Capstone Project Guidelines

I. IntroductionBachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) prepare students to be professionals and are capable of applying principles and methodologies in the analysis, design, implementation and management of hardware, software and integration of both. The output oriented courses Design Projects (CMO 13 s. 2008) which will be taken during fifth year for BSCpE students and Capstone Project (CMO 53 s. 2006) which will be taken during fourth year for BSIT students, in a form of industry-based projects, are offered to confirm if the students already has the aforementioned professional capabilities and are therefore ready to graduate.

These courses are very rigid in the sense that the expected knowledge that they have earned on each course in their preceding years of stay in this institution needs to be used effectively for the success and completion of their software and hardware or integration of both designs, in which the hands-on and combined effort of all the individuals involved are greatly needed including the evaluation of the target community/establishment.

The Capstone Project and Design Project have a number of educational objectives. Although each Research / Capstone t/ Design Project is different and the relative emphasis will vary, the subject will involve students in:

bringing together and integrating knowledge and skills in the course as a whole;

reinforcing and developing competencies that have not been sufficiently emphasized in the fundamental subjects;

defining a substantial engineering study or design task and carrying it to completion within a specified time and to a professional standard;

completing a comprehensive written and bound report that places the Research / Capstone Project and Design Project in context, defines its objectives, and describes the work done with the resulting conclusions or recommendations;

bridging the gap between the undergraduate studies and the professional future, and demonstrating professional competencies and capabilities; and

demonstrating initiative and creativity, taking pride in the achievement of a difficult task.

Through this course, students are prepared in their respective careers. The bulk of the work (i.e., the Research / Capstone Project and Design Project work itself) is to be done outside of the classroom.

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH PROJECT

The undergraduate thesis is a culminating experience of undergraduate studies at the Colegio de Kidapawan. A thesis is a technical report or scientific paper that describes original research results with data that have been collected, analyzed, interpreted, and presented in an organized form. As such, it shall conform to standard methods and styles of presentation. The presentation shall be clear and concise. Each sentence shall be meaningful and shall avoid the use of poetic, flowery phrases or descriptions made in a roundabout matter. It must be presented in a uniform scholarly manner, professionally designed and properly documented, as it reports the original studies completed by the student under the supervision of his or her adviser. This is submitted by the senior student to the College where he belongs Department as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree sought for.

The BS thesis is hard bound, with dark green cover for the Department of Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science, orange for the Computer Engineering. One copy will be electronically submitted and indexed as part of the permanent collection of the Colegio de Kidapawan Library, and accessible worldwide.

This Manual is designed to assist students and their advisers in the preparation of thesis, capstone project and design project. The primary purpose of this manual is to provide certain uniform standards regarding style and format and to allow enough flexibility to satisfy the acceptable practices of each academic discipline.

A. Selection of a Research TopicThere are certain guidelines or criteria in selecting a research of project topic. It must be within the specialization, capability and interest of the researcher or project team. The research or project topic must be related to his/her degree program so that he/she is competent to tackle it. It must be feasible within the time and resources of the student and the College

B. Tips in the Conduct of Students Research

In the conduct of any method of research, the student researchers are reminded of a SMART research or project work (Simple, Manageable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound).

1. Specific. Student researchers must consider a problem for research that is simple and interesting.

2. Manageable. The researcher or project team must consider his/her familiarity with the topic or problem selected. This also means he/she has easy access to relevant related literatures, data or events enhanced both from the libraries or internet.

3. Attainable. Student researcher or project team must see to it that they have the capability to work on their preferred problem. Availability of proposed respondents, time and financial resources must be considered for the success of this endeavor.

4. Realistic. The preferred topic/problem is a contemporary real problem in the actual teaching-learning process or anything that is related to the degree sought by the researcher.

5. Time-bound. Research on the selected topic/problem could be finished, defended and submitted to the College within the required duration of the work (3 to 5 months).

C. Composition of the Guidance Committee (Panel)

The total members in a defense panel shall be a minimum of three (3). The committee should be composed of the following:

Panel Chairman

Adviser

Members

English Critic

D. Incentives for the Guidance Committee

A group of researchers with three (3) members per group is required to prepare the following fees starting second semester SY: 2010 2011.

Rate per Group

OutlineManuscript

1. Panel Chairman

300

300

2. Members

200

200

3. Adviser

400

400

4. English Critic

300

300

Total 1,200.00 1,200.00

E. Research / Capstone Project and Design Project Agenda

The Research/Capstone Project agenda and Design Project thrust of the Information Technology Education and Engineering Department in this college includes the following:

Business and Industry Development

Business Studies

Industry Studies or Ancillary Studies

Spatial Studies

Socioeconomic Development Component

Poverty Studies

Education Studies

Good Governance Studies

Poverty Alleviation and Reduction of Income Inequality

Addressing Urban-Industrial Spatial Imbalances

Promoting a Globally-Competitive Service Sector in Central Mindanao

F. Suggested Areas of Research / Capstone Project and Design ProjectsResearch / Capstone Project and Design Project Categories

The Research / Capstone Project and Design Project must be useful to any community/establishment of the same nature or scope. It must not exist or have been proposed by previous Proponents/Researchers. The Research / Capstone Project and Design Project must not be developed using the off-the-shelf application programs. The proposed computerized/automated system may fall in any of the following categories, but not limited to:

