UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC.

Santiago City 3311

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PARTS OF CAPSTONE PROJECT MANUSCRIPT

PRELIMINARY PAGES

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

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 Chairman and members of the oral defense panel and the Dean. This
page certifies that the research has been duly approved, and must bear the date of approval.

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

Acknowledgement
This section recognizes persons and organizations who/which assisted the proponents in the
completion of the project. Acknowledgements should be expressed simply and tactfully.

Capstone Project Abstract

This is a brief and concise descriptive summary of study containing brief introduction, statement of
the problem, methodology, major findings and conclusions. The first paragraph must be single-spaced.
It must contain the candidates 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.
Normally the abstract does not include any reference to the literature.

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.

List of Tables

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

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

[Introduction Proper]
The proponent should introduce the presentation of the problem, that is, what is the problem is all
about. The proponent should describe the existing and prevailing problem situation based on his or
her experience. This scope may be global, national, or regional and local.
The proponent should give strong justification for selecting such research problem in his/her
capacity as a researcher. Being part of the organization or systems and the desire and concern to
improve the systems.
The researcher state a sentence or two that would show the link and relationship of the rationale of
the study to the proposed capstone project.
Purpose and Description of the Project
What is the function of your project?
What is good in your project?
What makes your project unique, innovative, and relevant?
Conceptual 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.
Use a conceptual framework that will 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. It may
take the form of (a) Input-Process-Output or (b) true system approach.
Objectives of the Project
Start with the General Objective which is very parallel to the project title
Explode the general objective into Specific Objectives that will help realize the proposed study.
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 proponents 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 specific 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.
Statement of the Problem.
It should be stated in such a way that it is not answerable by either yes, no, when and where.
Problems should include all the independent and moderate variables which are reflected in the
conceptual framework.
Problems should be arranged in logical order and extensive in coverage and must be mutually
exclusive in its dimensions.
Problems should have SMART characteristics:

Specific. The problem should be specifically stated.

Measurable. It is easy to measure by using research instruments, apparatus, or

equipment.

Achievable. Solutions to a research problem are achievable or feasible.

Realistic. Real results are attained because they are gathered scientifically and not
manipulated or maneuvered.
Time-bound. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter completion of the
activity, the better.

Significance/Importance 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.
Scope and Delimitations of the Project
Think the project scope as a box. High-level scope defines the sides of the box and separates what
is relevant to your project from what is irrelevant.
The scope refers to the work that needs to be accomplished to deliver a product, service, or result
with the specified features and functions.
The scope explains the nature, coverage, and time frame of the study
The limitation, on the other hand, explains all that are NOT included in your project.
In other words, the scope of the project gives an overview all the deliverables (i.e. the things that
your project gives/delivers), and the tools and technologies used that will be used in the project
development while the limitations of the project are the boundaries of the project (i.e. areas/things
that are out of scope).
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.
Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND SYSTEMS
The review of literature and systems/studies 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.
The reviewed materials must be as recent as possible.
Materials reviewed must be objective and unbiased.
Materials surveyed must be relevant to the study.
Surveyed materials must have been based upon genuinely original and true facts or data to make
them valid and reliable.
Organize the materials thematically to conform to the variables of the specific problems.
Follow proper documentation using parenthetical citation with author and date
Only materials/articles with dates are allowed as e-references.
Sources of related literature and studies may come from the following:
Books, encyclopedias, and other similar references
Articles published in journals/e-journals, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, web/ Internet,
and other publications.
Manuscripts, unpublished theses and dissertations

Related Literature
Foreign Literature
Local Literature
Related Systems
Foreign Systems
Local Systems
Overview of the current system/project
Inventory of every related and existing projects/systems
Fluidity and continuity should be observed
Screen shots help make the presentation believable
May consider 6 to 10 related studies/projects
Synthesis
It contains a clinching paragraph/s to show how the literature and studies assisted the project
proponent in the present study.
It may include similarities and differences of the reviewed materials to your present study
Chapter 3 TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
It should contain overview of the current technologies (hardware/software/network) used in the
current/ present system
Discussions on the current trends and technologies to be used in developing and implementing the
proposed system
Hardware
Software
Peopleware
Network
Fluidity and continuity should be observed
Chapter 4 PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Environment
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.
Locale of the Study.
Describe the place or location where the study is conducted and rationale of the choice.
Organizational Chart (for capstone project specific to organization)
Data Analysis Tools
Identify and justify the statistical treatment of data
Present and justify the scale of values used and the descriptive equivalent ratings
Project Requirements Specifications
Operational Feasibility
Fishbone Diagram or Functional Decomposition Diagram

Technical Feasibility
Compatibility checking (hardware/software and other technologies)
Relevance of the technologies
Schedule and Timeline Feasibility
Gantt Chart
Economic Feasibility
Budget and Cost Management
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Cost Recovery Scheme
Requirement Modeling
Input
Process
Output
Performance
Control
Data and Process Modeling
Context Diagram
Data Flow Diagram
System Flowchart
Program Flowchart
Object Modeling
Use Case Diagram
Activity Diagram
Risk Assessment/Analysis
Project Design
User-Interface and Output Design
Forms
Reports
Data Design
Entity Relationship Design
Data Dictionary
System Architecture
Network Model
Security
Development
Software Specification
Hardware Specification
Program Specification
Programming Environment
Front End
Back End
Deployment Diagram
Test Plan
Verification, Validation and Testing
Unit Testing

