Guidelines for the Implementation

of the Final Year Project I & II

for Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Bachelor of Electrical Power Engineering,
Bachelor of Computer and Communication Engineering,
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering,
Bachelor of Civil Engineering.

Prepared by

College Final Year Project Committee

College of Engineering,
Universiti Tenaga Nasional

Version 12
June 2016

Contents
1.

Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2

2.

Definition of the Final Year Project ................................................................................. 2

3.

Aim ............................................................................................................................................... 2

4.

Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 2

5.

Types of Final Year Projects ............................................................................................... 2

6.

Students Responsibilities ................................................................................................... 3

7.

Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 4
7.1.

Assessment Criteria for Project I ................................................................................. 4

7.1.1.

Progress Report 1 ....................................................................................................................5

7.1.2.

Progress Report 2 ....................................................................................................................5

7.1.3.

Logbook .......................................................................................................................................6

7.1.4.

Oral Presentation 1 .................................................................................................................6

7.2.

Assessment Criteria for Project II................................................................................ 6

7.2.1.

Progress Report 3 ....................................................................................................................7

7.2.2.

Logbook .......................................................................................................................................7

7.2.3.

Oral Presentation 2 .................................................................................................................8

7.2.4.

Thesis ............................................................................................................................................8

8.

FYP Briefings and Research Methodology Class.11

9.

Late Submission of Project Proposal, Progress Reports and Thesis. 11

9.

Conditions for Completion of Project 12

10.

Project Extension...12

11.

Similarity Check and Plagiarism..12

Appendix 1: Sample Guide for Progress Report ................................................................... 14

Appendix 2: Sample CD Cover ..................................................................................................... 15

1. Introduction
To inculcate an attitude towards research, life-long learning and critical
thinking, each student will have to embark on a two-semester Final Year Project
(FYP), which consists of part 1 Project I (FYP1) and part 2 Project II (FYP2).
Project I is to be taken as a prerequisite to Project II.

2. Definition of the Final Year Project

The Final Year Project (FYP) is an engineering project that is related to the
students field of study and must be carried out by the student as partial
fulfillment for the award of the bachelors degree.

3. Aim
The aim of the final year project is to enhance the students knowledge and
skills in solving problems through engineering based projects.

4. Objectives
Having successfully completed the final year project, students are expected to
have:
(i)

The capability to manage and use scientific knowledge to carry out

engineering projects;

(ii)

The capability to think objectively, analytically and critically in

identifying and solving problems in a systematic manner;

(iii)

The capability to be independent in carrying out and producing

solutions to engineering problems;

(iv)

The capability to deliver or present the project findings in oral and

written forms.

5. Types of Final Year Projects

The final year project to be carried out by a student can be in any of the
following

natures,

encompassing

study/research,

software development or case study.

2

design/development,

The common characteristics of a project are as follows:

(i)

A project in the form of a research focuses on the behavior,

phenomena or characteristics of events, processes, designs or
developments. The end product will be in the form of data,
observations and interpretations, which can enhance the students
knowledge.

(ii)

A design or development project focuses on the design or development

of a product, which fulfills specifications, standards or technical
needs. The end product is a design or product.

(iii)

A project in the form of software development focuses on developing a

computer software/program according to fixed specifications. The end
product is a computer software/program.

6. Students Responsibilities
Students have to comply with all guidelines stipulated by the College Final Year
Project Committee. Failure in complying with the guidelines and deadlines may
result in a poor grade for the project. The following are some of the
responsibilities of students taking the final year project:

There are no formal lectures associated with the course; hence

students must be independent while conducting the course.
Nonetheless, students (in Project I) are required to attend a day
intense course on Research Methodology, which will be held together
for all departments.

Students are required to check for class notices posted on Moodle,

through their online student record system and e-mails as frequent as
possible.

Students must enroll as users of Final Year Project. Go to

http://lms.uniten.edu.my/moodle then select College of Engineering,
College of Engineering Common Courses, and Final Year Project.
Periodic updates and materials related to the course will be posted

here. Enrollment key can be obtained for the respective FYP

coordinators.

