CAPSTONE PROJECT MANUAL

FOREWORD

The purpose of this manual is to serve as a guide to both degree candidates and faculty
members in the preparation and final production of the capstone project that meets criteria of a
scholarly work in the field of Information Technology (IT). While the excellence of the content of the
capstone project is the responsibility of the Oral Examination Committee (OrEC), DMMMSU
prescribes the actual format of the capstone project documentation. This is done to establish a
University standard of presentation and to satisfy other specifications placed upon the university in
terms of publishing the final document. The specifications herein are designed for internal
consistency as a measure of reliability. Degree candidates preparing a capstone project are
strongly advised to read and follow the style and format of this manual carefully.

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

A capstone project is a culminating activity that generates an output useful in the

development of Information Technology (IT) solutions. This may be but not limited to application
development that focuses on software engineering processes or application design that focuses on
effective testing procedure or a study on application development processes. The Capstone Project
is required for candidates for graduation in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and
the Master in Information Technology programs as indicated in CMO # 53, s. 2006 or the “Revised
Policies and Standards for IT Education” for the undergraduate program and CMO # 7, s. 2010 or
the “Revised Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Graduate Program in Information Technology
Education (ITE)” for the master’s program. The capstone project is a terminal project requirement
that would not only demonstrate a student’s comprehensive knowledge of the area of study and
research methods used but also allow them to apply the concepts and methods to a specific
problem in his/her area of specialization. Both BS Information Technology and Master in Information
Technology students must complete a capstone project in the form of an IT application, a
Multimedia System development, or an IT Management project. (CMO # 53 s. 2006 & CMO # 7 s.
2010)

This Capstone Project Manual aims to standardize the process of conducting capstone
project in the University particularly in the field of Information Technology, and thereby improving
the quality of capstone project output submitted by students as well as faculty researchers.

This manual specifically aims:

1. To come up with a uniform format of writing the documentation of an capstone project in the
undergraduate and graduate programs as well as faculty researches or projects;
2. To establish guidelines in the evaluation of capstone projects;
3. To ensure a quality output from our students both in undergraduate and graduate programs;
and
4. To serve as a guide for faculty members doing capstone project advising.
CAPSTONE PROJECT

A Capstone Project is an undertaking appropriate to a professional field. It should

significantly address an existing problem or need.

An Information Technology Capstone Project focuses on the infrastructure, application, or

processes involved in introducing a Computing solution to a problem.

Scope of the Capstone Project

The Capstone Project should integrate the different courses, knowledge, and competencies
learned in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce innovative results, generate new
knowledge or theories, or explore new frontiers of knowledge or application areas. The
recommended infrastructure and its implications on other system should be clearly specified in
the final report with the introduction of the project.

The capstone project adviser should determine the appropriate complexity level of the specific
problem being addressed and the proposed solution, considering the duration of the project, the
composition of the team, and the resources available.

Suggested Areas of study for Capstone Project in Information Technology

Following is a list of suggested areas of study.

3.1.1 Software Development

• Software Customization
• Information System Development for an actual client (with pilot
testing)
 • Web Applications Development (with at least alpha testing on live
servers)
• Mobile Computing Systems

3.1.2 Multimedia Systems

• Game Development
• e-Learning Systems
• Interactive Systems
• Information Kiosks

3.1.3 Network Design and Implementation and Server Farm Configuration

and Management

3.1.4 IT Management
• IT Strategic Plan for sufficiently complex enterprises
• IT Security Analysis, Planning and Implementation

CAPSTONE PROJECT DURATION

The students should be given ample time to finish their project. The curriculum should prescribe at
least one (1) term to a maximum of three (3) terms or semesters for students to complete their
capstone projects both in the undergraduate and master programs.

COMPOSITION OF CAPSTONE PROJECT GROUPS

Students should preferably work in teams of two (2) to four (4) members depending on the
complexity of the project for the undergraduate program. For the master’s program, it is an
individual work. The adviser should be able to determine whether the team can complete the
project on time.

THE ORAL EXAMINATION COMMITTEE (OrEC)

All individuals involved in the development and approval of a capstone project is referred to as the
Oral Examination Committee (OrEC).

The OrEC shall be responsible for the conduct and evaluation of the capstone project proposal and
final oral examination of the project.

The OrEC shall be organized during the research/project study subject enrolled by the students or
as soon as the student is prepared for the project proposal examination. Membership shall be
recommended from the College Pool of Faculty by the student(s) and their adviser. Membership to
the OrEC shall be approved by the College Dean upon recommendation by the Department
Chairman.

The OrEC shall be composed of four (4) members composing of the adviser, two (2) of the members
will be chosen from the College Pool of Faculty and an external member to be determined by the
student(s) candidate(s) and their adviser who is an expert in the area or field of the project to be
examined. The external member as much as possible is a representative from the organization for
which the project is intended.

