Engaging Minds for a Better Tomorrow

THESIS FORMAT
FOR
POSTGRADUATES
2015
i | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

THESIS FORMAT GUIDE

This guide has been prepared to help graduate students to prepare their
dissertation and theses for acceptance by Awang Had Salleh Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia. The regulations contained
within have been updated for the benefit of students, faculty advisors,
departments and the Graduate School. Any questions about the contents of
this guide should be directed to the Format Advisor, Awang Had Salleh
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010
UUM, Sintok.

The Format Advisor is concerned solely with the format of the manuscripts.
It is the Advisor’s responsibility to make certain that any dissertation or
thesis submitted in partial fulfilment or fulfilment of a graduate degree at
Awang Had Salleh Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara
Malaysia conforms to the regulations outlined in this guide. Responsibility
for the content of any manuscript remains with the student and the faculty
advisor(s).
ii | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

Table of Contents

Thesis Format Guide .............................................................................................................i

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................ii
1.0 REGULATIONS FOR PREPARATION OF A THESIS ....................................... 4
1.1 General Form and Style ................................................................................. 4
1.2 Length of Thesis ............................................................................................ 4
1.3 Paper Type and Quality ................................................................................. 4
1.4 Typing or Computer Printing ......................................................................... 5
1.5 Margins .......................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Paragraphs ...................................................................................................... 5
1.7 Numbering of Pages ....................................................................................... 5
1.8 Illustrative Materials ...................................................................................... 6
1.8.1 Tables ................................................................................................ 6
1.8.2 Figures and/or Plates ......................................................................... 6
1.8.3 Photographs and Plates ...................................................................... 7
1.8.4 Oversized Pages................................................................................. 7
1.9 Arrangement of Contents ............................................................................... 8
1.9.1 Title Page ........................................................................................... 8
1.9.2 Certification of Thesis/Dissertation ................................................... 8
1.9.3 Permission to Use .............................................................................. 8
1.9.4 Abstract.............................................................................................. 9
1.9.5 Permission to Use ............................................................................ 10
1.9.6 Acknowledgements ......................................................................... 10
1.9.7 Table of Contents ............................................................................ 10
1.9.8 List of Tables ................................................................................... 10
1.9.9 List of Figures.................................................................................. 11
1.9.10 List of Abbreviations ....................................................................... 11
1.9.11 Body of the Thesis ........................................................................... 11
1.9.12 List of References ............................................................................ 11
1.9.13 Appendices ...................................................................................... 11
1.9.14 Vita .................................................................................................. 12
2.0 SPECIFIC ITEMS ................................................................................................ 12
2.1 Titling the Thesis ......................................................................................... 12
2.2 Copyright and Subsequent Use of the Thesis .............................................. 12
2.3 Equations...................................................................................................... 13
2.4 Notes ............................................................................................................ 13
iii | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

2.5 Referencing .................................................................................................. 14

2.6 Layout of a Chapter ..................................................................................... 14
2.6.1 Numbered Format................................................................................ 14
2.7 Layout of a Table ......................................................................................... 14
2.8 Layout of a Figure ........................................................................................ 15
2.9 Binding the Thesis ....................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX : EXAMPLE OF THESIS ............................................................................. 17
 4 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

1.0 REGULATIONS FOR PREPARATION OF A THESIS

Candidates should read carefully the following discussion of the Regulations

of the Dean's Office and should familiarize themselves with the particular
thesis requirement of their respective disciplines. If any point is still unclear,
candidates are advised to consult their supervisor(s) and/ or officer of the
Dean’s Office before proceeding with the preparation of the thesis. If a thesis
does not follow the accepted format, is not on the required quality of paper, is
not free of mechanical errors, or is not of letter quality, it will not be accepted
and the degree will not be conferred until an acceptable standard has been
met.

1.1 General Form and Style

The main point to keep in mind is consistency of style throughout the
thesis. The style selected must be maintained throughout the thesis.
Accepted rules of grammar must be followed, and forms of spelling
and punctuation must be used with consistency. It is the responsibility
of the candidate and the supervisor(s) to ensure that before the thesis
is presented for oral defence (viva) that typographical errors have
been eliminated, and that the language of the thesis reflects the finest
standards of correct, scholarly expression.

The main body of a thesis should contain:

 Introduction;
 Literature Review;
 Methodology;
 Results; and
 Discussion of Results and Conclusion.

The relative size of each one of these components will be determined

by the nature of the problem under investigation and by the discipline
involved.

1.2 Length of Thesis

The recommended length of the main body of thesis is as followed:
Master’s: 50 to 150 pages.
PhD: 150 to 300 pages

1.3 Paper Type and Quality

With the exception of photographs, one type and brand name of paper
must be used throughout the thesis for reason of appearance and
preservation. The standard paper size is 210 by 297 m, of A4 size and
must be of good quality (80 gm) with a hard, bright and even surface.
 5 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

1.4 Typing or Computer Printing

The entire body text of the thesis, including heading and page
numbers, must be same font or typeface.

Font Style: Times New Roman

Font Size: 12 character per inch (body text)
14 characters per inch (for title) - i.e.: Permission to Use,
Table of Content and CHAPTER ONE

1.5 Margins
Margin specifications are meant to facilitate binding and trimming.
The stipulated margins for the general text are as follows:

 Top edge : 2.5 cm (1 inch)

 Right side : 2.5 cm (1 inch)
 Left side : 4.0 cm (1.5 inches)
 Bottom edge : 2.5 cm (1 inch)

All information including text heading, footnotes and illustrations

should be within these margins.

Note: It is imperative that the age set-up is formatted accordingly

prior to the drafting of the dissertation.

