🛠️ Understanding the Key Components
Differentiating Between Thesis and Dissertation
At Strathmore, a thesis and a dissertation represent two distinct research approaches:
Dissertation: Practical and problem-solving in nature, addressing specific issues to produce actionable solutions. Often associated with conversion master’s programs like MBA and MSc.CIS, it typically spans 3–6 months, with a word count of 20,000–40,000.
Thesis: Rooted in academic inquiry, it seeks to advance knowledge by developing or testing theories. Tailored for academic master’s programs, such as MCOM and MSc.IT, this research demands a broader scope and a duration of 6–12 months, culminating in 25,000–50,000 words.
🔍 The Research Process: Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Ethical Clearance: A Non-Negotiable Step
Before embarking on fieldwork, students must secure ethical clearance. This ensures compliance with ethical standards, safeguarding participants and maintaining academic credibility. Detailed procedures are outlined in Appendix M of the guide.
2. Supervisor Allocation and Responsibilities
Each student is assigned a supervisor, an expert in the research area. The supervisor provides guidance on research methodology, planning, and writing. Monthly meetings are mandatory to track progress, and the relationship requires mutual respect and clear communication.
3. Research Proposal Development
The research journey begins with a well-structured proposal, approximately 5,000 words long. The proposal must include:
- A clear problem statement
- Objectives and research questions
- A comprehensive literature review
- Research methodology
- Ethical considerations
The proposal undergoes evaluation through an oral defense, where a panel assesses its feasibility and academic merit.
📈 Progress Monitoring and Support
Regular Reporting
Progress is monitored biannually through reports submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. These reports ensure students stay on track and receive necessary support.
Annual Assessment
Each academic school conducts an annual assessment to evaluate the student’s progress and address any challenges in supervision or research.
🖋️ Writing and Submission Guidelines
Formatting Standards
Research work must adhere to strict formatting rules:
- Font: Times New Roman or Arial, size 11 or 12.
- Spacing: 1.5 spacing, with single spacing for footnotes.
- Margins: 40mm on the left and 25mm on other sides.
Preliminary pages, including the title page, abstract, and table of contents, must be carefully organized.
Oral Defense
The oral defense is a crucial milestone. Students present their findings to a board of examiners, defending their methodology, results, and conclusions. Marks are distributed as follows:
- Written Report: 80%
- Oral Defense: 20%
🎓 Post-Defense Requirements
Revisions and Certification
Depending on the examiners’ feedback, students may need to make minor or major revisions. The revised work must be certified as final by the supervisor and submitted in bound and electronic formats.
Publication Requirement
Students are required to publish a paper in a refereed journal before graduation. This not only validates their work but also enhances the university’s academic reputation.
🛡️ Conflict Resolution and Academic Integrity
Addressing Supervision Challenges
Conflicts between students and supervisors are resolved through discussions with the Dean or, if necessary, the Office of Graduate Studies. The guide also provides mechanisms for changing supervisors.
Preventing Malpractices
The guide takes a strong stance against academic malpractices, such as plagiarism and data fabrication. Students found guilty face severe penalties, including expulsion in extreme cases.
🕒 Timelines and Extensions
Students are expected to complete their research within the stipulated timeframe:
- Master’s with Thesis: 2–4 years
- Master’s with Dissertation: 2–4 years
Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or unforeseen personal challenges, upon approval by the Dean.
📜 Appendices: Tools for Success
The guide provides a wealth of resources in its appendices, including:
- Work Plan Templates
- Progress Reporting Formats
- Ethics Approval Procedures
- Guidelines for Thesis/Dissertation Presentation
These tools streamline the research process, ensuring students and supervisors remain aligned.
🌟 Why Strathmore’s Guide Stands Out
1. Comprehensive Coverage
The guide leaves no stone unturned, addressing every aspect of the research journey, from proposal writing to final submission.
2. Ethical Emphasis
By mandating ethical clearance, Strathmore ensures all research adheres to the highest ethical standards.
3. Publication Requirement
The focus on publishing reinforces the importance of contributing to global academic discourse.
4. Structured Supervision
Clear guidelines for supervisors and students foster productive relationships and high-quality outputs.
5. Conflict Mechanisms
The guide’s proactive approach to conflict resolution ensures smooth progression.
✨ Tips for Mastering Your Research
- Start Early: Begin your proposal and ethical approval processes as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Stay Organized: Use templates and work plans to track progress.
- Communicate Clearly: Maintain regular, open communication with your supervisor.
- Seek Feedback: Be proactive in seeking constructive criticism on your work.
- Publish Strategically: Identify reputable journals in your field and aim to meet their standards.
- Adhere to Ethics: Ensure your research respects ethical guidelines, including participant consent and data protection.
- Prepare for Defense: Practice your presentation skills and anticipate potential questions from the panel.
Conclusion
Strathmore University’s Master’s Theses and Dissertations Guide is more than a set of instructions; it’s a framework for academic excellence. By adhering to its detailed processes and leveraging its resources, students not only fulfill their degree requirements but also contribute meaningfully to their fields.
Whether you’re starting your research or nearing completion, this guide ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for success. With determination, discipline, and the support of Strathmore’s robust academic system, you’re well on your way to achieving your research goals.
