Practical Guide for

Capstone Project Writing

for BSIT DCSA-CoECS
Students

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 THE WRITING PROCESS

Style
As a scholarly publication, a capstone project must cohere in clarity, tone,
and English usage with the standards of professional publication in a
researcher’s discipline, outlined in professional guidelines and represented, for
example, by its principal journals or presses.

The researcher is advised to refer to any standard grammar and

punctuation handbook and use any standard dictionary. The American Heritage
Dictionary, Webster’s Third New International, or the Random House Dictionary
are recommended. The most recent non-abridged editions include scientific and
technical term, but should be supplemented by glossaries of specialized terms
published by governing bodies in many disciplines. If the groceries have not been
developed for the researcher’s discipline, the spelling of the terms can be
checked against published books or journals in the field.

Note: For PSAU (CoECS-DCSA) Capstone Project, the APA Style should be
employed. APA Format–6th Edition
OVERVIEW–The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely
accepted in the social sciences and other fields, such as education, business,
and nursing. The APA citation format requires parenthetical citations within the
text rather than endnotes or footnotes. Citations in the text provide brief
information, usually the name of the author and the date of publication, to lead
the reader to the source of information in the reference list at the end of the
paper.

NOTE: Although the examples in this guide are shown in single space, APA style
requires double spacing throughout (e.g. text, references, etc.)

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APA RULES FOR THE REFERENCES PAGE – The following sections show
some of the more commonly used APA citation rules.

Mechanics based on APA Style

A. Paper

o Use white book paper, 8 ½” X 11” size, substance 20

B. Margins

o Left -1 and ½
o Right -1 inch
o Top -1 inch
o Bottom-1 inch

C. Typeface
o Use Arial font and 12-point size throughout the manuscript.

D. Spacing
o The acknowledgements, the text, between chapter number and chapter
title should be double spaced for emphasis. Distance between main
heading and sub-headings, before and sub-heading, and before tables
should be triple space. The abstract text is single space.

E. Pagination
o A number must appear on every page except the title page and pages
with half titles such as sometimes use for appendices. The page number
appears on the top right hand corner.
E.1 The Preliminaries
o Use lowercase Roman numerals
o The title is the first number page (Roman numeral “i”). However, the
number “i” does not appear on the title page. The page following
the title page is the first page that has a number (Roman numeral
“ii”)
o Place the number at the upper right hand corner, one half inch
below the top edge of the paper.
E.2 Text, Illustrations, Appendices and Bibliography
o Use Arabic numerals
o Number each page consecutively throughout the text, appendices
and bibliography
o Begin the first page of the text with 1
o Page number should not appear on pages bearing chapter titles
o Number all other pages at the upper right hand corner, one half
inch below the top edge of the paper.

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 o The last digit of the page number should be even with the right
margin
o Begin the text two spaces below the page number
F. Subdivisions
o Only chapters begin on new page. Within a chapter, the presentation of
subsection should be continuous; partially filled pages of text are
acceptable. Print the text so that each page is filled from the top margin to
the bottom, adjusting the latter when necessary to avoid “windows” and
“orphans”. (A “window” is the first line of a new paragraph at the bottom of
the page; an “orphan” is the last line of the paragraph at the top of the
page).(http://und.nodak.edu)

G. Tables

o Each table should be placed as close to the text as possible

o Table numbers and titles must appear at the top of the table.
o Use the bock-style format wherein the caption start flush with the left
margin of the table.
o Number tables consecutively with Arabic91,2, 3, etc.) numerals
o The word “Table” should precede the table number
o Double lines spaced very close for the very first and last lines of all tables.
o Oversize table may be reduced in size using a smaller font size.
o Tables that are too long to accommodate in one page should be continued
on the next page but do not repeat the title. Just place “Table #
continuation at the top of each succeeding page until the table is
completed.
o Very wide table may be placed horizontally(landscape). The top of the
table should place in the left side(binding side) of the page with the title
appearing along the left margin. The page number must be placed in the
usual position
o Place footnote double-space below the last line of the table and indent five
spaces from the left margin of the table.
o Each table must appear in the “List of Tables” with the exact title as in the
text.

