The document outlines a structured approach for writing a master's or doctoral thesis, focusing on a layering method that utilizes color coding to streamline chapters. It emphasizes the importance of defining research questions and provides a formula for structuring each chapter, including introductions, bodies, and conclusions. The guide also includes detailed examples and suggestions for specific elements like literature reviews, research methodologies, and citations.

1. A Basic Formula for Structuring &
Layering a Master’s or Doctoral Thesis
By Dr Rawiri Waretini Karena

2. Disclaimer
• This formula is an attempt at designing a template
for writing a thesis
• The formula has been developed with the new
researcher in mind
• The overall concept is designed to be simple, yet
effective
• An aim of this formula seeks to streamline each
chapter by implementing a layering approach to the
process using a colour coding system.
• The overall goal is to create fluidity through out the
researchers overall thesis.

3. Research Questions
• Research questions are the heart of a thesis
• All research that is undertaken in a thesis
seeks to answer its research question
• I prefer to use three research questions
• Each question becomes an underlying
theme behind a chapter in the thesis
• The research question formula is based on
• FACE+ TRACE+ REPLACE

4. Research questions formula
1
•Face
•= Identify an issue
•Example Question: What is the Pōwhiri Poutama framework?
2
•Trace
•= Examine it’s historical context and impact
•Example Question: When was the framework established; and how has it been
utilised?
3
•Replace
•= Explore or develop a solution based or transformative approach
•Example Question: In what way has this framework been utilised to benefit
Māori?

5. Research questions
• The research questions are developed to be
relevant to each other.
• The research questions have been designed
to make the research flow and progress the
written work from chapter to chapter

6. The structure of a chapter
Introduction
Body
Conclusion

7. Structuring a Chapter
• The structure of a chapter is essentially the
same as the structure of an essay.
• The introduction introduces the content in
the chapter.
• The body of the chapter carries the
majority of the content.
• The conclusion gives a summary of the
content discussed in the chapter, and then
a summary of the learnings gained

8. Preparing an Introduction
• Before creating an introduction, the student decides what the key
points are that the chapter will focus on.
• Once the key points are decided, the next step is to put each key point
in order of priority
• Once the order of priority is decided, the first key point, becomes the
initial introduction.
• The second key point becomes the second intro
• The third key point becomes the third intro – etc etc
• Developing an introduction key point that is relative to the previous
key point means that the flow of the introduction will be fluid from
the beginning.
• Write the introduction from a pretence position. It will state what you
are about to introduce.
Example:
This chapter will begin by discussing the Pōwhiri Poutama framework.

9. First key point of the chapter
• Introduction 1
• In this chapter we will identify and discuss the Pōwhiri Poutama framework
• (What is it? (definite it) give it scope
Second key point of the chapter
• Introduction 2
• The second part of this chapter will examine its history in terms of how the Pōwhiri Poutama framework
was established
Third key point of the chapter
• Introduction 3
• The third part of the chapter will examine key components in the framework
Fourth Key point of the chapter
Introduction 4
The fourth part of the chapter will discuss how the framework is applied.
Fifth Key point of the chapter
Introduction 5
This chapter will conclude with the strengths and limitations of the Pōwhiri Poutama framework
Layering an Introduction

10. Layering an Introduction
using colour code
• Colour codes help to streamline writing, by
supporting writers to stay to the same point of
discussion based on the colour of the topic.
• Each different colour, represents a different
key point in your introduction
• Each different key point represents a different
point of discussion in the introduction.
• You will notice that colours that are the same
in the introduction, body and conclusion all
carry the ‘same point of discussion’ through
out the chapter