1.6 Paragraphs
All paragraphs should be “justified”

1.7 Numbering of Pages

Each page in a thesis, including those in the appendices, must be
numbered consecutively. Illustrative material is to be numbered as
well as the text. If photographic paper is used, numbers must be
placed neatly in black ink on the reverse side.

Page numbers are to appear in the bottom centre 1.5 cm from each
edge.

Roman numerals are used for the prefatory pages and the numerals
are placed in the bottom centre of the page. All items in the prefatory
section should be on separate pages. All pages of the main body of
the thesis, beginning with the introduction (Chapter One), must be
numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals. This includes pages
containing illustrations, tables, bibliography and appendices.

After all materials have been assembled, the thesis should be verified
carefully for completeness, for the order of the pages and sections,
and for the correctness of pagination.
 6 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

1.8 Illustrative Materials

1.8.1 Tables
Each table caption must be placed at the left and on top of the table
(title case). Table Heading should be as shown below:

Table 1.1

Table Numbering
The relevant tables are grouped and numbered sequentially within the
respective chapter. For example, tables found in Chapter 4 should be
numbered Table 4.1, Table 4.2, Table 4.3, and so on.

Table Presentation
Table presentation must be without vertical lines and used
consistently throughout the dissertation.

Example in Chapter 4

Table 4.1

Fit Measures
Measures Research value Recommended values

Chi-square 348.9 P > 0.05 indicates an acceptable fit.

(X2) 0.074 A value > 0.05

P-Value

RAMSEA 0.018 A value <0.08 indicates fit of the

model.

If a table is taken from another source, the reference must be cited

properly at the bottom left of the table.

If any table continues to the following or subsequent pages, the top

line of the page reads (for example): Table 4.2 continued. The caption
is not repeated

1.8.2 Figures and/or Plates

Place the word Figure and the figure number under the figure, flush
left in italics. The title of the figure goes next to the number in
sentence case. In thesis/dissertations, do not type captions on a
7 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

separate page. Figures may be illustrations, graphs, maps, charts and

diagrams.

A figure normally should not extend beyond one page. If it does, the
same guidelines as for tables should be followed.

The relevant figures are grouped and numbered sequentially within

the respective chapter. For example, figures found in Chapter 4
should be numbered Figure 4.1, Figure 4.2, Figure 4.3, and so on.

Social Influence
Behavioral
intention Actual
Use
Facilitating
conditions
Figure 3.2. Implementation environment factor, BI, and actual use

If a figure is taken from another source, the reference must be cited

properly at the bottom left of the figure. If any figure continues to the
following or subsequent pages, the top line of the page reads (for
example): Figure 4.3 continued. The caption is not repeated.

Schematic and line diagrams should be drawn with the aid of a

computer or with mechanical aids using black ink on white paper.
The same rules apply for the use of Plates.

1.8.3 Photographs and Plates

Wherever possible, photocopies should be used instead of
photographs. When using photographs, each should have the full
range of contrast from true black to pure white. Dry mounting-tissue
provides the neatest and most permanent method of affixing
photographs. Do not use rubber cement or glue. The presence of
photographs may make page-trimming difficult.

1.8.4 Oversized Pages

Wherever possible, charts, graphs, maps, and tables which are larger
than the standard page-size must be photo-reduced in such a way that
the material remains clearly legible. Where this is not possible, they
must be carefully folded for binding into the manuscript. The fold
should be made at least 1.5 cm from the edge of the page in case the
edges are trimmed by the binder, thus destroying the foldout. Make as
few folds as possible. Folding is to be avoided in the case of PhD
theses, since oversized page may be impossible to microfilm.
 8 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

Excessively long tables, particularly those from computer printouts,

should be placed in an appendix.

1.8.5 Other Material

The Dean’s Office is aware that the research environment and
research paradigms are changing rapidly. Candidates must be
encouraged to take full advantage of the rapidly expanding technical
and information resources. This may result in the thesis containing
material other than paper copy. When this occurs, candidates should
consult, at an early stage, with their supervisor(s), the research officer
of the Dean’s Office and the company which will ultimately bind the
thesis. It is likely that a pocket, to be bound into the thesis, can be
designed to contain such material.

1.9 Arrangement of Contents

Following is the order of all the elements of the thesis:

Title Page
Certification of Thesis/Dissertation
Permission to Use
Abstrak (in Malay)
Abstract (in English)
Acknowledgement
Declaration Associated With the Thesis (Optional)
Table of contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Glossary of Term (Optional)
List of Abbreviations (Optional)
Body of the Thesis
References
Appendices (if any)

1.9.1 Title Page

The title page should contain the following information: the title of
the thesis, , the degree for which the thesis is submitted, the name of
the institution, the full name of the author, year of submission and the
copyright notation.

The supervisor’s name should not appear on the title page.

1.9.2 Certification of Thesis/Dissertation

A photocopy of the certification form must be included, after it has
been signed by the supervisor(s) and the Examining Panel members.

1.9.3 Permission to Use

9 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

Candidates are expected to include, in the front of their thesis, a

statement in paragraph form granting permission to use the thesis
under specifically stated conditions and indicating the address of the
person to whom request for such permission should be sent.

1.9.4 Abstract
An abstract in both Bahasa Malaysia and English must be included,
with the former version appearing before the latter.

The abstract should identify clearly the purpose of the research, the
methods used, the results obtained and the significance of the results
or findings. The abstract must not exceed 300 words.