The chair of the OrEC shall be determined on a collegial basis.

OrEC members should have a degree in a computing or allied programs, or must be domain experts
in the area of study. At least one of the members must have a master’s degree in Computing
(preferably in the same filed as the project) or allied program. It is also required that at least one of
the members should have industry experience.

A member’s inability to attend an oral examination and non-submission of evaluation of the

capstone project will warrant a reconstitution of the OrEC membership. The OrEC member shall
notify the College Dean of his inability to attend at least four (4) days before the scheduled oral
examination shall submit a written evaluation of the project.

As part of administrative responsibility, the College Dean or his duly authorized representative, if
not an OrEC member, may sit during the oral examination. Compliance to appropriate
administrative procedures in the development, completion and approval of the project study is a
responsibility of the College Dean. It is also the responsibility of the College Dean to monitor
standard of scholarly work of the capstone project.

The adviser shall be chosen on the basis of his/her expertise in the area of the project study. The
student(s) in consultation with the Department Chairman shall recommend at least three (3)
members from which an adviser will be chosen and appointed as his/her/their project study adviser
by the College Dean. In the graduate program, the adviser should be at least a master’s degree in a
computing or allied program.
The adviser must have completed a computing project successfully beyond the bachelor’s degree
project. As much as possible, the adviser should be a full-time faculty member of the College.
Otherwise a full-time faculty co-adviser is required.

Faculty advisers should handle at most ten projects at one time. Panel members may participate in
at most twenty projects in one semester.

CAPSTONE PROJECT PRESENTATION

A capstone project is a culminating activity that generates an output useful in the development of
Information Technology (IT) solutions. This may be but not limited to application development that
focuses on software engineering processes or application design that focuses on effective testing
procedure or a study on application development processes.

The capstone project should be pilot tested and the result of the research and development must
be presented in a national or international public form in the case of the master’s program. (Sec.
10.1.1 CMO # 7 s.2010)

A school-based colloquium may be organized for this purpose that would suffice to satisfy this
requirement of presentation. Other options could be presentation in the Philippine Society of
Information Technology Education (PSITE) Regional Congresses, the National Conference on IT
Education (NCITE) of PSITE, or the Philippine Computing Science Congress (PCSC) of the Computing
Society of the Philippines (CSP).

For the undergraduate program, the result is not required to be presented in a national forum but it
is highly encouraged.

Chapter 2
DISTRIBUTION, FORMAT AND STYLE

The purpose of this is to acquaint students with the guidelines for capstone project format
established by the University. The requirements described in this manual must be met in order to
receive the approval of the Office of the College Dean.

A. Number of Copies and Distribution of the Document

Copies of the approved capstone project shall be submitted to the Office of the College Dean in
the following forms: five (5) hard bound and four (4) CD-RW and a softbound copy.

Copies hall be distributed to the following:

• 1 HB – Student (optional for undergraduate students)
• 1 HB – Adviser (optional for undergraduate students)
• 1 HB & 1 CD-RW – College Dean’s Office
• 1 HB & 1 CD-RW – Graduate School Office/Library (not required for undergraduate
students)
• 1 HB & 2 CD-RW – College Library
• 1 SB – Research Unit of the College

All copies of the hard bound and softcopy in CD should be submitted not later than two (2) days
before the meeting of the College Academic Council. The approval sheet should be signed by
those concerned before acceptance of the Office of the College Dean. (See Appendix B,
Approval Sheet)

B. Paper, Ink and Duplication

1. The paper required must conform to the following requirements:
• Color: White
• Size: 8 ½ by 11 inches
• Substance 20 or higher gsm

2. Text, tables and figures must be presented in black ink only. Use line types symbols,
shading, and patterns to distinguish between data. If color is essential to the content, all
copies must contain original color presentations printed in the highest quality, permanent
ink, or presented as photographic prints.

3. Duplication Processes and Materials. All computer typing must be of letter quality. The
letters must be appearing fully formed and the font type must be legible and unambiguous.
Photocopying may be done on any good quality photocopy machine using paper meeting
the requirements of this manual.

C. Cover page and Spine

1. Text in the cover page should include: Title of the capstone project (in inverted pyramid),
Name of the proponent(s), Name of the University, and, month and year of graduation. (See
Appendix C)
 2. Contents of Spine should include the following: Name of the proponent(s) (Last, First and
Middle Initial), Title of the Project, Name of the university (DMMMSU) and Year of publication.
(See Appendix D)

D. Margins
For every page, the left margin should be four (4) centimeters or 1 ½ inches. Margins on
other sides shall be two and a half centimeters or one inch. Margin specifications are meant to
facilitate binding and trimming. All information including page numbers should be within the
text area. The margin regulations must be met on all pages used in the capstone project
document including pages with figures, tables, or illustrations.