H. Figures
o Figures should appear as near as possible to the part of the text relating to
them.
o Each must have a number and title
o The number and title should be placed four spaces number.
o The word “Figure” should be precede the figure number.
o If a footnote is needed, double space below the caption and insert the
note.
o All figures should appear in the “List of Figures” with the exact title as in
the text.

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BASIC APA CITATION

OVERVIEW–The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely

accepted in the social sciences and other fields, such as education, business,
and nursing. The APA citation format requires parenthetical citations within the
text rather than endnotes or footnotes. Citations in the text provide brief
information, usually the name of the author and the date of publication, to lead
the reader to the source of information in the reference list at the end of the
paper.

NOTE: Although the examples in this guide are shown in single space, APAstyle
requires double spacing throughout (e.g. text, references, etc.)
Journals, Magazines, Newspapers In Print Format

General Form

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article.

Title of Journal, xx, xxx-xxx.

NOTE: The journal title and the volume number are in italics. Issue numbers are
not required if the journal is continuously paged. If paged individually, the issue
number is required and is in regular type in parentheses adjacent to the volume
number.
One Author

Williams, J. H. (2008). Employee engagement: Improving participation insafety.

Professional Safety, 53(12), 40-45.

Two to Seven Authors [List all authors]

Keller, T. E., Cusick, G. R., & Courtney, M. E. (2007). Approaching the transition
to adulthood: Distinctive profiles of adolescents agingout of the child
welfare system. Social Services Review, 81, 453-484.

Eight or More Authors [List the first six authors, … and the last author]

Wolchik, S. A., West, S. G., Sandler, I. N., Tein, J.-Y., Coatsworth, D.,Lengua,
L.,...Griffin, W. A. (2000). An experimental evaluation oftheory-based
mother and mother-child programs for children ofdivorce. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 843-856.

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Magazine Article

Mathews, J., Berrett, D., &Brillman, D. (2005, May 16). Other winningequations.
Newsweek, 145(20), 58-59.
Newspaper Article with No Author and Discontinuous Pages

Generic Prozac debuts. (2001, August 3). The Washington Post, pp. E1, E4.

Books, Chapters in Books, Reports, etc.

General Form

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Location: Publisher.

One Author

Alexie, S. (1992). The business of fancydancing: Stories and poems.Brooklyn,

NY: Hang Loose Press.

Corporate Author with an Edition and Published by the Corporate Author

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of

mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Anonymous Author

Dorland’s illustrated medical dictionary (31st ed.). (2007). Philadelphia,PA:

Saunders.

Chapter in a Book

Booth-LaForce, C., & Kerns, K. A. (2009). Child-parent attachmentrelationships,

peer relationships, and peer-group functioning. InK. H. Rubin, W. M.
Bukowski, & B. Laursen (Eds.), Handbook of peerinteractions,
relationships, and groups (pp. 490-507). New York,NY: Guilford Press.

ERIC Document

Shyyan, V., Thurlow, M., & Liu, K. (2005). Student perceptions ofinstructional
strategies: Voices of English language learners withdisabilities.
Minneapolis, MN: National Center on EducationalOutcomes, University of
Minnesota. Retrieved from the ERICdatabase.(ED495903)

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ONLINE JOURNALS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS
General Format - Databases

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Name of
Journal, xx, xxx-xxx. doi:xxxxxxxxxx

Article Retrieved from an Online Database

NOTE: Use the article’s DOI (Digital Object Identifier), the unique code given by
the publisher to a specific article.

Senior, B., & Swailes, S. (2007). Inside management teams: Developing a team
work survey instrument. British Journal of Management, 18, 138-153.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8551.2006.00507.x

NOTE: Use the journal’s home page URL (or web address) if there is no DOI.
This may require a web search to locate the journal’s home page. There is no
period at the end of web address. Break a long URL before the punctuation.

