Republic of the Philippines

CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001-2015

EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Subject: Revised Policy Guidelines for Undergraduate Thesis Writing and

Oral Defense

Thesis writing and oral defense are scholarly undertakings

in the pursuit of professional advancement. The necessity therefore
in providing clear-cut policies for this academic endeavor is
indispensable. Henceforth, the college has set its standards and
Background directions to effectively maintain quality and excellence in this
academic pursuit.

Considered as a pre-requisite for the completion of a program,

the conduct of thesis writing and oral defense should strictly adhere
to the policy guidelines.

Students can only qualify for graduation by complying with the

basic requirements in thesis writing. As such, the student has to
submit the final copy of his book duly signed and approved by the
Thesis Committee.

Thesis writing is a requirement in Research courses. Enrolment

in thesis writing is specified in the guidelines for enrolment. Only
regular 3rd-year students will be allowed to enroll in the Research
course.
The existing guidelines was revised to include recent updates,
such as the role of the thesis committee, thesis adviser, role of the
program chairs, the format of the thesis, criteria and the financial
requirement.
The proposed revised guidelines was endorsed by the
Administrative Council and by the Academic, Research & Extension
Committee for approval by the Board of Trustees.

Legal Basis: CMO No. 3, s. 2011 ( Revised IRR of RA 8292)

• Indorsement of the Academic/Research/Extension Committee

Endorsement
• Administrative Council Resolution No. 2020-52
Action being
Sought from the Approval of the Revised Policy Guidelines for Undergraduate
Board Thesis Writing and Oral Defense
Resolution No. ____

Draft Resolution Approving the Revised Policy Guidelines for Undergraduate

Thesis Writing and Oral Defense
 4-' t
UeniIiist of 11w rhst,1u, *

CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

Nabtia, Camarinos Sur
ISO 9001:2015
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EOT COMMI1 II F I OR ACAI)I MIC. L X 1I NSIOH X RU SE

II' indorsomont
July 28, 2020

Respectfully submitted to the CSPC Board of Trustees for Approval. Re

Revised Pohcv Guidelines for Undergraduate Thesis Writinq

This was thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon by this Committee during
its Pre-Board Meeting held this day via Zoom, found it in order and hereby
recommends that the same be APPROVED, subject to the inclusion of the
recommendations made by the Committee.

HON. ROMMEL R. SERRANO

Regional Director, DOST RO V
Chairperson, BOT Committee for Acad., Extension & Research

HON. CH UTO CADAG .

S Presid- till
Member

D1DI E T. BERNAL
Regional Direcfor, CHED RO 5
Member

DR. MARIA ALCEDO

' .

-VP for ACademic Affairs

Member

Presi Faculty Associa

Member

C
 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
Tel. No. (054) 2884425
ISO 9001:2015

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the Administrative Council (ADCO) of the Camarines Sur
Polytechnic Colleges in a regular meeting held on July 7, 2020 via Zoom has approved
the following Resolution which states in whole as follows:

ADCO Resolution No. 2020-52

Approving the Revised Policy Guidelines for Graduate and

Undergraduate Thesis Writing and recommending the same to
the Board of Trustees for final approval.

This certification is issued this 8th day of July, 2020 at CSPC, Nabua, Camarines
Sur.

VIVIAN E. LASTROLLO
Board Secretary V
 Camarines Sur Polytechnic College

PROPOSED REVISION
UNDERGRADUATE THESIS WRITING AND ORAL DEFENSE

Chapter I. Rationale
Thesis writing and oral defense are scholarly undertakings in the pursuit of
professional advancement. The necessity therefore in providing clear-cut policies for this
academic endeavor is indispensable. Henceforth, the college has set its standards and
directions to effectively maintain quality and excellence in this academic pursuit.
Considered as a pre-requisite for the completion of a program, the conduct of
thesis writing and oral defense should strictly adhere to the policy guidelines.
Students can only qualify for graduation by complying with the basic requirements in
thesis writing. As such, the student has to submit the final copy of his book duly signed
and approved by the Thesis Committee.

Chapter II. Requirements in the Conduct of Thesis Writing

Thesis writing is a requirement in Research courses. Enrolment in thesis writing is
specified in the guidelines for enrolment. Only regular 3rd-year students will be allowed to
enroll in the Research course.

Chapter III. Criteria for Thesis Adviser

Considerably, the role of the adviser in the successful completion of any research
undertaking cannot be overemphasized. Utmost, the skills and competencies of the
adviser are ensured which are necessary for coming up with quality output
a. Nomination of the Research Adviser. Upon enrolment, in the Research subject for
the undergraduate program, the student-researcher reserves the right to nominate
an adviser who shall professionally assist him in the conduct of the study till
completed. The adviser can be a faculty member of the College or a recognized
leader along the field of study from other agencies and practitioners duly identified
by the College. But in no case shall the College Dean be an adviser or panel
member in thesis writing and/or oral defense.
b. Criteria of a Research Adviser. To belong to the pool of experts duly recognized
by the College, the following criteria of a research adviser be observed:
1. A holder of masters/doctoral degree;
2. Attended the Thesis Dissertation Adviser’s Seminar;
3. Availability, accessibility, and interest;
4. Over and above, he/she must be a researcher who has relevant research
publication/s in reputable journal/s and has continuous research engagement for
the last five (5) years
5. He or she must have the expertise and competence along the field of study.
c. Number of Advisership. Any adviser shall only be allowed to accept, at most, three
(3) advisees at a time.
d. Professional Fee. The standard policy on the payment for advisers is provided.
The student researchers can pay directly to the adviser after the blue book has
been signed by the thesis committee.
e. Role of the Adviser. Effectively and efficiently, the research adviser should extend
his professional competence and expertise to his advisee. Equipped with the
necessary skills and abilities, the student should be properly guided in the conduct
of the study. A professional relationship should be maintained. When an adviser
recommends a thesis for oral defense, she takes accountability that the student
has fully complied with all the requirements through his/her constant guidance. As
a matter of policy, it is expected that the research adviser should be present

1
 during the scheduled defense of his/her advisees. However, he/she should refrain
from unsolicited answers for questions asked by the panelist to the candidate
except when he/she is allowed by the panel.