Students are required to select and rank 10 project areas that they
prefer several weeks before the semester that they will officially take
FYP1. They will be assigned randomly to a supervisor in their preferred
project area. The system will prioritize the students most preferred
project area. However, it may not be possible for all students to get
their first choice.

Students will need to check the Student Info Portal to view the
assigned supervisor and then to make the first contact with the
supervisor.

Students are required to discuss the details of the project title with
the supervisor immediately after they are assigned with a supervisor.
The FYP title should be finalized by the end of Week 2 of the semester.

Students are required to have regular meetings with their project

supervisors to discuss project progress and any other matters
pertaining

to

the

project.

Weekly

discussions

are

highly

recommended.

Students are required to have a logbook. All ideas, methodologies,

literature reviews, discussions and findings pertaining to the project
must be logged into the logbook. The logbook will be evaluated.

Students are required to be aware of all due dates pertaining to the

project.

7. Assessment
Assessment of the final year project will be based on the stages completed in
the research/study or design carried out.

7.1.

Assessment Criteria for Project I

The assessment will be based on the four (4) considerations as
follows:

Progress Report 1

30%

Progress Report 2

30%

Logbook

10%

Oral Presentation 1

30%

7.1.1. Progress Report 1

This is the first progress report and hence, the student should
introduce the project objective(s), scope, and milestones, followed
by the report of the literature survey. This assessment is weighted
30% of the final grade and is based on the following:

Quantity and quality of literature review/ background

study that are relevant to the project title and objective(s);

Ability to summarize literature review/ background study

related to the project title and objective(s);

Ability to report the progress in a meaningful and effective

way;

Ability to produce presentable report (format, language,

tidiness).

The recommended length of the report is 15 pages (excluding

appendices). There is an example of Progress Report in the
Appendix 1. Refer to the FYP Calendar for the deadline.
(The Progress Report must be submitted to the College Admin
Counter at the ground floor by the stipulated deadline. DO
NOT submit to your supervisor).
7.1.2. Progress Report 2
This assessment is weighted 30% of the final grade and is based
on the following:

Ability to identify and discuss work procedure, analysis

method and approach;

Ability to discuss expected output of project;

The recommended number of pages for this report is 10 pages

(excluding appendices). Refer to the FYP Calendar for the deadline.
(The Progress Report must be submitted to the College Admin
Counter at the ground floor by the stipulated deadline. DO
NOT submit to your supervisor).
7.1.3. Logbook
This assessment is weighted 10% of the final grade and is based
on the following:

Usage of Logbook consistent, good record of the research

work, resources, ideas, and useful information;

Quality of Logbook - organization of the logbook;

(The Logbook must be submitted to the supervisor by the

stipulated deadline).
7.1.4. Oral Presentation 1
This assessment is weighted 30% of the final grade and is based
on equal weightage of the following:

Ability to use presentation tools, appropriate attire and

good time keeping;

Ability to communicate orally (language, fluency and flow

of presentation);

Ability to discuss concisely and briefly about technical

work;

7.2.

Ability to answer questions with justifications.

Assessment Criteria for Project II

The

assessment

will

be

considerations:

based on

the

following

six

(6)

Progress Report 3

10%

Logbook

5%

Oral Presentation 2

20%

Thesis

65%

Important Reminder:
Project II is a continuation of Project I.
7.2.1. Progress Report 3
This assessment is weighted 10% of the final grade and is based
on the following:

Ability to present the data/results collected;

Ability to present and discuss results;

Ability to refer to sources that are relevant to the project;

Report that shows initiative to innovate or propose new

ideas

The recommended number of page for this report is 10 pages

(excluding appendices). Refer to the FYP Calendar for the deadline.
(The Progress Report must be submitted to the College Admin
Counter at the ground floor by the stipulated deadline. DO
NOT submit to your supervisor).
7.2.2. Logbook
This assessment is weighted 5% of the final grade and is based on
the following:

Usage of Logbook consistent, good record of the research

work, resources, ideas, and useful information;

Quality of Logbook - organization of the logbook;

(The Logbook must be submitted to the College Admin

Counter at the ground floor by the stipulated deadline. DO
NOT submit to your supervisor).