Integration Testing
System Testing
Acceptance Testing
Chapter 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Order of discussion is based on the chronology of the statement of objectives and statement of the
problem
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.
Let the table speak for itself.
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.
Interpretation should include the following: trends, patterns, linkages, integrations and
generalizations of data in the context of the study;
Check for indicators whether the hypothesis is supported by the findings;
Interconnections between and among data;
Link present findings with previous literature/theories/concepts presented in the framework;
Parallel observation with contemporary events to give credence to what were presented in the
situation analysis;
Implications of the findings to prevailing condition in ones own field of specialization, on-going
programs, current thrusts of the government, existing national policies and current public attitudes
and opinions.
Chapter 6 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
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.
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.
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.
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.
Implementation Plan
It is the installation and delivery of the proposed system to be conducted by the developers. It
includes conversion and integration plan, database installation, system testing, user training and
other production activities.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
Author Last Name, Abbreviated First Name. Book name, (Edition if needed,) Publisher name, Address
of Publisher, Year of Publication.
Examples:
PICARD, R. W. Affective Computing. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA., 1997.
AVISON , D. E., AND FRITZGERALD, G. Information Systems Development: Methodologies,
Techniques and Tools, Second ed. McGraw-Hill International (UK) Limited, 1995.
Unpublished Materials
Author Last Name, Abbreviated First Name. Thesis/Capstone Project Title, (Unpublished Thesis)
School Name, Address of School, Year Defended.
Journal Article.
Author Last Name, Abbreviated First Name. Article Title. Journal name Volume, Number (Date
published), inclusive pages.
Examples:
ASTERIADIS, S., TZOUVELI, P., KARPOUZIS K., AND KOLLIAS, S. Estimation of behavioral user state
based on eye gaze and head pose - application in an e-learning environment. Multimedia
Tools and Applications 41,3 (February 2009), 469-493.
Conference Proceedings Article.
Author Last Name, Abbreviated First Name. Article Title. In Proceedings of Conference name
(Address, Conference Day, Month, and Year).
Examples:
MAUNAO, J. A., JUAYONG, R.A.B., CORPUZ, F.J.O., YAP, J.M.C. ADORNA, H.N. Data Signatures
for Traffic Data Analysis. In Proceedings of the National Conference for Information
Technology Education (Cagayan de Oro, October 2009).
COOPER, S., DANN, W., AND PAUSCH, R. Alice: A 3-D Tool for Introductory Programming Concepts.
In Proceedings of the 2000 Consortium for Computing at Small Colleges Northeast
Regional Conference (New Jersey, April 2000).
Web Article
(Author name if available) Title. Source. Access date. URL.
Example:
Self-organizing map. Wikipedia. Accessed last November 15, 2011,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-organizing\_map
GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. Intellectual Property Code of the
Philippines [Republic Act No. 8293] - Part IV -The Law on Copyright. Retrieved
December 20, 2011 from http: //www. chanrobles.com/legal7copyright.html
APPENDICES
Always provide at least one paragraph to introduce the material being provided in each of the appendix.
Appendix A. Recommendation Letter/Approval Letter
Appendix B. Survey Questionnaire/ Accomplished usability instrument forms
The usability instrument must be subjected to reliability assessment and standardization procedures.
The use of a readily available standard usability assessment instrument is acceptable. The source of
the said instrument however must be explicitly cited in the documentation and permission to use the
said instrument must be sought from the authors of the said instrument.

Appendix C. Documentation of Interviews

This should include the interview date, venue, names, complete transcripts, photographs, and relevant
communications. The official communications are important to establish the fact that the interviewee
gave permission that the interview transcript will be used in the documentation.
Appendix D. Relevant Source Code
Aside from the source code, this should include the source code comments and compilation commands.
The source code listing must show the line number at its leftmost side.
Appendix E. Software Installation Procedure
It should provide the super user or systems administrator with the relevant procedures on how to install
the software successfully in a computer system. This should include a section on troubleshooting. The
latter should enumerate typical installation problems and suggestions on how to solve them.
Appendix F. Software Users Manual
The user's manual should include information on how a typical user would use the software. You have
to provide separate sections for the super user, database administrator, encoder, or a non-privilege
user.
Appendix G. Sample Input/Output/Reports
Provide copies of sample data to serve as input to the system
Provide copies of sample printed/.hardcopy of reports produce by the system
CURRICULUM VITAE
It contains personal data of project proponents

I.

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 students 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 OEC. It is a twostage examination. The first stage is the proposal examination (Capstone Project 1) and the
second being the final examination (Capstone Project 2) of the capstone project.
2. To be ready for oral examination (Capstone Project 1- Project Proposal and Capstone Project
2 Completed Project), 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 OEC members.
4. The project proponent(s) shall secure an application for examination and approval of such by
members of the OEC 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.
6. A copy of the capstone project manuscript should be provided to each OEC member at least
five (5) working days prior to approved date of examination. For the final examination, the
capstone project manuscript copy should be completed as certified by the adviser.
C. Examination Proper
1. The Dean 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 stimulate 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 OEC 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 remarks. 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 OEC 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 OEC
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 OEC 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 copy duly
signed and four (4) soft copies of the capstone project in CD-RW for official endorsement to the
College/Graduate School Dean, and finally confirmed by the Academic Council 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.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
II.

Mastery of the content of the project

Knowledge of the problem and allied field
Clarity and comprehensiveness of the presentation of the capstone project report
Ability to orally communicate ideas well and comprehend and respond well to questions
Ability to keep discussion on the main issues
Ability to demonstrate a professional attitude towards suggestions and revisions

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.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

One main idea per paragraph and watch sentence length.

Use active not passive sentences when possible.
Dont make nouns out of strong verbs.
Be concise. Never use three words where one will do.
Avoid complex, compound sentences.
Use punctuation skillfully.
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.

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