Software Development

Software Customization (most especially FOSS)

IS Development (with at least Alpha Testing with Live Servers

Web Applications Development

Mobile Computing Systems

Embedded Systems

Micro Electronics

Multimedia Systems

Game Development

E-learning Systems

Interactive Systems

Information Kiosks

Network Design and Implementation

IT Management

IT Strategic Plan

IT Security Analysis, Planning and Implementation

System and Network Management

Artificial Intelligences

Robotics

G. Pre-requisites

The student must finish the following courses that prepare him/her to undergo a formal capstone project/research study:

Methods of Research - for research methodologies (e.g. descriptive research method)

Technical Writing - for formal articles/writing and presentation skills

Systems Analysis and Design - for Software Development steps or life cycle

Probability and Statistics - for statistical process/treatment

Software Engineering co-requisite for software development paradigms

Microprocessor System - for hardware (firmware) programming.H. Research / Capstone / Design Project Team

The Capstone/Design Project team is composed of at most five (5) members. The following are the four roles that the proponents/researchers should play:

Project Manager - The person with authority to manage a Research/ Capstone Project or Design Project. This includes leading the planning and the development of all Research/Capstone Project and Design Project deliverables. The project manager is responsible for the budget, work plan and all Project Management Procedures (scope management, issues management, risk management, etc.).

Systems Analyst the person who checks that all parts of the system are coordinated. Programmers/Designers - The persons who design, write, and test computer programs and hardware components.

QA Staff/Tester - A person who ensures the quality of the software/hardware product and help find and eliminate any bugs. He determines the functionality of every aspect of a particular application.

Documenter/Technical Writer - A person who writes the Research / Capstone Project or Design Project study document, the system and the Research/Capstone Project or Design Project manuscript.

I. Duties and Responsibilities of the Proponents/Researchers

1) Keep informed of the Capstone Project or Design Project Guidelines and Policies.

2) Keep informed of the schedule of Research/Capstone Project or Design Project activities, required deliverables and deadlines posted by Adviser and Dean.

3) Submit on time all deliverables specified in this document as well as those to be specified by the Adviser and Dean.

4) Submit on time all requirements identified by the Capstone Project or Design Project Oral Defense Panel during the Oral Defense.

5) Submit on time the requirements identified by the adviser throughout the duration of the Capstone/Design Project.

6) Schedule regular meetings (at least once a month) with the Adviser throughout the duration of the Capstone/Design Project. The meetings serve as a venue for the proponent to report the progress of their work, as well as raise any issues or concerns.

7) Schedule regular meetings (at least once in a semester) with the Dean throughout the duration of the Capstone Project.

J. Policy on Regrouping

Regrouping is allowed if less than 3 members of the group remain from subject should this happen, the group may be disbanded and members of these affected groups may join in other groups for as long as the maximum number for each group is followed. However, if the remaining member(s) decide(s) to continue with his/their Research/Capstone Project or Design Project, regrouping may not apply but with consent of the Adviser and the Dean. Revision of the scope may then be an option. The title/topic to be pursued will then be decided among the team members and the Dean.

K. Research / Capstone Project and Design Project Adviser

The subject teacher is by default the adviser of all groups assigned to him or her.

L. Duties and Responsibilities of the Subject Teacher

1) Announce Research/Capstone Project and Design Project areas (at the start of each semester) to the students;

2) Conduct general meetings with the students to discuss the Capstone / Design Project Guidelines, Policies and Deliverables, and to allow the students to raise and clarify issues;

3) Select a Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense panel for each team;

4) Schedule Research/Capstone Project or Design Project activities, such as the deadlines of deliverables and Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense sessions.

5) Post schedules, Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense guidelines, requirements guidelines, and other announcements;

6) Furnish every member of the Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense panel with all the necessary documents before the Proposal Hearing or Oral Defense;

7) File at least one copy of the Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense panel's evaluation (including revisions) and the Revised and Approved Deliverables at every stage of the Research / Capstone Project.

8) Submit collated grades of students under his/her section for that term.

M. Duties and Responsibilities of the Adviser

1) Ensures that the study proposed by the students conforms to the standard of the College.

2) Guides the Research / Capstone Project and Design Project students in the following tasks while in the proposal stage:

a) Defining the research problems/objectives in clear specific terms

b) Building a working bibliography for the research

c) Identifying variables and formulating hypothesis, if any

d) Determining research design, population to be studied, research environment, instruments to be used and the data collection procedures

3) Meets the team regularly (at least twice a month, NOTE: the team must seek proper appointment) to answer questions and help resolve impasses and conflicts.

4) Points out errors in the development work, in the analysis, or in the documentation. The adviser must remind the Proponents/Researchers to do their work properly.

5) Reviews thoroughly all deliverables at every stage of the Research / Capstone Project and Design Project to ensure that they meet the department's standards. The adviser may also require his/her Proponents/Researchers to submit progress reports regularly.

6) Recommends the Proponents/Researchers for Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense. The adviser should not sign the Proposal Hearing Notice and the Oral Defense Notice if he/she believes that the Proponents/Researchers are not yet ready for Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense, respectively. Thus, if the Proponents/Researchers fail in the Proposal Hearing or Oral Defense, it is partially the adviser's fault.

7) Clarifies points during the Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense.

8) Ensures that all required revisions are incorporated into the appropriate documents and/or software.

