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Front Matter

Title page Typically, the required information consists of the full title of the thesis, the full name of the author, the qualification for which the thesis is being submitted as part of a statement that it is partial fulfillment of the requirements of the award, the discipline that the candidate have pursued (MSc./M.A./MBA), the degree awarding institution (that is Epoka University), the month and the year of submission (not that of graduation), The number of volumes comprising the thesis (if more than one), You should choose your title carefully making sure it clearly and succinctly describes the content. The layout of the title page is centered between the prescribed margins It is unnumbered but counted. Copyright page (optional; unnumbered but counted): It is your right to copyright your thesis. Relevant information may be obtained from the institute. If you include one, it should follow directly the title page. Frontispiece page (optional; unnumbered but counted): You can also take in a frontispiece page after the preceding items mentioned above. It may be used for an epigraph, a photograph or a drawing appropriate to your thesis topic. Dedication page: If a dedication is included then it should be immediately after the Abstract page. Approval page: All copies of the thesis submitted must have approval pages depicting the names, titles and original signatures of the members of the appropriate faculty committee, your full legal name and the date of the submission. It is also numbered. Author declarations: This form should be placed after the Acknowledgements and bound into every copy of the thesis. Abstract: It is required to be bound into each copy apart from the three separate copies that are to be submitted to the institute.

In accordance with paragraph of regulation- and paragraph of regulation, the thesis must contain abstract, preferably not exceeding words, bound in to precede the thesis. The abstract should appear on its own, on a single page Please note that the Abstract of Thesis Form should not be used for this purpose. The format should be the same as that of the main text. The text itself should be between and words. There should be no references; however author citing is allowed. In addition to the text, on the abstract page the full legal name of the candidate, the full title of the thesis, the submission date, and the key words of the thesis should be available. Note that your keywords will be of crucial importance for the other researchers. Abstrakt: This is the Albanian version of the abstract. You should also submit three additional copies of it to the institute. The physical layout will be the same as the English version of it. Table of Contents: A table of contents listing the chapters or divisions in the thesis also is a must. Parts, headings of the chapters, subheadings may be listed but a subheading is generally included when the chapter it belongs is particularly long. List of Tables/Figures/Appendices/Plates: It is optional to provide these lists if provided, then they should start on the page following the table of contents and be in the order Tables, Figures, Glossary (list of abbreviations), and Publications. Items in lists of Tables and Figures should be in the order in which they occur in the text. List of Abbreviations: If you will use abbreviations other than common abbreviations listed in this guide, you should add a list of abbreviations page right following the other list pages. Acknowledgements: Any acknowledgement should be on the page following the Dedication page, or the Abstract page if there is no dedication. Preface (Optional): It is your opportunity to speak directly to your audience about the thesis. Here you may explain what you hope to contribute to the field, why you embarked on this project, how this topic came to interest you, etc.

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Main Body of the Thesis

Just as a paragraph is a self contained unit of the idea, and it is important to organize your ideas according to this unit, in the same way your thesis should be organized in such a way to follow a logical sequence. These parts are supposed to incorporate the following elements: Introduction: A description and explanation of the purposes and scope of the study and the circumstances that led to its formulation. Aims of the investigation: A description of the rationale within which the research questions are to be pursued, the general aims and precise objectives of the research, statement of hypothesis to be examined, and assumptions, if any that underpin the hypothesis. The context of the investigation: Antecedents of the research and the development of ideas to which the present research contributes main survey and critical appraisal of the literature relating to the research topic. Research design: A general description of the structure of the research procedures and the methods adopted the choice or development of data collection instruments or tools, the selection of the samples, the time scale for the implementation of the research and the means by which the collected data is analyzed. Research Implementation: The means and methods by which the research was pursued in practice, including the organization and administration of the data collecting strategies, description of the steps taken to accumulate the necessary evidence to examine and resolve the research questions, presentation of the resulting data in relation to the hypothesis or research questions. Conclusions: The meaning and significance of the analysis of the evidence in relations to the research questions, examination of the conclusions in the context of the theoretical positions, implications of them for practice. Critical review and reflection: Critical review of the research, identification of the strengths and weaknesses of both conception and implementation, new questions raised by the research and their potential for future enquiry.