Chapter IV. Thesis Committee

A Thesis Committee is greatly important in thesis writing. It is through their
scholarly opinion, a critical and analytical judgment that leads to the refinement of the
study. Primordially, the committee provides directions, sets standards, and objectively
passes judgment on the research undertaking. The oral committee/oral defense
committee who will sit in the title proposal oral defense shall be the same committee
that will sit in the preliminary and final oral defense.
a. Selection and Composition of the Thesis Committee. The Program Chair (PC)
shall identify the composition of the thesis committee. The thesis committee must
have the technical expertise appropriate to the research undertaken by the
student. Its composition is Thesis Adviser, Statistician, Editor, Chairman of the
Panelist, two-panel members who have expertise in the field of study, and an oral
defense secretary. The committee shall focus on the scholarly tone of the study
statistical analyses, research content as well as the technical features when
necessary. Criteria on the selection of the oral committee shall be:
1. Primarily, he/she must have the expertise and competence along the field of
study;
2. Preferably a holder of a master’s degree and has relevant research
publication/s in reputable journal/s and has continuous research engagement for
the last five (5) years
3. Availability, accessibility, and interest.
The group of students may opt to invite an external panel. A panel member can
only sit in at least five-seven (5-7) oral examination within a semester. In some cases,
where a panelist shall sit in more than seven (7) oral examinations, the Dean may
request for its approval from College President, through the VP for Academic Affairs
To ensure the accuracy of recording the suggestions of the thesis committee, a
permanent secretary should be appointed by the research professor to record the
proceedings of all defenses to be conducted.

Chapter V. Role of the Thesis Committee

Thesis Adviser
The role of the research adviser is crucial in the successful implementation and
completion of the advisee’s thesis/ dissertation: He/she shall:
1. Plan with the advisee with a Schedule of Advising signed by both parties. (with a
form to use)
2. Keep a record of the date of meetings and the concerns discussed (with a form to
use).
3. Ensure the quality and integrity of the research output of the advisee.
4. Guide the appropriateness of the research design, statistical treatment of the data,
and compliance in the institutional research format.
5. Propose composition of the Graduate Advisory Committee who will sit in the oral
defense sessions of the advisee and guide the advisee in the research
implementation.
6. Certify as to the readiness of the advisee to present the research in Preliminary
Oral Defense and Final Oral Defense (Annex E).
7. Attend during the advisee’s three (3) oral defense sessions. He/she may be
allowed to assist the advisee during defense but not to answer on behalf of the
advisee except when he/she is allowed by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

2
 8. Automatically becomes the co-author of the research of his/her advisee, thus, may
pursue further development of the research or package the research output for
publication, patent, and extension/ commercialization.
9. Accept a maximum of five (5) advisees at the graduate level per school year for as
long as it will not hamper his/her other functions. In case there are more than five
(5) advisees seeking the professional expertise of the research adviser, the
student/s should secure approval from the VP for Academic Affairs thru the
Graduate School Dean.
10. Ensure that revisions made by the grammarian/editor and statistician are properly
reflected in the manuscript.
11. Preferably, the adviser shall also be the editor.
Statistician
1. He/she shall check the research variables against the research objectives;
2. He/she shall assist the researcher in determining the statistical tools appropriate
to the study;
3. He/she shall take charge of the statistical computation and interpretation of the
research.
Editor
1. He/she shall look into the correctness of the research format/ template of the
manuscript
2. He/she shall check the correctness of grammar and choice of words/ jargons of
the manuscript
3. He/she shall check the proper format of References used in the research
Consultant (optional)
Depending on the scope of the research, the student may opt to get a consultant who
shall assist in the technicalities of the research which may not be within the expertise of
the adviser.

Chapter VI. Role of the Dean

To establish professionalism, the Dean of the college must ensure that these
guidelines be properly implemented thru proper monitoring of all activities related to thesis
writing and oral defense.

Chapter VII. Role of the Program Chairs (PC)

The PC takes an active role in supervising the conduct of the thesis writing and oral
defense of the students under the program thru the able assistance of their respective
advisers and research professors. The PC takes responsibility in recommending the
research adviser and thesis committee as well as the schedule of the oral defense: title
proposal, preliminary and final. The Research Professor shall take lead in the oral
defense sessions. Furthermore, the composition of the thesis committee and the
scheduled oral defense should be approved by the college dean.

Chapter VIII. Role of the Research professor

1. The Research Professor is the overseer/arbiter of the oral defense session. It is
done by announcing the established policy and other particulars of the oral
examination.
2. The Research professor shall assist the selection of the research problem
anchored on the research agenda of the college, as well as of the region and
national concerns

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 Chapter IX. Research Problem

a. Identification of the Research Problem.

