GUIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT PAPER EDU 5988 and DCE 5988 SESSION 2014 / 2015 PREPARED BY: OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DEAN (RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES) FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA SEPTEMBER 2014
GUIDE
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT PAPER
EDU 5988 and DCE 5988
SESSION 2014 / 2015
PREPARED BY:
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
SEPTEMBER 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE NUMBER
INTRODUCTION 1
CONCEPT OF PROJECT PAPER 3
MINIMUM RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT PAPER 4
MARKING SCHEME 5
SCHEDULE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT PAPER 11
WRITING FORMAT FOR PROJECT PAPER 21
PLAGIARISM 26
1
INTRODUCTION
Improving the methods of implementing the Project Paper is necessary to clarify and assist in the
implementation of the project paper course so as to achieve a balance in weightage with the
Comprehensive Examination (CE). Consequently, this will lead to the development of a procedure on
the implementation of the project paper to ensure the quality of the research project produced by
students.
This improvement is in regards to students of both the Master in Education and Master in Human
Resource Development programmes who have greater inclination to sit for the Comprehensive
Examination (CE) than completing a Project Paper which they consider more challenging since it
includes the process of collecting data, continuous meetings with Supervisor and presenting the
research results.
Figure 1: Basis of Improvement of the Project Paper M.Ed and M.HRD1
In this improvement, it is imperative that balance or equivalence between the Project Paper package
and CE package is given attention as illustrated in Figure 1. The M.Ed and M.HRD programmes have
equal objectives; that is, for the students to understand comprehensively their course of study from
the theoretical, practical and research aspects. Consequently, the students should be able to state or
clarify their understanding in Bahasa Melayu or the English language.
The difference of this improvement is on the methodology to achieve the objective. The main difference
will be the number of credit hours since the requirement for the Project Paper and CE differs.
Nevertheless, the weightage between the two should be balanced and equivalent.
The first step towards this improvement was the discussion organised at the Deputy Dean (Research
and Graduate Studies) level. The outcomes of the discussion were analysed and refined in discussions
with a number of the academic staff at the faculty. The members of the staff were:
Prof. Dr. Wan Zah Wan Ali – Chairman
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie
Prof. Dr. Abu Daud Silong
2
Prof. Madya Dr. Wong Su Luan
Prof. Madya Dr. Sidek Mohd Noah
Dr. Hj. Mokhtar Dato’ Hj. Nawawi
Dr. Nor Hayati Alwi
Puan Natassah Othman – Note taker
The discussions were held twice which were on 7 July 2014 and 14 August 2014. From the discussion,
a proposal on “Improving the Method of Implementing the M.Ed/M.HRD Project Paper” was written on
5 subject matters including:
1. The concept of the project paper
2. The minimum research requirements for the project paper
3. Marking scheme
4. Schedule for implementing the project paper
5. Writing format
The proposal was further discussed at the 247th Management Meeting, Faculty of Educational Studies
on 22 August 2014. The proposal was revised and presented at the 312th Faculty Graduate Studies
Committee meeting on 26 August 2014 for endorsement. Then, the approved proposal was presented
so as to disseminate the information to members of the Programme Coordinators Committee on 4
September 2014.
It is hoped that the Guide for the Implementation of the Project Paper EDU5988 and DCE5988 will
benefit everyone involved in the implementation of the project paper including students, supervisors,
examiners, programme coordinators, chairmen of the project paper presentation and the office of the
Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate Studies). This is effective as of the new intake 2014/2015.
3
THE CONCEPT OF THE PROJECT PAPER
The concept of the project paper is based on research conducted by master degree students after they
have made their decision so as to fulfil the requirement of the faculty for graduation. The aim of the
project paper is for the students who are the 'customers of research' to be able to read and understand
the contents of research article related to their field of studies.
The project paper needs to be completed within two (2) consecutive semesters. Students need to enrol
the project paper at the beginning of Semester Two onwards. Students of M.Ed. need to enrol for EDU
5988 (Project Paper) whilst M.HRD students need to enrol for DCE 5988 (Project Paper). A briefing on
the implementation of the project paper will be given during Semester One of their study.
After enrolment for any of these courses, the students should appoint a supervisor who will be
supervising their project paper. At the end of Semester One of the project paper, the students must
submit the first three chapters to their Supervisor who will then evaluate and award marks for the
chapters submitted. Students who obtain a score of 5.5 and below at the first stage of their supervision
will cease from continuing the Project Paper and will need to enrol for 2 elective courses (6 credits) and
sit for the Comprehensive Examination (CE).