E. Preparation of Manuscript
1. Text
a. Original signatures on the approval page must be in black ink. The document must be
signed by the Chairman of the OrEC, the members of the OrEC, the Adviser, the College
Dean, and the Campus Chancellor. For the undergraduate program, signatories would
only be up to the level of the College Dean.
b. Printing must be done in ink jet or laser printers.
c. The general text shall be encoded using any word processing software such as Microsoft
Word or OpenOffice Writer, in a standard serif font type. Acceptable serif type font style
is Bookman Old Style.
d. The general text shall be in a font size of 12 point. All symbols shall be from an
acceptable font. Text in figures and in tables must be readable, and the font size shall
not be smaller than 9 point.
e. Corrections: The following should be strictly observed.
• Strikeovers, interlineations or crossing-out of letters or words are unacceptable.
• No erasures.
• The use of liquid paper and of transparent tape for patching is not acceptable in
any form.
f. Materials must be printed on one side of the paper only.
g. Text is justified on both sides.

2. Spacing, Paragraphing and Indentions

a. The general text of the manuscript shall be double spaced.
b. Single-space should be used in tables with more than ten (10) rows, quotations with
more than ten (10), line captions with more than ten (10), line captions with more than
2 lines and bibliographic entries.
c. Paragraph indentions shall be five (5) spaces.

3. Page Numbering
a. The preliminary pages are numbered in consecutive lower case Roman numerals.
These should be centered at the bottom.
b. The text and all reference pages, including the Appendices, are numbered
consecutively in Arabic numbers, beginning with 1 on the first page of the text.
c. Every page on which any typing or drawing appears has a number.
d. The title page segregating each chapter and major sections are counted but not
numbered.
e. Inserted pages numbered 10a, 10b, 10c, etc., are not acceptable.
f. The position of the page number is not altered by horizontal or vertical placement of
the Table or Figure.

4. Multi-Volume Documents
a. If the bulk of the document necessitates two or more binders, the separation into
volumes should come at the end of major divisions of the document.
b. The title page is repeated in each volume and all are identical, except for the words
“Volume I” and “Volume II”, etc., just below the title.
c. The title pages of Volumes I, II, III, etc., are neither counted nor numbered.
d. All other preliminaries are in Volume I.
e. In numbering the text and the pages of Reference Material, numbering is continuous
from Volume I to the end of the last Volume.

F. Tables, Figures and Plates

1. Definitions
a. “Table” is a tool generally used to designate tabulated numerical data or text in the body
of the document and in the Appendices. (See Appendix E)
b. “Figure” is generally used to designate other non-verbal material (such as graph or
illustrations) included in the body of the document and in the Appendices. (See Appendix
F)
c. “Plate” refers to any kind of photographic representation or illustration. (See Appendix
G)

2. Preparation of Tables
 a. Every table should be given a number and should be cited in the text by that number,
either directly or parenthetically.
b. Numeration of tables should be chronologically continues through the text or the whole
book. Arabic numerals are used.
c. The table number should be typed flushed left together with the title.
d. The title or caption set above the body of the table should identify the table briefly.
e. Title of the table should be based on the specific problem or objective.
f. There should only be two rows or three rows, and one column within the table, double
line for the first and last lines. (see Appendix E)
g. Give each row and column a heading so the reader knows to what it refers.
h. A table may be placed sideways (landscape) on the page. Place the table caption
sideways also so that all parts can be conveniently read together.
i. The first letter of a variable/factor inside the table should be capitalized.
j. Legend should be placed below the table where the symbol or acronym was first used, in
ten (10) point font size, italicized and single-spaced.
k. Symbols should be used for level of significance.
l. A period is placed after the “Table No”.
m. All tables must be referred to in the text by number.

3. Preparation of Figures and Plates

a. Numeration of figures and plates should be chronologically continued throughout the
text or whole book. Arabic numerals are used.
b. Title or caption is set below the figure or plate.
c. Define abbreviations and symbols used in each figure or plate.
d. All figures and plates must be placed immediately after the page where a particular
figure or plate number is mentioned.
e. All figures and plates must be well explained in the text.
f. The word “figure” or “plate” should be spelled out.
g. A period follows after the number of the figure and plate.
h. Figures and plates should be oriented vertically whenever possible.
i. Photographic illustrations to be used in the document must wither original photographs
or high quality reproductions.

4. Placement
a. All tables, figures and plates are placed either at the top or bottom portion of the
page. Sandwiching the table, figure or plate is not allowed.
b. Tables, figures, and plates must first be introduced in textual form before its
presentation.

G. Oversize Pages
1. Sheets up to 8.5 by 13 inches or larger are acceptable for exceptional cases.

H. Binding
1. Five (5) hard bound copies are required for submission.
2. The color of the hard bound cover of the capstone project document for the bachelor’s
program is royal blue while grass green for the master’s program.
3. All letters in the cover shall be in gold, font 14 using Bookman Old Style, and all capital
letters.