Basic in the conduct of a research study is the identification of a research problem.
To carefully guide the student, the following procedures are herein provided.
1. Selection of the Research Problem. The research should be anchored on the
Institution’s Research and Development Agenda (RDA).
2. Approval of the Research problem.
With the initial approval of the Research Professor and considering the capacity
and interest of the researcher, the student shall now prepare the research proposal using
the approved format. (See appendices)

b. Title Proposal Defense

1. Once the research proposal is ready as certified by the adviser, the researchers
must submit the manuscript one week before the approved schedule. 1-point
reduction on the rating per day for late submission (see rubric for rating).
2. Oral defenses shall be facilitated by the Research Professor.
3. A Thesis Committee shall be invited along the criteria set. The opinion of the
candidate may be solicited as to the composition of the committee. However, final
approval shall be done by the Dean.
4. The candidate presents his proposal. The merits of his presentation shall be
ascertained through the standard criteria provided.
5. Evaluation sheets shall be served to the oral committee. The title proposal rating
is given a weight of thirty percent (30%) in the computation of the final rating.
6. Guided by the recommendations given by the oral committee, the student with
the aid of his adviser pursued with the completion of the research study.
7. The adviser professionally assists the advisee in the conduct of the study while
in the pursuit of the study. Professional assistance from an editor, statistician, and
consultant can be personally arranged by the advisee.
8. Upon completion of the research study, the Adviser shall recommend to the
Research Professor the conduct of the preliminary oral defense. The Research
Professor shall schedule the preliminary oral defense one (1) week after the
submission of the manuscript
5. Part VII of this policy provides a complete outline of the preparation research
study.

c. Preliminary Oral Defense

1. Upon the recommendation duly certified by the adviser that the advisee is now
ready for the preliminary oral defense, the Research Professor approves the
request provided that the researchers complied with the suggestions during the
title proposal defense as seen on the matrix of suggestions and compliance.
2. The Research Professor serves the notice to the thesis committee as to the
scheduled preliminary oral defense.
3. The oral committee carefully reviews every part of the research output taking
major notice on the areas needing further improvement. All these shall be taken
note during the final oral defense. The conduct of the Preliminary Oral defense
shall be formally opened by the Dean by introducing the candidate and his adviser
once again as well as the oral committee. The criteria in rating shall be presented
which form part fifty percent (50%) of the final rating in the oral defense.

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 4. The preliminary oral defense committee provides the adviser and the advisee
feedback collectively on the merits of the research presentation based on the
acceptable standards.
5. Deliberation of the rating shall only among the thesis committee.

d. Final Oral Defense

1. Submission of the revised manuscript shall be done a week before the
scheduled final-oral defense.
2. The Thesis Committee shall look for the matrix of compliance.
3. The final oral defense rating shall be given an equivalent of twenty (20) percent
of the final grade in the oral defense.
4. The Research Professor facilitates the formal conduct of the final oral defense
and the announcement of the final grade.
5. No oral defense shall proceed with the absence of 1 member. In case the
member cannot sit on the defense, he/she shall provide comments and submit to
the research professor before the scheduled defense.

Chapter X. RESEARCH DESIGN

1. QUALITATIVE – QUANTITATIVE STUDY
Preliminary Contents
Title Page. It contains the (a) title of the dissertation/thesis; (b) the course for which
the research proposal is presented; (c) partial fulfillment of requirements; (d) the full
name of the researcher/s; and (e) the month and year in which the proposal/final paper
is completed.
The title (maximum of 18 words) should appear like an inverted pyramid written in
bold uppercase (capital) letters, single space. The full name of the student appears in
uppercase letters followed by the month and year when the manuscript was completed
written in uppercase letters, double space.
Approval Sheet. It is a certification of approval of the oral examination committee and
contains the (a) complete title of the dissertation/thesis; (b) full name of the
researcher/s; (c) course for which the research is applied for; (d) adviser’s full name
and signature; (e) oral examination committee’s full name and signature and (f)
research professor and dean of college’s full name and signature.
Certification of the Adviser. It certifies that the suggestions given by the panel of
examiners were complied and contains the (a) full name of the researcher/s; (b)
semester and school year conducted; (c) complete title of the dissertation/thesis; and
(d) adviser’s full name and adviser.
Certification of the Editor. It certifies that the study was edited and contains the (a)
full name of the researcher/s; (b) complete title of the dissertation/thesis; and (d)
editor’s full name and adviser.
Acknowledgment. In this portion of the research, the researcher acknowledges all
the people, offices/schools, etc. who extended assistance to him/her in the course of
writing the manuscript. Their designation should be indicated. The author is free to
decide on the order/hierarchy of persons he/she wants to acknowledge.
Abstract. The dissertation/thesis abstract presents the brief summary of the content
of the research topic. The short narrative contains essential statements about the
whole paper that includes the description of the study, framework of the study,
methodology, major findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The abstract should
not exceed 300 words.

5
 Table of Contents. It contains a listing of the chapter headings with page numbers,
including the preliminaries, chapter number, chapter titles, sub-headings of main
headings, references, appendices and curriculum vitae. This page should contain up
to the third level of titles of sub-topics.
List of Tables. It is made up of the captions of the tables included by the researcher
in the research proposal and consist of the number of the table, exact caption or title
and the page in the research where the table is given.
List of Figures and Illustrations. It gives the number of figures/illustrations, exact
caption or title and corresponding page in the research.
List of Appendices. All materials used as appendices appear chronologically in the
manner, they are used in the research paper.