9) Keeps informed of the schedule of Research / Capstone Project and Design Project activities, required deliverables and deadlines.

10) Recommends to the Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense panel the nomination of his/her Research / Capstone Project for an award.

11) As a special adviser, he/she is responsible to be:

a. A provider

b. An encourager

c. A dictator

d. A pushy boss

e. A connector

f. An employment agency

N. Panel Composition

The panel is composed of 1 Chairman, 2 to 3 members, and may include content experts and recorder as assigned if necessary. Their duties and responsibilities include the following, but not limited to:

Duties and Responsibilities of the Panel

Chairman

1) Brief the Proponents/Researchers about the Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense program during the actual Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense.

2) Issue the verdict. The verdict is a unanimous decision among the three members of the Capstone Project Proposal Hearing and Oral Defense panel. Once issued, it is final and irrevocable.

Panel Members / Content Expert

1) Validate the endorsement of the adviser. The panel serves as "Internal Auditors", putting some form of check and control on the kinds of Researches / Capstone Projects being approved by the College.

2) Evaluate the deliverables.

3) Recommend a verdict.

4) Listen and consider the request of the adviser and/or the Proponents/Researchers.

5) Nominate a Research / Capstone Project for the Outstanding Research / Capstone Project Award. Guidelines for the Outstanding Research / Capstone Project Award will be provided separately.

O. Grading System

Proposal Stage

The Final Grade of each proponent will comprise of the following:

Average grade of the Panel Members including the Chairman60%

Adviser of the Research / Capstone / Design Project Group30%

Co-Researcher (Peer Grading)10%

TOTAL100%

The rating of each proponent per panel member shall be based on the following rubric for objective evaluation purposes:

Capstone / Design Project Proposal Manuscript (group/team grade) 40%,

Initial Pages

Table of contents is consistent

Acknowledgement is brief and formal

Abstract is brief but complete5

Chapter 1

Introduction is intact and provides clear overview of the entire Research / Capstone Project

Statement of the Problem / Objects is SMART

Scope and Limitation of the Research / Capstone / design Project are clearly defined5

Chapter 2

Related literatures are recent and relevant

Anchor provides solid background of the Research / Capstone Project

Auxiliary theories are evident

Sources are appropriately cited and noted

Related studies are relevant and includes global and local scope5

Chapter 3

There should be comprehensive discussions on the technologies (hardware/software) involved in the Research / Capstone / Design Project and its related Research / Capstone /Design Projects in the past5

Chapter 4

Methodology strictly follows the SDLC (esp. for Software Development)

Methodology includes project management techniques appropriate for the chosen Research / Capstone / Design Project.

Requirements Specification is more or less complete and answers the objectives

Design Tools used are relevant and appropriate which should be based on requirements

Development Plan is concrete and should be consistent with the Design

Testing techniques to be used should assess all aspects of the developed Research / Capstone / Design Project

Implementation Plan should be aligned with the objectives10

Final Pages

Findings and Conclusions are attuned with the objectives

Recommendations are feasible and practical

Terms in the glossary are defined operationally

Bibliography should be in MLA Format

Appendices are relevant and help support the principal content

Glossary should be arranged alphabetically and defined operationally5

Manuscript Mechanics

Organization and Fluidity of ideas are apparent

Formatting and layout are consistent

All parts of the manuscript should be grammatically correct5

Oral Examination (Individual grade) 20%

Comprehensiveness of the Answer/Ideas10

Contribution/Support to the Team5

Delivery / Manner of Speaking5

The rating/evaluation of the subject/adviser for each of the Proponents/Researchers shall be based on the following:

Subject/Advisers Grade 30%

Deliverables20

Attendance5

Journal Entries / Attitude / Behavior5

Verdicts

There will be four possible verdicts after the Proposal Hearing. The verdict is a unanimous decision among the three members of the Oral Defense panel. Once issued, it is final and irrevocable.

APPROVED. Minor revisions are necessary but they do not have to be presented in front of and checked by all panelists. 86 100

APPROVED WITH REVISIONS. Major revisions shall be incorporated in the final copy of the revised Project Proposal summary. These must be checked by the panelists. 70 85

DISAPPROVED. The Proponents/Researchers failed to propose a researchable or scholarly Research / Capstone / Design Project. Below 70

System Oral Defense

Capstone Project Output (Group Grade)60%

Oral Examination (Individual Grade) same rubric with proposal20%

Skills Test20%

TOTAL100%

Capstone Project Output (Group Grade) 60%

The output should be consistent with the objectives as defined during the proposal stage25

All major modules and features of the systems output as defined after the proposal stage are delivered. The credit shall be based on the percentage of delivered items.25

Group Debugging

The team shall display competence in resolving planted bugs.10

Verdicts

ACCEPTED WITH REVISIONS. Revisions are necessary but they do not have to be presented in front and checked by all panelists. 70 to 100

REORAL DEFENSE. Another Oral Defense session, in which all panelists must be present, is necessary to further clarify the objectives and scope of the capstone project. Student must re-apply for another Hearing Notice Form from the Center for Research if the Oral Defense is scheduled after the semester ends. 65 to 69 and upon the panels unanimous decision

NOT ACCEPTED. The proponent failed to achieve the objectives of the research established in the proposal. The panelists numeric grades are not anymore needed. Below 65