Chapter 3
ARRANGEMENT OF CONTENTS

Below is the list of parts, optional and necessary, that must be followed. It is already arranged in
chronological order for easy reference.

A. Preliminaries
1. Blank Sheet. This serves as the flyleaf.

2. Title Page. This page contains the title of the research, name of proponents and statement
regarding the qualification for which the research is submitted. It also contains the name of
the institution, to which the research is being submitted, and the month and year of
submission.

3. Approval Sheet. This page bears the name of the proponents/s and the title of the
research, together with the signature of the adviser, the Director and members of the oral
defense panel. This page certifies that the research has been duly approved, and must bear
the date of approval. (See Appendix B)

4. Acknowledgement. This section recognizes persons and organizations who/which assisted

the proponents in the completion of the research. Acknowledgements should be expressed
simply an tactfully.
 5. Dedication Page. This page is optional. If used, make it brief and centered in one page. No
heading is necessary.

6. Abstract. This is a brief and concise descriptive summary of study containing the statement
of the problem, methodology, major findings and conclusions.

The first paragraph must be single-spaced. It must contain the candidate’s name as it
appears on the title page, but with the last name first, the abbreviation of the degree, the
date (last month of the semester in which the student completes the degree), title of the
document (wording exactly to agree with the Title page), and name of the adviser. (See
Appendix H)

The abstract should not be more than 150 words, and should be typed single-spaced and
preferably on a single page. Normally the abstract does not include any reference to the
literature.

7. Table of Contents. A sequential listing of all major parts of the research with
corresponding page numbers. Included in the table of contents are titles of chapters,
sections and subsections, bibliography and appendices. Also included are titles of the
preliminary pages as well as the required forms.

All materials following the Table of contents are listed.

The title of parts, sections, or chapters and their principal subdivisions should be listed and
must be worded exactly as they appear in the body of the document.

8. List of Tables/Figures/Plates
The heading LIST OF TABLES, FIGURES and PLATES in capital letters, are centered without
punctuation; the listing begins at the left margin on the fourth line below the heading.

The list of Tables/Figures/Plates uses exactly the same numbers and title of the
Tables/Figures/Plates in the text and in the Appendices.

B. Main Body
This is the main text of the capstone project document, divided into chapters and sub-topics. It
normally starts with the “Introduction” and ends with the “Summary, Conclusions and
Recommendations”.

1. Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
a. 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.
b. The introductory pages are important because they create the first and perhaps lasting
impression on the examiner. Use flow diagrams, headings, sub-headings etc., to create
and sustain interest. Lead the reader from the known to the unknown. Parts of the
introduction re the following:
i. Situation Analysis
• Situation Analysis should be presented from macro to micro underscoring
existing scenario or situation.
• It includes information necessary to justify the existence of a problem
situation/need/gap like statistical data from authoritative source(s).
• There should be a clinching statement to link the situation analysis to
project problem.

ii. Project Framework

• It is advisable to use either theoretical or conceptual framework. If both
theories and concepts are used, then the title Theoretical Framework
should be adopted since theory always includes constructs or concepts.
• Theoretical Framework
• Link the study with existing theories that are useful devise for
interpreting, criticizing and unifying established scientific laws or
facts that serve as guide in discovering new generalizations.
• Be explicit as to whether an existing theory will be verified or
another theory will be developed or proposed;
• Always indicate the title/name of the theory/theories including its
author, what the theory is all about and indicate applicability to the
study
• This part is optional for biological/physical sciences, technology,
agriculture and forestry because this is presented as part of the
Review of Literature.

• Conceptual Framework
 • Present specific and well-defined constructs, assumptions,
expectations and beliefs that support the research study.

• Project Paradigm
• A diagram that illustrates the relationship of the variables of the
study
• This may take the form of (1) input-process-output; (2) the true
system approach; (3) flow chart system

iii. Statement of Objectives

• Present a perplexing situation/phenomenon that challenges a solution of a
felt need which can reflect contribution to knowledge, discipline and/or
theory and within the proponent’s skills and competence, interest and
resources as to time, budget and workability.
• Indicate the direction/guideline of the study and answer the what, where,
when and from whom the data will be gathered in the general problem to
establish delimitation.
• Present the sub-objectives in a logical sequence from factual to analytical
along mutually exclusive dimensions (no overlaps) with the exclusion of
the overview, expected conclusions, implications and recommendations of
the project.

iv. Importance of the Study

• Describe general contribution of the project to new knowledge, society and
or to development in general.
• Cite significance of the project to specific groups, programs, projects,
beneficiaries in the specific performance.

v. Definition of Terms
• Only important terms from the title, statement of the problem or
objectives and paradigm should be defined.
• Define terms operationally or how you use such term in the project.