11. Layering the body of a chapter
Key point 1 + Intro 1 = Body 1 – What is the topic?
• The Pōwhiri Poutama framework is a holistic process utilised for the purpose of engaging with others . Its
underlying theme stems from a Māori worldview.
Key point 2 + intro 2 = Body 2 – What is its historical context?
• The framework stems from the pōwhiri process. It was originally conceptualised by Paraire Huata, and
then adapted by Dr Rawiri Waretini-Karena in 2011
Key point 3 + intro 3 = Body 3 – How is the framework constructed?
• The framework is made up of six elements. The first element is Whakamoemiti. The second is
whakatau. The third is Whakapuaki. The fourth is Whakatangitangi. The fifth is Whakaratarata. The sixth
is Whakaoranga. The final element is Whakaotinga
Key point 4 + intro 4 = Body 4 – How is the framework applied
The whakamoemiti process makes sure the facilitator is ready for the session spiritually, mentally as well as
physically. The Whakatau process establishes administration issue and then establishes relationships. The
Whakapuaki process identifies issues, the Whakatangitangi process unpacks the issue. The Whakaratarata process
establishes strategies. The Whakaoranga process examines options and consequences, and the Whakaotinga
process implements an effective closure
Key point 5 + intro 5 = Body 5 – What are its strengths and limitations?
The major strength of this framework supports a culturally safe and appropriate process for engaging with
Māori clientele. A limitation could be that others, trying to learn this framework may not understand the
mātauranga Māori ideologies and worldviews that underpin the Pōwhiri Poutama framework.

12. Layering the Body
using colour code
• Layering the body of the chapter is exactly the
same.
• The difference is that the body carries the majority
of the content.
• Colour coding the body helps the writer to stay in
the same point of discussion according to its colour.
• This hopefully stops the content from jumping all
over the place
• Developing a key point that is relative to the
previous key point means that the body of the
content should flow smoothly from key point to key
point.

13. Key point 1 + intro 1 + Body 1= Conclusion 1
• This chapter identified and discussed the Pōwhiri Poutama framework
Key point 2 + intro 2 + Body 2 = Conclusion 2
• The second aspect examined where the framework came from, and also discussed key people in the
development of the framework.
Key point 3 + intro 3 + Body 3 = Conclusion 3
• The third aspect discussed the elements located in the framework.
Key point 4 + intro 4 + Body 4 = Conclusion 4
The fourth aspect examines and discusses how the framework is applied
Key point 5 + intro 5 + Body 5= Conclusion 5
The fifth aspect examines and discusses strengths and limitations of the
framework
The final aspect summarise the new discoveries and learning's gained from the
chapter
Layering the conclusion

14. Layering the Conclusion Section
using colour code
• Layering the conclusion of the chapter is
exactly the same as the intro and body section
• I suggest cutting and pasting the introduction
section straight into the conclusion section
• Re-write the language to fit a past-tense
position
Example:
This chapter discussed the Pōwhiri Poutama
framework

15. Introduction
Pre-tense
This chapter will begin with discussing the Pōwhiri Poutama framework. The second part of this chapter
will examine how the Pōwhiri Poutama framework was established. The third part will examine key
components in the framework. The fourth part will demonstrate how the framework is applied. The final
part will conclude be examining strengths and limitations.
Body
Note:
This is an
example of
how colour
coding will
support
writing a
chapter by
highlighting
how it
supports
writing an
essay
The Pōwhiri Poutama framework is a holistic utilised for engaging with others. Its underlying themes
stem from a Māori worldview. Its framework stems from the Pōwhiri process, and was developed by
Paraire Huata, and adapted by Dr Rawiri Waretini-Karena. The framework is made up of six elements.
The first is whakamoemiti. The second is whakatau. The third is Whakapuaki. The fourth is
Whakatangitangi. The fifth is whakaratarata. The sixth is Whakaoranga, and the final element is
whakotinga.
The whakamoemiti process makes sure the facilitator is ready for the session spiritually, mentally as well
as physically. The Whakatau process establishes administration issue and then establishes relationships.
The Whakapuaki process identifies issues, the Whakatangitangi process unpacks the issue. The
Whakaratarata process establishes strategies. The Whakaoranga process examines options and
consequences, and the Whakaotinga process implements an effective closure.The major strength of
this framework supports a culturally safe and appropriate process for engaging with Māori clientele. A
limitation could be that others, trying to learn this framework may not understand the mātauranga Māori
ideologies and worldviews that underpin the Pōwhiri Poutama framework.
Conclusion
Past- tense
This chapter discussed the Pōwhiri Poutama framework. The second part of this chapter examined how
the Pōwhiri Poutama framework was established. The third part examined key components in the
framework. The fourth part demonstrated how the framework is applied. The final part concluded by
examining strengths and limitations.
Summary In my opinion, I have learnt that this framework is a culturally appropriate and safe model for engaging with Māori