Koo, D. J., Chitwoode, D. D., & Sanchez, J. (2008). Violent victimization and the
routine activities/lifestyle of active drug users. Journal of Drug Issues, 38,
1105-1137. Retrieved from http://www2.criminology.fsu.edu/~jdi/
Article from an Online Magazine

Lodewijkx, H. F. M. (2001, May 23). Individual-group continuity in cooperation

and competition under varying communication conditions. Current Issues
in Social Psychology, 6(12), 166-182. Retrieved from
http://www.uiowa.edu/~grpproc/crisp/crisp.6.12.htm

Other Online Resources

General Form

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Retrieved from web address

Online Report from a Nongovernmental Organization

Kenney, G. M., Cook, A., & Pelletier, J. (2009). Prospects for reducing uninsured
rates among children: How much can premium assistance programs help?
Retrieved from Urban Institute website: http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?
ID=411823

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Online Report with No Author Identified and No Date

GVU's 10th WWW user survey. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.cc.gatech.edu/user_surveys/survey-1998-10/
Web Sites in Parenthetical Citations: To cite an entire Web site (but not a specific
documentwithin the site), it is sufficient to give the URL of the site in the text. No
entry in the reference listis needed. Example:

Kidpsych is an excellent website for young children

(http://www.kidpsych.org).

REFERENCE CITATIONS IN TEXT– APA utilizes a system of brief referencing

in the text of apaper, whether one is paraphrasing or providing a direct quotation
from another author’s work.Citations in the text usually consist of the name of the
author(s) and the year of publication. The page number is added when utilizing a
direct quotation.

Indirect Quotation with Parenthetical Citation

Libraries historically highly value intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality

(LaRue, 2007).
Indirect Quotation with Author as Part of the Narrative

LaRue (2007) identified intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality as two key
values held historically by libraries.

Direct Quotation with Parenthetical Citation

Darwin used the metaphor of the tree of life "to express the other form of
interconnectedness–genealogical rather than ecological"(Gould & Brown, 1991,
p. 14).

Direct Quotation with Author as Part of the Narrative

Gould and Brown (1991) explained that Darwin used the metaphor of the tree of
life "to express the other form of interconnectedness–genealogical rather than
ecological”(p. 14).

CITING SECONDARY SOURCES -- When citing in the text a work discussed in

a secondary source, give both the primary and the secondary sources. In the
example below, the study by Seidenberg and McClelland was mentioned in an
article by Coltheart, Curtis, Atkins, & Haller.

Seidenberg and McClelland’s study (as cited in Coltheart, Curtis,Atkins, & Haller,
1993) provided a glimpse into the world

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In the references page, you would cite the secondary source you read not the
original study.

Coltheart, M., Curtis, B., Atkins, P., & Haller, M. (1993). Models of reading aloud:
Dual-route and parallel-distributed processing approaches. Psychological
Review, 100, 589-608.

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Capstone Project Content

Title Page
Approval Page
Certifications
Acknowledgment Page
Dedication (Optional)
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
o Introduction
o Project Context
o Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
o Significance of the project
o Purpose and Description
o Statement of the Objectives
o Scope and Limitations of the Project
o Definition of terms
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE/SYSTEMS
o Local Literature
o Foreign Literature
o Local Studies
o Foreign Studies
o Relationship of the Present Study with the Previous Studies
III. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
o Design Specification
o Concepts and Technology Used
 Software
 Front-end
 Back-end
 Platform
 Third party apps
 Hardware Requirements
o Network/Internet Design
o System Architectural Design
o Features & Functions
o Project Management
o Gantt Chart
o PERT/CPM Diagram

IV. METHODOLOGY, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

o Research Design

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 o Research Instruments
o Statistical Procedure
o Requirements Analysis & Documentation
o The Requirements Model
 Use case Diagram
 Use Case Specifications
o The Analysis Model
 Data Flow Diagram
 System Flow Chart
 Entity Relationship Diagram
o implementation Plan (Infrastructure/Deployment)
o Design of Software, Systems, Product, and/or Processes
o Data interpretation and discussion
V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions and Implications
Recommendations

References/Support Materials
Bibliography
Books
Periodicals
Reference Works
Public Documents
Unpublished Materials
Internet Sources
Others
Appendices
Relevant Source Code
Questionnaires, Tabulated Data
Users Guide
One-Page Curriculum Vitae per team member

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 Section 4

STYLE AND FORMAT FOR EACH COMPONENT

The text of the capstone project must be divided into chapters that logically and
effectively order argument, concepts, information, and evidence.