Chapter 1.
Introduction
The introduction encapsulates what the study is all about. It contains the surrounding
situations that prompted the researcher to undertake the study. The researcher starts
with a macro to micro approach to bridge the gap between the phenomenon of the
study and the purpose of the study. The following may be used as effective starters:
(a) A quotation that is related to the study; (b) Information/Concepts taken from books,
journals, magazines, on-line sources and the like; and (c) Statistical data significantly
related to the present undertaking. Active voice is used, rather than the passive voice.
There should be a smooth transition between the sentences and paragraphs.
It should be noted that authorities/sources may be cited at the beginning or at the end
of the statements. In using quotations, please note that for more than 40 operational
words, the block style in single space is followed and for less than 40 operational
words, quotation marks are used and the quotation is written as part of the paragraph.
It also contains a brief narration of the origin of the problem, and/or justification of the
selection and choice of the phenomenon/problem. The last paragraph of the
introduction ends with the general objectives of the research study.
Statement of the Problem
The main problem is presented in statement or declarative form. For quantitative
research, the main problem is followed by the specific problems of the study generally
stated in question form. The number of specific problems depends on what the study
or the systematic investigation would like to find out or elicit as output.
Hypothesis/Assumption
The non-directional or null hypothesis should be used. This usually pertains to the
question of relationship or significant difference between the variables (independent
and dependent) tested in the study.
Assumption should be used for a qualitative research. Similar to hypothesis, an
assumption also indicates a prediction, a statement of what specific results outcomes
are expected to occur in the study.
Significance of the Study
The researcher presents the person/s or sector/s that will benefit from the result of the
study, followed by a brief account that each one will derive from the results of the
study.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This section contains the setting of the study, the time frame, the number of
respondents to be used, and the main focus of the research. Moreover, this part of the
study identifies the variable of the study which the researcher wishes to control or limit
in order to delimit the broad coverage of the study, thereby permitting a thorough and

6
more in-depth investigation or discussion of the problem. Thus, this delimitation could
be used as a springboard for recommendations.
One paragraph is normally allotted for the scope and another paragraph for the
delimitation/s.
Definition of Terms
Clear definitions as frames of reference composed of selected terminologies that are
operationally defined are needed and must be provided in the study. These terms are
defined within the context of the study, examples of which are the variables of the
study which are to be measured by appropriate statistical instruments. Clear
definitions will help the readers/panel of examiners understand what the researcher is
diving at.
Operational definition means how the terms are used in the study. Although content
definition may also be included, operational definitions are preferred. The terms are
arranged in alphabetical order and should be written in complete sentences.

Review of Literature
This section presents the literature and studies reviewed by the researcher that have
significant bearing to the present undertaking. These related literature and studies
refer to the revisited and gathered information taken from books, journals, periodicals,
magazines, on-line sources and related studies taken from master’s theses and
dissertations. Citations follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (APA), 6th edition. The researcher should use only recent materials (the
copyright date must be at most five (5) years to date) through old documents are also
accepted as long as they are pertinent to the problem at hand and can give
strength/justification to support the focus of the study.
The order follows the presentation of the related topic headings or variables of the
study. For each variable, the related literature and studies are presented.
Related readings are presented starting from the Related Literature (Foreign
Literature and Local Literature). Related Literature are concepts gathered from books,
journals, magazines periodicals, on-line or web resources must be acknowledged.
The revie or discussion must be made brief employing critical analysis. Coherence in
terms of interrelationships of the studies reviewed must be clarified.
Related Studies must come from master’s theses and dissertation papers that have
direct relationships and similarities to the current study. This part contains both foreign
and local studies. The researcher shall observe the principle of coherence and
continuity of ideas and preferably chronological occurrence.
In writing the Review of Literature, the student must note that all citations should be
truthful and accurate. This section comprises around 15-20 percent of the total number
of pages/volumes of the accomplished final manuscript.
Theoretical Framework/Conceptual Framework
The researcher explains the theory (if using theoretical framework) or the concept (if
using the conceptual framework) that guided the study. Concepts from authorities and
theories of notable educators/philosophers are used in the discussion.
The following are guidelines in evaluating the theoretical/conceptual framework. (a)
Does it show relationship of theories with the problem? (b) Is the theory/concept
spelled out clearly and adequately in simple terms? and (c) Are the concepts/terms
defined in functional or operational terms?
This part also includes the figure that represents the paradigm or model of the study.
Prior to the presentation of the paradigm, there is a need for the researcher to
discuss/explain the figure clearly and completely. He/she clarifies the relationship
existing between or among the independent and dependent variables in the study.

7
 The last part of the Review of Literature section is a Synthesis. The synthesis is a brief
account of how similar or different the current undertaking is to the related studies
included in the section. An objective critical analysis/judgment is needed to justify the
inclusion of the studies mentioned. This part puts the bits and pieces of the conceptual
literature and studies into a meaningful whole.

Chapter 2. Methodology
This chapter presents the research design, population and sampling, participants of
the study, research instrument/s, validation of the instrument/s, data gathering
procedure, and statistical tools employed in the treatment and analysis of data.
Locale of the Study
The researcher discusses the environment in which research is carried out. This
could be a laboratory or a 'real' setting, such as the subject's working environment if
you are conducting research into people's working lives. You can get a full overview
of the idea of research setting and its importance here.
science.blurtit.com/2679845/what-is-research-setting
Research Design
The researcher discusses in this section the method used as defined by an authority.
He also included the importance of using the method in his study.
Respondents
The population refers to the complete enumeration of the individuals that possess the
characteristics which are of interest to the researcher for inferential purposes.
Sampling or sample, on the other hand, is a proportion of the population chosen for
the study which represents the entire population of interest.
The researcher describes the sampling procedure in detail. The sampling technique
used in the choices of subjects/respondents for the study explains how the
sample/group was selected and whether it is representative of the population of
interest.
In this section, the researcher explains the characteristics of the respondents and the
reason why they are chosen as respondents. The number of respondents depends on
the extensiveness/intensiveness of verifiable data needed in the study.
A presentation of the distribution of respondents is presented, together with a thorough
discussion of the number of respondents stated as frequency and the equivalent
percentage.
Research Instrument
The researcher discusses in this section the instrument used to gather the necessary
data to answer the specific problems posed/raised in the study. He/she indicates if the
instrument is a researcher-constructed instrument, copyrighted, or an adapted one.
He/she clarifies the mode of responses and the scale to be used as part of the
assessment tool or measure.
Data Gathering Procedure
This section contains the procedure followed by the researcher from the time of the
distribution from the time of the distribution of the instrument/questionnaire up to the
time of retrieval. The researcher gives a brief precise narration of the procedure and
discusses the details of every step/procedure undertaken in the course of gathering
data. The procedure is best represented by means of a flowchart/Gantt Chart.
Validation of the Instrument
The researcher includes here the procedure on how the instrument was validated for
content and construct. He/she cites the names and designations of the people who
validated the instrument. The researcher is therefore required to indicate the results