2. Chapter 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The Review of Literature showcases previous studies and publications relevant to the
project. This chapter gives light as to what motivated the proponent/s in pursuing the
specific field of study.

a. Include a combination of literature and studies within the last 10 years except for
theories.
b. Organize thematically to conform to the variables of the specific problems.
c. Follow proper documentation using parenthetical citation with author and date
d. Only articles with dates are allowed as e-references.
e. Secondary sources should be limited to at most 15.
f. Highlight major findings and how one’s project would fit in the body of knowledge on the
subject matter and make a critique per topic as to whether the results cohere or differ
from each other.
g. The last part should be a clinching paragraph to show how the literature has assisted the
project proponent in the present study.

3. Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY
a. Project Design. Specify, describe and justify the appropriate project design congruent
with the purpose of the study.
b. Population and Locale of the Study
b.1 Population/Participants.
• Describe the population of the respondents or participants of the
study. If there are two groups or more, present it in a tabular form.
• If applicable, describe the basis of the sample specifically what
formula, specific sampling procedure and what probability level. Lynch
formula for sampling is suggested.

b.2 Locale of the Study.

• Describe the place or location where the study is conducted and rationale of
the choice.

c. Data Instrumentation
c.1 Identify and describe the instrument or approach to used for each descriptive
problem, cite sources, to whom it will be administered, how it will be administered
and how to interpret.
c.2 Validity. Identify and describe the process of measuring and proving the validity
of the instrument.
 c.3 Reliability. Identify and describe the process of measuring and proving the
reliability of the instrument. If the instrument is made by the project proponent, a
pilot test should be done with the respondents whose characteristics are parallel
to those of the main respondents. If the instrument is adopted, acknowledge the
source and present/describe the level of reliability.
c.4 Only data collected two (2) years immediately before the final examination are
considered valid.
c.5 Give details of instruction given to assistants if persons other than the researcher
gathered data.
c.6 State qualifications of informants if used in the study.

d. Data Analysis
d.1 Identify and justify the statistical treatment per objective.
d.2 Present and justify the scale of values used and the descriptive equivalent
ratings, if any.
d.3 In case of the IT project, e.g. software/systems development, present and discuss
the software/systems development process used. Include justification why such is
used.

4. Chapter 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

a. Order of discussion is based on the chronology of the statement of the
problem/objectives.
b. First give the reader a feel of the data through descriptive presentation followed by data
presentation in tables or graphs. Presentation of data is from general to specific, macro
to micro is better for clarity of presentation.
c. Let the table speak for itself.
d. State statistical descriptions in declarative sentences, e.g. in studies involving
comparison – state the obtained statistical results, indicate the level of significance of
the differences then make a decision.
e. Interpretation should include the following:
a. Trends, patterns, linkages, integrations and generalizations of data in the context
of the study;
b. Check for indicators whether the hypothesis is supported by the findings;
c. Interconnections between and among data;
d. Link present findings with previous literature/theories/concepts presented in the
framework;
e. Parallel observation with contemporary events to give credence to what were
presented in the situation analysis;
f. Implications of the findings to prevailing condition in one’s own field of
specialization, on-going programs, current thrusts of the government, existing
national policies and current public attitudes and opinions.
f. For the presentation of the IT project and its discussions, the following may be used:
a. In the case of an IS Plan, the IS Plan may follow any of the established
frameworks, such as that of the National Computer Center.
b. For software systems development, discussion shall include but not limited to:
• Description of the Project
• Requirements (Functional and Non-functional)
• Design of Software, Systems, Product, and/or Processes encapsulated
using any appropriate CASE tools
• Development and Testing, where applicable
• Implementation Plan (Infrastructure/Deployment) where needed
• Implementation Results, where applicable

5. Chapter 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This is the last chapter of the capstone project manuscript and the most important part
because it is here where the findings, and the whole project for that matter, are
summarized; generalizations in the form of conclusions are made; and the recommendations
for the solution of problems discovered in the study are addressed.

a. Summary. This part includes the statement of the problem/objectives on a paragraph

form; synthesized methodology and salient findings for each of the specific
problems/objectives presented in paragraph form.
b. Conclusions. These are generalized statements from a micro to a macro level based
on the answers to the general problem and each of the specific problems/objectives.
General inferences are presented which are applicable to a wider and similar
population.
c. Recommendations. These should be based on the findings and conclusions.
Recommendations should be feasible, workable, flexible and adaptable in a non-
technical language and may include suggestions for further studies.

C. Reference Materials
Bibliography
This is a list of works cited, as well as works consulted but not cited in the construction of
the capstone project.

Categorize references as published and unpublished. Under published materials are

references from and sub-categorized as books, encyclopedia, dictionary, magazines,
newspapers, journals, electronic downloads and under unpublished materials are thesis and
dissertations.

