DISSERTATION EXAMINATION GUIDE

The Department of Animal Production and Management requires a comprehensive and critical review of the
Dissertation. In the course of doing this, the examiner should draw the attention of the department to such
circumstances and factors as he/she feels the department should be made aware of. The examiner should give
comments and award marks following the general format below the pass mark being 50.

COVER AND PRELIMINARY PAGES (10 marks)

i.

Cover page

This includes the logo and name of Busitema University, a brief and concise title/topic of the study, authors
name and Registration Number, Statement that the dissertation is submitted to the faculty in partial fulfillment
of requirements for the award of the degree of Animal Production and Management of Busitema University and
month and year of submission.(Maximum score 2)

ii.

Declaration

This must include the statement that this is the candidates own work and has not been submitted to any
institution for any academic award, candidates name, signature and date, Main supervisors name, signature
and date co supervisors name, signature and date (where applicable).(Maximum score 1)

iii.

Acknowledgements

It entails recognition of mentors, colleagues, individuals, sponsors and institutions which supported the
research. (Maximum score 1)

iv.

Table of contents

Computer generated page(s) of the main and subtitles (Maximum score 2)

v.

Table of figures and tables

These list tables and figures in the dissertation and corresponding pages. (Maximum score 1)
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vi.

Abstract

This is a brief summary of the dissertation in not more than 300 words on a separate page. It should give
precisely what the study was about, the methodology used, main findings, conclusion and recommendation. Is
the abstract informative or not? (Maximum score 3)

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION (20 marks)

1.1. Background
This section must assess the theoretical and conceptual background, rationale and clarity and precision of
presentation (Maximum score: 3).

1.2 Problem statement

Does the candidate clearly state the nature of the problem and its magnitude or extent? How concise is it? Is
there cross reference to the issues explicitly elucidated in the background that either makes practical or
theoretical redress? (Maximum score: 5)

1.3.

Objectives of the study

This should include the Main objective/ aim of study and specific objectives. Main objective refers to the
general intention of the study. It should clearly spell out what the study was supposed to accomplish. Specific
aims/objectives arise directly from the general objective/purpose/aim of the study. Specific objectives should
advisably not exceed four in number. Objectives/purpose/aims should be: clear, specific and concrete realistic,
achievable and measurable. (Maximum score: 4)

1.4.

Significance of the study

This refers to the relevance of study in terms of academic contributions and practical use that might be made of
the findings. It should reflect on knowledge creation, technological or socio-economic value to the community
(Maximum score: 2)
.
1.5.

Justification for the study

In justification, the key question is: Given the importance of this problem, is it worthy investing in finding
answers to it? I.e. what is at risk by not investing in studying this problem or what do we stand to gain from the
study. (Maximum score: 2)
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1.6.

Hypothesis/Research Question

These are investigative assumptions or questions, which guide the study. Assess the appropriateness of
hypothesis, questions and relevant assumptions. (Maximum score: 2)
1.7.

Scope

The scope provides for the boundary of the research in terms of depth of investigation, content, sample size,
methodology, geographical and theoretical coverage.(Maximum score: 2)

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW (15 marks)

This includes a review of literature supporting the purpose and methods of the research, i.e. reviewing the
current status, identifying the gaps and justifying the methods to be used in the research. Look out for the
following: Has the candidate made use of available and relevant literature? Does this adequately describe the
background, and is she/he abreast of the current literature? Has the candidate exercised due diligence in
scholarly bibliographic write-up? Has the candidate correctly cited literature? (Maximum score 15).

CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS (20 marks)

This is a detailed description of selected methodology i.e. Step-by-step methods of how the researcher achieved
the stated objectives of the research. This section comprises of research design which describes the tools,
instruments, approaches, processes and techniques, major algorithms and data structures to be employed in the
research study, data collection, analysis, synthesis, design, logical flow, implementation, testing, validation,
verification. Indicate whether the candidate has used an appropriate approach to investigate the subject and has
not neglected other methods which could have yielded better results. Assess for adequacy and relevance of the
data collected and the appropriateness of the tools and instruments, including data analytical
procedures/techniques. (Maximum score: 20)

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS (20 marks)

Evaluate for the adequacy of data analysis, effectiveness of results presentation, accuracy, transparency,
contributions from the study. Indicate whether the candidate has presented the data in a logical flow and concise
manner (Maximum score 20)

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CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION (20 marks)

This involves In-depth analysis of the main findings of the research. Does the candidate discuss his/her own
findings and relate them to other researched work? Does the writer show honesty and transparency in discussing
the limitations of his/her study? Does the presentation provide the flavor of scholarly and professional output?
There should be strong evidence that the subject is thoroughly understood. (Maximum score 20)

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (8 marks)

Does the conclusion and recommendation emerge from the candidates own work?
Does the study stimulate further inquiry or scholarship? (Maximum score 8)

REFERENCES (3 marks)

These provide information necessary to identify and retrieve each source. A reference list consists of only the
works which were cited in the text. References should be cited using APA style. (Maximum score: 3)

APPENDICES (1 mark)
Include other items like location maps, other illustrations, e.g. additional graphs, images, any other relevant
document (e.g. research instruments like questionnaires). (Maximum score 1)

OVERAL WRITE UP (3 marks)

This will cover areas of grammar, use of font style and size, margins, justification. (Maximum score: 3)

TOTAL SCORE: 100 MARKS

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