CS Thesis Format Involving Software Development

(Adapted from DRAFT PSG ON UNDERGRADUATE THESIS / CAPSTONE PROJECTS and GL-AAD019 Guide for Thesis Writing for Undergraduate Graduate Studies revised March2006) Preliminaries Blank Sheet Title Page This contains the title of the thesis, name of proponents, a statement regarding the qualification, the name of the institution to which the thesis is being submitted, month and year of submission. Approval Sheet This bears the name of the proponents, title of the thesis, the signatures of the adviser, college dean and members of the oral defense Panel. This also certifies that the thesis has been approved and the date of approval its approval. This sheet is only included in the final revision of the manuscript after the oral defense. Acknowledgements This section recognizes people and associations which took part in the completion of the thesis. It is expressed simply and discreetly. Abstract This presents the thesis summary. Included here are the statement of the problem, objectives of the study, methodology, major findings, significance and conclusions. The abstract should not be less than 200 words but not to exceed 500 words, and should be typed single-spaced. It does not include any reference to the literature. Table of Contents This is a listing of all parts of a thesis with page numbers. Included in the table of contents are the titles of chapters, sections and subsections, bibliography and appendices. Also included are the titles of the preliminary pages as well as required forms. List of Tables A listing of titles of ALL tables found in the body of the thesis with page numbers. Tables should be numbered in sequence, using Arabic numerals. For example, the third table in Chapter 2 should be labeled Table 2.3 List of Figures This is a listing of charts, graphs, maps and other illustrations used in the thesis. List the title of each figure and its page number. Figures should be numbered in sequence using Arabic numerals. The first figure in Chapter 3 is labeled Figure 3.1 List of Notations This presents the list of phonographic writing systems which uses symbols to represent components of auditory language. This may include Mathematical and logical symbols, as well as formulas. List of Abbreviations This is a list of ALL abbreviations used in the thesis for easy reference. This is optional.

Chapter 1 Introduction Project Context The background of the project should include the brief introduction of the company, what and how the existing system works, the current problems/situation encountered, what and how the proposed project will work. You may describe the functions/ features of the project. Purpose and Description State your reasons for your chosen project. What, who, how and why will they benefit from it. Statement of the Problem Your research problem should be specific and measurable. You can provide a general problem then give at least three specific problems that are associated and related to your main problem. State the specific problems that need thorough investigation. Objectives of the Study This identifies what your study aims to answer/ solve/ do. Specific objectives may be enumerated in the form of questions or statements. Hypotheses of the Study It presents your scientific guess or stating the possible answer to your research. You may formulate your hypothesis in your report. This serves as your guide to prove your study whether it is acceptable or not. Hypothesis may be stated in an alternative or null form. You may also write the hypothesis in interrogative or declarative statements.

Scope and Limitations It covers the range and boundaries of your study. It also refers to the particular subject of the study. If you are doing research using plant parts, be able to identify what part of the plant that you will use for your study. Just focus on the subject of your study and method that you will apply in conducting such research. Definition of Terms This applies to those words or group of words that need to be defined for clarity. Readers easily understand your report if unfamiliar words are clarified or have simplified meanings. Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature and Studies This portion clarifies vague points about the problem of the study. It also guides the researcher in making comparisons between his findings with the findings of other similar studies. So it is necessary that the related materials should have true value. Related literature and studies are important to support your research. Gather several researches, articles, journals, and scientific writings that may contribute something on your study. Have enough time to read more of these writings. You may separate local from foreign studies. Do not forget to mention the authors name in honor of this person and the date when the article is published at the beginning or end of the statement or paragraph. Do not copy word by word unless it is necessary to do so as direct insertion or quotation from the author. Read it

first then paraphrase the main idea of the article. Learn to write it in your own words based on your understanding on what you read. Synthesize and justify those ideas which are related to your study. The related materials should be as recent as possible. It is important that reviewed materials must be new or fresh because of the rapid change in technology, social, economic, scientific and human lifestyle. Reviewed materials should not be too few and too many. It should discuss sufficient materials to give insight into the research problem or to indicate the nature of the present studies. Technical Background It focuses on the important technical aspect of the topic by providing a certain indepth background on that subject. This will discuss the Programming Language(s)/ Application(s)/ Software(s)/ Hardware(s) used. It should also include Software and Hardware Specifications. Lastly the innovation/ advancement/ modernization of your project.

Chapter 3
Research Design and Methodology Include discussion on conceptual design / system architecture/ block diagrams and algorithms Methodology has several components. It may include the subject of the study, sample size, sampling technique, research procedure, data gathering and statistical treatment.

Chapter 4 Results and Discussion This discusses the results/findings which includes theoretical proofs, verifications, or evidences to support your solution. It may discuss the outcome of the interviews/ evaluation conducted in the investigation of the study. Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations This part wraps up your whole study. It may briefly discuss the results / findings of the project. Recommendations of further enhancements of the study must be stated in this chapter. This part usually directs the reader to conduct future research on some specific areas related to the thesis topic. Bibliography This is a list & words cited, as well as words consulted but not cited in the construction of the thesis. The list of references is numbered and arranged alphabetically. For format on the writing of references the APA (American Psychological Association) style of documentation should be followed. Appendices
Final Proposal Evaluation Tool/ Test Documents Users Guide Program Listing (relevant source code, if applicable) Sample Screen Output (if applicable) One-page Biographical Sketch per team member

This section gives the biographical information of the proponent(s). It should include name, educational background, professional work experience (if any) and such other matters that may interest the reader. This should be written in essay form rather than a mere resume.