The list of references is numbered and arranged alphabetically and single-spaced, but
separated by blank line. Type the first line of an entry from the left but indent the
succeeding lines by four letters. Underline name of books, periodicals, and volume numbers.

Books
Format:
Author's last name, first initial. (Publication date). Book title. Additional information. City of
publication: Publishing company.

Examples:
Allen, T. (1974). Vanishing wildlife of North America. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic
Society.

Boorstin, D. (1992). The creators: A history of the heroes of the imagination. New York:
Random House.

Nicol, A. M., & Pexman, P. M. (1999). Presenting your findings: A practical guide for creating
tables. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Searles, B., & Last, M. (1979). A reader's guide to science fiction. New York: Facts on File,
Inc.

Toomer, J. (1988). Cane. Ed. Darwin T. Turner. New York: Norton.

Note: If there are more than three (3) authors cite the first three authors in your
references/bibliography, but use “et.al.”, which means “and others” after the name of the
third author. In your citations within the text, you may cite only the first author followed by
et al. (not italicized and with a period after “al”)

Encyclopedia & Dictionary

Format:
Author's last name, first initial. (Date). Title of Article. Title of Encyclopedia (Volume, pages).
City of publication: Publishing company.

Examples:
Bergmann, P. G. (1993). Relativity. In The new encyclopedia britannica (Vol. 26, pp. 501-
508). Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica.

Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.). (1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-

Webster.

Pettingill, O. S., Jr. (1980). Falcon and Falconry. World book encyclopedia. (pp. 150-155).
Chicago: World Book.

Tobias, R. (1991). Thurber, James. Encyclopedia americana. (p. 600). New York: Scholastic
Library Publishing.

Magazine & Newspaper Articles

Format:
Author's last name, first initial. (Publication date). Article title. Periodical title, volume
number(issue number if available), inclusive pages.

Note: Do not enclose the title in quotation marks. Put a period after the title. If a periodical
includes a volume number, italicize it and then give the page range (in regular type) without
"pp." If the periodical does not use volume numbers, as in newspapers, use p. or pp. for
page numbers. Unlike other periodicals, p. or pp. precedes page numbers for a newspaper
reference in APA style.

Examples:
Harlow, H. F. (1983). Fundamentals for preparing psychology journal articles. Journal of
Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 55, 893-896.

Henry, W. A., III. (1990, April 9). Making the grade in today's schools. Time, 135, 28-31.
 Kalette, D. (1986, July 21). California town counts town to big quake. USA Today, 9, p. A1.

Kanfer, S. (1986, July 21). Heard any good books lately? Time, 113, 71-72.

Trillin, C. (1993, February 15). Culture shopping. New Yorker, pp. 48-51.

Website or Webpage
Format:
Online periodical:
Author's name. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume number,
Retrieved month day, year, from full URL
Online document:
Author's name. (Date of publication). Title of work. Retrieved month day, year, from full URL

Note: When citing Internet sources, refer to the specific website document. If a document is
undated, use "n.d." (for no date) immediately after the document title. Break a lengthy URL
that goes to another line after a slash or before a period. Continually check your references
to online documents. There is no period following a URL. If you cannot find some of this
information, cite what is available.

Examples:
Devitt, T. (2001, August 2). Lightning injures four at music festival. The Why? Files.
Retrieved January 23, 2002, from http://whyfiles.org/137lightning/index.html

Dove, R. (1998). Lady freedom among us. The Electronic Text Center. Retrieved June 19,
1998, from Alderman Library, University of Virginia website:
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/subjects/afam.html

Note: If a document is contained within a large and complex website (such as that for a
university or a government agency), identify the host organization and the relevant program
or department before giving the URL for the document itself. Precede the URL with a colon.

Fredrickson, B. L. (2000, March 7). Cultivating positive emotions to optimize health and well-
being. Prevention & Treatment, 3, Article 0001a. Retrieved November 20, 2000, from
http://journals.apa.org/prevention/volume3/pre0030001a.html

GVU's 8th WWW user survey. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2000, from
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/gvu/usersurveys/survey1997-10/

Health Canada. (2002, February). The safety of genetically modified food crops. Retrieved
March 22, 2005, from http://www.hc-
sc.gc.ca/english/protection/biologics_genetics/gen_mod_foods/genmodebk.html

Hilts, P. J. (1999, February 16). In forecasting their emotions, most people flunk out. New
York Times. Retrieved November 21, 2000, from http://www.nytimes.com

D. Appendices
An appendix or appendices, if any, should be after the References. Appendices include original
data, preliminary tests, tabulations, questionnaires, tables that contain data of lesser
importance, very lengthy quotations, forms and documents, computer printouts and other
pertinent documents such as transcript of interview (if interview was used) among others.
Appendices should be arranged chronologically as they are sited in the main text. Use capital
letters of the English alphabet to track appendices.