Abstract submitted must follow the guidelines suggested by APA as

follows:

“An abstract of a report of an empirical study should describe

 the problem under investigation, in one sentence if possible;

 the participants, specifying pertinent characteristics such as age,
sex, and ethnic and/or racial group; in animal research,
specifying genus and species;
 the essential features of study method - you have a limited
number of words so restrict your description to essential and
interesting features of the study methodology - particularly
those likely to be used in electronic searches;
 the basic findings, including effect sizes and confidence
intervals and/or statistical significance levels; and
 the conclusions and the implications or applications.
An abstract for a literature review or meta-analysis should
describe
 the problem or relation(s) under investigation;
 study eligibility criteria;
 type(s) of participants included in primary studies;
 main results (including the most important effect sizes) and any
important moderators of these effect sizes;
 conclusions (including limitations); and
 implications for theory, policy, and/or practice.

An abstract for a theory-oriented paper should describe

 how the theory or model works and/or the principles on which it
is based and
 what phenomena the theory or model accounts for and linkages
to empirical results.

An abstract for a methodological paper should describe

 the general class of methods being discussed;
 the essential features of the proposed method;
10 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

 the range of application of the proposed method; and

 in the case of statistical procedures, some of its essential
features such as robustness or power efficiency.

An abstract for a case study should describe

 the subject and relevant characteristics of the individual, group,
community, or organization presented;
 the nature of or solution to a problem illustrated by the case
example; and
 the questions raised for additional research or theory.” (APA
Publication Manual Sixth Edition, 2010, pp. 26-27)

1.9.5 Permission to Use

When a candidate wishes to reproduce a substantial part of a work in
the thesis, it is necessary to obtain permission from the rights-holder.
Candidates must be aware that obtaining this permission may take
some time and may require a fee. Allowance must be made for this.

1.9.6 Acknowledgements
The content of this single page is left to the discretion of the
candidate. It is suggested however, that the page makes reference to
the guidance received by the candidate from his or her supervisor(s)
and other relevant parties. Reference should also be made to any
financial assistance received to carry out the project. Any
extraordinary assistance received by the candidate, for example, in
word processing, data collection, data analysis, and so on, should be
properly acknowledged. The acknowledgements should not exceed
250 words.

1.9.7 Table of Contents

The table of contents must list and provide page references for all
elements of the thesis. For the text of the thesis it will indicate
chapters, sections and important subdivisions of each section. The
numbering and format of material in the table of contents must be
identical to the way this material appears in the text of the thesis. The
title of each chapter or section should be written in full capital with no
terminal punctuation. The title of a subdivision of a chapter or section
should be in small letters, with the exception of the first letter of
significant words. Dots between titles and page numbers are optional.

1.9.8 List of Tables

The list of tables follows the table of contents. This list includes the
number of each table, the title and the page number.
11 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

1.9.9 List of Figures

The list of figures follows the list of tables. The list includes the
number of each figure, the title and the page number.

1.9.10 List of Abbreviations

This list includes all non-standard abbreviations used in the text of the
thesis. If follows the list of figures.

1.9.11 Body of the Thesis

The method chosen to organize the body of the thesis should be
discussed with the research supervisor(s). The number and the title of
each chapter or section must be given in the same form as it appears
in the table of contents.

It is in the body of the thesis that the candidate presents and develops,
in an orderly fashion, all relevant aspects of the research project for
which the degree is to be granted. Appropriately credited references
to other works can form an integral part of this presentation and are
likely to take several forms.

A direct quotation of less than three lines can be incorporated into the
text using quotation marks. If the quotation is more than three lines it
should be arranged in the following format: indented 1.5 cm from the
left margin and typed in single-space format without quotation marks.
Any borrowed thoughts or expressions, or use of non-original
material must be acknowledged and documented.

1.9.12 List of References

This list must contain every reference cited, mentioned or used in the
text of the thesis. The references in this list should be arranged
alphabetically. They may be divided into two or more sections.

Most programmes in UUMCAS require the candidates to use the

APA 6th Edition style. However, doing research in information
technology or computer science may use the IEEE, ACM or the APA
style.

1.9.13 Appendices
The purpose of an appendix is to contain those research materials
which are pertinent to the thesis, but which are not essential to an
understanding of the work which the candidate has completed. The
types of material which may be contained in an appendix are:

o proof of equations;
 12 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

o raw data for analyses, figures, or tables. Details of methods

used on a specialized topic which are not of crucial
importance to the discussion;
o a lengthy debate on a topic of secondary importance to the
issues discussed;
o questionnaires used;
o computer programmes; and
o illustrative material.

Appendices should be numbered consecutively using capital letters of

the alphabet. Pages of the appendices are also numbered
consecutively respecting the overall pagination of the thesis.

1.9.14 Vita
A brief bio-bibliography of the candidate is permitted.

2.0 SPECIFIC ITEMS

2.1 Titling the Thesis

A thesis will be a valuable source for other scholars only if it can be
located easily. To locate a thesis, modern retrieval systems use the
words in the title and sometimes a few other descriptive words. It is
essential that the title be meaningful and descriptive of the content of
the work. If possible, candidates should use word substitutes for
formulas, symbols, superscripts, subscripts, Greek letters, etc. The
title as it appears on the thesis certification page, the title page, and
the thesis cover must be identical. On the front cover of the thesis,
each line in the title must not exceed 26 characters including spaces.
When planning the title of the thesis, candidates should bear in mind
that most bookbinders charge extra for overly long titles.

When a thesis title is lengthy, a short title not exceeding forty

characters including spaces is needed for the spine of the bound
thesis. This should follow the wording of the original title as closely
as possible. The object of the short title is to facilitate easier
recognition of the thesis leg on the library shelf. The author’s name,
initials, and year of convocation should also appear on the spine.