7.2.3. Oral Presentation 2

This assessment is weighted 20% of the final grade and is based
on the following:

Ability to use presentation tools, appropriate attire and

good time keeping;

Ability to communicate orally (language, fluency and flow

of presentation);

Ability to discuss concisely and briefly about technical

work;

Ability to answer questions with justifications.

In this presentation, the criteria is the same as those in Oral

Presentation 1, however the weightage will be more on technical
work and ability to answer with justification. Marks allocated for
presentation tools is reduced.

7.2.4. Thesis
This assessment is weighted 65% of the final grade. The thesis is
a complete report pertaining to the project carried out. It contains
the improved contents of the Progress Report 1 3 together with
discussions,

results

and

findings,

conclusions

and

recommendations for future work. It is to be evaluated by a panel

of assessors comprising of the supervisor and an internal
examiner from the college.
The contents and format of this full thesis should comply with the
College thesis preparation guidelines. Referencing in the thesis is
also important. Students should refer to their supervisors for the
appropriate referencing style. The thesis format can be obtained
from the following website:
http://moodle.uniten.edu.my/moodle/course/fyp.

Student is required to submit a draft of the thesis prior to

the oral presentation. The draft of the thesis is to be
submitted directly to the supervisor by the recommended
timeline (refer to FYP calendar).

Student is required to meet the supervisor to collect the

draft maximum two weeks after the draft thesis due date.
The

supervisor/co-supervisor(s)

would

comment

and

provide suggestions of modifications/corrections (if any) on

the draft and student is responsible to make the changes
before the submission of hardbound thesis.
The students are required to make necessary corrections to the
thesis, and submit to the College Administration Office by the
stipulated deadline the following items:

TWO (2) copies of hardbound thesis (BLACK cover with

GOLD lettering);

ONE (1) CD containing the softcopy of the thesis and all

materials related to the projects including the project
proposal,

progress

reports,

oral

presentation

slides,

references, etc. (Cover of CD as in Appendix 2);

Turnitin Similarity Summary (Only the front page that

shows the similarity percentage)

Thesis Submission & Format Checklist

(These deliverables must be submitted to the College Admin

Counter at the ground floor by the stipulated deadline. DO
NOT SUBMIT TO YOUR SUPERVISOR. Submission will be
recorded and failure to comply may result in the hardbound
thesis not accepted for examination).

The following criteria will be used to assess the hardbound thesis:

Format of Thesis (7.7%)

Tidiness, neatness of text, diagrams, graphs and others

Suitability and continuity of chapters

Language and grammar

Compliance to thesis format guidelines

Presentation and Writing Skills (23.1%)

Detailed methodology and ideas

Provide sound argument

Write ideas clearly, convincingly, and effectively

Comprehensive and critical analysis of the results

References (7.7%)

Reference source (journals, conference papers, books, and

other reliable sources)

Referencing style/format (refer to FYP Thesis Formatting

Guide 2016)

Consistency of referencing style

Technical Work Achievement (61.5%)

Plan and approach by the student towards solving

problems

Show evident of progress in design or development of

hardware/ software

Show results, analysis and conclusions of the project

Fulfillment of the objectives of the project with the solution

obtained. If the objective is not fulfilled, a thorough and
acceptable explanation should be provided

Originality of idea, formed from creative and innovative

thinking
10

8. FYP Briefings and Research Methodology Class

These briefings and class are compulsory for students taking FYP 1 and

FYP 2. Marks will be deducted for absenteeism. Please refer to the FYP
calendars.

9. Late Submission of Project Proposal, Progress Reports and Thesis

A student is wholly responsible to submit his/her project proposal,

progress reports, and thesis on time. In order to be fair to the majority of
students who adhere by the deadlines stipulated by the college FYP
committee, late submission penalties will accrue.

If the project proposal or progress report or thesis is due at 4.00 pm and

it is submitted at 4.01 pm, it will be considered as a late submission.

No exceptions will be made, even for last-minute printing problems.

Therefore, students are advised to allow adequate time for formatting,
printing, binding, and any other potential sources of delay.