16. Chapter Formula
Key point 1 + Intro 1 + Body 1 = Conclusion 1
• (Key point) Establishes your initial idea
• (Intro 1) idea 1 in the intro section
• (Body 1) idea 1 in the body
• (Conclusion 1) Idea 1 in the conclusion
This formula highlights the main ideas behind key point 1 being
built upon and layered throughout the chapter based on the
same theme.
• Once the chapter has been complete using the colour code
system. The writer removes the colour code.
• The researcher should be left with a chapter that is clear,
concise, and flows from the introduction, into the body of the
content, and then into the conclusion

17. Introduction Chapter
1. Intro
2. Background to topical
research
3. Rationale for
researching topic
4. Summary of each
chapter
5. Conclusion
• Discuss how you came
upon your topic
• Discuss your rationale
for wanting to research
topic

18. Literature Review Chapter
Process
1. Intro topic
2. Implement names and year of
authors used in the lit review
3. Identify topic, definition and
scope
4. Historical context
5. Impacts
6. Statistics
7. Implications
8. Relevance and contribution to
research
9. Conclusion
Implementing authors & Year
Example:
This literature review chapter utilises
the written work of authors such
as; Smith (1999); Duran (2003);
Armitage (1995); Jackson (1988);
Churchill (1993); Walters (2012);
Brave Heart (1998).
It is imperative that the writer be
intentional about putting the
names of authors whose work
they have quoted through out the
chapter at the very beginning.
This establishes the intentional use
of applying literature to the topic
the writer has chosen to review.

19. Research Methodologies Chapter
1. Intro
2. Research questions
3. Aims
4. Objectives
5. Ethical Considerations
6. Methodologies
7. Ethical practice
8. Methods
9. Participants
10. Collecting data
11. Collating data
12. Analysing data
13. Strengths and limitations of research
14. How Contributes to Research community
15. Conclusion
• This chapter is the most important in terms of
articulating the aims and objectives, and overall
mechanics of the research
• Methodologies are theories a writer will justify
using and why
Example
Quantitative (Statistics) and / or Qualitative
(Interpretations based on observations). Critical Theory,
Conflict Theory, Kaupapa Māori theory, Pūrākau theory,
Māori Centred Approach, Indigenous methodologies.
• Methods discuss the manner in which the research
is conducted. Everything in blue relates to methods
Example
Motivational interviewing, case studies, literature etc.
Participants-
If researcher have participants, they will need ethical
approval.
I would also recommend adding Māori Ethical
Considerations.
They can be found at this link:
http://www.rangahau.co.nz/ethics/166/

20. The Issues Chapter
1. Intro
2. Issue
3. Definition
4. Scope
5. Historical context
6. Statistics
7. Implication
8. Conclusion
• This chapter discusses
the issue being
researched
• The role of this chapter
is to give scope to the
issue

21. History and Impact Chapter
1. Intro
2. Impact of Issue
3. Scope of issue
4. Statistics
5. Ramifications
6. Conclusion
• This chapter examines
the history and impact
of the issue
• It also explores the
scale of the problem as
well as current and
future ramifications

22. The Solutions Chapter
1.Intro
2.Solution
3.Scope of solution
historical context
4.Rationale or underlying
theme
5.Elements of the solution
6.Application of solution
7.Possible outcomes
8.Conclusion
• Discusses and
implements
transformative strategy

23. Findings Chapter
1. Intro
2. Summary of chapters
3. Findings
4. Analysis of findings
5. Critique of findings
6. Discuss how findings
answer research
questions
7. Summarise the learning's
in the chapter
8. Conclusion
• This chapter is important
in terms of tying
everything together.
• It analyses and critiques
findings from all your
chapters’
• It discusses how these
findings respond to your
research questions
• Summarise the learnings