2.2 Copyright and Subsequent Use of the Thesis

The author of a thesis claims copyright on the title page by using the
appropriate notation. As a condition for the award of the degree the
author should note that the University Library may make the thesis
available for inspection and permit copying of the thesis in any
manner, in whole or in part, for scholarly purposes only. It is
understood that any copying or publication of the thesis in any
manner, in whole or in part, for financial gain requires the permission
of the author.
 13 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

To remind readers that the thesis is protected by copyright, candidates

must insert the paragraph statement of “Permission to Use”
immediately after the title page.

Candidates hold copyright to their theses even when agreements have

been reached with other parties regarding ownership of some parts of
the research material. Careful attention must be paid to any previous
agreements signed regarding ownership of research findings. Consult
the Dean’s Office if there are any questions regarding materials that
can be patented or commercialised.

Candidates are reminded that they are required to respect the

standards of academic honesty and intellectual property in the case of
all materials used in the thesis. In order to do this, it is usually
sufficient to use notes and bibliographical references. When a
substantial part of a work is used, it is necessary to obtain prior
permission from the author. Definition of a “substantial part of a
work” depends on several factors, principally the quantity and quality
of the portion taken and the economic impact of the ability of the
copyright owner to profit from the exploitation of the work. In some
instances, copying even a short excerpt may be sufficient to constitute
an infringement.

Remember at all times that plagiarism is a serious offence and could

jeopardize an entire academic career. Plagiarism is the representation
as one’s own of any idea or ideas, expressions of an idea, or the work
of another author.

2.3 Equations
Each equation in a chapter is to be numbered consecutively using a
decimal system appearing flush with the right-hand margin. For
example:

Y = mx + b (5.1)

The numbers in parentheses are the chapter number and the equation
number respectively. Every new symbol used in the thesis text for the
first time must be explained. When a large number of special symbols
are used, it is permissible to collect them in a table or in a special
appendix.

2.4 Notes
Following the advice of their supervisor(s), candidates may use any
appropriate combination of footnotes at the bottom of the pages in the
 14 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

text, endnotes at the end of each chapter and direct reference to the
bibliography.

Any change in the level of the argument, such as a change in the

rigour, a change in terms of empirical content, or definitions of key
words or concepts should be put in the form of a note. Any cross
referencing of the material contained either in the main body or in the
appendices should also be indicated with the help of a note.

The first line should be indented and the text of the footnote should be
one half space below and one space to the right, using a single-spaced
format.

Endnotes should appear at the end of each chapter. They should be

single spaced with double space left between each note. Endnote
numbering must be done consecutively and separately for each
chapter.

2.5 Referencing
The fundamental rule of good scholarship is that the basic research be
complete, reliable and correct, with all sources duly acknowledged.
The format used for references must be consistent throughout the
thesis. Candidates are required to use the APA 6th Edition style in
their choice of format for notes and references.

2.6 Layout of a Chapter

2.6.1 Numbered Format

Each subsection in a chapter must be numbered and arranged in such
a manner to maximize clarity for the reader. The following format is
to be used:

2.1 Introduction to Distance Education

2.2 Types of Distance Education

2.2.1 Branch Campus

2.2.2 Correspondence
2.2.3 Teleconferencing

The numbering system used for different sections denotes the

following: the first number refers to the chapter number; the second
refers to the secondary section number. Thus, the number 2.2.1
denotes chapter 2, primary section 2, and secondary section 1.

2.7 Layout of a Table

Each table has a table number and a title. The first number refers to
the chapter number and the second refers to the table number in that
 15 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

chapter. The table must conform to the margin requirements of the

thesis format.

Contents of the table must be preceded and followed by a single solid

line. Similarly, solid lines must appear at other appropriate places
horizontally inside the table. The table should not be folded. It is
strongly recommended that oversized tables be reduced by
photocopying in such a way that they remain clearly legible. The title
of the table should be as short as possible but should indicate the
major focus of the table. Ordinary rules of referencing and footnoting
apply. The numbering of footnotes in the table is independent of that
followed in the text.

2.8 Layout of a Figure

Each figure must contain a figure number and a title. The same
numbering system for tables is used for figures. The number and title
of the figure appear at the bottom of the figure in the figure legend.
Both axes of the figure must be properly labelled. If a figure shows
more than one relationship, each relationship should be properly
labelled with the appropriate axis.

2.9 Binding the Thesis

Candidates for Master’s and Doctoral degrees who have successfully
completed their thesis oral examinations (viva) and made all the
revisions and corrections required by the Examining Panel must
submit TWO bound copies, ONE (1) loose copy and TWO (2) soft
copies in a CD to the Office of the Dean (Awang Had Salleh
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), College of Arts & Sciences,
Universiti Utara Malaysia by the date indicated in the Graduate
Calendar preceding the Convocation in which they plan to receive
their degrees.

The University requires that all PhD theses be bound in MAROON

cover with gold lettering and Master’s theses be bound in GREEN
cover with gold lettering. There are strict regulations regarding which
information appears on the cover and the spine and the form used for
presenting this information. Lettering on the spine should be legible
when the volume is laid face down on a shelf on its front cover. Other
decorations must not be used under any circumstances. The title
which appears on the cover will be in upper case only. The author’s
name will also be in upper case on the cover, in smaller letters.

