--------------------------IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS/GUIDELINES------------------------------
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
PAPER Use white letter-size paper (81/2x11in.). Orientation should be portrait style (can be read lengthwise). Text and figures are placed on only one side of the paper. The other side should be left blank.
LANGUAGE
The official language to be used I writing a thesis is American English. Use only objective, expository English. Idioms, slang, subjective words and phrases, metaphors and undefined acronyms are not acceptable. All sentences must be complete with acceptable grammar and correct spelling.
TYPE SPECIFICATION
Use Times New Roman or Arial font sized 12 for the text. Text color is black. Typing should always be neat, clean and uniform. Text should be justified on both sides.
PAGINATIONPreliminary pages preceding the first chapter are numbered using small roman numerals (i,ii,iii,etc). The title page should not be numbered although it is counted as page i. Page numbers are placed at the bottom center of each page. No page numbers for the appendices and the biographical sketch.
MARGINSFor the first page of any Chapter, the left, top and bottom margins should be 40mm(1.57inches) wide. For the rest of the pages, the left margin should be 40mm(1.57inches) and the top and bottom margins should be 25mm(0.98inches). The right margin is 25mm(0.98inches) for all pages. Make sure text is always justified on both sides. Use a five-space indention for every paragraph.
SPACINGThe body of the thesis should be typed double-spaced. The following, however, should be single-spaced:· abstract· quotations longer than three lines· references and bibliography (except between entries)· headings or subheadings· multi-line captions of tables, figures, illustrations, etc.
BINDING Ring bound – Transparent front cover, blue back cover.
ORAL DEFENSE and FINAL REQUIREMENTTwo (2) Copies Softbound
ORGANIZATION OF THESIS AThesis 1 – 3rd Trimester SY 2006-07Adviser: Catherine G. Marsada
PRELIMINARIES
Title PageTo be presented in inverted pyramid, double-spaced, centered. Pagination not reflected.
AcknowledgementsUse third persons. Pagination is reflected at bottom center, format of pagination is roman lower case (e.g. iv, v, vi …)
Table of Contents
Abstract
A paragraph describing the problem, related material and your proposed approach. It is usually key sentences and phrases taken from the other sections.The abstract should not be less than 200 words but not to exceed 500 words and should be typed single-spaced. Normally the abstract does not include any reference to the literature. Pagination is not reflected.
Take note that you are going to use the 3rd person voice and always in the future tense.
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
This chapter serves as a backgrounder for readers to have an overview of the study even without prior reference to other publications on the topic.
1.1 Background of the StudyThis is brief statement of the origin of the problem. It is an account describing the rationale of the topic of the research. It may include a justification of the selection or choice of the study.
1. Discuss the history of the problem the proposal intends to solve. It often works because you establish your credibility if you present the history accurately.
2. Make the background relevant to the problem and to write instantaneously and pointedly.
3. Start with a brief but provocative quotation that is applicable to the theme of the study.
4. Begin with the researcher’s firm stand on the need to bridge the gap between existing bodies of knowledge and the prevailing problem situation
5. If a new theory is being envisioned for the study, start by attacking some pertinent universally held theories of psychologists, social scientists, or experts on the subject and giving the reasoning behind the research undertaking.
6. Shock or startle the reader into attention. Writing about money or productivity often does this. Commence striking facts or statistics that objectively portray the existing problem situation.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The problem studied must be shown as one, which arose from a situation of need or of unresolved difficulties. The reader must be made to recognize this need. The problem should be stated precisely, accurately, and clearly. It can be stated either in the declarative or interrogative form.
You may also insert the results of your pre-implementation survey here, as the result will show the existence of your problem.
You will state the problems here the way you stated them in the proposal form that is verbatim. The statements of the problem can be stated in the declarative or interrogative form.
Example:
1. The manual tabulation of files took too much time.
2. The manual voting system was susceptible to human errors.
3. Flying voters were highly rampant in the existing voting system.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
A brief statement of the purposes, which the study/research hopes to achieve. It must be stated in parallel with the problems statement.
These statements must have a relation to your statement of the problem.
Example:
1. To create a system that will automatically tabulate votes.
2. To create a system that will reduce the possibility of human errors such as misspelled names of candidates, vague tally of votes and erroneous counting of votes from occurring.
