Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

PROJECT REPORT WRITING AND

FORMATTING GUIDELINES

CGND 314 POJECT

DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................

2. REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES .................................................................................

2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... . 5

2.2 Order of Contents ....................................................................................................... . 5
2.3 Preface ........................................................................................................................ . 5
2.3.1

Approval Page ...................................................................................................... 5

2.3.2

Title Page ............................................................................................................. 5

2.3.3

Declaration Page .................................................................................................. 6

2.3.4

Abstract Page ....................................................................................................... 6

2.3.5

Acknowledgement Page....................................................................................... 6

2.3.6

Table of Contents ................................................................................................. 6

2.3.7

List of Figures ...................................................................................................... 6

2.3.8

List of Tables ....................................................................................................... 7

2.3.9

List of Appendices ............................................................................................... 7

2.4 Text

.............................................................................................................................. 7

2.5 Supplement ................................................................................................................. . 8

3. FORMATTING GUIDELINES.........................................................................................

3.1 Document Layout ....................................................................................................... . 9

3.2 Font

.............................................................................................................................. 9

3.3 Spacing ..................................................................................................................... ... 9

3.4 Page Numbering ......................................................................................................... . 9
3.5 Heading ...................................................................................................................... . 9
3.6 Caption ...................................................................................................................... 10

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

3.6.1

Table .................................................................................................................. 10
2

3.6.2

Figure ................................................................................................................. 10

3.7

Printing .................................................................................................................... .. 11

3.8

Quotation .................................................................................................................. . 12

3.9

Binding ..................................................................................................................... . 12

3.10

References ............................................................................................................. 13

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

1. INTRODUCTION

Project will require candidates to undertake any information technology system development
work or any other relevant scope which is suitable for a diploma level project assessment.
Candidates will need to manifest the knowledge and skills that they have acquired from the
learned courses in their project work. At the end of exercise, each candidate is required to
submit a report and deliver a presentation.
This guide is to provide general guidelines for the final year project procedures and report
submission. These guidelines will assist candidates to meet the requirements set by the
university to complete the final form of final year project. It is the responsibility of each
candidate to ensure that his or her project report conforms to the guidelines.

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

2. REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES

2.1

Overview

A project report should be written according to the intended group of reader. It should be in a
logic form with strong explanation to convince the reader on the conclusion of the project. It
should be written in good language and easy to understand. As far as possible all statements
must be supported by numbers and data.

2.2

Order of Contents

The structure of the report is based on a standard format which contains the following
sections:
a) Preface
b) Text
c) Supplement

2.3

Preface

2.3.1 Approval Page

The approval page is the first page. This page must be endorsed and signed by both
supervisor and Dean of Graduate School. The illustration of the approval page is shown in
APPENDIX A.

2.3.2 Title Page

The title page is the first page and should include the project title which has been approved by
the faculty, candidate name, and the statement PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER
SCIENCE UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL and finally the month and year of

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

submission. The illustration of the title page is shown in APPENDIX B.

2.3.3 Declaration Page

This page contains the declaration of the candidate on the originality of his/her work. This page
must be endorsed and signed by the candidate. The illustration of the declaration page is shown
in APPENDIX C.

2.3.4 Abstract Page

Generally the abstract is written after the completion of the text of the report. It summarizes
the structure of the whole text and the major facts it contains. It should be in ONE (1) paragraph
and contain no more than 400 words.

2.3.5 Acknowledgement Page

This sub-section is not compulsory but most reports convey appreciation to those who have
been involved in the study.

2.3.6 Table of Contents

The Table of Contents lists the chapters, topics and sub-topics together with their page
numbers. Sub-topics and topics should be labelled according to the chapter, for example, the
first topic in Chapter 1 should be marked 1.1 and the first sub-topic, 1.1.1. The use of letters in
parenthesis (for example, 1.3.7 (a)) is appropriate as a means of differentiating sub-topics of
the same topic from each other. This numbering system provides a clear picture of the
relationship between chapters and topics and shows how they are connected.

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

2.3.7 List of Figures

This list contains the titles of figures, together with their page numbers, which are listed in the
text or in the appendix. The numbering system is the same as that used for topics, for example;
Figure 1.3, Figure 1.3.7 and Figure 1.3.7 (a).

2.3.8 List of Tables

This list contains the titles of tables, together with their page numbers, which are listed in the
text or in the appendix. The numbering system is the same as that used for topics, for example;
Table 1.3, Table 1.3.7 and Table 1.3.7 (a).

2.3.9 List of Appendices

The list of the appendices should include the alphabet of each appendix, and the title of the
appendix.

2.4

Text

The recommended structure of this report is listed below, together with suggestions on the
appropriate contents of each section. However, these are only guidelines to assist you in
preparing this document. There is great diversity in the types of projects undertaken by
candidates, and that may influence the weighting or emphasis given to the various sections of
your report.

