INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT PAPER
GUIDELINES
FOR
EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA
PROGRAMMES
 Guideline for the preparation of the Project paper.

1. Objective of this exercise

The aim of the project paper is basically to enforce the skills of the candidate to
undertake research in relation to the topic/s or the areas
of trouble shooting in any given organization.

Attention must be given to the style, presentation and analysis of data,

furthermore, for the candidate to arrive at a precise conclusion from the
implications of the research.

This guideline is prepared by the Institute of Professional Development for

Candidates who undertake the Project paper to fulfill the requirement as
prescribed for the successful completion of the Executive Diploma of the Open
University Malaysia.

It is mandatory for candidates to follow this guideline and the format as set out,
herewith.

2. Introduction

This guideline is intended to guide students of the Open University Malaysia in

the preparation of their Project Paper. The Project paper in itself is a report that is
prepares by the students based on their research within their study proper. The
study is to be systematic and can be used by people in general to enhance their
knowledge and know-how. The study in itself must be formal in its approach and
put in special order to highlight new and creative ideas and knowledge. The
report in itself must encompass
the variety of aspects relative to the study and scope which forms the basis of the
what the students have so far learnt in their respective Diploma and
undergraduate programs.

In undertaking this Project work students are reminded and taken to attention to
the Rules and Regulations with regards to academic plagiarism, as is referred in
Paragraph 7.9 of Open University Malaysia's Student Guideline Year 2004.

The Project Report will be evaluated by the Project supervisor assigned by the
O.U.M., and is submitted after thorough verification via the Project valuation
format.

3. The Project Submission

Students are required to send their respective completed project reports on

hardcopy bound to their respective supervisors.

4. The written- structure

All project reports must be typed in either in Bahasa- Malaysia or in English. It

must be complete in One Language of the student's choice.
The project report in its entirety must not exceed 50 printed pages (without the
appendices and any other reference inclusions).

The typed Project report must be clear clean and orderly in its outlook. The
following must also be noted:-

4.1 Font size

Use, Times New Roman or Arial.

4.2 Specification

(a). Use font size 12 (including the topic and sub-titles. The main
title must be capital letters and be bold.
(b) Use the "Microsoft word " which provides forth an orderly type-
processing.
(c) The use of the 'header and footer' allows the typing of the
name and matrix number, only.

4.3 Margin

The margin should be 40mm on the left and 20mm on the right, below and
the top, except for the start of the chapter, wherein the margin must be at
least 40mm.

4.4 Topic and Sub-topic indents

The numbering format must be consistent. For example in the first instance
the normal numbering is used, then with the period indent and then a further
sub- idea following with the period indent, as shown below:-

Example:-
1.
1.1
1.1.1

*Note: At every one level indentation must be effected at the sixth column.
For a series of numbers the Romanized version may be used.

4.5 Spacing

The project report must be typed in double spacing.

The following matters must be typed using single spacing:-

(a) Quotations that exceed 3 lines;

(b) Bibliographies;
(c) Schedules/Tables;
(d) Appendices such as questionnaires, letters and others.
Note: Each chapter must begin on a new page, whereas for each new
paragraph may begin as of the sixth sentence-column.

4.6 Pages

(a) All the pages needed to be counted continuously in the report. The
numbers in each pages are with its' own without bracket, dash or other
fonts.
(b) The pages before the introduction needed be type with small roman
number. The title page doesn't need any number.
(c) The numbering of pages start from the first introduction page, but the
number is not stated.

5. Report Writing Format

a) A report contains few components which is arrange accordingly. It is

recommended that a report should be arranged as follows:

Title Page - page i (no number in the real page)

Expectation Award Page - page ii (no number in the real page)
Authorization Statement Page - page iii
Executive summary page - page iv
Table of content - page v
List of content - page*
List of Figure - page*

Chapter 1 Introduction - Page 1 (No Number In The Real Page)

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Theory
1.4 Purpose of Research
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Importance Of Research
1.7 Research Obstacle
1.8 Explanation Of Term

Chapter 2 Literature

2.1 Introductions
2.2. Literature Review
2.3 Earlier Research

Chapter 3 Research Method

3.1 Introductions
3.2 Sampling Research
3.3 Data Collection
3.4 Data Analysis

Chapter 4 Research Results

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Research Result

Chapter 5 Summary and Recommendations

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Discussion
5.3 Summary
5.4 Proposal
5.5 Proposal for Further Studies

Bibliography - page*
Appendix

b) Title page (see appendix A)