8
 of the test of reliability and validity of the instrument or the results of the item analysis
as the case may be.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The researcher enumerates here the statistical tools used in treating the data. He/she
includes here the definitions of the statistical measures and the names of authors.
He/she does not need to write the formula except for the uncommon or newest
formula. He/she indicates the title of the statistical package used if there is any, in
processing the data.
The student may consult a statistician of his/her choice for the purpose, in which case,
the certification of the statistician is appended.
GANTT CHART/WORK PLAN

2. BUSINESS PLAN
I. Introduction/ Executive Summary
A. Executive Summary
Name of business :
Nature of business :
Product/Service :
Proponent(s) :
Location :
Form of Business Organization :
Sources of Financing :
Total Project cost :
Period of Project :
Implementation

B. Vision, Mission and Objectives of the business

Vision
– This shows the futuristic picture of the enterprise described in word.
- This was time bounded (five years), ambitious but realistic and had a geographical
and target market focus that would enable the entrepreneur to plan strategically.

Mission
- Proclaimed the basic purpose for the existence of the organization

Objectives
- This are measurable end results and, for business organizations usually center
around four major ends.

C. Brief Description of the business

- This area presents a narrative presentation of the highlights of the 5 major
components of the study.

II. Marketing Plan

This chapter presents the description of the product/service, target market, terms
of sale, price and pricing, demand analysis, supply analysis and demand and supply
gap analysis. Projected sales volume and different marketing program and strategy
was also shown in this chapter.
A. Description of the product/service
1. The important features of the product or service such as the maintenance-free
feature of the product, or the home delivery service for products ordered through
the phone;
2. Detailed description of the product/service;

9
3. What makes the product or service different from the others available in the
market?
Examples:
Are the availability of the product or service 24 hours a day, or the water-based
feature of the product insect repellant.
B. Target Market
- This area describes the potential customers to whom the business wants to
sells its products and services. This may include the specific customers to whom
the company directs its marketing efforts.
C. Terms of Sale
- This describes the delivery and payment terms agreed between the potential
buyer and the business.
D. Price and Pricing
- This describes the price of the product/service.
E. Demand Analysis
- This is an analysis of the demand of the product/service in the market.
F. Supply Analysis
- This is an analysis of the competitors of the business.
G. Demand and Supply Gap Analysis
- This is an analysis of the demand and supply gap of the product/service in the
market.
H. Projected Sales Volume
- This shows the projected sales volume of the product/service in the market in
the next three to five years.

III. Marketing Program and Strategies

- Refer to what the organization plans to do to achieve the market objective of the
firm.
- These strategies are formulated after undertaking market research.

Market strategies consist of the following:

1. Product Positioning
- This describes the different ways on how the company intends to present
the product/service in the best possible way to the different target audience.
2. Pricing Strategy
The pricing strategy includes the approach, expected margins, discounts and
terms.
◼ This section address these questions:
◼ How do you establish the prices for your products and services?
◼ What margins—broken down by product if margins vary— does this pricing strategy
offer?
3. Promotional Strategy
- This describes the different strategies the business will use to promote the
product/service in the market.
4. Channel Distribution
- This describes the chain/flow of the product/service in the market.

IV. Technical Study

This chapter describes the product/service specification, design, production
process, production schedule, production volume, raw materials required, tools and
equipment, plant location, plant layout and building facilities, utility requirements,
waste disposal management, labor requirement and production cost.
A. Product/Service Description and Specification
- This shows the detailed description of the product/ service of the business

10
B. Product/Service Design
- This shows the detailed design and sample of the product/service of the business
C. Production Process
- This shows the detailed illustration and the step by step process in coming up
with the product/service.
D. Production Schedule
- This shows the schedule of the production of the product/service.
E. Production Volume
- This shows the volume of the production of the product/service at specific time.
F. Required Raw Materials
- This shows the required raw materials in the production of the product as well
as the delivery of services.
G. Tools and Equipment
- This shows the description of the different tools and equipment needed in the
production of product and delivery of services.
H. Plant Location
- This is the illustration of the location of the business and shows the details on
specific location of the business.
I. Plant Layout and Building Facilities
- This is an illustration of the layout of the business as well as the building and
facilities needed in the business.
J. Utility Requirement
- This describes the utilities (water, electricity and etc.) needed in the business.
K. Waste Disposal Management
- This describes the management of the disposal of waste in business.
L. Labor Requirement
- This shows the required manpower in the business.
M. Production Cost
- This shows the cost of production to be incurred in the business.

V. Organizational and Management Study

- This chapter shows the form of business organization, organizational structure,
duties and responsibilities, activities of the organization and the administrative
expenses.