A single appendix is labeled “APPENDIX” on the contents page, with or without a title. (if using a
title, it should be written as “APPENDIX: TITLE”) The first page of the appendix itself is labeled
by the word “APPENDIX” (centered) and a title capitalized and centered after a skip line. Several
appendices are labeled “APPENDICES” on the contents page, with subsequent lines each
containing n indented alphabetic identifier and title such as “A: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE”; other
lines (labeled B, C etc.) follow as needed. The appendices proper are then each labeled as
“APPENDIX A” (centered) followed after a skip line by the title centered and capitalized.
Appendix pages should be numbered as continuation of the text.

Chapter 4
RULES GOVERNING ORAL EXAMINATION

A. Perspective
1. The capstone project is a terminal project requirement both in the undergraduate
and graduate programs that would not only demonstrate a student’s comprehensive
knowledge of the area of study but also allow them to apply the concepts and methods to a
specific problem in his/her area of specialization.
 2. The oral examination of a capstone project is a new and unique event for students. It
is usually the first time a major piece of work by the student(s) will be examined.
3. The oral examination is geared towards the improvement of the capstone project.

B. Preparing for the Examination

1. The examination of the capstone project is done orally before members of the OrEC.
It is a two-stage examination. The first stage is the proposal examination and the second
being the final examination of the capstone project.
2. To be ready for oral examination (proposal and final), the capstone project must be in
final form, complete and fully formatted. An incomplete and improperly formatted will not be
allowed for examination. It is the duty of the adviser to check whether or not the capstone
project is ready for oral examination.
3. When the project proponent(s) and the adviser agree that the capstone project is
ready for oral examination, a tentative date for the examination may be set on the mutual
consent of all involved. No date shall be approved without the conforme of the OrEC
members.
4. The project proponent(s) shall secure an application for examination and approval of
such by members of the OrEC and concerned authorities. In the case of the graduate
program, payment of the oral examination fee is required. No capstone project is allowed to
be orally examined (proposal and final) without the payment of the required fee.
5. The date of examination is announced publicly and the examination may be open to
the university community.
6. A copy of the capstone project manuscript should be provided to each OrEC member
at least five (5) working days prior to approved date of examination. For the final
examination, the capstone project manuscript copy should be complete as certified by the
adviser.

C. Examination Proper
1. The Department Chairman is responsible for bringing the signed and approved proposal as a
basis of the project problems/objectives.
2. Certification of statistician should be presented regarding the appropriateness of the data
analysis and its interpretation before the final examination is calendared.
3. While the capstone project topic will be emphasized in the oral examination, other related
topics may be addressed. The examination may last for a minimum of one (1) hour to a
maximum to three (3) hours.
4. At the opening of the examination, the project proponent(s) will present a brief executive
summary of the capstone project. This itself may engender some questions and discussion.
The committee members may then by turn ask questions based on the content of the
capstone project or base on the on-going discussion. The questions will include matters of
detail, matters involving fundamental principles and major conclusions and logical structure.
5. It shall be the duty of the adviser to take note of the proceedings of the examination. This
includes the listing of suggestions and/or recommendations of the OrEC members for the
improvement of the study. This should be encapsulated in a compliance matrix in tabular
format containing the suggestion and/or recommendations, actions taken by the
proponent(s) and remark. It shall be the duty of the adviser to see to it that the compliance
matrix is prepared and contents therein are complied with.
6. After the oral examination, the student is requested to leave the room so that the
committee may discuss and make its decision. After this, the student is invited back into the
session to hear the decision. The project proponent(s) may be asked to one of the following:
a. Revise the capstone project, without a second defense.
b. Substantially rewrite the capstone project, and make a second defense.
NOTE: A student asked to revise the capstone project but not to defend it a second time,
will be considered to have passed the oral examination. A student asked to make a
second oral examination will be considered to have failed the first oral examination.

D. Post Final Oral Examination

1. After the oral examination, in cases when the OrEC decides that revisions on the capstone
project are necessary, it shall be the responsibility of the project proponent(s) and adviser
concerned to incorporate such revisions before it can be approved and accepted by the
OrEC members.
2. The adviser shall ensure the quality of the capstone project manuscript produced by the
project proponent(s) by seeing to it that herein guidelines are adhered to.
3. The compliance matrix will be presented to each OrEC member proving compliance to their
suggestions and/or recommendations before the approval of the project.
4. To qualify for graduation, the project proponent(s) shall submit five (5) hardbound and one
(1) softbound copy duly signed and four (4) soft copies of the capstone project in CD-RW for
official endorsement to the Academic Council (College, Campus and the University) and
finally confirmed by the Board of Regents as graduate of their respective degrees.