THE PRELIMINARY PAGES

Title Page

1. Long title should be avoided. The phrases “A study on… or Comparative

Study…” may not be necessary to include in the title because the
Capstone Project are already studies be themselves. However, titles
should not too short that the important words are missed. The title should
describe the problem in specific, clear and concise terms.

Modern retrieval systems use the words in the title to locate one’s work
and thus make it available to other scholars. Select a title that is brief, but
descriptive and specific. Generally using the word like “An Investigation
into” or “A Study of” is not recommended.(http://www.und.nodak.edu).

2. A two- or three-line title should be arranged in inverted pyramid form. The

first line should be 3.5 cm from the top edge of the paper.

3. Titles should be in full capitals.(uppercase format).

4. The statement of submission with the inscription “A CAPSTONE

PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF INTITUTE OF
ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER STUDIES - DEPARTMENT OF
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PAMPANGA
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MAGALANG, PAMPANGA IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
“follows.

5. The degree with the field of specialization to be granted to the author

follows 2cm from the statement of submission.

6. The last entry is the name of the author and date of graduation (month
and year) placed 3.5 cm from the bottom edge of the paper.

7. No page number should appear on this page. However, it carries the

implied Roman number “i”.

8. Follow the sample format shown below.

9.

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 AN EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SOFTWARE SECURITY
VULNERABILITIES THAT EXIST WITHIN THE JAVA
SOFTWARE EXECUTION ENVIRONMENT

RICHARD D. SMITH
RANDY F. JONSON
PETER T. SIBUG

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAMPANGA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Magalang, Pampanga

July 2023

Sample Cover

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 Sample Rib Title

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3 cm

AN EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SOFTWARE SECURITY All Caps

VULNERABILITIES THAT EXIST WITHIN THE JAVA Inverted format
SOFTWARE EXECUTION ENVIRONMENT

A Capstone Project
Presented to the Faculty of the
Statement of
Department of Computer Studies and Automation Submission
College of Engineering and Computer Studies
Pampanga State Agricultural University
Magalang, Pampanga

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

RICHARD D. SMITH
RANDY F. JONSON
PETER T. SIBUG

July 2023
3 cm

Sample Title Page

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 APPROVAL SHEET

This Capstone Project entitle “ ALL CAPS BOLD “ prepared and submitted by
____________________________, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, is hereby recommended for
acceptance and approval.

_______________________
Adviser
_______________
Date Signed

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

_____________________ _____________________
Member Member
_______________________________
Date Signed Date Signed

__________________________
Chair
_______________
Date Signed

Approved and accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

_______________________ _______________________
Chairman Dean
________________________________
Date Signed Date Signed

Sample Approval Sheet

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Approval page

1. This page is with the centered heading “APPROVAL SHEET”.

2. It includes a statement of acceptance by the panel of examiners.
3. It also includes a statement of approval and acceptance by the dean of the
Institute of Engineering and Computer studies.
4. This page is numbered “ii” centered at the lower margin of the page
5. Follow the sample format shown below.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT PAGE

1. This page is with the centered heading “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT”.

2. This section contains the author’s statement expressing appreciation and

gratitude to those who have assigned in the preparation and
conceptualization of the thesis. Acknowledgement should be expressed
simply and tactually and must be written in a single page.

3. This page begins with the Roman numeral “iii”.

DEDICATION PAGE.

This page is optional. If used, make it brief and centered in one page. No
heading is necessary.