Candidates should enquire at the bindery whether special characters

(e.g. superscript, subscript, Greek letters, etc.) or alternate-sized
lettering are available. A list of binderies familiar with the University
regulations can be obtained from the Dean’s office.
16 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

Candidates are required to bring one copy of the fully-assembled

thesis to the Dean’s office for approval before having the final version
photocopied and bound.
17 | Thesis Format for Postgraduate – AHSGS- January 2015

APPENDIX : EXAMPLE OF THESIS

 SD-SVBR: A NEW SHAPED VARIABLE BIT RATE
ALGORITHM FOR VIDEO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

Font: Times New Roman

Size: 14 pt ALI BIN ABU
Spacing: 1.0
BOLD

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
2015
< INSERT PERAKUAN KERJA TESIS / DISERTASI
(CERTIFICATION OF THESIS / DISSERTATION)>
Font: Times New Roman
Size: 12 pt Font: Times New Roman
Spacing: 1.5 Size: 14 pt
Permission to Use Style: Bold

In presenting this thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree

from Universiti Utara Malaysia, I agree that the Universiti Library may make it
freely available for inspection. I further agree that permission for the copying of this
thesis in any manner, in whole or in part, for scholarly purpose may be granted by
my supervisor(s) or, in their absence, by the Dean of Awang Had Salleh Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences. It is understood that any copying or publication or use
of this thesis or parts thereof for financial gain shall not be allowed without my
written permission. It is also understood that due recognition shall be given to me
and to Universiti Utara Malaysia for any scholarly use which may be made of any
material from my thesis.

Requests for permission to copy or to make other use of materials in this thesis, in
whole or in part, should be addressed to:

Dean of Awang Had Salleh Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

UUM College of Arts and Sciences
Universiti Utara Malaysia
06010 UUM Sintok

ii
Font: Times New Roman Font: Times New Roman
Size: 12 pt Size: 14 pt
Spacing: 1.0 Abstrak Style: Bold

Pembangunan aplikasi kepintaran perniagaan (BI) yang merangkumi sumber data,

Penggudangan Data (DW), Data Mart (DM) dan Operasian Storan Data (ODS)
memberi cabaran yang besar kepada pembangun aplikasi BI. Hal ini disebabkan oleh
kekurangan model, garis panduan dan teknik yang mantap untuk membangunkan
aplikasi BI jika dibandingkan dengan pembangunan sistem dalam displin
kejuruteraan perisian. Tambahan pula, pembangunan aplikasi BI masa kini
menumpukan kepada pembangunan maklumat strategik berbanding maklumat
operasi dan taktikal. Oleh itu, tujuan utama kajian ini ialah untuk mengusulkan
model reka bentuk konseptual ODS (CoDMODS) bagi pembangunan aplikasi BI.
Melalui kaedah pengesahan pakar, model CoDMODS yang dibina dengan
pendekatan penyelidikan sains reka bentuk ini dapat memenuhi sembilan ukuran
dimensi kualiti model iaitu mudah difahami, meliputi langkah yang jelas, relevan,
mempunyai ciri-ciri fleksibiliti, skalabiliti, ketepatan, kesempurnaan, konsisten dan
menyokong jangka masa pengemaskinian. Selain itu, dua prototaip yang dibina
berdasarkan model CoDMODS untuk kajian kes perkhidmatan bekalan air (iUBIS)
dan penyelenggaraan telekomunikasi (iPMS) mencatatkan nilai purata min
kepenggunaan yang tinggi iaitu 5.912 melalui instrumen Computer System Usability
Questionnaire (CSUQ). Dapatan kajian ini terutamanya model yang diusulkan,
menyumbang kepada kaedah analisis dan reka bentuk pembangunan maklumat
operasi dan taktikal aplikasi BI. Model ini boleh dijadikan garis panduan oleh
pembangun aplikasi BI. Selain itu, prototaip yang dibangunkan dalam dua kajian kes
dapat membantu pengurusan organisasi menggunakan maklumat yang berkualiti
dalam operasi perniagaan.

Kata Kunci: Kepintaran perniagaan, Operasian storan data, Model reka bentuk
konseptual, Maklumat operasi dan maklumat taktikal.

i. 3 -5 keywords only.
ii. Only the first word is capital letter (eg: Motivasi, Autonomi
guru)
iii. The word “Keywords” is BOLD
iv. The abstract must be within 200-300 words
v.

iii
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Style: Bold
The development of business intelligence (BI) applications, involving of data
sources, Data Warehouse (DW), Data Mart (DM) and Operational Data Store (ODS),
imposes a major challenge to BI developers. This is mainly due to the lack of
established models, guidelines and techniques in the development process as
compared to system development in the discipline of software engineering.
Furthermore, the present BI applications emphasize on the development of strategic
information in contrast to operational and tactical. Therefore, the main aim of this
study is to propose a conceptual design model for BI applications using ODS
(CoDMODS). Through expert validation, the proposed conceptual design model that
was developed by means of design science research approach, was found to satisfy
nine quality model dimensions, which are, easy to understand, covers clear steps, is
relevant and timeless, demonstrates flexibility, scalability, accuracy, completeness
and consistency. Additionally, the two prototypes that were developed based on
CoDMODS for water supply service (iUBIS) and telecommunication maintenance
(iPMS) recorded a high usability average min value of 5.912 using Computer System
Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ) instrument. The outcomes of this study, particularly
the proposed model, contribute to the analysis and design method for the
development of the operational and tactical information in BI applications. The
model can be referred as guidelines by BI developers. Furthermore, the prototypes
that were developed in the case studies can assist the organizations in using quality
information for business operations.

Keywords: Business intelligence, Operational data store, Conceptual design model,

Operational information and tactical information.

i. 3 -5 keywords only.
ii. Only the first word is capital letter (eg: Motivation, Teacher
autonomy)
iii. The word “Keywords” is BOLD
iv. The abstract must be within 200-300 words

iv
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Acknowledgement Style: Bold

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has

contributed in completing this thesis. It was my pleasure to study under Dr. Huda Hj
Ibrahim’s supervision. It is not enough to thank you very much to her for her
guidance to help me to achieve my goal. Without her valuable support, my thesis
would not have been possible. I would like to express my thanks to my co-supervisor
Dr. Shafiz Affendi Mohd Yusof for his comments which help to improve my work.