Prototype/Miniature Oral Defense

Design Project Output (Group Grade)60%

Oral Examination (Individual Grade) same rubric with proposal20%

Skills Test20%

TOTAL100%

Design Project Output (Group Grade) 60%

The prototype/miniature should be consistent with the objectives as defined during the proposal stage25

All major components (software/hardware) and features of the designs output as defined after the proposal stage are delivered. The credit shall be based on the percentage of delivered items.25

The packaging and assembly of the prototype/miniature should be adequately safe, presentable and durable10

Verdicts

ACCEPTED WITH REVISIONS. Revisions are necessary but they do not have to be presented in front and checked by all panelists. 70 to 100

REORAL DEFENSE. Another Oral Defense session, in which all panelists must be present, is necessary to further clarify the objectives and scope of the capstone project. Student must re-apply for another Hearing Notice Form from the Center for Research if the Oral Defense is scheduled after the semester ends. 65 to 69 and upon the panels unanimous decision

NOT ACCEPTED. The proponent failed to achieve the objectives of the research established in the proposal. The panelists numeric grades are not anymore needed. Below 65

P. Submission of Thesis

The student is required to submit copies of the final draft to the adviser within a specified deadline given by the unit concerned. These copies are distributed to the following:

2 Softbound copies

- Adviser, Research Director

3 Hardbound copies- Library, Department, Researcher

1 e-copy

- Library

Code of Cover

Paramedical

- Violet

Computer Science

- Dark Green

Information Technology- Dark Green

HRM

- Yellow

Criminology

- Red

Computer Engineering- Orange

Education

- Blue

PART II

A. Thesis Load of Faculty

Equal sharing of student adviser ratio should be strictly followed. Student advisees should be equally divided among the faculty members per Department. As much as possible, no faculty will be given monopoly of advisement.

Parts of Undergraduate Thesis Outline and Manuscript

Research / Project Manuscript Outline (BSIT)

Title Page

Executive Summary or Abstract

Transmittal

Approval Sheet

Curriculum Vitae

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Project Context /background of the study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of the Project

Significance of the Project

Scope and Limitations of the Project

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Related Literature / Theoretical Background ( foreign and local)

Related Studies ( foreign and local)

CHAPTER III TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Technicality of the project

Joomla framework

Details of the technologies to be used

Website structure

Website/System architecture

How the project will work CHAPTER IV METHODOLOGY

Environment

Locale

Population of the Study

Organizational Chart/Profile

Requirements Specifications

Operational Feasibility

Fishbone Diagram

Functional Decomposition Diagram

Technical Feasibility

Compatibility checking (hardware / software and other technologies)

Relevance of the technologies

Schedule Feasibility

Gantt Chart

Economic Feasibility

Cost and Benefit Analysis

Cost Recovery Scheme

Web Engineering Process Model

Requirements Modeling

Input

Process

Output

Performance

Control

Either of the following two (2) or combined, whichever are applicable:

Data and Process Modeling

Context Diagram

Data Flow Diagram

System Flowchart

Program Flowchart

Object Modeling

Use Case Diagram

Class Diagram

Sequence Diagram

Activity Diagram

Design

Output and User-Interface Design

Forms

Reports

Data Design

Entity Relationship Diagram (preferably done in MS Access [but MS Access is discouraged as DBMS])

Data Dictionary

System Architecture

Network Model

Network Topology

Security

Development

Software Specification

Hardware Specification

Program Specification

Programming Environment

Front End

Back End

Deployment Diagram

Test Plan

SUMMARY

CONCLUSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

Relevant Source Code

Evaluation Tool

Sample Input / Output / Reports

Users Guide

Other Relevant Documents

Grammarians Certification

GLOSSARYResearch / Project Manuscript Outline (BSCS)

Title Page

Executive Summary or Abstract

Transmittal

Approval Sheet

Curriculum Vitae

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of the Study

Significance of the Project

Scope and Limitations of the Study

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Related Literature / Theoretical Background ( foreign and local)

CHAPTER III THEORITICAL BACKGROUND/ CONCEPTUAL FRAMWORK Details of the technologies to be used

Website structure

Website/System architecture

How the project will work

CHAPTER IV METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Locale of the Study

Respondents of the Study

Web Design Algorithm

Programming Languages and Script

Flow Chart of the Prototype

Organizational Chart/Profile

SUMMARY

CONCLUSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

Relevant Source Code

Evaluation Tool

Sample Input / Output / Reports

Users Guide

Other Relevant Documents

Grammarians Certification

GLOSSARYResearch / Project Manuscript Outline (BSCpE)

Title Page

Abstract

Transmittal

Approval Sheet

Curriculum Vitae

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of the Study

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitations of the Study

Definition of Terms

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Related Literature ( foreign and local)

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY Block Diagram

Circuit Diagram

Hardware Implementation

Firmware Implementation

CHAPTER IV PROJECT INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER V SUMMARY, DESIGN TESTING AND RESULT

Summary

Design Testing

Result and Findings

Conclusion

Recommendation

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

Community/Establishment Evaluation Sheet

Gantt Chart IC Pin Configuration Firmware Source Code System Source Code Parts List Bill of Materials PictorialsPART III

CONTENTS OF A THESIS MANUSCRIPT

A. Preliminary Pages

1. Title Page

The title page is the first page among the Preliminary Pages, although the page number is not printed on it. The following information are contained in the title page:

exact title of the research study (upper-case letters, bold, inverted pyramid style)

full name/s of the student researcher/s (upper-case letters, bold)

degree pursued by the student/s (upper-case letters, bold)

department to which the paper is presented,

month and year the research paper is defended.