24. Layout Overview Of Entire Thesis Chapters
1:Intro
Chapter
2: Lit Review
Chapter
3: Research
methodologies
Chapter
4: Issues Chapter
(Face)
5: Impact
Chapter
(Trace)
6: Solutions
Chapter
(Replace)
7: Findings
Chapter
Process
1. Intro
2. Backgro
und to
topical
researc
h
3. Rational
e for
researc
hing
topic
4. Summar
y of
each
chapter
5. Conclusi
on
Process
1. Intro
2. Implement
names and
year of
authors used
in the lit
review
3. Identify
topic,
definition
and scope
4. Historical
context
5. Impacts
6. Statistics
7. Implications
8. Relevance
and
contribution
to research
9. Conclusion
Process
1. Intro
2. Research
questions
3. Aims
4. Objectives
5. Ethics
6. Methodologie
s
7. Methods
8. Participants
9. Collecting
data
10. Collating data
11. Analysing data
12. Strengths and
limitations of
research
13. How
Contributes to
Research
community
14. Conclusion
Process-
1. Intro
2. Issue
3. Definition
4. Scope
5. Historical
context
6. Statistics
7. Implication
8. Conclusion
Process
1. Intro
2. Impact of
Issue
3. Scope of
issue
4. Statistics
5. Ramificati
ons
6. Conclusio
n
Process
1. Intro
2. Solution
3. Scope of
solution
historical
context
4. Rationale
or
underlying
theme
5. Elements
of the
solution
6. Applicatio
n of
solution
7. Possible
outcomes
8. Conclusio
n
Process
1. Intro
2. Summary
of
chapters
3. Findings
4. Analysis of
findings
5. Critique of
findings
6. Discuss
how
findings
answer
research
questions
7. Summaris
e the
learning's
in the
chapter
8. Conclusion
Progress
2
Progress
6
Progress
3
Progress
4
Progress
5
Progress
1

25. Layout of Thesis Chapters
• The layout of the thesis chapters gives the
researcher an overview of the entire thesis.
• More chapters can be added to the thesis
• The face, trace and replace chapters highlight the
underlying themes behind those chapters. The
researcher can call it any name they want
• The Face chapter, and the Trace chapter are also
interchangeable The best positioning of the data
dictates if they interchange or not.
• The processes in each chapter can be added to
according to the key points established in each
chapter by the researcher

26. 1. Make a statement
2. Utilise a quote to support your statement
3. Discuss the relevance of the quote.
Layering in-text citation example
The destruction of Māori society seemed to involve a
multi faceted approach. According to Bedgood
(1978) “The penetration of the capitalist mode of
production and the destruction of the Māori
occurred at three levels, economic, political and
ideological”(p. 286). Bedgood’s, analysis is
consistent with the economic, political and
ideological deficits experienced by Māori.
Layering in-text citations formula

27. In-text citations formula 6th Edition
Direct quoting
• Author (year) quote (p. number).
Paraphrasing
• Author (year) quote, no double quotation marks (page
number).
Omitting material ( Removing some of the quote)
• Author (Year)… part of the quote…another part of the quote
(Page number)
A quote with more than 40 words
• Indent 1cm left, indent 1 cm right, no quote marks
• For more questions on in text citations please consult Apa
reference guide @ https://wintecac-
public.sharepoint.com/library/files/APA.pdf

28. Referencing formula- 6th Edition
Book
• Author. (year). Title (Italics). City: Country. Publisher.
Online website
• Author. (year). Title (Italics). Retrieved: month day
year from: URL address
Video
• Author. (year). Title (Italics). [Motion picture],
Retrieved: month day year from: URL address
For more questions on referencing please consult Apa
reference guide 6th edition @ https://wintecac-
public.sharepoint.com/library/files/APA.pdf

29. Glossary
Terminology
1. Face, Trace Replace
2. Key point
3. Layer
4. Pre-tense
5. Past-tense
6. Structure
Meaning
1. A model for identifying an
issue, tracking its history,
and finding a solution
2. Main idea
3. To build one idea on top of
another
4. Before
5. After
6. Framework