I would like also to thank my parents, my fiancée and all of my relatives for their
love and support. My goal would not have been achieved without them. I dedicate
this work to my parents and my fiancée Roba Soub.

I am very grateful to Dr Haslina and Dr Shariza. They were very kind during the
viva and during the period of the correction. Additionally their comments have
helped to improve this work.

I had a very enjoyable study at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Not only, does it
has a beautiful natural environment but the university also has helpful staff.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my friends for their encouragement during my
study.

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Permission to Use .................................................................................................................... ii

Abstrak .................................................................................................................................... iii
Abstract ................................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................... v
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................... vi
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................... vii
List of Figures ....................................................................................................................... viii
List of Appendices .................................................................................................................. ix

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ............................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Research Questions ................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Research Objectives ............................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................... 4

2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Historical Review of Distance Learning ................................................................ 4
2.3 Distance Learning Definition ................................................................................. 5
2.4 Distance Learning Techologies and Methods ........................................................ 6
2.4.1 Material Design Technologies and Methods ............................................... 7
2.4.2 Distance Learning Generations .................................................................... 7
2.4.2.1 First Generation ............................................................................... 7
2.4.2.2 Second Generation........................................................................... 8

CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .......................................... 9

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Research Model and Research Dimensions ........................................................... 9

CHAPTER FOUR FINDINGS ............................................................................... 13

4.1 Data Analysis Method .......................................................................................... 13
4.2 Data Analysis Strategy ......................................................................................... 14

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 16

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Table 4.2 Fit Measures ............................................................................................................. 6

vii
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Figure 3.1: System factor and BI ............................................................................... 11
Figure 3.2: Implementation environment factor, BI, and actual use ............................ 7

viii
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List of Appendices
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Appendix A Sample Appendix ............................................................................................. 17

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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The development of Information Technology (IT) has urged employees in

organizations all over the world to upgrade their knowledge and skills. One way of

doing this is by attending various kinds of training including traditional training or

workshop. Behling et al. (2007) defined traditional training (i.e. face-to-face

training) as the training process that takes place when the trainees and the trainer are

present at the same time in the same place. Even though traditional training provides

several benefits such as places a trainee in a stimulating and challenging group

environment, and creating and facilitating business networking between one trainee

and colleagues who come from different working background (Training Directory,

2007), not every employee has an opportunity to attend it.

This chapter is organized as follows: the first section is the background, followed by

the statements of the problem, and the research questions. The objectives of research

will be described in the fourth section, followed by the scope of the research, the

research significance, the research contribution, and the research approach and

methodology. Finally, the structure of the thesis will be highlighted.

1.2 Problem Statement

Many educational institutions and private and public sector organizations over the

world have adopted e-learning system to offer teaching and training materials to the

remote students and trainees (Burgess & Russell, 2003; Chatzoglou et al., 2009).

Yet, for technologies to be successful in the organizations, they must be accepted by

the employees. The acceptance of technology is often described as one of the most

important areas in the modern information system (Venkatesh et al., 2003).

Public sector’s employees in Jordan are demanded to sit for one certified IT training,

known as International Computer Driving License (ICDL). This training has been

implemented in Jordan as standard for end user computer skills across the kingdom

since 2001. Most of the Jordanian ministries, for instance the Ministry of Education,

Ministry of Health, Ministry of High Education, ministry of water and irrigation and

Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), have adopted this

program for their employees since 2003 (Advance Learning, 2008). Approximately

70000 employees of the Ministry of Education must participate in this program

(ICDL foundation, 2007). However, according to an initial study results, due to the

inappropriateness training time that is continuously unfit with the employees’

schedule, the Ministries faced difficulties to conclude the computer skills training

(ICDL) for its employees. To employees, this challenge has prevented them from

attending the program training and sitting to the certificate exam, which could affect

their career.

1.3 Research Questions

This study aims to examine the acceptance of computer-based distance training

system by the public sector employees. Therefore, the following are the research

questions to be solved:

1. What are the issues and challenges in implementing computer-based distance

training system in public sector organizations in Jordan?

2. How can computer-based distance training system support the traditional training

method in public sector organizations in Jordan?

3. What are the factors that determine the acceptance of public sector employees on

computer-based distance training system?

1.4 Research Objectives

The research objectives are formulated as below:

1. To investigate the issues and challenges in implementing computer-based distance

training system.

2. To identify the roles of computer-based distance training system in supporting the

traditional training method in public sector organization in Jordan.

3. To determine the factors that lead to the acceptance of public sector employees on

computer-based distance training system.

 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

There is much evidence in the literature that the development of information and

communication technology plays a vigorous role in the evolution of e-learning.

Nowadays educational institutions offer their courses online and have distance

learning as one of their strategic alternatives for reaching big number of students.

Similarly, many organizations have taken practical steps to provide training

materials to their employees through distance training programs (Burgess & Russell,

2003).

This chapter describes the situation of distance learning in public and private

organizations and educational institutions. It also explains the advantages and

disadvantages of distance learning system for employees, organizations, institutions

and trainers, and how distance learning has managed to solve problems of employee

training. Additionally, this chapter includes a review of literature on the acceptance

of information system models, and the dimensions of distance training system

acceptance (successful factors), which will be used to develop the acceptance model

for this research.