2. Transmittal Page

The transmittal page is an endorsement of the Adviser of the thesis and acceptance of the Department Chairman.

3. Approval PageThe approval page includes the following:

name of the researcher/s (upper-case letters, bold)

title of the research paper (upper-case letters, bold)

the degree pursued by the student (upper case letters, bold)

members of the panel with their signatures indicating their approval of the research work (names in upper case letters, bold)

study number assigned by the Director of Research & signature

signature of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

4. Biographical Sketch

The biographical sketch includes following:

name of the researcher/s

date and place of birth

Tribe

Status

present address

educational background

schools attended and location

honors, awards and scholarships (if there are any)

memorable co-curricular experiences

special trainings and seminars attended.

This is written in the third person and must be signed by the author/s.

5. Acknowledgment The Acknowledgment Page states the involvement of the other people, institutions or groups that extended specific help to the researcher. It is written in the third person. Here, the researchers express their appreciation and gratitude for assistance received for the successful conduct of the Study.

6. Table of ContentsThe Table of Contents lists all parts of the report which include the Preliminary Pages and all the Chapters with sub_-headings:

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Review of Related Literature

Chapter 3 Methodology

Chapter 4 Project Interpretation and Discussion

Chapter 5 - Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

Literature Cited

Appendices

7. List of TablesThe List of Tables contains the exact titles or captions on all tables in the text, with the corresponding page number (aligned at the right margin). Each caption contains a period at the end, written single- spaced but with two spaces between each entry.

8. List of FiguresThe List of Figures contains the exact caption of the figures in the text. Figures may include photographs, graphs and other illustrative materials. Just like in the List of Tables, it has a figure number, has a period at the end, typed single-spaced and with two spaces between each entry.

9. Abstract

The Abstract contains the objectives, brief methodology, highlights of the results and conclusions. It aims to draw attention to the information contained in the text and provides a sufficient basis for the reader to judge whether or not to consult the text. It includes sufficient details to convince the reader that the findings are interesting and the thesis worth reading. It should be about 250 words only.

It has a Bibliographic Citation that should contain the following elements:

Author, Year. Title, Acronym of Degree followed by the word Thesis, full name of the College, address and no. of pages.

The name of the Adviser should be printed in bold, uppercase letters, three spaces from the preceding line. The Abstract Proper must be printed three spaces below the name of the adviser.

B. Main Body of the Text

1. Introduction

The Introduction captures the interest of the reader as it contains information regarding background/rationale of the study. It contains the following:

background of the study

statement of the problem

objectives of the study

significance of the study

scope and limitation of the study

definition of terms

theoretical/conceptual framework of the study (optional)

hypotheses of the study (optional)

a. The background of the study

The start of the Introduction is the presentation of the problem, the existence of an unsatisfactory condition, a felt problem that needs a solution The Background of the Study is a brief statement of the origin of the problem

b. Statement of the problemThere must be at least one paragraph stating the research gap or problem. This is followed by the research questions which must be answered by the research study.

c. Objectives of the study

The Research Objectives specify what the researcher wants to do and find out. There must be general and specific objectives which are in agreement with the research questions.

d. Importance or significance of the study

The Importance or Significance explains the rationale, timeliness, relevance, possible solutions, advantages to the beneficiaries, possible contribution to knowledge and implications.

e. Scope and limitation of the study

The Scope and Limitation includes the specific variables of study, the locale of the study, the samples, the respondents and weaknesses of the Study which are beyond the control of the researcher.

f. Definition of terms

The Definition of Terms is important particularly in research studies on Social Science. Only the terms, words or phrases where special meanings or unique meanings in the Study are defined. Terms are defined operationally. The researcher may develop his own definition that is suited to his Study.

g. Conceptual framework of the study

The Conceptual Framework is based on the Review of Related Literature. This is a tentative explanation of the phenomenon or problem and serves as the basis for the formulation of the research hypothesis. It consists of the researchers own position on the problem after his exposure to various theories he learned in the Review of Related Literature. Generally, most theses do not have a thorough discussion of the Conceptual Framework. Instead, a paradigm is presented in a diagrammatic representation of the Conceptual Framework. It includes the independent and dependent variables and their possible interaction to one another.

2. Review of Related Literature

This is composed of the discussion of facts and principles to which the present Study is related. This provides a general picture of the research study and contains findings and conclusions from past research studies Generally, Studies conducted during the past ten years only are recommended. In citing the source of the Study, the family name of the author and year of publication are included. This section must be organized or composed by topic provided with sub-headings. Sources must be acknowledged using the author-year system.

3. Methodology This section explains how the Study is to be or was conducted. It includes the description of the samples, respondents, sampling procedure, treatments, method of data collection, research instruments/tools, research design and data analysis.

If there is a questionnaire or interview schedule, it must be described properly, how it was formulated, pre-tested and administered. In the case of laboratory analysis, the apparatus/equipment must be described and the brand must be specified.

The Research Design must be indicated. Analysis of the data will be discussed stating the appropriate statistical test/s to be used.

