 59
6.2.4 Proceedings of conferences/workshops/monographs
Referencing proceedings of conferences/workshops/monographs should be in the following
sequence:
i) Author(s) surname(s) and initials
ii) Year in bracket followed by a period or full stop,
iii) Title of article,
iv) Title of proceeding or workshop in italics,
v) Name of editor(s) in brackets,
vi) Date of the conference town, country; Vol. (if any) page numbers ,
vii) First and last pages of the article.
Example one;
Konga, A.K (Ed.)(2000). Appreciate scientific research in horticulture. Proceedings of Ushirika
Workshop, 12 December, 2012. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 56pp.
Example two:
Ngonyani, C. H. (2007). Attitude and borrowing behavior of rural households in a transition:
International Conference on Rural Finance Research Report. FAO: Rome. 22 – 50pp
6.2.5 Dissertation and thesis
9
Referencing of unpublished dissertation and thesis should be in the following sequence:
i) Author’s surname and initials,
ii) Year in bracket; followed by a full stop,
iii) Title of the dissertation,
iv) Name of the hosting institution,
v) Number of pages.

Example one:
Donalt, O. S. (2003). The role of entrepreneurship in economic development in East Africa.
Dissertation for Award of M.A Degree at University of Dar es salaam: Tanzania, 150pp.
Example two:
Okumu, J. L. (2001). Microfinance industry in Uganda: Sustainability, outreach and regulation.
Thesis for Award of PhD Degree at Stellenbosch University: South Africa, 270pp.

6.2.6 Electronic sources of articles

Referencing of articles from electronic sources should be in the following sequence:
i) Author of the article (if no author begin with title of the article),
ii) Title of the article,
iii) Internet address (in square brackets),
iv) Date of visit to the website.

Example;
Ofei, K. A. (2007). Terms and access to inputs: Perceptions of SME in Ghana.
[http://cc .msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q] site visited on 13/12/2007
6.2.7 Government documents
Referencing of government documents should be in the following sequence
i) Author’s name ,
ii) Year in bracket; followed by a full stop,
iii) Title of the document,
iv) Name of the printing institution,
v) Location of the printing institution,
vi) Number of pages.

Example one:
U.S. Bureau of the Censa (1998). Historical statistics of the United States, colonial times to
1890. Government Printing Office: Washington D.C. 20pp
Example two:
URT (2002). Population and housing census. Age and sex distribution. Volume II National
Bureau of Statistics. Planning Commission: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 352pp.
6.2.8 Reports
Referencing of reports should be in the following sequence:
i) Author’s name ,
ii) Year in bracket; followed by a full stop,
iii) Title of the document,
iv) Location ,
v) Number of pages.

10
Example 1:
EAC, (2007), Report of the meeting: 2nd meeting of the EAC ministers responsible for labour
and employment, EAC Secretariat: Arusha. 120pp.
Example 2:
ILO, (2008). The report on the ILO action against trafficking in human beings, ILO: Geneva.
56pp.
6.2.9 Periodicals (magazines, newspapers, editorial letters, review, published interview)
Referencing of periodicals should be in the following sequence:
i) Author’s name,
ii) Year in bracket; followed by a full stop,
iii) Title of the article,
iv) Name of the periodical,
v) Issue number of the periodical(if available),
vi) Page number of the article (or first and last page of the article).

Example one:
Muyamba, D. (2000). A holistic view of language. Research in the Teaching of English, 15. 101-
111
Example two:
Wanjohi, T.J (2012, December 30). Kilimanjaro region is leading in H.I.V infection rate. The
Daily News, Issue No. 2300, pp. 6.
Example three:
Mapunda, N.M. (2013, December 30). The language of law [Letter to the editor).] The Daily
News Times Book Review, 25.
Example four:
Chiboko, R. (2013, January 15). [Interview with Think Tank staff] REPOA, p. 13

6.2.10 Referencing more than one item from the same author(s)
In referencing works from the same author(s) list the works in chronological order (oldest first)
and add a lower case letter (a, b, c, etc...) after the year.
Example:
Gregory, L. (2006a). Librarianship for dummies. Dar es salaam University Press: Dar es salaam.
100pp
Gregory, L.. (2007b). Imagining Italy. Trafford Press: Victoria. 50pp

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