At the end of Semester Two of the project paper, students need to present their projects in the
Presentation of Postgraduate Project Paper, Faculty of Educational Studies. In this seminar, the
Chairman appointed for the presentation will award marks for the presented research projects.
The passing mark for the Project Paper is 55% (C+). Students who obtain grades C+ and lower are
considered to have failed and will be awarded grade F.
In addition, students are encouraged to produce a minimum of one article in relation to the research
conducted for their project paper.
4
MINIMUM RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT PAPER
The minimum requirements for the project paper are stated below:
a. Title
Must be related to the course of study
Not exceeding 20 words
b. Introduction
Must be according to the sub title of chapters as in the usual format
Objectives - maximum four (4)
Research focus - related to field of study
c. Literature review
Theoretical framework - the theoretical foundation
Conceptual framework – minimum three (3) variables
Twenty percent (20%) of the literature referred to should be from the last five years
d. Methodology
Must adhere to sub titles of the methodology chapter using the common format
Quantitative analysis:
- Descriptive statistics
- Basic inferential statistics (for example t-test, correlation)
Qualitative analysis - identification of themes
e. Findings
Must answer every objective
f. Discussion, Conclusion and Suggestion
Discussion based on the research problem of study, theory and past findings
g. The total number of pages is between 60-100 pages (excluding Tables, Figures and Attachments).
Line spacing is 1.5 and font size is 12 Times New Roman.
h. Please refer to the format of writing the project paper in Guide to Thesis Preparation on the website
of the School of Graduate Study (www.sgs.upm.edu.my/THESIS).
i. The presentation of the Project Paper in the Pembentangan Kertas Projek Pascasiswazah
Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan session (Presentation of Postgraduate Project Paper, Faculty
of Educational Studies).
5
MARKING SCHEME
Full Marks for the project paper is 100 and is divided into 4 sections:
a. Evaluation of Project without Thesis, first phase by supervisor - 10 marks
b. Evaluation of Final Project Paper by Supervisor - 50 marks
c. Evaluation of Final Project Paper by Examiners - 30 marks
d. Evaluation of Presentation of Project Paper by Chairman of presentation session - 10 marks
Notes:
Passing marks for the project paper is 55. Students who achieve lower than grade C+ are
considered to have failed and will be awarded grade F.
Students who achieve marks of 5.5 and below for the first phase of supervision will cease from
continuing the Project Paper and will be advised to register for 2 elective courses (6 credits) and sit
for the comprehensive examination (CE).
The Presentation of the project paper will be conducted during the Presentation of Postgraduate
Project Paper, Faculty of Educational Studies session. Every student is allocated 30 minutes
during which 20 minutes will be for the presentation and 10 minutes for a question and answer
session.
Below are the evaluation forms for each section.
6
MASTER WITHOUT THESIS PROJECT PAPER EVALUATION MARKS - FIRST PHASE To be filled in by Project Supervisor only
Name of Student: Matric:
Programme:
Title of Project:
Phase 1
A.
i. Introduction (Chapter 1)
ii. Literature Review (Chapter 2)
iii. Methodology (Chapter 3)
B: Total Mark
C: 10 % from Total Mark (B/100 x 10)
Total Mark Supervisor
30
40
30
100
10
Verified by Supervisor
Verified by Office of Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate Studies)
Name: ________________________________
Date: _____________
__________________
Signature and Stamp
Name: _________________________________
Date: ____________
___________________
Signature and Stamp
Suggestion on student’s suitability/unsuitability to continue the project paper:
Continue Project Paper
Cease from continuing Project Paper and register for 2 elective course (6 credits) and sit for
Comprehensive Examination (C.E)
*Passing mark is 5.5 and above
* A copy is to be retained by the Deputy Dean’s (Research and Postgraduate Studies)
office, and a copy is kept by the Supervisor.