1.0 Introduction
This is one of the most important components of the report. It should begin with a clear
statement of what the application is about so that a lay reader can understand the nature and
scope of the application.
It also should include a clear summary of the application's background and relevance to other
work and give pointers to the remaining sections of the report, which contain the bulk of the

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

technical material.
It also contains;
1.1 Problem Statement
Students are expected to include the current problem an organization or a user is facing,
the opportunity, and the needs.

1.2 Project Objective

Students are required to clearly indicate the purpose of the proposed solution/system.

1.3 Project Scope

Students are required to explain about the system scopes. System scopes should include
functionalities that the students would like to provide.

1.4 Target User

Who or type of users who will be using the system.

1.5 Project Timeline

Students need to attach their proposed timeline (Gantt chart) for this project. Students
may propose their own timeline or agreed in the discussions with your supervisor.

2.0 Methodology
The purpose of this chapter is to document the development process and technique employed
in solving the problem statement.
2.1 Project Development Methodology
Students are expected to discuss the CHOSEN methodology ONLY and each phase
should be explained by relating the activities to your system development.

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

2.2 Requirement Gathering Techniques

Students are expected to explain the techniques they use in gathering requirements for
the proposed system.

2.3 Tools and Technology

Students are expected to briefly describe the tools and technology to be used in
developing the system.

3.0 System Design

The purpose of this chapter is to document the system specifications.
3.1 Flow Chart of the system
If applicable

3.2 Database Design

If applicable
Write the Database Schema or Entity Relationship Diagram used in developing the
system which appropriate representing your system.

4.0 Implementation and Testing

System testing and evaluation details should be documented by showing each of the
functionalities provided by the system and briefly explained how the system works.
(Screenshot)

5.0 Discussion and Conclusion

In this chapter, an overall summary of the system will be discussed added with the systems
strengths and weaknesses are summarized and discussed too.

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

2.5

Supplement

Specific items which were not included in the main body of the text should be put in this
Additional/Supplementary Section. Typically this section includes the following:

Appendices consist of additional illustration of the text. The appendix supports the
written text of the report.

References/Bibliography

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

3. FORMATTING GUIDELINES

3.1

Document Layout

The document should have the following margins:Top: 2.0 cm (0.78)

Right: 2.0 cm (0.78)
Left: 4.0 cm (1.57)
Bottom: 2.0 cm (0.78)
3.2

Font

Report should be typed using Times New Roman, 12 point.

3.3

Spacing

The body text should be typed with double spacing. Single spacing is only permitted in
tables, long quotations, footnotes, notes, citation and references.
3.4

Page Numbering

All page numbers should be printed with font size 8, 1.0 cm from the bottom margin and
placed at the right hand side without punctuation.
Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc.) should be used in the preface section except for
Approval page and Title page.

3.5

Heading

No specific arrangement is required for the numbering of topics and sub-topics but, whatever
arrangement is adopted, it must be consistent.

3.6

Caption

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

3.6.1 Table

Tables are printed within the body of the text at the centre of the frame and labelled accordingly
to the chapter in which they appear. Thus, for example, tables in Chapter 3 are numbered
sequentially: Table 3.1, Table 3.2 etc. Table captions should always be positioned above the
tables.
Table 3.1. Font sizes of headings
Heading level

Example

Font size and style

Heading 1

INTRODUCTION

14 point, bold

Heading 2

Overview

12 point, bold

Heading 3

Heading

12 point, italic

Caption

Font sizes

10 point, bold

3.6.2 Figure

Figures contain graphs illustrations or photographs are printed at the centre and labelled
accordingly to the chapter in which they appear. Thus, for example, Figures in Chapter 3 are
numbered sequentially: Figure 3.1, Figure 3.2 etc. Figure captions should always be positioned
below the figures.
0.010
Present (CVM)

Fidap (FEM)

y- Velocity (m/s)

0.005

0.000

-0.005

-0.010
0.0

3.8

7.6

11.4
x (mm)

15.2

19.0

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

Figure 3.1 Sample graph

Figure 3.2 Sample graph 2

3.7

Printing

Any typographical errors must be carefully corrected. Any pages that contain poorly made
corrections will be rejected.
Use high-quality A4, at least 70-gram paper. Only letter quality or near letter quality
printing will be accepted.

