Specifications for the content of references
In order to prepare a thesis in an academic manner, it is necessary to explore and study a wide range of literature and synthesise it in the thesis (while maintaining the character of an independent work).
The writing of the thesis begins with the collection of material and the exploration of the literature on the subject. To do this, we recommend using the following:
University and National Library of the University of Debrecen: www.lib.unideb.hu.
ScienceDirect: http://www.sciencedirect.com/.
When writing your thesis, you are required to provide accurate and verifiable information about the sources used. Referencing means that, when preparing a technical paper, when taking over the content of another publication (whether in paper or online format), clear and precise reference must be made to the bibliographic data of the document used.
The number of sources actually used increases the value of the paper. However, some considerations should be taken into account when choosing sources:
- Preferably, avoid references to non-technical sources, e.g. newspapers, unless absolutely necessary for the topic (e.g. press briefing topic).
- Always consider the date/year of publication of the source. If you are using a source that has been published in several editions (e.g. commentaries, handbooks), use the most recent edition (except for other methodological reasons).
- Avoid secondary citations (XY wrote .... Cites Z here and here), if possible, find the original source! Unmarked secondary citation is a violation of copyright.
- In writing the literature review for this thesis, you should not use or cite sources that are not professionally authoritative, peer-reviewed, or reliable (e.g. Wikipedia). So only peer-reviewed, peer-reviewed, professionally authoritative, peer-reviewed works should be considered authoritative sources.
The credibility, accuracy and reliability of sources available on the Internet vary widely. Much of the content online is not peer-reviewed, so the following points should be considered when evaluating material or data and information found on the Internet:
- We treat internet sources with criticism, even if they give the impression of being scientific and professionally sound. Where possible, print and keep the source used. For Internet references, full and accurate traceability should always be provided (exact url address and download time should be provided).
- It is often not indicated who the author is, but the website usually gives an indication of the organisation, institution or publisher responsible for the publication. These can help to assess the acceptability of content on the Internet. Studies, articles, data and information on the websites of professional organisations with a credible, reliable and recognised professional background, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Swiss Central Statistical Office (CSO), etc., are considered to be sound. However, the content of websites that are not backed by a professional organisation and therefore function only as an Internet portal is often less professional, questionable or open to doubt.
- It increases the credibility and verifiability of the material if the sources used are clearly indicated in the online document.
- Electronic databases and online content available through the websites of research institutions and higher education institutions and their libraries are useful and even advisable for scientific research and thesis writing.
Formal requirements for citations
Data from the literature should be clearly cited both in the text and at the end of the text. The use of the IEEE database reference is mandatory in all disciplines. In justified cases, where the subject matter is more in the field of economics or management sciences, the Head of Department may decide to use the Harvard citation system, which is the accepted form of reference in these disciplines.
Detailed description of each reference system (textual references, citation of figures, tables, sample bibliography):
Rules for the citation system used by the IEEE database is described detailed in the formatting regulation of Faculty of Engineering
Rules for the Harvard citation system