FAKULTI PENGAJIAN PENDIDIKAN Faculty of Educational Studies
7
FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA PROJECT PAPER EVALUATION FORM (SUPERVISOR)
NAME OF STUDENT :
MATRIC NUMBER :
PROGRAMME : MASTER OF EDUCATION (EDU5988)
MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DCE5988)
TITLE OF RESEARCH:
ALLOCATED MARK: 60%
CRITERIA
1. PROPOSAL (10 MARKS)
a. Preparation of proposal (first semester) (10)
2. FINAL REPORT (50 MARKS)
a. Introduction (including statement of problem, objectives and (10)
significance of research)
b. Review of Literature (10)
c. Research Methodology (10)
d. Research Findings and Discussions (10)
e. Conclusions and Suggestions (10)
OVERALL
Signature : …………………………………
Date : …………………………………
Name & validation stamp from Supervisor: ………………………………………..
Please return this form to the Deputy Dean’s (Research and Postgraduate Studies) office, Faculty of
Educational Studies.
TDPS/5988/SV
8
FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
PROJECT PAPER EVALUATION FORM (EXAMINER)
NAME OF STUDENT:
MATRIC NUMBER:
PROGRAMME: MASTER OF EDUCATION (EDU 5988)
MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DCE 5988)
TITLE OF RESEARCH:
ALLOCATED MARK: 30%
CRITERIA
1. FINAL REPORT (30 MARKS)
a. Introduction (including statement of problem, objectives and
significance of research) (5)
b. Literature Review (5)
c. Research Methodology (5)
d. Research Findings (10)
e. Discussions, Conclusions & Suggestions (5)
OVERALL
Signature : …………………………………
Date : …………………………………
Name & validation stamp from Examiner: ………………………………………..
Please return this form to the Deputy Dean’s (Research and Postgraduate Studies) office, Faculty of Educational Studies.
TDPS/5988/EX
9
COMMENT
A. INTRODUCTION
B. LITERATURE REVIEW
C. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
D. RESEARCH FINDINGS
E. DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
10
TDPS/5988/CH
FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
PROJECT PAPER PRESENTATION EVALUATION FORM (CHAIRMAN)
NAME OF STUDENT:
MATRIC NUMBER:
PROGRAMME: MASTER OF EDUCATION (EDU 5988)
MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DCE 5988)
TITLE OF RESEARCH:
ALLOCATED MARK: 10%
CRITERIA
a. Fluency and Presentation Style (10)
b. Use of Language (10)
c. Mastery in Answering Questions (10)
d. Quality of Presentation Material (PPT, prezi) (10)
e. Personality (appearance, confidence) (10)
OVERALL (total marks/50 x 10)
Signature : …………………………………
Date : …………………………………
Name & validation stamp from Chairman: ………………………………………..
Please return this form to the Deputy Dean’s (Research and Postgraduate Studies) office, Faculty of Educational Studies.
11
SCHEDULE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT PAPER
FIRST
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN (RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
9 Students enrolled for courses
EDU 5988 and DCE 5988
MUST attend the Briefing on
the Project Paper
Encouraged to attend the Briefing
on the Project Paper for students
enrolled for courses EDU 5988 and
DCE 5988
Encouraged to attend the Briefing
on the Project Paper for students
enrolled for courses EDU 5988 and
DCE 5988
Briefing of Project Paper for students who
registered for EDU 5988 and DCE 5988
Students are given:
Project Paper Learning Contract
Appointment of Supervisor Form
Guidelines of Writing Project Paper
Marking Scheme by Supervisor in
Semester One and Two of project
paper
Marking Scheme by Supervisor and
Chairperson in Semester Two of
Project Paper
Endorsement of submission of project
paper (Yellow Form)
12
FIRST
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
10 Revise and select research
theme
Supervisor prepares research
theme
Supervisor submits the theme
to Programme Coordinator
Supervisor collates the themes.
Revised themes will be
submitted to the TDPS Office.
Exhibit research themes according to
programme for reference of students.
11 Determine title of research Guide students to determine
title
12 Students complete
Appointment of Supervisor
Form
Approval of appointment by
signing the Appointment of Project
Paper Supervisor
Endorsement of Programme
Coordinator.
Revise approved title and
Supervisor by Coordinator
Coordinator needs to obtain
approval of Head of
Department in determining the
number of students for every
Supervisor for every intake
13 Submit completed form to the
Office of the Deputy Dean
(Research and Graduate
Studies).
Approval of appointment of Coordinator by
the Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate
Studies).
13
FIRST
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
14 Submit completed form to the
Office of the Deputy Dean
Research and Graduate
Studies).
Approval of appointment of Supervisor by
the Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate
Studies).
