GUIDE TO THESIS

TITLE
Should briefly and clearly convey the essence of your study

ABSTRACT
Include
1. Nature of the issue or problem researched, 2. Focus of the thesis and its objectives, 3. Major conclusions of the research, 4. Major recommendations

At a Glance
Title Abstract CHAPTER 1 Introduction Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Study Scope and Limitation Significance of the Study CHAPTER 2 Review of Related Literature CHAPTER 3 Theoretical Framework CHAPTER 4 Empirical Model CHAPTER 5 Methodology and Data CHAPTER 6 Results CHAPTER 7 Conclusion References Appendices
For inquiries or suggestions on our organization or this guide, visit our website at http://dlsueconom icsorg.multiply.com

Keep in mind that this section must aid other researchers to determine the relevance of your work to their work

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Provides background information on the research study Remember that this section should:
- Create reader interest in the topic - Lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study - Place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature - Reach out to a specific audience

Include a paragraph on how the study is organized to give the reader a broad perspective of how the thesis flows and what is to be expected ECONORG recommends: Include a
background of issues related to the topic under investigation. Tell a story from figures and tables.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Describe the context for the study and identify the general analysis approach

State the problem in such a manner that a person who is generally sophisticated yet, is relatively uninformed in the area of your investigation can understand ECONORG recommends: Although
phrased in a question form, a problem statement, as much as possible, should not be answerable by a Yes or No.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Think about the implications of your research how the results of your study may refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge (e.g. curricula, policy, scholarly research, theory, etc.) in the area under investigation Ask yourself the ff. questions:
- What will results mean to the theoretical framework that framed the study? - What suggestions for subsequent research arise from the findings? - What will the results mean to economists, policymakers, etc.? - Will results influence programs, methods, and/or policy? - Will results contribute to the solution of economic problems? - Will results influence economic policy decisions? - What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research? - How will results of the study be implemented, and what innovations will come about?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Provide and accurate and specific summary of the overall purpose of the study Define and delimit briefly the specific area of the research topic Keep in mind the following:
- Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with "The purpose of this study is ..." - Identify and define clearly the central concepts or ideas of the study - Identify the specific method of inquiry to be used - Identify the unit of analysis in the study

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LIT.

Provide a background and context for the research problem (e.g. results of other past studies related to the current research undertaking, recent substantive and methodological developments in the area under investigation, etc.) Delineate the jumping-off place for your study by asking How will my study refine, revise, or extend what is currently known? Select only the pertinent and relevant literature Select and cite only the more appropriate references

ECONORG recommends:
When preparing a purpose statement, remember to keep it S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound)! Plus, it is best to limit it to 3 each of which should serve to clarify and support the problem statement.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Identify the boundaries of the subjects (e.g. what was focused upon, what was not focused upon, the reasons behind it, etc.) Identify the potential weaknesses of the study (e.g. extraneous factors that limited the research effort, discussion on how these constraints affected the study, etc.)

ECONORG recommends:
Having piles of journal articles available may become a tad overwhelming. To avoid such a burden, developing first an outline is desirable. It saves you from going around in circles; plus, it checks for coherence and unity.

CHAPTER 5 METHODOLOGY AND DATA

Include the design of the study (i.e., survey method/cross sectional design, experimental design, etc.), type of data that will be gathered, how it will be gathered, the datagathering instrument that will be used, and the data analysis method Indicate the methodological steps you will take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the Questions/ Hypotheses section Include the methodology that will be used for data analysis
Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately (e.g., ANOVA, MANCOVA, ethnography, case study, regression). If coding procedures are to be used, describe in reasonable detail Indicate briefly any analytic tools you will have available and expect to use (e.g., SAS, SPSS) State, justify, and support the hypotheses that are to be tested.

SPOTTED:
What better way to maximize your fees than exploiting the Librarys Electronic Journals! The University has a number of exclusive journal subscriptions under its belt.

CHAPTER 3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Discuss the conceptual aspects of your research or economic model Emphasize theoretical arguments that are most directly relevant to your study Include mathematical equations if necessary ALERT! Arguments opposed to the
research study are usually excluded by students for fear that such statements make the research study appear incorrect. Inclusion of these arguments is important to give the readers a fuller grasp of the topic under investigation.

Include data sources

ECONORG recommends: One

of the most difficult tasks is gathering of complete and reliable data. To avoid unnecessary delays, search for possible data sources as early as possible.

CHAPTER 4 EMPIRICAL MODEL

Include the specification of the econometric model Define the variables in the model Discuss the expected impact of the independent variables on the dependent variable/s in each equation ALERT! A good number of students
commonly fall into the trap of using inappropriate methods. To avoid it, gain mastery of possible statistical tools available and choose the most suitable for your research study.

ECONORG recommends: SPOTTED:

The Philippine government has various publications under its belt. At times, you might even have to undergo government department hopping. Trust us, it may be daunting but at least, it sounds adventure! Still clueless about writing a Conclusion? Start by reiterating your studys objectives and consequently, by discussing how your group were able to achieve those. In so doing, your group is able to evaluate the success of your study as well.

REFERENCES
Follow the standard guidelines regarding the use of references in text and in the reference list (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.) Include in the reference list only the references cited in the text ALERT!
Most students fail to properly cite their resource materials. Unless an idea is a common knowledge not attributable to a single source (e.g. Law of Demand, etc.), remember to cite each idea that is not your own. Surely, you do not want to be charged of PLAGIARISM!

CHAPTER 6 RESULTS
Report the estimate results of the study Discuss and interpret the significance of the results ECONORG recommends:
Tables and figures are highly encouraged! It gives the readers a more vivid picture of the relationships and trends among the findings.

ALERT!
More often than not, most students fail to conduct in-depth analyses of their studys findings. Not only are results be placed into words but, additional insights are desirable. If in any case the findings are contrary to previously accepted economic concepts, students, nevertheless, should explain the possible reasons why it happened.

SPOTTED:
Need a hand? Visit www.citationm achine.net for more information.

APPENDICES
Attach the documents that need to be available as reference materials (e.g. Definition of terms and symbols, detailed explanations of a hastily mentioned subject, calculations, list of data, etc.)

CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSION
Include
1 2 3 4 Summary of main points, Policy implications, Limitations of the work, and Suggestions for future research

References: Antonakis, John. 2005. Guidelines for a Doctoral (or Masters) Thesis or Dissertation Proposal. April. Pajares, Frank. 1997. The Elements of a Proposal.

Prepared By: The Academics Committee Economics Organization