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Introduction Chapter 1 of the thesis must be an Introduction, so headed, defining the relation of the thesis to other work in the same field and referring appropriately to any findings, propositions or new discoveries contained in the thesis and to any important points about sources or treatment. Chapters and Sections Theses should be divided as appropriate into chapters, sections and subsections. The system of headings must be consistent and should provide a clear indication of changes in content, emphasis and other features that occur at each stage of the work. Headings It is recommended that all headings be emboldened. The recommended style is: 14point with capitalised initial letters for chapter headings; 12-point with capitalised initial letters for section headings; 12-point italicised for subsection-headings. All headings should be on separate lines from the text. Each chapter must begin on a new page and the heading should be preceded by the word Chapter and the appropriate number. Chapter, Section and Subsection Numbering Arabic numerals should be used in the format 1,2 etc. (for chapters), 1.1 etc. for sections and 1.1.1 etc. for subsections. There should be no further subdivision. Note Numbering References cited in the text should be identified by numbers, preferably typed on the line, in square brackets, immediately following the relevant word or phrase in the text. For footnote identification, superscripts are recommended. Identifications of references, footnotes and any endnotes (with comments at the end of a chapter rather than the foot of a page) must be distinguishable. For this reason it is recommended that references are not identified by superscripts.

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Headers and Footers If headers are used then the recommended style is: Chapter 1: Introduction, in 10point italics with no emboldening. The full chapter title should be used wherever possible and the header left-aligned. There should be no header on the first page of each chapter. Footers must be used only for pagination 3

Presentation and Style

Length of Thesis (Word Length) During the examination of your thesis your examiners will be considering both the quality and value of your work and the way in which you have chosen to present your review, results, arguments and conclusions. Your ability to express your findings in a clear and concise manner will be under examination and excessive length or too discursive a style will be judged a weakness. Your supervisor is, of course, best placed to advise you on the desirable length and form of your submission. Scheme PhD Professional Doctorate MD MA/MSC by dissertation

Word Length* 80,000 40,000 65,000 30,000

* In all cases including quotations but excluding appendices and footnotes (as long as the latter do not contain substantive argument). Please note these are word limits not targets. The thesis (each copy) should contain a summary not exceeding 300 words. Page Size: The size is normally A4. It is used vertically (or in other words portrait). Only one side of the paper is used. If there is an item to be included in the text or appendix that cannot be reduced to A4 size, it may be folded while maintaining the vertical dimension. You should be careful for your thesis not be cut to be sewn in during the binding process.

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Page Layout Candidates may print on both sides of the paper (double-sided printing) with double spacing for everything except quotations, footnotes, captions to plates etc. Where double-sided printing is used, both the left hand and right hand margins must be at least 3.2cm (this is the binding margin). Where single-sided printing is used, only the left hand margin must be at least 3.2cm (this is the binding margin) and right margin must be at least 2.5cm. When photographs are mounted the binding margin must be increased to 3.8cm. It is desirable to leave 2.5cm margins at top and bottom of the page. Page numbers are placed at the bottom of the page and centred between the margin lines.

Page Numbers The whole text is counted including the title page. Front matter is numbered beginning with the dedication page with little roman numerals. That is, the pages before that are counted but not numbered. The main body of the thesis is numbered with Arabic numerals. End matter is also numbered with Arabic numerals but continued from the preceding session. Text Theses shall be presented in a clear, standard font (Times New Roman or Supervisor stated otherwise) of 12pt size. Candidates should consult with their Supervisor regarding any text/font conventions normally used in their discipline. It will be found valuable to give each section a precise heading, showing a clear indication of the content of that section. A simple, straightforward style of writing is infinitely preferable to the use of long, involved sentences filled with technical jargon. Any new or unfamiliar terms used in the text should be defined or used in such a way that the meanings are made clear care should be taken to avoid using a particular term in one sense in one place and in a different sense in others. Tenses should be consistent throughout and for the record of past events past tense is used.

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As a formal rather than a colloquial style of writing is appropriate, third person is adhered throughout personal pronouns (i.e. I, me, we, you, us) are not used, except for the diary style of writing where needed. Attempts to evade this requirement by use of such ploys as “…the writer observed…” or “one felt that…” should be avoided. Spelling mistakes are unacceptable as are grammatical errors. Simplified spellings are not used. To ask a native speaker to go through the language is a good idea since a native speaker can identify those points that are not understandable or proper way of expressing an idea. The page format should be single column with one and a half spacing used between the lines. Paragraphs should be separated by 6pt spaces before and after. All text pages should be justified. Text must be clear and easily readable both in print form and when converted to pdf (in those cases where the thesis will also be provided in eThesis format). Copies produced by xerographic or comparable permanent processes are acceptable. Text that is in upper case only or in which some letters are non-standard is not acceptable as thesis text. The thesis must be written in English Abbreviations Many institutions, national bodies, academic awards are commonly known by their initials these are acceptable within the text but they should be written out in full when they first appeared. Numbers When numbers are to be included in the text, those are up to twenty, round numbers and numbers at the beginning of the sentences are spelled out in full. Numbers in sequence are presented as numerals. Exceptions to this rule are in referring to chapters, tables, figures or appendices in the present thesis. Graphs, diagrams, computer printout etc. Page-size graphs should be treated in the same way as plates with regard to numbering, captions and margins. Joining and folding of oversize plates, graphs etc.

