Form

Table of Contents and Headings

A table of contents, containing section headings with page numbers, should precede the work. This facilitates navigation within the document. Headings for individual sections should be formulated as informatively and concisely as possible. The organizational scheme used should be numerical. Where feasible in terms of content, a maximum of four levels of organization should be introduced. The title of the work should not be identical to a heading within the work.

 

Spelling and Style

Correct spelling and punctuation are essential. Errors in these areas disrupt the flow of reading and can distort content. Even a misplaced comma can alter the meaning of a statement. The rules of the new spelling should be followed (information can be found at http://www.neue-rechtschreibung.de/).

A suitable, factual style should be used, avoiding colloquial language. The so-called "red thread" is of central importance, running through the work and being traceable through the individual headings.

 

Abbreviations

Care should be taken in using abbreviations. Uncommon abbreviations (not included in the dictionary) should be used sparingly, as they can also disrupt the flow of reading. They should be clarified upon their first use and summarized in an abbreviation list, which is to be appended after the table of contents. Common abbreviations listed in the dictionary should not be included in the abbreviation list.

 

Page Limit and Formatting Rules

The page limit of 70-100 pages (seminar papers 15 pages, study papers up to 60 pages) of pure text, i.e., without a table of contents, list of abbreviations, list of figures, and literature references, must be adhered to. To prevent excessive "formatting artistry," the following formatting rules should be applied:

  • Font: Times New Roman
  • Font size: 11 pt, justified
  • Line spacing: 1.25
  • Top margin: 2.7 cm
  • Bottom margin: 2 cm
  • Left margin: 3.4 cm
  • Right margin: 3.5 cm

Each page consists of a header and footer area, as well as the main text area. The margin specifications refer to the beginning of the main text or the end of the footnote area.

The header includes the header text (left-aligned) and the page number (right-aligned). Footnote text is in font size 10, single-spaced, with superscript numbering and includes comments on the text. References to literature are mentioned in the text, not in footnotes. Footnotes should be used sparingly.

 

Figures and Tables

The use of figures, tables, and similar elements is generally welcomed. However, they can only serve to support the argumentation or illustrate (complex) facts but not replace them. Uncommented figures, etc., are more harmful than useful. They should always be placed near the text referring to them, never at the end of a chapter or in the appendix. In addition, figures, tables, etc., should be numbered consecutively with a subtitle (e.g., Fig. 53: Parallel Systems) and listed in a list of figures, tables, etc., following the table of contents with page numbers specified. Figures not created by the author should be accompanied by a source citation.

If the work involves the presentation and elaboration of models, a uniform notation should be used, explained at the first occurrence of a designation and summarized in a symbol directory, if possible.

 

References

References to specific text passages, chapters, figures, etc., should also be used sparingly, as constant flipping through the work is not advantageous for the flow of reading. In addition, references should always include page numbers so that the interested reader can find their way more quickly.

 

Introduction and Conclusion

The introduction or problem statement, as well as the conclusion and/or outlook, frame the actual work and are therefore important components of it. The introduction should briefly motivate the significance of the topic, provide a classification or delimitation regarding related areas, and outline the structure and train of thought of the following chapters. Formulating questions that will be addressed and answered throughout the work and the conclusion is desirable ("red thread"). In the conclusion, the essential results of the work should be summarized, and, if applicable, starting points for possible further developments should be indicated.