The penalty for late submission will be as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Penalty for late submission of reports

Late Submission/ No. of
Working Day

Penalty
Accrued

One

20%

Two

25%

Three

30%

Four

35%

Five

50%

The maximum deduction for project proposal or progress report is 50% of the
total marks awarded by the supervisor. Note that weekends and public holidays
are NOT considered in the late submission calculation.

11

For a thesis that is submitted after the deadline and within the first five working
days, the penalty accrued will follow Table 1. The reduction is based on the
total marks of the thesis.

Late submission of the thesis is treated by the College as a serious matter.

Therefore, for a late submission of more than five working days, the thesis will
be considered as failed to be submitted. Failure to submit the thesis will result
in failure of the course.

10.

Conditions for Completion of Project

Project 1 is the pre-requisite to Project 2.

A student who fails Project 1 (with an E grade) must repeat the subject. The
student may retain the topic of the project, or if the student chooses to work
on a new topic, he/she may do so with prior approval from the department
committee.

Hence, Project 1 and Project 2 should each be completed within one normal
semester respectively. Proper time and project management is vital.

11.

Project Extension

Student can only request for extension of project in the case of emergency or
serious medical reasons with valid official documents. The request has to be
made through respective department FYP coordinators. Extension for project
completion must be made latest by Week 14. The maximum allowable
duration of project extension is one month.

12.

Similarity Check and Plagiarism

In order to ensure honesty in academic writing, the student is required to
submit his/her thesis to originality check software known as Turnitin. The
student can view the details of submission in Turnitin .

12

The software will perform an originality check to the submitted work and
produce a report that can be viewed by you, your supervisor, and the respective
department FYP coordinators.

Student can upload the thesis for originality check starting from the due date
of the draft thesis. Only, the final report generated on the due date of
hardbound thesis shall be considered by the College.

A thesis with 30% or less of similarity as reported by Turnitin will be accepted

for grading. However, a thesis with 31% or more similarity as reported by
Turnitin will be reviewed by the College FYP Committee. The supervisor will be
consulted in this matter. If the content of the thesis is found to be clearly
plagiarized, the thesis will not be accepted for grading. The student will be
failed.

The Turnitin Similarity Summary Page is to be submitted together with the

hardbound thesis.

13

Appendix 1: Sample Guide for Progress Report

Progress reports are written in this course to keep the supervisors informed about the
progress of the project in terms of work completed, problems encountered and work
remaining. Even though progress reports are often in the form of a memo, the writer
should be careful to write formal, standard prose. Progress reports represent not only the
writers work but the writers organizational and communication skills. Below is
proposed outline on writing a progress report. The outline should be taken as a general
guide only.
Heading:
It should contain the following standard elements:

Progress Report #:
Reporting Period:
Submittal Date:
Project Name:
Student Name:
Supervisor Name:
Subject:

Indicate what number the report is.

Identify the time period covered by the report.
Indicate the date that the report is sent.
Indicate the name of the project.
Indicate the students name.
Indicate the supervisors name and co-supervisor (if any)
A clear phrase that focuses on the subject.

Background:
Here, the student gives the reader (supervisor) some background information. Tell the
reader what the project is and clarify its purpose and time scale. If there have been earlier
progress reports, you might make a brief reference to them.
Work Completed:
This section of a progress report explains what work has been done during the reporting
period. You might arrange this section chronologically (following the actual sequence of
the tasks being completed), or you might divide this section into subparts of the larger
project and report on each subpart in sequence. Whatever pattern you use, be consistent.
Problems:
If the reader is likely to be interested in the glitches you have encountered along the way,
mention the problems you have encountered and explain how you have solved them. If
there are problems you have not yet been able to solve, explain your strategy for solving
them and give tell the reader when you think you will have them solved.
Work Schedule:
Specify the dates of the next segment of time in the project and outline a schedule of the
work you expect to get accomplished during the period. It is often a good idea to arrange
this section by dates, which stand for deadlines. To finish the progress report, you might
add a sentence evaluating your progress thus far.
Appendices: Include relevant appendices if necessary.

14

Appendix 2: Sample CD Cover

15