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should be left to the binder. Large maps and diagrams are unsuitable for binding in the text. If they can be folded so that their overall dimensions do not exceed 28cm x 17.7cm and their total thickness is not more than one third of the thesis then they can be accommodated in a pocket attached to the inside back cover. Failing this, a separate portfolio will be required. Large sheets of computer printout are unsuitable for binding in the text and should be contained in a portfolio. Good quality photocopies of computer printout may be accepted. Candidates are asked to check each photocopied page to ensure that the copy print is clear.

Referencing Styles Candidates must use an established referencing standard in their thesis (examples include Harvard or Numeric or other recognised referencing style used within a discipline). It is important that candidates familiarise themselves with the referencing conventions used in their subject area and they should seek further advice from the Supervisor or Postgraduate Research Tutor on employing the correct academic conventions for referencing and citing work within their discipline. Referencing has three main functions: a) to acknowledge an intellectual debt to another author where you have drawn heavily from his or her published work or ideas, either explicitly or implicitly; b) to support specific facts or claims which you make in your text; c) to enable the reader to find sources to which you have referred easily and quickly. Failure to identify sources upon which you draw is plagiarism, the most serious of academic offences and a possible breach of copyright law. A thesis which embodies deliberate plagiarism will almost certainly be rejected. If you are in doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, or how to avoid it, you should consult your supervisor, and read the University’s Guidelines on Plagiarism Lists of references, arranged in the order in which the references are identified in the thesis appear at the end of thesis or at the end of each chapter. Epoka University prefers Harvard system referencing. Please see some example at the below:

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3.1

References

Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods, Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Honestman, F. (2012). Thesis. Tirana: Epoka University. Tartari, A. (2012, October 07). Albania and Turkey, Berisha in Ankara - discussions in Tirana. Retrieved December 15, 2012, from Balkan Space Analysis: http://balkanspace.org/mat.php?lang=2&idm=211&idr=38

Examples of References

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3.2

References

Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods, Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Honestman, F. (2012). Thesis. Tirana: Epoka University. Tartari, A. (2012, October 07). Albania and Turkey, Berisha in Ankara - discussions in Tirana. Retrieved December 15, 2012, from Balkan Space Analysis: http://balkanspace.org/mat.php?lang=2&idm=211&idr=38

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Back Matter

Appendices Appendices, labeled A, B etc. should be treated as additional chapters and should normally follow the main text. Appendices may consist of supporting material of considerable length or of lists, documents, commentaries, tables or other evidence that if included in the main text, would interrupt its flow. The style of appendices must be consistent with the style of the main text. Long appendices may be divided into sections, labeled as Appendix A, B etc., with corresponding subsection numbering, which must be entered in the table of contents Alternatively, short 10

appendices may be attached to individual chapters, as an extra section with a heading of style Appendix. Submission of appendices in electronic format, such as on a CD-Rom or USB storage device, are permitted provided the contents do not contain substantive argument/evidence, and are not used to store parts of the main body of the thesis. This is important to observe, as there is no requirement for examiners to view or read electronic appendices. The electronic device should be appropriately appended to the thesis copies, and should be accompanied by a note explaining which programme/format has been used (e.g. Word, Publisher, Photoshop). Submission –For Examination 1. All registration fees and debts must be paid before the thesis can be accepted for submission. 2. Your two copies of the thesis should be submitted for examination in an unbound format. They must be adequately secured (for example in spring-back binders or comb binding and not in ring binders or lever arch box files). They must not be overfilled and to avoid all risks of coming open and jeopardising examination, two binders must be used, if required. 3. a)

You should submit to the Registry Office (or what you have been told to do so) Required number of the copies (one original and one good copy) of the

thesis or dissertation. b)

A submission form completed and signed by yourself.

You are strongly advised to retain one good copy of the thesis or dissertation for yourself. Procedure 1.

Once you have submitted your thesis and your examiners have been

appointed, the Registry (The Department) will forward the thesis copies to the examiners.

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2.

Your internal examiner will arrange and contact you regarding the date of the

oral examination (viva). After it has been held, the report will be returned to the Registry Office (The Department) who will then contact you again. In most cases the thesis copies will be returned to you at the viva. In some cases it may be necessary for the thesis to be returned to the Registry (The Department). 3.

The average time taken to examine a thesis is 3-4 months, depending on the

examiners’ other commitments. This amount of time should therefore be allowed before the Graduation Ceremony in July.

The University cannot, however,

guarantee that the result will be available in time for a particular ceremony. You can obtain your certificate at any time of the year once the degree has been conferred and you

have

received

your

award

letter.