A. Form of Business Organization

- This describes and discuss the form of business organization the business will
adopt.
B. Organizational Structure
- This illustrates and discuss the organizational structure of the business.
C. Duties and Responsibilities
- This portion enumerates and give the detailed description of the different duties
and responsibilities of the employees and administrators of the business.
D. Organization of Activities
- This shows the Gantt Chart of Activities and gives the details in the different
activities that the business will be undergone through.
E. Administrative Expenses
- This gives the details on the administrative expenses of the business.

V. Financial Study
This chapters describes the financial assumption of the business, source of
financing, total project cost, projected financial statement and profitability ratios.
A. Financial Assumptions
- This portion enumerates the different financial assumption made in the business.
B. Source of Financing

11
 - This portion gives details and information on the different sources of financing the
business.
C. Total Project Cost
- This shows the total project cost needed in the business. Sometimes this is called
as the capital requirement of the business.
D. Projected Financial Statement
- This shows the different financial statement of the business.
1. Projected Cash Flow Statement
- This shows the sustainability of the business.
2. Projected Income Statement
- This shows the profitability of the business.
3. Projected Balance Sheet
- This shows the stability of the business.
E. Profitability Ratios
- This portion shows the different profitability ratios of the business. This may
include:
1. ROI
2. Payback Period
3. Net Income: Sales Ratio
4. Break-even Point

VI. Socio Economic Impact

This chapter shows the different beneficiaries of the proposed business.
Beneficiaries of the proposed business
- This are the different group of people who will gain benefits in the proposed
business.

VII. Appendices, Supplements, Other References, Curriculum Vitae

Appendices
- This shows the different attachments use in the business such as permits and
licenses and etc.
Supplements
- This shows other supporting documents in the business.
Other References
- This shows the different references use in the business.
Curriculum Vitae
- This is shows information about the proponents of the business.

Chapter XI. Grading of the Oral Examination

Standard criteria for grading the oral examination shall be adopted. All oral
defenses shall be given the corresponding equivalent in the final grade of the oral
defense.
Standard Criteria
As a policy, an equivalent percentage for each of the oral defense shall be
provided, to wit: title proposal - 30 percent, preliminary defense, 50 percent, and final oral
- 20 percent. The following criteria shall be used:

1. Descriptive Studies
Standard Criteria Points
Presentation of the research study 20%
Mastery of the subject matter and Related literature/studies 20%
Quality of the written work (mechanics And content) 45%
Articulation and fluency 15%

12
 100%
2. Project Studies
Standard Criteria Points
Presentation of the research study 20%
Mastery of the subject matter and Related literature/studies20%
Quality of the written work (mechanics And content) 25%
Functionality & Usability of Output 25%
Articulation and fluency 10%
100%
3. Rating Scale
Rating Description
98-100 Excellent
94-97 Very Satisfactory
90-93 Satisfactory
89-below Passed

Chapter XII. Financial Requirement

A professional fee shall be provided for the expert services rendered by thesis
committee, research adviser, editor and statistician or consultants 1 levels.

Chapter XIII. Payment scheme

The Panel of Evaluators- to be paid every after each oral defense.
Research Adviser- to be paid after the research has been finalized and hard
bounded.
Editor and statistician- to be paid after the thesis has been signed by all the
members of the thesis committee and ready for the blue book.
a. For a three-member research team

Title Proposal
Chairman Php 1,000
Members (2 @ P 800.00) Php 1, 600
Secretary Php 300
Pre-Oral
Chairman Php 1,100
Members (2 @ 1000.00) Php 2,000
Secretary Php 300
Final Oral
Chairman Php 900
Members (2 @ 800.00) Php 1,600
Secretary Php 300

Adviser's Fee Php 2,000

Editor's fee Php 1,000

13
 Statistician Php 1,000
Total Amount Php 13,100

Consultant (Optional) Php 1,000

Chapter XIV. Outline of the Thesis Content

A. QUANTITATIVE STUDY
This is the research that leads to precise measurement and quantification.it often
involves a rigorous and controlled design.
B. QUALITATIVE STUDY
This involves the investigation of phenomena, typically in an in-depth and holistic
fashion, through the collection of rich narrative materials using a flexible design.

C. CASE STUDY
A Capstone Project is a terminal requirement for BSIT and BSIS, whereas Thesis
is for BSCS and BLIS [2]. Article II of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) no. 25,
series of 2015 [3] defines these undergraduate requirements as:
A Thesis is a technical report on a systematic investigation of a problem that can
be solved using Computing. It may include a solution, an approximate or partial
solution, a scientific investigation, or the development of results leading to the
solution of the problem. The thesis must be funded on Computer Science
principles and development of a software system that must be algorithm-based. In
simpler terms, BSCS students must complete a thesis that is focused on the
theories and concepts of computing in the form of scientific work. While for BLIS,
the focus is on library issues and concerns. This usually involves the collection of
data, analysis, synthesis, or other comparative studies. This may be accomplished
through quantitative research (producing statistics, through sampling,
measurement, etc.), qualitative research (conducted by observation, document
studies, interviewing, action research, etc.), or mixed-method [5].
A Capstone Project is very similar to a college thesis, however, this type of work is
more laborious and complicated because it involves a wider range of activities like
deep analysis and prototype development using different types of media. It is a
terminal undertaking that should significantly address an existing problem or need
of a related professional field. An Information Technology Capstone Project
focuses on the infrastructure, application, or process involved in introducing a
Computing solution to a problem. Capstone projects involve some type of practical
development with a deliverable. This may include development with computer
equipment, software packages, and programming or scripting languages.
Alternately, it may be the development and demonstration of an innovative process
that addresses a current computing issue or problem. As technologies change,
capstone resources should keep pace. A final report must detail in the professional
literature, the design and implementation of development that was done, and a
critical evaluation of the results using the course design of a software development
methodology.

