The technical specifications in the table below are viewed as good practice for neat and

professional documents. The list is not comprehensive, but these minimum requirements
should be taken into consideration when preparing documents during the Postgraduate
Diploma in Marketing.

General
Technical aspect

Description

Font

Arial, 11

Margins

2.5cm, top, bottom, left and right

Line spacing

1.5cm
Please ensure that the whole document is formatted according to
the same paragraph settings.
Large open spaces between sections or paragraphs should be
avoided.

Alignment

Justified

Always include

Title page
Abstract
Table of content with page and heading numbering
Introduction
Body of document
Conclusion
References
Appendices/ Addenda (when applicable)
Page numbers

Page numbers

Page numbers are included in all documents.

Normal page numbers (1, 2, 3, ) commence on the first content
page of the document, thus the page that starts with
Introduction.
Roman numbers commence (I, ii, iii, iv, ) commence on the
second page of the document, thus the page that features the
executive summary.
The front page of the document is NOT numbered.

Heading numbers

ALL headings must be numbered in the table of content AND,

correspondingly, in the document.

Binding

Documents must always be neat when submitted.

Binding is preferred, although not compulsory.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is regarded as a serious offence and can result in

expulsion.
The official plagiarism declaration of the department must be
included as the FINAL addendum of the assignment.
The plagiarism declaration must be signed.
Remember that all sources must be referenced and that all direct
quotes must be in quotation marks and referenced with source
page numbers.

Document structure
Technical aspect

Description

The title page must always be neat and feature at least the
following information:

Title page

Project title
Surname, initials, student number
Submission date

Abstract/ Executive The abstract/ executive summary must provide an overview of

summary
the entire document, as if written by an external party.
Except when different requirements are provided by lecturers, the
abstract must be maximum 200 words in length.

Table of content

The table of content must include ALL headings, heading

numbers and ASSOCIATED page numbers that align at all times
with the headings within the document.
Students have the option to use the Microsoft Word function that
automatically creates a table of content. However, the preferred
method of creating a table of content is by inserting an invisible
table under the table of content heading.
Ensure that all headings, heading numbers and associated page
numbers are neatly aligned.

List of tables

On a new page after the table of content, include a section titled

List of Tables that provides a summary of all the tables in the
document. The list must include the:

List of figures

On a new page after the list of tables, include a section titled List
of Figures that provides a summary of all the figures in the
document. The list must include the:

Introduction

table number
table heading
page number

figure number
figure heading
page number

On a new page, commence the content of the document with the

introduction.
An introduction lures the reader into the document with
interesting information and provides an indication of what the
reader can expect in the document.

Body of document

The body of the document commences directly after the

introduction it DOES NOT start on a new page.
The body of the document can comprise of numerous sections
with their own headings.
The body must have a carefully planned structure and a logical
flow. Always ensure that the topic is clearly addressed.

Conclusion

The conclusion provides an overview of the content that was

addressed in the document and also ensures the reader that the
purpose of the document was fulfilled and the content is
meaningful (not on a new page).

References

The Harvard referencing system is adopted in the Department of

Business Management.
The SU library provides online guidelines for the correct usage of
the system:
http://libguides.sun.ac.za/content.php?pid=344501&sid=2970868.
The references must commence on a new page.

10

Appendices/
Addenda

The word Appendix or Addendum can be used to title the

documents in this section.
Each addendum must be numbered and titled (e.g. Addendum A:
Consumer behaviour model).

Additional aspects within the document

Technical aspect

Description

Each table must be clearly numbered and titled.

Tables

When applicable, the source of the table and/or the content must
be provided.
It is suggested that the number and title of the table is placed
above it and the source below it.
Example:
Table 1: Types of perceived risks

Source: Schiffman and Kanuk (2010: 21)

2

Figures

Each figure must be clearly numbered and titled.

When applicable, the source of the figure must be provided.
It is suggested that the number and title of the figure is placed
above it and the source below it.
Example:
Figure 1: Theory of reasoned action

Source: Schiffman and Kanuk (2010: 56)

Although not compulsory, it is suggested that figures be framed in
the document.
3

Paragraphs

Paragraphs should be written in such a manner that it links with

the following paragraph.
There must be a logical flow from section to section and from
paragraph to paragraph.

Post-heading
paragraphs

All headings must have a sentence below it. In other words, two
headings are NEVER allowed to follow directly after one another.