14
SECOND
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
1 Register for Project Paper
course on iGIMS system
Ensure students register for 6 credits
2-14 Implementation of Project
Paper.
Schedule meetings and
discussions with
Supervisor (regular)
Ensure the Learning
Contract Form is
completed and
brought when
meeting Supervisor
Implementing supervision of
project paper
Ensure progress of students
is achieved based on stated
agreement in Learning
Contract Form
15 Students are required to issue
proposal (Chapters 1, 2 and 3)
Ensure receiving the first three
chapters
16 Supervisor examines proposal
and fills in evaluation mark
first phase using related form
15
SECOND
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
17 Students are informed of
evaluation mark for first
phase by Supervisor.
If mark achieved is less
than 5.5, students need
to enrol two elective
course (6 credits) and sit
for Comprehensive
Examination (CE)
Submit evaluation marks to
Office of TDPS
Receive evaluation marks for first phase
from Supervisor
18 Marks ‘S-continue’ are keyed in into
iGMS system for marks 5.5 and above
For marks below 5.5, students need to
register two elective courses (6 credits)
and sit for Comprehensive Examination
(CE).
Inform students of their termination
from continuing project paper and the
need to register two courses for the
following semester.
16
SECOND
SEMESTER
OF STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
Till Semester
Two of the
beginning of
Project Paper
Implementation of project
Paper
Scheduled meetings and
discussions with
Supervisor (regular)
17
SEMESTER
THREE OF
STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
1 Register Project Paper course
in the iGIMS system
Ensure students register 6 credit hours
2-11 Implementation of Project
Paper
Scheduled meetings and
discussion with
Supervisor (regular)
Ensure completion of
Learning Contract Form
and show during the
meeting with Supervisor
Perform supervision of
project paper
Ensure progress of students
is achieved based on the
agreement in the Learning
Contract Form
12 Submit complete project paper
to Supervisor
Receive complete project
paper from students
Amendment of topic (If any)
using related form
Revision of index turn-it.
Equal index allowed is 20%
Revise project paper and
inform students of
amendments.
18
SEMESTER
THREE OF
STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
13
Work on the corrections.
Fill in form for revision of
project paper and submit
to the Office of TDPS (if
any)
Receive revision of title of project
paper form from students
Work on revision (if any)
14 Students submit
endorsement of
submission form for
project paper (yellow
form)
Endorsement of updated and
complete project
Sign submission of project
paper form (yellow form)
Appointment of Examiners and Chairman for
presentation by Office of TDPS
15 Submission of 2 completed
soft-bound project papers
(ring binding or tape binding)
to the TDPS Office for
Supervisor and Examiner
Marking
Award marks for project paper
received
Fill in marks in Final
Evaluation form
(Note: Examiners also award
marks at this stage)
19
SEMESTER
THREE OF
STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
16 Award marks for project paper
received
Fill in marks for Final
evaluation form
(Note: Examiners also award
marks at this stage)
Receive marks from Supervisor
Presentation of Postgraduate
Project Papers, Faculty of
Educational Studies
17 Rehearsal presentation
to the supervisor
Work on corrections prior
to presentation
Guide students on
presentation
-same-
18 Presentation of Postgraduate Project Paper, Faculty of Educational Studies 10% presentation marks is awarded by
Chairman of presentation and
immediately submitted to the office of
the Deputy Dean (Research and
Graduate Studies).
19 Work on corrections
20 Submit amended project
paper to Supervisor
Revise amended version of
project paper
Award final marks
Receive final marks from Supervisor
20
SEMESTER
THREE OF
STUDY
RESPONSIBILITY
WEEK STUDENT SUPERVISOR PROGRAMME COORDINATOR OFFICE OF DEPUTY DEAN
(RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES)
Submit marks to Office of the
Deputy Dean (Research and
Graduate Studies).
21 Submission of 2 hard-
bound copies to supervisor
for endorsement
Submission of 2 hard-
bound copies with Yellow
form to Office of the
Deputy Dean (Research
and Graduate Studies).
Submission of a soft copy
CD of project paper to
Office of the Deputy Dean
(Research and Graduate
Studies).