(i) This page contain the below information:-
The full title of the project and the location of the project.
(ii) This page should contain full and detail report.
The length of word must be 10-15 words only.
c) A page (see appendix B)
d) Authorization statement page (see appendix C)
e) Acknowledgement page.
This page should contain all or some of the information below:-
(i) The purpose of conducting this research
(ii) Acknowledgement to all the people (individual, institute or organization)
who lend their hand for the research. It should be simple and short.
f) Executive summary
Miniature report that cover all the aspect in the body of the report. When writing
it also need special attention as the main text. The reference should be abstract
but if needed , can use footnote. Avoid using short form/acronym. The limit
words are 300 words. The summary should concise the major findings and
conclusions, including recommendations. The summary should be type single
spacing in one page only.
g) Table of Contents
The table of content should be accordingly, with number of pages, all the
report including the chapter, component and sub-component; reference list,
acronyms list and other functional component in the report; appendix; and
index. If one report contain more then on edition, the overall content of the
report should be shown in the first edition and other content that repeats in
other editions.
h) Appendix
If the is appendices, put it after the reference/bibliography. Information in the
appendices needed to be listed in the content. All the appendices should have
pages. If there is more than one appendices use word A, B, C and D as the title
for each appendix. Every new appendix has to start with new page.

Example: Appendix A: Program Manual Guide

i) Table
It contains title of the content as found in the text of the first page of each table.
Information that should include is as follows: the table number, title and pages.
j) Diagram/ illustration
It includes the graph, map, figure and other illustration. The title of the diagram
must be same as in the title in the text. The information that should include is as
follows: the diagram's number, title and page.
6. Text content report

(i) This part start with the introduction of the problem that being research, state
how important the research and research objective based on general and
specific. It also contains:
• Introduction
• Project Definition
• Methodology
• Conclusion
• Reference/Bibliography
• Appendices
(ii) Diagram and illustration
The diagram needs to be numbered throughout the report and given title
using small or big words.
Example:
Figure 1: usage of IT in the industrial sector 2002 and 2003
The graphs and illustration need to numbered continuously using big and
small words.

Example:
Graph 12: relationship between the project lifecycle and cost spend
The caption must be typed on the top of figure, but for graphs on the
bottom.

7. Reference/Bibliography

The reference/bibliography needed to put after the main text. It will contain the
list of reference used in the project. The reference needed to be written
consistency and based on the below requirement:-
• Entries in the bibliography need to arrange as "an underhug Single-speed
form". every entries start from the left hand margin with the second line
inside 4 space.( see the example)
• Entries must be arranged according to the author's family name for the
western but for Malays according to the full name. for the corporate, the
entries should arranged according to the first word (not include the article
like "The" , "A" and so one)
• If there is more then two production by one writer, repetitions of the name
can be avoid with the replacement of underline word from the whole 8
space start from left margin.
• If the author is unknown, the entries can based on the first word of the title
(not including the article like "The", "A" and so one)

(ii) Items in the bibliography must be listed according to the name of the author
according to the American Psychology Associations (APA) method
(http://www.apa.org). Reference for the item listed should be done with the
author's name and year.
Example:

a. Article from Journal, one author

Bekerin, D.A. (1993). In search of the typical eyewitness. American Psychologist,

48, 574-576.

b. Article from journal, two authors, based on issue.

Climoski, R.,& Palmer,S.(1993). The ADA and the hiring

process in organizations. Consulting Psychology Journal:
Practice and Research, 45 (2), 10-36.

c. Article from journal, three to five authors.

Borman, W.C., Hanson, M. A., Oppler, S. H., Pulakos, E.D., & White, L.
A.(1993). Role of early supervisory experience in supervisor performance.
Journal of Applied Psychology, 78, 443-449.

d. Article form magazine

Posner, M. I. (1993, October 29). Seeing the mind. Science, 262, 673-674.

• Put the date of the publication - month or month and date.

• Give the edition the number.

e. Article from the newspaper, no author

New drug appears to sharply cut risk of death from heart failure. (1993, July
15). New Straits Times, p.A12.

• List down the articles without author based on the first word in article title.
• In the text use the short title in bracket: ("New Drug,"1993).
• Start the page of newspaper with "p." or "pp."

f. Article from the newspaper, but different page

Schwartz, J. (1993, September 30). Obesity affects economics, social status.

The Washington Post, pp. A1, A4.

• If the article continues in few pages, write down all the pages by
separating with coma (example., pp. B1, B3, B5-B7)

g. Monthly newspaper article, litter for the author

Markovitz, M. C. (1993, May). Inpatient vs. outpatient [Letter to the editor]. APA
Monitor, p.3.
h. Overall issues in a journal.

Barlow, D.H. (Ed.). (1991). Diagnoses, dimensions, and DSM-IV: the

science of classification [Special issue]. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 100
(3).

i. Yearly production

Fiske, S. T. (1993). Social cognition and social perception. Annual review

of Psychology,44, 155-194.

j. A book

Ross, R.S. (1974). Speech communication: Fundamentals and practice.

3rd ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice-Hall.