ABSTRACT

The abstract should include statement of objective or issue, a brief

description of research method and design, major findings and their significance,
and the conclusions. A reader should be able to decide from the abstract whether
to read the entire manuscript(Campbell, Ballou, and slade, 1990).

The abstract is a descriptive or informative summary or abridgment of

capstone project, thesis, or dissertation. It quickly gives the reader the essence
of the research. Although it is abridged, it should present method, result and
conclusions. Statement should be made about the population or the
participants( number, type, age, gender), the research design or apparatus. The
results and inferences drawn are the most important part of the abstract but
statistics need not be included(Sanchez, 1990).

A good abstract is short; reports the objective of the research; its extent or
scope; the methods used ( by reference if they are standard, or described briefly
if they are not); the main results, including newly observed facts; and the
principal conclusions and their significance (Montages, 1991).

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For the purpose of uniformity, the following should be observed:

1. This page is with heading “ABSTRACT” and centered.

2. The first paragraph should mention the statement of objective.
3. The second paragraph should discuss the research design to include the
research method, research instruments, and statistical treatment of data
4. The third paragraph should present the major findings or results.
5. The last paragraph should the give the principal conclusions and their
implications
6. Fallow the sample format shown below.
ABSTRACT

Smith, Richard D., Jonson, Randy F., Sibug, Peter T. Department of

Computer Studies and Automation - College of Engineering and Computer
Studies, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga. July
2012. “AN EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SOFTWARE SECURITY
VULNERABILITIES THAT EXIST WITHIN THE JAVA SOFTWARE
EXECUTION ENVIRONMENT”.
Adviser: Name of the Adviser

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Sample Format for Abstract

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. This page is with heading “TABLE OF CONTENTS”, centered, and type 6

cm from the edge of the paper.
2. No terminal punctuation needed.

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 3. Wording, capitalization, and punctuation of the titles and headings should
be type exactly the same as they appear in text.
4. Type the word “Page” flush with the right margin but the page number
should be centered below the word “Page”
5. All parts of the capstone project including the preliminaries should be
placed
6. Follow the sample format below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i
Approval Page ii
Certifications iii
Acknowledgment Page iv
Dedication (Optional) v
Abstract vi
Table of Contents vii
List of Tables viii
List of Figures ix

Chapter Page

I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 1
Project Context 3
Purpose and Description 6
Statement of the Objectives 7

Scope and Limitations of the Project 8

Definition of terms 8

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE/SYSTEMS

Local Literature 10
Foreign Literature 15
Local Studies 20
Foreign Studies 25
Relationship of the Present Study with the Previous Studies 26

III. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Design Specification 28
Concepts and Technology Used 28
Software 30
Hardware 35
Network/Internet Desing 36
System Architectural Design 37
Features & Functions 39
Project Management 42

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IV. METHODOLOGY, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Research Design 45
Requirements Analysis & Documentation 46
The Requirements Model 46
The Analysis Model 52
Implementation Plan 53
Design of Software, Systems, Product, and/or Processes 56
Data interpretation and discussion 60

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary 70
Conclusions and Implications 74
Recommendations 75

BIBLIOGRAPHY 79
APPENDICES 80
CURRICULUM VITAE 90
LIST OF TABLES

1. This page is with heading “LIST OF TABLES” and centered.

2. The word “Table No.” should be flush with the left margin and the word
“Page” flush with the right margin.
3. The table and the page numbers should be type centered.
4. If there are few tables, they can be combined with the list of figures under
the heading “LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES”.
5. Follow the sample show below.

LIST OF TABLES

Table no. Page

1 __________________________________ 91
2 __________________________________ 93
3 __________________________________ 94
4 __________________________________ 95
5 __________________________________ 97
6 __________________________________ 99
Sample List of Tables

LIST OF FIGURES

1. This page should have heading “LIST OF FIGURES” and centered.

2. The word “Figure No.” should be flush with the left margin and the word
“Page” flush with the right margin.

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 3. The figure and page numbers should be centered below the word “Figure
No.”.
4. If there are few figure, they can be combined with the list of tables under
the heading “LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES”.
LIST OF APPENDICES

1. This page should be with the heading “APPENDICES”.

2. The words “Appendix No.” should be typed flush with the left margin and
the word “Page” with the right margin.

BODY OF THE CAPSTONE PROJECT

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter sets the stage of the study. it present the rationale. It should
tell the reader why it is important to the study and what will be gained from it.
(www.und.nodak.edu).