4. Results and Discussion

This section deals with the presentation and discussion of findings. It is recommended that the data are summarized in tables, graphs or figures and that the presentation is not repeated in other places. The data must be sufficiently explained.

Generally, the textual presentation of the data precedes the tabular presentation. The table with its textual presentation must be placed as near as possible to each other. Graphs may be used to present quantitative changes of a variable in comparison with those of another variable or variables in a diagrammatic form.

Tables and figures are placed the next page they are first mentioned. As much as possible, tables should not be cut. If the data could not be accommodated in one page, the font size may be reduced slightly or presented in a landscape form.

5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

This is the most important part because it presents the whole thesis: brief statement of the purpose of the study, brief methodology, highlights of the findings, generalizations/conclusions and recommendations.

Conclusions are inferences, implications and/or generalizations based on the findings of the study. Recommendations are appeals to people to help solve the problems discovered. They may be recommendations for the continuance of a good practice, recommendations for a better practice or further researches related to the Study. This section is usually a good source of potential researchable topics.

6. Literature Cited

This section contains the list of references actually cited anywhere in the introduction, methodology, review of literature, or results and discussion. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source cited in the body of the paper. Each source cited in the paper must appear in the reference list. . Entries should be arranged alphabetically, written single spaced and separated by two spaces. The first line of every entry is "left-flushed" while the succeeding lines are indented. Works published 5 to 10 years ago only are recommended for use/citation.

Works by the same author published in different dates should be presented chronologically. Those published in the same year are listed alphabetically by title with lower-case letters attached to the year (example: 1995a, 1995b).

C. APA Basic Rules

1. All lines after the first line of each entry in the reference list should be indented one-half inch from the left margin. This is called hanging indentation.

2. In writing the Literature Cited, the last name of the author is written first, then given name initial and middle initial. If the work has more than six authors, list the first six authors and then use et al. after the sixth author's name to indicate the rest of the authors.

3. Reference list entries should be alphabetized by the last name of the first author of each work.

4. The date in the text should be the same as in the list of Literature Cited.

5. If there is more than one article by the same author, single-author references or multiple-author references with the same authors in the exact same order, they must be listed in order by the year of publication, starting with the earliest.

6. When referring to any work that is an article in a journal, or Web page, capitalize only the first letter of the first word of a title and sub-title, the first word after a colon or a dash in the title, and proper nouns. Do not capitalize the first letter of the second word in a hyphenated compound word.

7. Italicize titles of longer works such as books and journals.

8. Do not italicize, underline, or put quotes around the titles of shorter works such as journal articles or essays in edited collections.

9. Put a period to denote end of every literature citation.

D. Reference List: Author/Authors

The following rules for handling works by a single author or multiple authors apply to all APA-style references regardless of the type of work (book, article, electronic resource, etc.)

1. Book (single author)Family Name 1st , then, Initials of Given Name and Middle

Name. Year of Publication. Title of the Book. Place of Publication: Publisher. Pages.

Asaad, Abubakar S. 2008. Statistics Made Simple for

Researchers. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store.pp. 15-20.

2. Book (more than one author)

List by their last names and initials. Use & instead of

"and" to connect the last author.

Claudio, V.S, Dirige, O.V & Ruiz, A.J. 2004. Basic

Nutrition for Filipinos. 5th Ed. Manila, Philippines:

Merriam & Webster Bookstore, Inc. pp. 1 5.

3. Article in a research journal

Cedeno, R.G, Gerali, T.C., Matunding, J.A., Saure, E.T.,Bello, V.P. & Espero, A.F. 2008. Level of awareness on drug addiction and illegal drug use among the CdK students. Colegio de Kidapawan Research Journal, 1 (1), 8-20.

4. Thesis

Villegas, C.A. 2010. Self-Image Concept of College and

Non-College Waiters and Waitresses of Restaurants in Kidapawan City. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City. 26 pp.

5. Article from a magazineVarona, L.L. 2010. Insulin shots for diabetes. Health and Home, 51(4), 19.

6. Article from an internet source

Author. Year of Publication. Title of Article. Website and Date Retrieved.

Valencia, C. 2006. Building self esteem. Retrieved from www.selfgrowth.com.

7. Article from a newspaper

Avila, B.S. 2010. Anti-RH: Our people are our greatest asset.The Philippine Star, December 1, 2010, p. 18.

8. List of appendices

Appendices include important communications, questionnaires, budgetary requirements, schedule of research activities and report of defense form.

This section contains the letters and captions of all appendices (application for thesis defense/result of oral examination, tables, maps, etc.) found after the Literature Cited, with their corresponding page numbers (aligned at the right margin).

PART IV

STYLE AND MECHANICS IN WRITING THE RESEARCH PAPER

Research writing is an important component of a Research. Almost half of the work in research is the writing of the findings.

The Research Paper is an objective presentation of the facts about the subject. The written research must be accurate, properly attributed, balanced and fair, objective and brief. Writing is direct, clear, simple and straightforward. It avoids clichs and redundancies (Portillo, et al., 2003).

A. Style in Writing a Research Paper

Style usually suggests an aesthetic quality of the paper. There are different styles but generally, a common style is adapted by an educational or research institution. What matters is that there is consistency of style in all the parts of the research paper. Usually, style is depicted in spacing between the main and sub_headings. The following format is adapted by the College:

Chapter No.