3. To create a system that will prevent the proliferation of flying voters.
1.4 Hypothesis
Hypotheses are tentative statements about a given population. They serve as a tentative answer to one or more of the research questions, and are subjected to a statistical test.
1.4.1 Alternative HypothesisExample:
1. That the system will automatically tabulate the votes.
2. That the system will reduce the possibility of human errors such as misspelled names of candidates, vague tally of votes and erroneous counting of votes from occurring.
3. That the system will prevent the proliferation of flying voters.
4. There is a significant difference between the manual election system and the electronic election system.
1.4.2 Null Hypothesis – dependent on the study
Example:
Alternative Hypothesis 1, 2, and 3 are null hypothesis free. It is from Alternative Hypothesis 4 that the null hypothesis has been derived, that there is no significant difference between the manual election system and the proposed election system.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This section should state why the problem investigated is important. It should include a statement of relevance to felt needs, the potential contribution of the research to new knowledge, policy implications and other possible uses for its results.
1.6 Scope and Limitations
The boundaries of the study should be properly defined. The scope is expected to indicate a reasonable area of study. The scope should be large enough to be significant but it should be narrow enough to permit careful treatment. Limitations in the population (respondents), instruments, or research design should be clearly stated. State the programming language and database and their versions explicitly.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Many terms are subject to a variety of interpretation. Such terms should be defined operationally according to precise meanings they are intended to convey. Clear definition should be stated for all used variables, especially if these are to be measured by means of specific instruments.This section also includes conceptual and operational definition of important terms as used in the study.
Note: Remember that the words in the conceptual definition must be the same words in the operational definition and they must be in chronological order.
1.7.1 Conceptual Definition - the definition of terms are based on concepts or hypothetical ones which are usually taken from the dictionary
1.7.2 Operational or Functional Definition - the definition of terms is based on observable characteristics and how it is used in the study
CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND STUDIES
The review of related literature showcases previous studies and publications relevant to the thesis. This chapter gives light as to what motivated the proponent/s in pursuing the specific field of study. A background material related to your research. Key concepts, approaches, similar work and their answers. Here try to be critical in the analysis of their approaches and ideas. This will help you formulate the statement of problem better as you bounce your ideas with other existing work.
2.1 Literature - 4 literatures minimum
Example:
E-Voting Technologies. Electronic voting (e-voting) machines are intended to streamline the voting process, making it easier for voters to register their votes and for vote counters to count the votes. In many cases they succeed in this goal admirably. However, there is a fundamental… (Gonzaga, 2005)
2.2 Studies – 2 studies minimum
Note: Don’t forget to take note of the following because they will be part of the bibliography:
Book: Author/s, book title, year of publication
Periodical Article author, year of publication. Title of article, Periodical name, Volume number/s
Magazine Article author, year of publication, title of article, magazine name, page number/s
Internet Article author, year and month of posting, article title, website name, URL or website.
CHAPTER THREE – MATERIALS AND METHODS
This chapter includes descriptions of the method used, sources of data, the data gathering instruments, sampling technique, procedure of the study and statistical treatment.
3.1 Data and Data GatheringThis section gives a brief description of the sample used for the data and how the sample size is acquired. Techniques, device and procedure for data gathering must be described.
3.2 InstrumentationA description of the adoption, construction and administration of instruments should be discussed. Instruments include tests, questionnaires, interview guidelines, schedule etc. For the materials, include exact technical specifications, quantities and sources.
3.3 Laboratory/Field ExperimentStep by step procedure, experimental manipulations, as well as control features must be discussed in a chronological manner.
3.4 Conceptual / Theoretical FrameworkThe proponent needs to formulate the theoretical/conceptual scheme for his research. It specifies the key variables showing their interrelationships. This is represented in a diagram.
Present the diagram this way:
3.5 Analysis of Data
This section deals with the statistical treatment of data, usually presented in graphical or tabular form. You state clearly how you arrived at the sample size that you have. Show computation by using Slovan’s Formula: n = N / ( 1 + Ne2 ) where n = sample size, N = total number of population, and e = margin of error (use 5%). This uses the tabulation of the survey results from the pre-implementation survey with an analysis of the data on a per question basis.
3.6 Cost and Benefit
AnalysisThis section estimates the cost of software, hardware and labor required by the application of the project. It should compare the cost to implement such an application with the benefits delivered by the application. It should also demonstrate the values added to a given institution by the application of the project.