Introduction

The goal of the introduction is simply enable the reader to determine if

study is relevant to the area of interest. The Introduction is typically 1-3 pages in
length. The introduction is a pragmatic argument for your study about an issue.
Speculation is not acceptable unless it is supported by specific evidence or a
published reference.

The first paragraph focuses on the long-term history of the topic. The succeeding
paragraphs present more recent research trends. Its also contains the
researcher’s firm stand on the need to bridge the gap between existing bodies of
knowledge and the prevailing situation. Discussion on locale (if there’s any and
its relation to the proposal is also method.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

This section consists of the theories or issues in which the study is embedded. It
is a structure that supports the fundamental principles of the study and it required
to give legitimate basis defining the area of research.

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

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  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

Significance Of the Project

 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.
Purpose and Description (About 2 Pages)

Purpose

Justify the study. Why is the present investigation significant? Explain how it
supports other studies, differs from previous studies, extends present knowledge
or examines new issues.

Description

A succinct description of what you propose to do and accomplish in your

Capstone Project, inclusive of the specific steps you will take, who you will talk to
and work with, resources you will need and acquire, and research, analysis
and/or project management methods you will employ.

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Statement of Objective

 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.

Scope and limitations of the Project

Scope are description of the restrictions that have been imposed on the study
that are beyond the researcher’s concern. Typically, limitations deal with
restrictions such as: 1) the voluntary nature of the subjects 2.) Inability to control
all of the variables which may influence the outcome 3.) limits imposed on the
study by participating organizations.

Limitations is the descriptions of the ways in which the author have restricted
the scope and focus of the study. If the imitation and delimitation are short, they
can be combined into a single section.

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Definition of Terms

 The definition of terms must be arranged in alphabetically. It must be also

stated if you used your definition of terms in technically or operationally.

 Only important terms from the title, statement of the problem or objectives
and paradigm should be defined.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This section presents the written works and studies that exhibits
importance and similarity with the proposed study. It also discusses the
capabilities and limitations of existing researches, theories and paradigms that
are related to the study. A brief introduction should preview the type of literature
that will be reviewed, identifying the main literature that made a great impact on
the study. This part must include primary research articles. Subsets of the
literature are organized under subheadings. Each subset is concluded with a
summary statement relating the section to your problem. At the end of the
chapter, a concluding paragraph summarizes the main findings that will lead to
the research questions.

Reviewing the literature is a continuous process. It begins before a research

problem is finalized and continues until the report is finished. The process
involves several steps: a) searching for existing literature and studies within the
area of study b) reviewing the selected materials c) developing a theoretical
framework based on the reviewed materials d) developing a conceptual
framework which becomes the basis of the study.
Formats for references, citations and quotations must be based from the
American Psychology Association (APA).

Chapter 3

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

This section discusses the theories and concepts to be used in the course of
designing or developing the project. Include only those concepts that you feel will
be needed.

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 Chapter 4

METHODOLOGY, RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This section identifies the methods and activities that will be perform in
order to accomplish the project or the specific objectives. It informs the reads
how the author proceeded with the study. It typically includes sections on the
sample of participants and how they were obtained, instrumentation used (e.g.
survey, questionnaire, etc.) step by step procedures in gathering and processing
data, design and statistical treatment of data. Activities in the system
methodology are also discusses which cover from problem identification
throughout the development and implementation of the project.
Research Design

This section is the schema that maps out the sources of data, the type of data to
be collected, how the data will be collected, and the methods to use in data
analysis. The research design introduces the treatment, data to be collected,
time table, and plans for statistical analysis of the results.