D. TECHNICAL/PROJECT STUDY
Applied research oriented toward engineering disciplines (but not to a specific
product or process) and aimed at developing tools and test equipment and
procedures, and at providing solutions to specific technical problems.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/technical-research.html

14
 E. BUSINESS PLAN
A written document describing the nature of the business, the sales and marketing
strategy, and the financial background, and containing a projected profit and loss
statement. A business plan is also a road map that provides directions so a
business can plan its future and helps it avoid bumps in the road.
www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/business-plan

The preparation of the research study measures the quality and excellence of the
effort of the thesis writer. It is a detailed description and presentation of scholarly work.
However, to establish uniformity and order in the preparation of the manuscript, an outline
of the thesis content as herein provided:
Cover Page
Title Page
Recommendation for the Oral Examination
Approval Sheet
Certification of the Secretary
Certification of the Editor
Acknowledgments
Thesis Abstract
Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Problem

Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Assumptions of the Study
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation
Definition of Terms
Notes
Chapter 2 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
Review of Related Literature
Synthesis
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Notes
Chapter 3 Research Methodology
Research Method
The Respondents
Data Gathering Instruments
Statistical Treatment of the Data
Chapter 4 Discussion

15
Chapter 5 Summary. Conclusions and Recommendations
• Capsulized chapter 1, 2, & 3
SOP 1- Findings
Conclusion
Recommendation
SOP 2- Findings
Conclusion
Recommendation
SOP 3- … etc..
References
Appendices
Curriculum Vitae

Chapter XV. General Format and Style

Margins, Line Spacing, Indents, Fonts, Headings, Citations, Appendices, etc…

Format Paper Size

Thesis/dissertation manuscripts must be composed to fit on 8 ½ x 11 sized

paper. In the event of printing your thesis/dissertation, this is the standard paper size
suitable for the task.

Font

Use a clear, readable, and consistent font throughout the entire manuscript. These
are to be typed according to style manual specifications. If not specified in the style
manual, the chosen font should be 12-point standard font (e.g. Times New Roman or
Calibri); a script type style is unacceptable. Changes to font style and size may be
appropriate for writing equations, labeling tables and graphs, footnotes, title pages, etc.
When a visual or other media is “imported” it may be appropriate to retain the original
font. Italics should be used to indicate titles of major works (i.e. books and journals),
foreign language terms, and scientific terms.

Bold may be used to add emphasis, as well as headings and section titles. Use bold
sparingly.

Margins

The margins should follow the guidelines given in the approved style manual being
used by the department, typically 1 inch on the top, bottom, and right-hand side. While
not mandatory, it is suggested to leave a 1.5 inch left margin if you plan to bind your
thesis.

It should be noted that tables, graphs, and other visuals need to fall within these
margins.

Pagination

Pagination rules can vary slightly based upon the specific style manual used. In general,
there are four locations where it is acceptable for pagination: 1) the upper right-hand
corner of the page; 2) the lower right-hand corner; 3) top-center; and 4) bottom-center.

16
For preliminary pages,

Use lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) centered at the bottom of the page. Note that
the title page is understood to be page “i”, but no numeral is actually printed there. All
other pages, text, notes, references, and so on are numbered according to the pagination
guideline or rules stated in the style manual.

Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) begin on the first page of the main text of the thesis/dissertation.
Similar to the preliminary pages, the first page of the thesis/dissertation is generally
understood to be “1” without needing to actually be labeled as such. This numbering
should carry on uninterrupted throughout the entire body of the document, including
appendixes. Numbers should be consistent in their placement. There is no punctuation
with these numbers.

Spacing

Text spacing should be consistent throughout the entire thesis/dissertation.

Double-spacing is the standard expected of the document. There may be exceptions
where alternative spacing may be appropriate: • block quotes • table and figure captions,
descriptions, and footnotes • a list of references, literature cited, bibliography, etc. While
each of these may be single spaced, there should be a space between each entry on the
list. Corrections No pencil or ink corrections are permitted on any copies of the thesis
submitted to the graduate school.

Citations
• Social Sciences, Education & Health Related Researches – use APA format
• Engineering and Computer – Related Researches – use IEEE format

Chapter XVI. Dress Code on Thesis/Dissertation oral defenses

The candidates are expected to wear their business attire during Title Defense,
Pre-Oral defense, and Final defense.

17
 APPENDICES

Appendix A. Quantitative Study

Research Proposal
Title Page
Chapter I – INTRODUCTION
Statement of the Problem
Assumptions of the Study
Hypothesis of the Study (as needed)
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Definition of Terms
Chapter II – REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Related Literature
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Synthesis State-of-the-Art
Gap of the Study

Chapter III –METHODOLOGY

Locale of the Study
Research Design
Respondents of the Study
Research Instruments
Data Gathering Procedure
Data Analysis
REFERENCES
GANTT CHART/WORK PLAN
Terminal Report
TITLE PAGE
RECOMMENDATION FOR ORAL EXAMINATION
APPROVAL SHEET
CERTIFICATION OF THE ADVISER
CERTIFICATION OF THE SECRETARY
CERTIFICATION OF THE EDITOR
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABSTRACT (200-300 words)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES

18
 LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF APPENDICES
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CLAUSE
CHAPTERS I,II,III (may vary according to study)
CHAPTER IV – RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
SOP 1
SOP 2
SOP 3
LITERATURE CITED
Note: Discussion for every SOP shall include but not limited to Introductory
statement, table of findings, discussion, implications, conclusions and recommendations.
Discussion should: Present, Analyze, Interpret/implicate & Link to previously reported
findings. (PAIL)
CHAPTER V – SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, and RECOMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations
Suggestions for Further Study
LITERATURE CITED
Appendices
CURRICULUM VITAE