3.8

Quotation

Candidate should be able to defend all statements by referring to a reliable research or the
research findings. There are many forms of reference. One of the most common is to use the
authors name followed by the year of publication and the page number containing the quoted
material. This reference will then be included at the end of your report. For example:
An algorithm is defined as a well ordered sequence of primitive operations that halts in a
finite amount of time. [Smith 1995, p. 123]

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

3.9

Binding
a) Draft Report
ONE (1) copies of the draft report should be soft bound (ring-bind or bomb-bind). The
letters of the cover page should be printed in black ink. Refer to the illustration of the
cover page in APPENDIX D.

b) Final Report
TWO (2) copies of the final report should be hard bound and written with golden ink
for the lettering. The colour details of the cover is shown in Table 3.2:

Table 3.2 Final Project binding guideline

Final Project

Binding Colour

Colour Code

Purple
CGND 314

FX 682

The title of the thesis, name of candidate, degree and month and year for which the project
paper is submitted should be printed on the Front Cover using Capital Letter, Arial
Narrow, 18-point following the style shown in APPENDIX E.

The candidate's name, degree and year shall also be printed on the Spine of the bound
thesis. An example is given in APPENDIX F.

3.10 References
All works or studies referred to in the report in the form of quotations or citations must be
included in the bibliography. The references should be written in the specific format approved
by the Faculty that is to use APA style. Each reference should be written in single spacing
format and a double space should be left between references. The detailed information about
the APA style could be found in http://apastyle.apa.org/

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

Referencing a book with only one author:

Muhammad. (2007). Systems Analysis and Design. London: Batsford.

Referencing a book by two authors:

John & Micheal. (2006). Mathematics for Business. New York: Macmillan.

Internet site with author:

Bobby. (2006). Electronic War. Retrieved November 25, 2006, from
http://www.independent.com/national/ewar.htm

Internet document without author:

E-Commerce User Survey. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2006, from
http://www.mldh.com/mmh/survey.htm

Computer Program:
Macromedia Director Version 5.0 [Computer Software] (2000 2004). Seattle,
Washington: Director Corporation

Conference/Proceeding Publication:
Rahmat, R.A., Jumari, K., Hassan, A. & Basri, H. 2002. Intelligent traffic control with image
processing sensor. Proceedings of the 2nd World Engineering Congress, 339- 344.

Journal Publication:
Hamzah, N., Mohamed, A. & Hussain, A. 2004. A new approach to locate the
voltage sag source using real current component. Journal of Electric Power System
Research 72: 113-123. Page 5, 27 January 2011

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX A: APPROVAL PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

TITLE:

TITLE OF PROJECT

AUTHOR:

NAME OF CANDIDATE

The undersigned certify that the above candidate has fulfilled the condition of the Final Year
Project ( CGND 314 ) in partial fulfilment for the Diploma in Computer Science.

SUPERVISOR:

Signature:

_______________________

Name:

Name of supervisor

Date:

_______________________

ENDORSED BY:

Signature:

_______________________

Name:

Mohd. Ariff Ahmad Tarmizi

Dean, College of Foundation and General Studies

Date:

_______________________

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline

2014/2015

APPENDIX B: TITLE PAGE

60 mm

TITLE OF PROJECT

by

NAME OF CANDIDATE

Project Supervisor: Mr. Adam bin Mukhriz

PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT FOR THE DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
UNIVERISTI TENAGA NASIONAL
MONTH AND YEAR OF SUBMISSION
40 mm

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX C: DECLARATION PAGE

DECLARATION

( 2 double lines spacing )

I hereby declare that this report, submitted to Universiti Tenaga Nasional as a partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the Diploma in Computer Science has not been submitted as an exercise
for a diploma at any other university. I also certify that the work described here is entirely my
own except for excerpts and summaries whose sources are appropriately cited in the references.
This report may be made available within the university library and may be photocopied or
loaned to other libraries for the purposes of consultation.

DATE

_________________________
NAME OF CANDIDATE

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX D:
DRAFT REPORT COVER PAGE

UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL

DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

FINAL YEAR PROJECT DRAFT REPORT

TITLE OF PROJECT

Prepared by
Candidates Name
Student ID.

Supervised by
Supervisors Name

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX E: FINAL REPORT COVER PAGE

60 mm

COLLEGE OF FOUNDATION AND GENERAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL

ALGORITHM FOR ROBOT WRITING USING

CHARACTER SEGMENTATION

MUAHAMMAD BIN ADAM

OCTOBER 2014
60 mm

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX F: SPINE OF REPORT

60 mm
MUHAMAD BIN ADAM
DCS 2014 UNITEN
60 mm

Final Year Project:

Report Writing & Formatting Guideline 2014/2015

APPENDIX G: CHAPTER HEADING

(Margin for left, right and bottom, remains using default margin)

50mm

CHAPTER I
2 double lines spacing

INTRODUCTION
2 double lines spacing

1.1

Background

Robots were initially designed to assist humans in

doing work. Robots are really good at doing work that
requires repetitive actions [2]. Since robots can work
continuously and tirelessly, the use of robots is
usually desirable in places where continuous
operation is required, such as at the production lines.
However, robots cannot do every single work that can
be done by humans. There are tasks that can be