Locale of the study

This part should describe the place where the study was conducted in
terms of its geographical location and other characteristics.
Sample and Sampling Procedure

Describe the procedure in sampling in detail by stating the size of sample

to be used, from what population the sample will be drawn, how participants will
select, and what are the criteria for inclusion or exclusion of participants in the
sample.

Subjects/Respondents of the study

This part may describe the subjects or respondents in terms of their of

their age, gender, educational attainment, civil status or any relevant description
that qualify them as respondents.

Research Instruments
The instruments include tests, questionnaire’s, interviews, scales, etc. all
of these devices, including laboratory equipment and the apparatus used, should
be describe in details. The description should include the construction, tryout,
and the final adoption of the instrument used(Sanchez, 1998).

Data Collection

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 Emphasis in this section is on how to gather the needed data with the
used of particular instrument. For example, if a test is to be administered, will it
be given individually or group? Will it be written or Oral? What is the time
duration for the participants to finish the test? Ect.

 If the questionnaire is to be used, will it be administer personally by the

researchers, by somebody else or sent to the respondent by mail? Under
what conditions or situations are you going to administer the
questionnaire? Etc.
 If interview, will it be by face-to-face contact, by telephone or by any other
means? How will you approach the interviewee? Etc?

Statistical Treatment of data.

This section should include a detailed description of how the proposes to

arrange or interpret the data gathered so that the conclusions may be drawn from
them. Also include here is an explanation why such a mode of interpretation was
chosen. In this connection it must be borne in mind that some data can be
handled in statistical tables, graphs, descriptions and other forms suited to the
material in question (Sanchez, 1998).

Data Interpretation and discussion

In these section the analysis and interpretation of findings in relation to the
research questions(Statement of objective). Data or findings should be arranged
according to the sequence of research question.

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

In capstone project, thesis or dissertation, the summary present the

highlights of the study; a resume of the entire study. it usually begin with brief
account of the reasons why the study was undertaken, the objective, and the
place and date it was conducted. It also include a brief account of the
methodologies and price during the data gathered, and the statistical test used. A
bulk of this section presents the most significant findings of the study; presenting
main lu facts without explanation. No new materials should be introduced and its
contents must base entirely on the next of capstone project report(Gregorio,
2000).

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Conclusion

The conclusion is the most salient parts of the capstone project, thesis or
dissertation report. This contain succinct statements that is reality are the
significant findings the study has produced. The various findings are compressed
into statements that served as highlights of the study. Basically, conclusions
provide answers to the specific objectives. Conclusions are brief statements that
do not attempt to explain. They are specific, clear-cut and simply worded in order
to be able to transmit the “take home message the researchers would like to give
his reader(Gregorio, 2000).

Recommendation

Recommendations are statements found at the end of the report that

essentially suggest what to do with the findings obtained. They are usually
divided into two parts: the recommendations for the utilization of the research
findings, and those intended for future research. The first suggests way by witch
the findings find application; that is, who should make use of the results, and
where and how they should be utilized. The second is to recommend pertinent
studies to shed more lights on the problem, that is, what areas of the problem still
need further and more thorough investigation(Gregorio, 2000).

Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae is a written description of your work experience,

educational background, and skills. This should be attached after the
appendices. Follow the format shown below.
CURRICULUM VITAE

NAME :
PERMANENT ADDRESS :
CONTACT NUMBERS :
DATE OF BIRTH :
PLACE OF BIRTH :

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
WORK EXPERIENCE
SEMINAR, WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS ATTENDED
HONORS & AWARDS( If applicable)
MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

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References

American Psychological Association(2011) Publication manual of the American

Psychological Association: 6th Edition Washington.

Practical Guide for Thesis and Dissertation Writing for PAC Graduate
Students(2008). Graduate School Manual. Magalang:Pampanga

Capstone Project Guidelines and Policies Version 2.1. Mapua Institute of

Technology

Thesis guidelines manual for BSIT. Systems Plus College Foundation

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