19
 Appendix B. Qualitative Study

TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL SHEET
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY
ENGLISH CERTIFICATION FORM
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
DEDICATION(OPTIONAL)
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Chapter 1
1. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Statement of the Study
Assumptions of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Significance of the Study
Review of Related Literature (Mainstream qualitative research does not
include RRL at the beginning to rid of biases, but it is good to explore the
biases beforehand prior to handling the information or data of the study)
Synthesis
Operational Definition of Terms (Other qualitative approaches put this in the
form of a glossary after the study has been done. However, it is good to have
guiding definition of terms to achieve a common understanding of terms. A
glossary can be included to show the enriched meaning of words
afterwards.)
2. METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Approach (This should include a brief summary of the
philosophical underpinning of the approach and how it is applied in the
study)
Research Locale
Participants of the Study
Procedure in Gathering Information
Narrative Reflection
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Thematic Reflections
4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Implications
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
CURRICULUM VITAE

20
 Appendix C. Case Study

CAPSTONE PROJECT MANUSCRIPT OUTLINE

• Title Page (Outline consistent for TCP)
• Approval Sheet
• Panel of Examiners
• Dedication (free form)
• Acknowledgment
• Abstract
• Table of Contents (strictly use MS Word Table of Contents feature)
• List of Figures (strictly use MS Word Index and Table feature)
• List of Tables (strictly use MS Word Index and Table feature)
• List of Appendices (strictly use MS Word Index and Table feature)
CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION
• Project Context
• Purpose and Description of the Project
• Objectives of the Project
• Scope and Limitations of the Project
• Project Dictionary
• Notes
CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE / SYSTEMS
• Related Literature and Studies
• Synthesis of the State-of-the-Art
• Gap Bridged by the Study
• Notes
CHAPTER III – TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
• Software Development Methodology
• Materials and Statistical Tools
• Notes
CHAPTER IV – DISCUSSION (choose only the parts similar to your chosen SDM that
are applicable)
• Initiation
• Identified Problems
• Proposed Solutions
• Analysis
• Analysis
• 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
• Requirements Modeling
• Input
• Process
• Output
• Performance

21
 • 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 (highlights only)
• Business Process Diagram
• Object Modeling
• Use Case Diagram
• Class Diagram
• Sequence Diagram
• Activity Diagram
• Risk Assessment/Analysis
• Design
• Output and User-Interface Design
• Forms
• Reports
• Data Design
• Entity Relationship Diagram (preferably done in Visio/ Lucidchart)
• System Architecture
• Network Model
• Network Topology
• Security
• Development
• Software Specification
• Hardware Specification
• Program Specification
• Programming Environment
• Front End
• Back End
• Deployment Diagram
• Test Plan
• Testing
• Unit Testing
• Integration Testing
• Compatibility Testing
• Performance Testing
• Stress Testing
• Load Testing
• System Testing
• Acceptance Testing (must be done after the Title Defense)
• Notes

CHAPTER V- SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
• Summary
• Findings
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
BIBLIOGRAPHY (must be categorized: Books, Journals, Unpublished theses)

APPENDICES (the bullet should not appear in TOC)

22
 • Project Implementation Plan
• Relevant Source Code
• Evaluation Tool
• Sample Input / Output / Reports
• User’s Guide
• Working Title Form
• Editor’s Certification
• and other relevant documents (such as approved letters, CLF, prior project
consent, certificate of utilization, etc.)

CURRICULUM VITAE

23
 Appendix D. Technical/Project Study

I. Introduction
1.1 Background
II. Literature Review
2.1 Sample Text
i. Sample Text
III. Methodology
3.1 Sample Text
IV. Results
4.1 Sample Text
4.1.1 Sample Text
4.1.2 Sample Text
V. Discussion
VI. Conclusions and Recommendations
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
A. SUPPLEMENTARY: Literature Review
B. Supplementary: Methods
Supplementary: Results

24
 Appendix E. Business Plan

I. Introduction/ Executive Summary

A. Executive Summary
Name of business
Nature of business
Product/Service
Proponent(s)
Location
Form of Business Organization
Sources of Financing
Total Project cost
Period of Project Implementation
B. Vision, Mission and Objectives of the business
C. Brief Description of the business

II. Marketing Plan

A. Description of the product/service
B. Target Market
C. Terms of Sale
D. Price and Pricing
E. Demand Analysis
F. Supply Analysis
G. Demand and Supply Gap Analysis
H. Projected Sales Volume

III. Marketing Program and Strategies

1. Product Positioning
2. Pricing Strategy
3. Promotional Strategy
4. Channel Distribution

IV. Technical Study

A. Product/Service Description and Specification
B. Product/Service Design
C. Production Process
D. Production Schedule
F. Required Raw Materials
G. Tools and Equipment
H. Plant Location
I. Plant Layout and Building Facilities
J. Utility Requirement
K. Waste Disposal Management
L. Labor Requirement
M. Production Cost

V. Organizational and Management Study

A. Form of Business Organization
B. Organizational Structure
C. Duties and Responsibilities
D. Organization of Activities
E. Administrative Expenses

VI. Financial Study

A. Financial Assumptions
B. Source of Financing

25
 C. Total Project Cost
D. Projected Financial Statement
1. Projected Cash Flow Statement
2. Projected Income Statement
3. Projected Balance Sheet
E. Profitability Ratios
1. ROI
2. Payback Period
3. Net Income: Sales Ratio
4. Break-even Point

VII. Socio Economic Impact

VII. Appendices, Supplements, Other References, Curriculum Vitae

26