Receive 2 hard bound copies
from students after revision an
fill in Yellow form
Supervisor signs two hard
bound copies of project paper
prior to submission to the
Deputy Dean (Research and
Graduate Studies) by students
Receive two hard bound copies to be
distributed to Supervisor and Faculty
Resource Centre
Receive CD for keeping at office of TDPS
22 Key-in marks into IGMS system
21
1. WRITING FORMAT FOR PROJECT PAPER
5.1 Introduction
This guide is intended to assist the graduate students of Universiti Putra Malaysia (henceforth the
University) in the preparation of their project paper in terms of formatting and writing conventions.
Students should refer closely to this guide and seek clarification with the staff of the Graduate Studies
Office, Faculty of Educational Studies, on specific matters relating to the preparation of their project
paper.
5.2 Language
The project paper should be written either in English or Bahasa Melayu. Language use should be
consistent throughout the project paper, especially in terms of spelling (American or British). The
Roman alphabet should be used unless otherwise required by the discipline.
5.3 Project Paper Title
The title of the project paper should not exceed 20 words.
5.4 Number of Pages
The number of pages is dependent on the programme of study and must be between 60 and 100
pages (excluding tables, figures and appendices). Students must obtain written permission from the
Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Educational Studies, before submitting a project paper longer
than the prescribed length. Students should provide strong justifications to support their request.
5.5 Page Layout
The text should be presented in the portrait layout. The landscape layout may be used for figures
and tables.
5.6 Typeface and Font Size
The Project Paper should be typed using 12-point Times New Roman. Text and numbers within
Tables and Figures should not be less than 8-point.
5.7 Margins
The left margin should be at least 40 mm, and the right, top and bottom margins at least 25 mm.
Margin specifications are meant to facilitate binding and trimming. All information (text headings,
footnotes and figures), including page numbers, must be within the text area as demarcated by the
dotted lines shown on this page.
5.8 Spacing
The project paper should be one and half (1.5) space, including:
i. Footnotes (if absolutely necessary);
ii. Quotations of three lines or more, indented and set in a block;
22
iii. References or bibliography (except between entries);
iv. Multi-line captions (tables, figures);
v. Appendices, such as questionnaires, letters; and
vi. Headings or subheadings.
Double spacing is used between paragraphs and sections.
5.9 Pagination
All pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the project paper, including pages containing
tables, figures and appendices. Page numbers should be centred either centrally or right flushed at
either the top or bottom margins. Page numbers should appear by themselves and should not be
placed in brackets, be hyphenated or be accompanied by decorative images. Text, tables and figures
should be printed on one (1) side of each sheet only. Preliminary pages preceding Chapter 1 must
be numbered in lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii etc). The title page should not be numbered
although it is counted as page i. Page 1 is the first page of the Introduction (Chapter 1) but is not
numbered.
5.10 Submission
Students intending to submit a project paper must do the following:
i. Submit the project paper after doing the correction together with the Yellow Form signed
and stamped by Supervisor
ii. Submit two (2) soft-bound copies of the project paper.
iii. Submit 1 Softcopy CD Burn (Full Project Paper & Article - PDF).
5.11 Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are written expressions of appreciation for guidance and assistance received from
individuals and institutions.
5.12 Approval Sheets
Approval sheets are required. One will bear the signature of the Supervisor of Project Paper
approval of the project paper.
5.13 Chapter Item
1. Introduction (including objectives)
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results/Findings
5. Discussion, Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Research
23
1. Introduction
This chapter introduces the subject matter and problem(s) being studied and indicates its importance
and validity. It is important to remember that the research objectives stated in the project paper
should match the findings of the study.
2. Literature Review
This section encompasses a critical and comprehensive review of the literature related to the topic
of the project paper. It is meant to act as a base for the experimental and analytical sections of the
project paper. Literature selected must be up-to-date, and be analysed and synthesised logically. It
is not simply a summary of works of different authors. The review should give the gist of each book
or pertinent findings of a journal article, explain how it relates to the topic and show why it is not
sufficient to answer the research questions. For example, the study being reviewed uses a Japanese
sample, while the research is examining the situation in Malaysia. Textbook materials on basic
principles or theories should be kept to a minimum.
3. Methodology
It contains a description and justification of the research design and method used to achieve the
stated objectives of the study undertaken. The methods used in the study should be described in
detail and concisely.
4. Results/Findings
This section presents a complete account of the results obtained in the study in the form of text,
figures or tables so that the key information is highlighted.