3.6.1 Feasibility Studies (do your homework here…)
3.6.1a Technical Feasibility Hardware Specification Software Specification
3.6.1b Economic Feasibility Cost Estimation (based on the result of the request for proposal) Software Development Cost Maintenance Fee (after the warranty)
3.6.1c Operational Feasibility
3.6.2 Prospective UsersPresent your Primary and Secondary Users in essay form.
3.6.3 Functions of The SystemIdentify and enumerate the functionality of the proposed software. A minimum of three functions must be written.
3.7 Design Methodologies
This section should provide a detailed description of the thesis project application to be developed. Aside from textual description, diagrams describing the processes should also be included.
3.7.1 System Inputs
Outline the inputs for every process you have in your system. Also includes screen design of your proposed software with the identifying data types for inputs.
3.7.1 System Outputs
Outline the outputs of every process and inputs you have in your system. Also includes screen or printer report format for the software, such as displaying the results or outputs3.7.1 Data FilesData file names indicate the type of data file, the name of the data file, the application and the department if the file ever resides outside of the agency environment.
3.7.3 Context Data Flow Diagram
General flow of the proposed system (input, process, output)
3.7.4 Logical Data Dictionary
Based on the Context Data Flow Diagram
3.7.5 Structure Diagram
Structured flow of process in the proposed software
3.7.6 Logical Data Structure
This is an option, if the input generates a data structure then describe it
example: fullname = lastname + firstname deduction = salary – (tax + lates)
3.7.7 Functional Description
Discuss every function or module inside the proposed software. These modules are the same modules you stated in the structure diagram.
3.7.8 Pseudocode for each routine
Discuss the detailed pseudocode that will be later used as reference for program coding. This is based on the functions of the modules you stated in
3.7.7 Functional Description
Discuss every function or module inside the proposed software. These modules are the same modules you stated in the structure diagram.
3.8 Tools, Instruments, and Approaches for Developing and Testing the System
- include the principles to be used (Systems, Analysis, and Design or Software Engineering)- discuss what and how you will use the data flow diagram, structure diagram, data structure, data dictionary, and pseudocode for the development of your software- what testing approaches do you intend to use TIMELINEThis will enable you to track progress and milestones. As this is a tentative schedule, expect that it will change as you move further in your work.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
/*Example of Book*/1. Patterson, F. and Linden, E. (1981). The Education of Koko, NewYork Hall, Rinehart and Winston Publishing.
/*Example of Periodical*/2. Otto, M.L. (1984), Child Abuse: Group Treatment, Personnel andGuidance Journal, vol. 62, 336-338.
/*Example of Magazine*/3. Wang, R.M. (1993). Taking with Computers, International Communications. Pp. 13-18.
/*Example of Computer Software*/4. Programmer’s Aide [Computer Program], (1993). Los Angeles, CA. Software Creation Company.
/*From an Online Database*/5. Twain, M.U. and Jordan, M.J. (1995, March). Wireless Computer: Fact or Fiction? Paper presented at the Annual Hacker’s Conference, Chicago, Illinois, (ERIC No. 316-784).
/*From the Internet*/6. Gates, B.J. (1996, January). Talking Back to Computers, http://www.newsource/ Online, http://www.newsonline.com/
APPENDICES
An appendix or appendices is/are placed after the bibliography. Appendices include original data, preliminary tests, tabulations, tables that contain data of lesser importance, very lengthy quotations, forms and documents, computer printouts and other pertinent documents. Appendices should be arranged chronologically as they are cited in the main text. Use capital letters of the English alphabet to track appendices, and always begin with the letter “A”. The appendices do not reflect page numbers.
Appendix A. Approved Title of Proposal
Appendix B. Letter of Permission to Conduct Interview
Appendix C. Interview Transcript (signed by interviewee)
Appendix D. Certification (Pre-Implementation Survey)
Appendix E. Pre-Implementation Questionnaire (has no answers)
Appendix F. Sample Pre-Implementation Questionnaire (has answers)
Appendix H. Implementation Survey Results (Tabulated Format)
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
This section gives the biographical information of the proponent/s. It should include picture, name, educational background, professional work experience (if any) and such other matters that may interest the reader. This should be written in essay format.
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