Research degree candidates are entitled, on request, to receive copies of the examiners’ pre and post viva reports on their thesis, after the examination is completed and the result has been recommended. Submission- Final Bound Copy Once the examination process is completed, the Registry will contact you to advise when you can submit your final bound copies to the Library. Your award letter, and certificate, will not be issued until you have provided a copy of your thesis to the library. Binding - It is your responsibility to check the collation of theses before they are sent to the binder. If any pages are missing or not in their correct sequence, then the University copies will have to be rebound at your extra cost. Pages should be sewn together and bound in boards, in black cloth. Your name should be shown on the spine, the lettering to read upwards (if it has to be vertical). At the bottom of the spine the title of the degree and year of conferment should be printed thus: The University Library can arrange binding of theses, but private firms may be used providing the rules for binding given above are observed. Library Regulations You should also be aware of the University Library regulations and in particular the following:

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1.

One copy of the thesis or dissertation of a successful candidate for the degree

will be retained in the University Library and will become the property of the University. The second copy will be retained in the Department concerned. 2.

The author shall empower the Librarian to allow the thesis to be copied in

whole or in part without further reference to the author on the understanding that such authority may be given in respect of single copies made for study purposes and will be subject to normal conditions of acknowledgement. 3.

Theses shall be available in the Library for reference except where

permission to consult a thesis has been withheld at the special request of the author for a period not exceeding five years agreed with the University. (Candidates wishing to withhold such permission must do so in writing to the Librarian at the time of submitting their thesis). 4.

Theses may be lent to an approved library for consultation in that library on

receipt of an application from the Librarian. The University may publish the title and summary of the thesis in any way it sees fit and may authorise others to do so. Criteria for award of PhD and other qualifications at Doctoral Level These are awarded to students who have demonstrated: (i)

the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research

or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication; (ii)

a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of

knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice; (iii)

the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the

generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems; (iv)

a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced

academic enquiry.

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Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: (a)

make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the

absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; (b)

continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an

advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; and will have: (c)

the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the

exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments. 1. The thesis must be presented in a satisfactory manner. The subject matter must be clearly and precisely expressed, its arguments logical and intelligible, and its language appropriate. It must show that the candidate not only has ideas, but also has the power of putting them into suitable words. 2. The thesis must be the result of the candidate’s own work. This requirement does not preclude a candidate obtaining limited assistance with the routine collection and/or processing of data under guidelines and instructions clearly devised by the candidate. When such help is obtained it should be with the prior approval of the supervisor who must be satisfied that the spirit of the ‘own work’ requirement is not breached. 3. Prior publications of papers arising from the research being undertaken will not adversely prejudice the assessment of the thesis by the Examiners. 4. The viva voce examination is an essential and important part of the examination of the candidate. It will normally include questions designed to ascertain that the thesis embodies the candidate’s own research. It will test the candidate’s general comprehension of the field of study within which the subject of the thesis falls. It will test the candidate’s acquaintance with the general literature of the subject, knowledge of the relation of the work to the wider field of which it is a part, and the respects in which the work advances, modifies, or otherwise affects this wider field of scholarship.

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Options available to the examiners Award of PhD at Doctoral Level 1.

The examiners may recommend the award of PhD at Doctoral level without

conditions. 2.

If candidates have shown that they have reached the standard required for a

doctoral award, but have submitted a thesis which is marred by minor errors, the Examiners may recommend the award of the degree subject to the correction by the candidate of the minor errors to the satisfaction of the Examiners. The time allowed for this will either be one month (for example, in the instance of a small number of typographical errors), or three months. The three-month period will be selected when the amendments are those not requiring external academic reassessment, e.g. extensive typographical errors, minor re-organisation of material, addition of supplementary material to clarify the content of the thesis, or removal of extraneous text. It is the responsibility of the Internal Examiner to verify that minor corrections have been made. Referral 3.

If candidates have presented an adequate thesis but have not shown in the

viva voce examination that they possess the necessary knowledge of the general field of scholarship to which the thesis belongs, the Examiners may recommend that they should re-present the same thesis and submit themselves for a second viva voce examination. 4.

If candidates have presented a thesis which, though inadequate in its present

form, nevertheless contains work indicating that the standard required for a doctoral award may be reached, the Examiners may recommend that they should re-submit the thesis in a revised form, and may or may not require that they submit themselves a second time for a viva voce examination after a further period of study not exceeding one calendar year. If this recommendation is selected, the candidate will pay a re-submission fee and both examiners will undertake the re-examination. If the examiners believe that the candidate may not be able to improve the thesis to the doctoral standard as a result of re-submission, the examiners should advise the candidate of this when feedback is given following the viva voce examination, and

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should state that this has been done in the viva report section of the Joint Report Form. Failure at Doctoral Level Standard 5.

If the thesis is in the judgement of the examiners a long way below the

doctoral standard with no possibility of reaching this standard after re-submission, the examiners may recommend that the candidate has failed the examination for PhD or other qualification at doctoral level, that no degree will be awarded and no resubmission be allowed. This option should only be selected by the examiners in exceptional circumstances.

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