E. Criteria for Evaluating the Capstone Project

1. Capstone project as submitted/written during the oral examination (50%)
1.1. Mechanics (10%)
1.1.1. General Appearance
 1.1.2. Sentence Structure
1.1.3. Semantics/rhetoric
1.1.4. Referencing/appendices

1.2. Organization (10%)

1.2.1. Coherence/consistency
1.2.2. Clarity
1.2.3. Emphasis
1.2.4. Unity of Structure
1.2.5. Logical presentation

1.3. Quality of Capstone Project (20%)

1.3.1. Originality
1.3.2. Appropriateness of the use of presentation materials
1.3.3. Relevance of the project to national and regional development
1.3.4. Appropriateness of statistical treatment
1.3.5. Soundness and depth of the interpretation of findings
1.3.6. Relevance of conclusions and recommendations
1.3.7. Objectivity of presentation

1.4. Contribution to Science and Technology (10%)

2. Capstone project as presented/defended during the oral examination (50%)

2.1. Mastery of the content of the project
2.2. Knowledge of the problem and allied field
2.3. Clarity and comprehensiveness of the presentation of the capstone project report
2.4. Ability to orally communicate ideas well and comprehend and respond well to
questions
2.5. Ability to keep discussion on the main issues
2.6. Ability to demonstrate a professional attitude towards suggestions and revisions

Chapter 5
WRITING CONVENTION AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The craft of writing good English.

Writing good English is a craft. It has to be learned by careful reading and even more careful
writing. It helps to read books devoted to the subject, but it helps even more to read examples of
good writing.

Read what you have written, slowly and carefully. If you find yourself backtracking for any reason,
revise what you have written. This may be because of bad sentence structure, poor punctuation,
excessive sentence length, poorly expressed ideas, or an unfortunate choice of words. Whatever
the cause, take the trouble to revise it. If you yourself stumble on your own writing, your reader is
bound to stumble too. The least courtesy you can do to your reader is to revise your writing.

Verbs are words of actions. They infuse life and meaning to your writing. A long catalogue of nouns
is lifeless; throw in a verb to add some sparkle!

Ambiguity has its place. Scientific writing, however, must be unambiguous. It must communicate
clearly, precisely and briefly. Say what was done; how it was done; why it was done.

Precision distinguishes science as a field of intellectual endeavor. It is vital in quantitative work.

Precision allows your work to be repeated by others for verification and extension. Vagueness hides
in expression like “quite small”, “a considerable length”, etc.

Each of us is faced with more information than we can cope, let alone digest. The reader of your
manuscript is no exception. As a courtesy to your reader, be brief. Repetition frustrates the able
reader. However, brevity must not be at the expense of clarity or precision. Avoid saying the same
thing twice except by choice.

Good punctuations make reading easily. The simplest way to find out where to punctuate is to read
aloud what you have written. Each time you pause, you should add a punctuation symbol. There
are four major pause symbols: comma, semi colon, colon and period. The readability of your writing
will improve greatly if you take the trouble to learn the basic rules of punctuation.

Numbers
Spell out numbers less than ten unless they are attached to units of measurements (e.g. 5kg,
10ml). Use figure for numbers equal to or more than 10. If a sentence begins with a number, write
the number is words even if it is more than 10.

If a series of figures is to be used, use numerals regardless of the value; example:

-In the room were 4 chairs, 12 boxes, 13 books, 10 files 9 umbrellas and 8 pairs of shoes.

Units of measure
Whenever applicable use the SI unit of measurement. Always used internationally recognized
abbreviations for unit of measures, and do not place a period after them.

Direct Quotations
Direct quotations must be copied accurately, word for word, and they must be placed in quotation
marks unless they have been formally set off from the rest of the text.

Direct quotations must be minimized at all costs. Extensive use of direct quotations might be
irritating to the reader. Students should learn to synthesize and paraphrase concepts in their own
words and style.

Citation
References must be cited properly, both in the text as well as in the reference list at the end of the
thesis.

Grammatical Tenses
As a rule of thumb, use the present tense when referring to previously published work and the past
tense when referring to present results of the study.

Most of the abstract should be in the past tense because present results are being described. On
the other hand, chapter 1 should be in the present tense because this chapter usually refers to
previously published works.

Some Simple ABCs for Effective Writing

a. One main idea per paragraph and watch sentence length.
b. Use “active” not “passive” sentences when possible.
c. Don’t make nouns out of strong verbs.
d. Be concise. Never use three words where one will do.
e. Avoid complex, compound sentences.
f. Use punctuation skillfully.
g. Avoid repeating words or sections unless you need to loop back to clarify what you are
talking about.
h. Match subject and verb: both singular or both plural.
i. Speak words aloud to improve your writing. If you find it hard to put your thoughts into
words, try explaining that difficult idea is someone who does not understand it before writing.