5. Discussion, Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Studies
This section bridges the data presented or described in the preceding section, and contains the
analyses or interpretations of the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. Students should
discuss these results in relation to the hypotheses or objectives set out in the Introduction, and how
they fit into the existing or current body of knowledge. The significance and implications of the main
findings should be made clear. This chapter is important since it illustrates the significance of the
study and stresses the findings upon which a conclusion or conclusions are drawn in line with the
objectives set, acknowledges the limitations, and suggests further research which may be carried out
on the topic.
5.14 Tables
Ensure that all tables shown in the project paper, including those in the Appendices, are referred to
in the text. Tables should be numbered with Arabic numerals throughout the project paper (including
both text and appendices).
There are two possible numbering schemes: either (a) number the tables consecutively throughout
the project paper, e.g. 1, 2, 3 and so on, or (b) number them by chapter, e.g. Table 1.1, Table 1.2
24
and Table 1.3 to indicate they belong to Chapter 1, Table 2.1, Table 2.2 and Table 2.3 to Chapter 2,
and so on.
A table should be on the page following the first reference to it or, if this is not practical, as soon as
possible, in the following pages.
When a large table is placed in landscape orientation, the top of the table should be at the binding
edge.
The table number, title and caption should be single-spaced and placed above the table (Appendices
H1-2).
The style used must be consistent throughout the project paper. Table sources and notes should be
placed directly below the table. If a table has been adapted from a source, indicate using “Adapted
from…“instead of “Source: ...”.
5.15 References/Bibliography
The References or Bibliography section contains the list of works cited in the project paper. Students
should not cite as references articles published from the studies that they themselves conducted
during their candidature. The students are advised to follow a style used by the American
Psychological Association (APA).
5.16 List of Publications
All publications (in journals and proceedings) that result from the study undertaken by the student
while under supervision and during their candidature, and for which the student is the first or principal
author, should be listed clearly and accurately. These publications should not be used as references
in the project paper.
25
Title Page of Project Paper
6.5 cm
Name
3.0 cm
Colour-printing for logo
TITLE OF PROJECT PAPER
(Uppercase, centred, bold, 12-point font)
Field of NAME OF STUDENT
Study (Uppercase, centred, bold, 12-point font)
Project Paper Submitted to the Faculty of Educational
Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, in Partial
Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Master of
Education or Master of Human Resource
Development (insert the name of degree).
December, 2014
Year of (Month and year of submission)
Sub-
mission (Centred, bold, 12-point font)
Cover page Spine
26
2. PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is taking the works of others and using them as if they were your own. Such works include:
i. Words or ideas from printed literature such as journal papers, magazine articles,
books, newspapers, web pages, computer programmes, etc.;
ii. Published figures, tables, diagrammes, illustrations, charts, maps, pictures or other
visual materials; and
iii. Information from interviews, etc.
Plagiarism comes in three forms:
i. Copying full sentences or even paragraphs straight from the source as though they are
the student’s own work; and
ii. Using the original wording from the source material without inverted commas or
indentation, even if the source is acknowledged.
iii. Paraphrasing without acknowledgement. Usually, a change in style alerts the
reader to the possibility of plagiarism. Examiners are likely to know the literature and
recognise the plagiarism, but it is also true that it sometimes goes by undetected. It is
now possible to detect plagiarism by simply searching a small string of words on the
Internet. Additionally, plagiarism-checking software programmes, such as Turn-it-in, are
also widely available. These programmes produce Originality Reports, which list the
percentage of similarity between the student’s words and the source. Even excerpts with
minimal alterations will be detected. Plagiarism is considered a form of theft, and is under
no circumstances acceptable in the world of scholarship. As such, if plagiarism is proven
in a thesis at the examination stage, the thesis is automatically failed and the students’
candidature terminated.
Avoid Plagiarism
The key to avoiding plagiarism is to make sure credit is given where it is due when incorporating another
writer’s work. Students should do this even when the original source is paraphrased or summarised.
When quoting a published or verbal statement, it must be identical to the original and must be attributed
to the original author. Always cite the authors whose published works or statements are used in the
thesis. The University’s stand on plagiarism is found in Part 12 of the Universities and University Colleges
Act 1971 Constitution of Universiti Putra Malaysia: Universiti Putra Malaysia (Graduate Studies) Rules
2003 (Revision Guide to Thesis Preparation 2012-2013). The usage of materials such as diagrammes
and figures which are available on the Internet or published articles without the permission of the
copyright owners is an infringement of copyright and is not allowed.