2.2 Historical Review of Distance Learning

Works on distance learning began in Britain in the 18th century. It was meant to

provide courses to everyone who wanted to extend his/her personal knowledge, get

education degree or develop his/her career. In the 19th century, the United States and

many European countries started to apply distance learning. Consequently, distance

learning has become a popular practice all over the world (Ruhig, 2002). Given that,

it is evident that Great Britain was the first country to conduct distance learning in

1858. The Queensland University offered some courses that led to an external degree

through distance learning program in 1890. Today, the Open University in London is

one of the largest international universities that offer courses through distance

learning programs. Different technologies are used to support the implementation of

distance learning programs. For example, about 56 percent of all public higher

education institutions in the United States provide courses to their students using

online mode (Arafeh, 2004). Additionally, TV is another technology that plays an

important role in conveying the materials and programs of distance learning to

remote students.

Based on the above, the number of educational institutions that use distance learning

system has rapidly increased all over the world, due to its advantages. Later,

organizations have begun to take the advantages of distance learning program to

train their employees, as mentioned later in this chapter. Thus, this research is going

to investigate the acceptance of distance learning system by public sector employees,

to understand why employees accept or reject such system and to determine the

challenges of applying distance learning system for employee training.

2.3 Distance Learning Definition

There is no specific definition of distance learning (Arafeh, 2004; Elena, 2006)

because it is a mixture of many sciences such as education, business, psychology,

information technology, and information technology. As a result, researchers have

defined distance learning according to their field (Burgess & Russell, 2003).
Whatever differences the meaning they attach to distance learning, these definitions

are made based on the philosophy of distance learning, grounded on two concepts:

(1) flexibility, and (2) openness. Flexibility means that students or trainees can

access any learning materials from any place at any time (Burgess, and Russell,

2003).

In educational context, distance learning is the process in which education occurs

when the students are physically separated from the instructors. In such a context,

there is a need for designing special methods and electronic tools to connect students

with teachers and each other and other managerial and administrative arrangements

(Angel et al., 2004). This is to provide flexibility of teaching and learning process to

students and instructors. In the context of business and organizations, distance

learning can refer to the training method that is developed by companies to train or

retrain employees to overcome the obstacle of a fast-paced work environment. Many

organizations have used computer, Internet, video, and audio technologies to conduct

such training (Burgess & Russell, 2003; and Gagne and Rojas, 1991). In the

information technology and information system context, distance learning is defined

as a delivery system that is used to deliver instructions and provide resources to

remote students (Gordon et al., 2004).

2.4 Distance Learning Technologies and Methods

Technologies, such as web-based technologies, computer-based technologies,

multimedia technology, satellite and so on, are essential for the development and

implementation of distance learning. These technologies have been used by

institutions over time to develop distance learning materials, to deliver the distance
learning materials to remote students, and to create interaction among students and

instructors. This section sheds light on these distance learning technologies and

methods.

2.4.1 Material Design Technologies and Methods

Educational institutions deliver learning materials in many formats. The early format

used to deliver learning or training materials was the written materials such as

textbooks and documents. This format was used since the introduction of distance

learning until the end of 1970 (Castro et al., 2001; Jackson, 2002). After 1970s,

audio and video documents started to be used. These technologies include speech

and video tools like audio cassettes, audio tapes, and video tapes.

2.4.2 Distance Learning Generations

The development of information and communication technologies has played a great

role in advancing distance learning. The development of technologies in distance

learning have take place in four generations. This section presents these generations

in detail.

2.4.2.1 First Generation

The first generation of distance learning started in the eighteenth century. The

instructor and adviser play essential role in the teaching process. In this generation

distance learning’s written materials (for instance written documents and books) are

delivered to remote students (Castro, 1998).

2.4.2.2 Second Generation

The second generation began at the end of 1970. At this stage, in addition to the

books, text and documents some technologies are added, for instance, audio cassette,

videocassette, and telephone (Castro, 1998). The appearance of these technologies

has enhanced the distance learning materials format, has improved the distance

learning delivery methods by the introduction of cassette tape to the distance

learning delivery methods, and has improved the interaction between the instructors

and students by the introduction of the telephone system (Campbell et al., 2007).

However, the interaction technique between students and instructors and between

students themselves is still weak.

 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains how the extended UTAUT include the successful factors of e-

learning system acceptance and how these factors were chosen. Additionally, it

discusses the research hypotheses formulated to answer the research questions.

Furthermore, in this chapter, the methodology of this research is presented. It

distinguishes among exploratory, descriptive and explanatory researches. The

chapter also highlights the differences between quantitative and qualitative

researches and describes the research strategy. Finally, sampling method, data

collection method, validity and reliability of the instruments and data analysis

method used in this research will be explained.

3.2 Research Model and Research Dimensions

Review of the literatures pertinent to information system shows that the acceptance

of information system, especially e-learning system, is influenced by three factors,

namely, (1) individual factor, (2) system factor, and (3) implementation environment

factor (Chau & Hu, 2002; Dadayan & Ferro, 2005; Hu et al., 1999; Nanayakkara,

2005). In this study Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use Technology (UTAUT) is

adapted as a framework to investigate the acceptance of computer-based distance

training system by employees in public sector organizations.

There are many advantages that can be obtained from UTAUT. Reflecting on the

model, the researcher believes that UTAUT is more suitable to large organizations

than other models of acceptance technology because the design of this model is based on
the data collected from employees’ environment (Venkatesh et al., 2003). Additionally,

it could successfully predict the adoption of information technology in approximately 70

percent of the cases, but other user adoption models could do so in about 40 percent of

the cases (Davis et al., 1989; Venkatesh et al., 2003). Furthermore, the constructs of

UTAUT have been adopted from eight other user acceptance models (Venkatesh et al.,

2003). Moreover, the prior scales used to measure the constructs can be combined to

come up with new scales that can be applied to the distance learning context. Last but

not least, this model covers almost the main factors that influence user acceptance of

technology such as technology factor and organization factor (Marchewka et al., 2007;

Venkatesh et al., 2003).