2 single spaces

TITLE OF CHAPTER

3 single spaces

First Main Heading

3 single spaces

First Side Heading

2 single spaces

Indented side heading. Start the paragraph here.3 single spaces

Second Main Heading

3single spaces

Second Side Heading

2 single spaces

Indented side heading Start the paragraph here.B. Tenses and Person

The Literature Review is appropriately written in the past tense as it focuses on the findings of studies in the past. In the Methodology section, the future tense is used in the Research Outline while past tense is used in the final Research Report. Present tense is used to describe or discuss results/findings when referring to the data in the tables and figures in the text. If referring to the findings of the study, past tense is used.

The research report is written in the third person. Ordinarily, the use of "I" or

"you" is avoided. If you want to refer to you as the author, speak of "the writer", researcher or "the author".

C. Abbreviation

Abbreviations may be necessary to save space. A term to be used must be spelled out first time it is used. Then, its abbreviation is enclosed in parenthesis. Examples are grams (g), minutes (min), kilograms (kg), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), per cent (%), and versus (vs) among others. Whatever abbreviation is used, it must be based on the standard being used.

D. Use of Foreign Words and Scientific Names

Foreign words and scientific names must be italicized. However, words and expressions that have been anglicized may not be italicized like per cent, per se, milieu, bona fide, a priori, per annum, ex officio, per capita, visa, ad infinitum, status quo, habeas corpus, ex post facto and via among others.

E. Numbers and Numerals

One-digit numbers should be spelled out while numbers starting from 10 must be written as numerals. Any number at the beginning of a sentence must be spelled out. When referring to a series like 1 to 10, numbers are written as numerals. Figures or numerals may be used when referring to units of measurement, ages, times and dates, sums of money, pages, series and score or points on a scale. Examples are 5 or five mL, 5 or five years old, 12:30 P.M., October 31, 2010, etc.

F. Paper, Size, Margins and Paging

The standard paper is 8.5 X 11 inches, white book paper, substance 20. In the Preliminary pages, the page number is written in small Roman numeral at the center bottom starting with the 3rd page as iii. In the text, the page number is written in Arabic at the upper right corner. The page numbers at the beginning of a chapter must be invisible. The left and upper margin is 1.5 inches while the right and bottom margin is 1.2 inches.

G. Documentation

The Reference-cited format is preferred in most scientific writing. It is listing the research references in alphabetical order at the end of the paper. (Please refer to Literature Cited). In the text, referral to the reference material is author-year system. Ex. According to David (2002)

PART V

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Sample of a Title Page

MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING STRATEGIES OF DIFFERENT HOTELS IN DAVAO CITY

EDWIN D. MUYCO

A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City, in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT

MARCH 2006

Appendix 2. Sample of a Transmittal Page

COLEGIO DE KIDAPAWAN

Kidapawan City

HOTEL AND RESTAURANT DEPARTMENT

TRANSMITTAL

The thesis attached hereto entitled "SALES PROMOTION AND TECHNIQUES OF SELECTED RESTAURANTS IN KIDAPAWAN CITY", prepared and submitted by MARY ANN V. ALERTA, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT is hereby accepted and endorsed.

HELEN B. QUIMCO, MBA, Ph. DBM (Cand.)

Adviser

______________________

Date

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING.

ARVI M. SUAN, BSHRM

Department Head

____________________

Date

Appendix 3.a Sample of an Approval Sheet (BSIT/BSCS)

COLEGIO DE KIDAPAWAN

Kidapawan City

APPROVAL SHEET

This Capstone Project entitled THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEBSITE FOR JBL LODGE prepared and submitted by BADILLA, MARY JEAN A., and PERALTA, JOAN H., for the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, has passed the standards by the Colegio de Kidapawan School and has been successfully defended before the panelCAMILO A. ANDI JR. DIT (CAR)

Major Adviser________________

Date

ERWIN M PLANA, MAEd

MARLOWE E. LLORITO, MAT, MIM

Panel 1

Panel 2

__________________

__________________

Date

DateCLINT D. HASSAN, DIT (CAR)

Chairman__________________

Date

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Accepted as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

CAMILO A. ANDI JR., DIT (CAR)

DEAN, ITE Department

__________________

DateAppendix 3.b Sample of an Approval Sheet COLEGIO DE KIDAPAWAN

Kidapawan City

APPROVAL SHEET

Names:

AIZA LUNESA, FLORIE MAE ELICAN, JOSYL PALENCIA,

IRENE ESPINAL & JENALOU FORDAN

Degree Sought:BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Title:

BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES ON PREMARITAL SEX AMONG

BSNURSING STUDENTS OF COLEGIO DE KIDAPAWAN

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

APPROVED BY THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

LOURDES P. FERNANDEZ, RN, MAN (Cand.)_____________________ Adviser

Date

VIOLETA P. BELLO, Ph.D.

_____________________ Co-Adviser

Date

ARNEL L. MANOJO, MEP-ECE

_____________________ Statistician

Date

TELLY A. GONZALES, RN, MBA

_____________________Department Research Coordinator

Date

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Study No. _______

NOTED:

VIOLETA P. BELLO, Ph. D.