Ahmad Lofti Alam and John Kuppusammi. (1988). Potential for Agricultural
Development in Kedah, Alor Setar, Universiti Utara Malaysia.

k. Book, third edition

Mitchell, T., R., & Larson, J. R., Jr. (1987). People in organizations: An
introduction to organizational behavior (3rd ed.). New York:McGraw Hill.

l. Book, government agencies as the producer

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (1991). Estimated resident population by

age and sex in statistical local areas, New South Wales, June 1990
(No.3209.1). Canberra, Australia Capital Territory: Author.

m. Conference/Seminar Research paper

Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (1991). A motivational approach to self: integration

in personality. In R. Dienstbier (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on Motivation:
Vol. 38. Perspectives on motivation (pp.237-288). Lincoln: University of
Nebraska Press.

n. Proceedings production Regularly

Cynx,J., Williams, H., & Nottebohm, F. (1992). Hemispheric differences in

avian song discrimination. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
USA, 89, 1372-1375.

o. Government Production

Malaysia, Department (1977). Malaysian fertility and family survey 1974: first
country report. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia (1971). Universities and university
colleges act 1971. Kuala Lumpur, Government Printing Department.
p. Thesis

Abu Bakar bin Salleh (1978). Purification and Immobilisation of Uricase for
Use in Automated Analysis. Ph.D Dissertation, University of St. Andrews.

q. Scale

Anuar Hamdan (1976). Report on the Markets for Timbers Products in West
Asian Countries. Warta Perdagangan Kayu.

Lum. K.Y. & Wong H.K. (1976). Control of Bacteria Wilt of Tomatoes in the
Lowlands through Grafting. MARDI Res. Bul 4(1); 28-33.

(a) for more detail on the topic of bibliography and footnote,

( i ) BALLOW, S.V. A model for thesis and research papers. Boston;

Hougton Mifflin, 1970. (LB 2396. B25)

( ii ) CAMPBELL, W.G. and S.v. Ballow Form and style: thesis, reports,
term papers. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1978. (LB 2369 C3
1978):

For journal short form name, use the short form based on the World List of
Scientific Periodicals (Z 7403. W6 1963).

Example :

Australian Journal of Zoology Aust. J. Zool

Malayan Orchid Review Malay Orchird Rev.
Journal of Nutrition J. Nutr.
New Zealand Journal of N.Z.J.
Agriculture Agric.

7. Main Reference

Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association. (4th ed). (1944).

American psychology accsociation, Washington D.C.

Rules and Regulation. (1993) educational Department, University Utara

Malaysia.
 Appendix A: Format Appendix the Title of the Project.

TITLE
[TITLE OF STUDENT'S PROJECT]

[STUDENT'S NAME]

EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

INSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

[YEAR]
Appendix B: Format Appendix the Expectation Award Page

Project Paper Report as the requirements for passing the

EDBM 1011 Work Paper

BY
[STUDENT NAME]
MATRIC NO : [999]
Appendix C: Format Appendix Authorization Statement Page

AUTHORIZATION

EDBM 1011 PROJECT PAPER

With this declare that the report as title [TITLE OF THE

PROJECT PAPER] by [STUDENT NAME] metric number
[9999] is my own work except the summary that I have
explain the source.

[DATE] [STUDENT NAME]

 SAMPLE
CONTENT OF A PROJECT PAPER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Background of the Problem ……………………… 1

Problem Statement ……………………………….. 13
The Research Framework ……………………… 15
Objective of Study ………………………………… 16
Research Questions …………………………….. 17
Significance of Study ……………………………… 18
Scope of Study ….. ………………………………. 21
Definition of Terms ……………………………….. 22

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Introduction ……………………………………… 23
Concept of Open and distance Education ……. 24
Open and Distance Education in Malaysia …… 25
Factors Influencing Open and Distance Learning 31
Weaknesses of Open and Distance Education 34
The Rationale of Open and Distance Education 34
Method of Open and Distance Learning Delivery 36
The Renewal of Teacher Professionalism …... 37
Concept of Adult Education …………………….. 40
Concept of Cooperative Education ……………. 40
Research on Participation in Adult Education … 43
Needs Assessment in Adult Education ………… 48
Theories and Models of Needs Assessment in
Adult Education ………………. 48
Deterrents to Participation in Adult Education … 54
Theories and Models of Deterrents to Participation
in Adult Education ……………… 59
Strategies to Address Deterrents ………………. 65
Concept of Self-Directed Learning …………….. 68
Factors Associated with Deterrents …………… 72

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

Introduction ……………………………………… 79
Study Location …………………………………... 79
Population ……………………………………….. 80
Sample …………………………………………… 80
The Research Design …………………………… 81
Measurement and Instrumentation ……………. 82
Pilot Study ………………………………………… 85
Data Collection …………………………………… 85
 Analysis of Data ………………………………… 86

CHAPTER IVRESEARCH RESULT

Introduction ……………………………………… 89
Research Outcome……………………………... 89

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION

Introduction ……………………………………… 79
Discussion …………………………………... 79
Summary ……………………………………….. 80
Recommendation ……………………………… 80
Proposal For Further Research………………… 81

BIBLIOGRAPHY 87
APPENDIX 1 94