The proposed model of this study therefore includes employee intention to use

computer-based distance training system as the dependant variable. Because individual

factor is a critical successful factor in the e-learning and information technology

contexts (see next section 4.1.2) and UTAUT does not consider it, this study decided to

add a new factor (that is individual factor) in UTAUT. The model also covers two

factors i.e. (i) system factor, and (ii) implementation environment factor.

The first factor included in the proposed research model is system factor that

includes five sub-factors: (a) performance expectancy, (b) effort expectancy, (c)

system enjoyment, (d) system interactivity, and (e) system flexibility. According to

Venkatesh et al. (2003), performance expectancy and effort expectancy have a

significant influence on the behavioral intention to use an information technology.

Additionally, there is strong evidence that system enjoyment, system interactivity

and system flexibility are important in the e-learning context because they have

significant influence on employee intention to use e-learning system (Abbad et al.,

2009; Chatzoglou et al., 2009; Chesney, 2006; Conci et al., 2009; Hsia & Tseng,

2008; Nanayakkara, 2005).

Therefore, the system factor in this study will include (i) performance expectancy

(PE), (ii) effort expectancy (EE), (iii) system flexibility of distance learning, (iv)

system enjoyment, and (v) system interactivity. Figure 3.1 presents the possible

relationship between system factor, behavioral intention and usage behavior.

Effort expectancy

System enjoyment

Behavioral Intention (BI)

System flexibility

System interactivity

Figure 3.1. System factor and BI

The second factor included in the proposed model is the environment

implementation factor. In this study, the environment implementation factor includes

(a) facilitating conditions (FC) and (b) social influence (SI). According to Venkatesh

et al. (2003), the facilitating conditions construct has a positive and direct influence

on the actual use an information technology. Additionally, there is a significant

relationship between the social influence construct and behavioral intention

(Venkatesh et al., 2003). Figure 3.2 presents the possible relationship between FC, SI

(items of implementation environment factor), BI, and Actual Use.

 Social Influence
Behavioral
intention Actual Use

Facilitating conditions

Figure 3.2. Implementation environment factor, BI, and actual use

The third factor proposed in this study is individual factor that includes (a) computer

anxiety and (b) computer self-efficacy. In this respect, Venkatesh et al. (2003) have

supported that self-efficacy and anxiety constructs have indirect influence on

behavioral intention to use an information technology.

 CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS

4.1 Data Analysis Method

This chapter presents the results of data analysis which was carried out by applying

AMOS 16.0 and SPSS 16.0. It starts with description of the analysis associated with

respondents’ profile, followed by the results of data quality tests, including the

results of missing data test, outlier test and data normality test. Additionally, the

chapter provides the results of the test of the proposed research model and how the

research model fits with the data. Finally, the chapter discusses the results of the

hypotheses testing, with the impact of the moderators.

One of the research objectives is to propose an acceptance model of computer-based

distance training system that best describes public sector employee intention to use

such technology (Section 1.3). In achieving this objective, Structural Equation

Model (SEM) was considered a suitable data analysis method toward the end.

According to Byrne (2006), a proposed model should be substantively meaningful

and statistically well fitting. In addition, SEM has potential to analyze multiple

relationships between independent and dependent variables simultaneously, in

contrast to other generation regression models (such as liner regression, ANOVA,

and MANOVA) which, can analyze only one causal relationship at a time (Gerbing

& Anderson, 1988). The model generated from SEM is also known as a model of

relationships because it figures all the relationships between the exogenous

(dependant variables) and endogenous (independent variables) variables (Sharma,

1996).
Furthermore, one of the most advantages of SEM is the use of confirmatory factor

analysis that can examine measurement error by using multiple indicators per latent

variable, model mediating variables, examine the model overall as a one unit, handle

difficult data such as incomplete data and non-normal data, and examine models

with multiple endogenous variables.

4.2 Data Analysis Strategy

Data analysis strategy is a general plan of how the researcher will analyze the data

that he/she has collected. In this study, the data analysis was carried out in five

stages. The first stage focused on the analysis of the demographic information. The

second stage presented the data quality (data management) by conducting three tests

including missing data test, outliers test, and normality test. The third stage focused

on the reliability and validity of measurement (goodness of data) by examining the

composite reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Subsequently,

measurements of model fit were applied in stage four to measure the fit of proposed

model with the collected data. Finally, path coefficient (not equal to zero), critical

ratio (recommended value is > 1.96) and P-value (recommended value is < 0.05) had

been used to test the study’s hypotheses in stage five (Hair et al., 2010).

Five common measures were used for models analysis including X2/ df, GFI, CFI,

REMSEA, and TLI (Holmes-smith, 2006). Table 4.2 reveals that this research

model is a very fit model because all measures fit are within the ranges of the

recommended values (all the test results were generated from Amos 16.0, and

mentioned in Appendix H Section 2).

Table 4.2

Fit Measures

Measures Research value Recommended values

Chi-square (X2) 348.9 P > 0.05 indicates an acceptable fit.

P-Value 0.074 A value > 0.05

X2 / df 1.118 A value < 3 indicates a good fit

A value < 1 indicates over fit model.

CFI 0.998 A value >0.9 indicates a very good fit.

TLI 0.997 Close to one indicates a very good fit

Greater than one indicates over fit model

NFI 0.978 0< value < 1 indicates fit model.

GFI 0.937 A value > 0.9 indicates a very good fit.

AGFI 0.918 A value > 0.9 indicates a good fit.

RAMSEA 0.018 A value <0.08 indicates fit of the model.

 REFERENCES

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