Director of Research

ROSE MARIE B. BUGARIN, Ph. D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs

_____________________________

Date

Appendix 4. Sample of an Abstract

CADURNIGARA, DANDY P., JUMARD V. FUENTES, RICO L. MAGSAEL, RHINO M. RAMOS & KHENN C. TUYO. March 2008, MURDER CRIMES AND EXTENT OF APPRHENSION OF THE CRIMINALS IN KIDAPAWAN CITY (2007). Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City, 45 pp.

Adviser: Ms. Althea Lou F. Espero, R.Crim. Co-Adviser: Dr. Violeta P. BelloA study to determine the murder crimes committed and extent of apprehension of the suspects in Kidapawan City during the period, January to December 2007 was conducted in Colegio de Kidapawan, Kidapawan City from October 2007 to March 2008. Specifically, the study aimed to classify the murder crimes committed, find out the reasons for committing the crimes, the places where the crimes were committed and the extent of apprehension of the criminal suspects. The data were taken from the records of the Kidapawan City Police Station. All the murder crimes reported were analyzed.

Findings of the study show that there were 13 murder crimes reported in the Kidapawan City Police Station in 2007. Out of these, a total of 10 or 62 percent were classified as attempted and frustrated murder. Only three (3) or 24% were consummated murder crimes. Twenty two (22) or 96 percent of the suspects were males and 78% were detained while the remaining 22% were at large. Most of the murder crimes happened either in the streets (23%) or in resto bars (23%).

Fifty four percent (54%) of the murder crimes were committed under the influence of liquor, 23% under the influence of drugs, 15% due to land conflict and eight percent was committed because of the intention to have revenge. Only five or 35% of the murder crimes were solved while the rest were unsolved due to lack of witnesses and evidences.

Appendix 5. Application for Thesis Defense

Colegio de Kidapawan

Kidapawan City

APPLICATION FOR THESIS OUTLINE/MANUSCRIPT DEFENSE

RESEARCHER/S: _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

DEGREE SOUGHT: _________________________________

TITLE OF THESIS: __________________________________

DATE OF EXAMINATION: ________________________TIME: __________

Please Check:

______ Outline______ Manuscript

APPROVAL FOR ORAL DEFENSE

NAME

SIGNATURE

DATE

_____________________ _________________________________

Adviser

_____________________ _________________________________

Examiner

_____________________ _________________________________

Research Coordinator

REPORT OF THE RESULT OF THE ORAL DEFENSE

NAME

SIGNATURE

Remarks

(Passed or Failed)

_____________________ _________________________________

Adviser

_____________________ _________________________________

Examiner

_____________________ _________________________________

Research Coordinator

Appendix 6. Routing Slip

Colegio de Kidapawan

Kidapawan City

Routing Slip

Processing of thesis Outline/ Manuscript

RESEARCHER/S: _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

DEGREE SOUGHT: _________________________________

TITLE OF THESIS: __________________________________

A. For Reproduction

PERSONS CONCERNED (Print Names)SignatureDateRemarks

Adviser:

Statistician:

Research Coordinator:

Research Director: VIOLETA P. BELLO, PH. D.

B. For Binding

VIOLETA P. BELLO, Ph. D.

Research Director

Nursing Violet

Criminology Red

HRM Dark Yellow

Comp. Science Dark Green

Comp. Engg. Orange

Education Blue

Number of Copies:

3 Soft bound copies Subject Teacher, Adviser, Research Director

3 Hard bound copies Library Department, Research

Appendix 7. Format of Budgetary Requirements

I. Personal Services

AmountHonoraria:

Adviser

_______________

Statistician

_______________

English Critic

_______________

Panelists/Examiners (2)

_______________

Others (Please Specify)

_______________

Sub Total

_______________

II. Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOE)

Travel Transportation

_______________

Communication

_______________

Supplies (See attached)

_______________

Miscellaneous

_______________

Summary (reproduction and binding)

_______________

Contingency (10% of MOE)

_______________

Sub Total

_______________III. Capital Outlay

_______________Grand total

_______________Submitted by: _____________________

Researcher

Noted by: _________________________

Adviser

_______________

Date

Appendix 8. Format of Schedule of Research Activities

ACTIVITYTo StartTo EndDURATION

(Days)

Approval of Research Title

Preparation of Outline

Pre-checking Outline

Oral Defense of Outline

Final-checking Outline

Typing and Binding

Submission of Outline

Conduct Study

Write Research Manuscript

Pre-checking

Final-checking

Oral Defense

Revising of Manuscript

Submission of Manuscript

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Some contents of this Research Manual were adapted from the:

1. Calderon, J. F and Gonzales, E.C. 1993. Methods of Research and Thesis Writing. 125 Pioneer Ave., Mandaluyong City, Philippines: National Book Store. 261 pp.

2. College of Education, UP 1998 Theses and Dissertations. Guidelines and Standards. Diliman, Quezon City: College of Education, U P. 92 pp.

3. David, F. D. 2002. Understanding and Doing Research: A Handbook for Beginners. Jaro, lloilo City: Panorama Printing Inc. 198 pp.

4. Portillo, Reynaldo, Quindara, M.C. Isles, M.,Manzano, C., Bacungan, A., Flores, V. Alberca, & Gamboa, I. 2003. Research and Technical Writing. Philippines: Trinitas Publishing House.259 pp.

5. University of Southern Mindanao. 2010. Undergraduate Research Handbook. Research and Development Office, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato. 98 pp.

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