Lecture 3

A thesis is : The written product of the systematic study of a

significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation.

 A project is : A significant undertaking appropriate to the fine

and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project's significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation.

Research (Thesis) project represents the capstone learning experience of the program, integrating the academic content of the curriculum, prior academic knowledge, and student work experiences. Students are encouraged to seek out a problem situated in a real-world environment with potential for an innovative course related solution: an innovation in technology; a unique application of a technology; or a technology-enabled business process. Research (Thesis) project is conducted under the guidance of a qualified and competent Thesis Adviser who guide the students in the development and progress of their study

 Here

an analysis is performed of problems in the research domain. Problems should be in line with the degree being taken by the students. It can be a problem in the company where students underwent their practicum . The student should display insight into the application domain and knowledge of the applicable theories when focusing on a particular topic, and the problems related to it.

 The

Research project starts by formulating a research proposal which outlines

the problem to be investigated, the scope of the

project the research approach to be followed the method of investigation and estimated project schedule
The

proposal also includes a preliminary analysis of the literature dealing with other approaches to the problem.

The Proposal will be a preliminaries of the first three chapter which should contain the following:

A statement which outlines the area of the investigation and the context, including the related theories, called the background theory. The focus of the topic to be investigated, and the concepts and/or theory on which it is based, called the focal theory. Here the problems related to the topic are determined and some research questions identified. Some key literature references in both the background and focal theories must be provided in support of this section of the proposal. The research approach, research design and method of investigation to be followed, such as an empirical study using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. The methods and techniques that will be adopted are refined after the literature review is complete.

 Other

possible Chapter 1 Titles

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND THE PROJECT AND ITS BACKGROUND Some are using the title INRODUCTION
The

Chapter Contents :

Introduction Statement of the Problems/Objectives of the

Study Significance (or Importance) of the Study Scope, Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

 Introduction The purpose of an introduction is to acquaint the

reader with the rationale behind the work, with the intention of defending it. It places the study in a theoretical context, and enables the reader to understand and appreciate the objectives of the study. It is the brief description of the study (what will you do, how will you do it, and when will you do it.) This is the discussion of background and overview of the study (Though a separate topic on background of the study can be presented if needed) Last paragraph discussion should be directed towards to the statement of the problems

Statements of the Problem

The researcher should seek to state as clearly and

Main Problem should reflect the Title of the Study

precisely as possible the nature of that issue, problem or concern which he or she is trying to address. The statements of the problem description of an active challenge (i.e. problem) faced by researchers and/or practitioners that does not have adequate solutions available including the argumentation for its viability based on solid peer-reviewed sources as well as theoretical foundation. The statements of the problem should address questions like: what, how, where, when, and why, and should not be answerable by yes or no. The questions should be related to your research purpose, focused and clear.

Statement of the Problem: The study aims to develop a Library Information Management System for the BSU-JPLPC Library. Specifically it aims to answer the following questions: 1. What is the present status of library management system used in the BSUJPLPC Library in terms of 2. What programming ..

Significance (or Importance) of the Study

Significance of the study in thesis is a part where researcher

will tell the importance and purpose of the study. This part will tell how the study would be beneficial to society and specific person. Describe the contribution the study can be expected to make in the researchers field/profession, i.e. information technology, computer engineering, etc. If appropriate, mention both specific and technical contributions and also the more general significance of dealing with these particular ideas and problems. Indicate the contribution the study will make to the development of the researchers abilities as a future professionals. Describe the significance of the study in the specific context of the department, university and the community as well. (Who will benefit from the study?)

 Scope,

Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

Discuss here the boundaries of the study and those likely
part of the study researcher/s do not intend to accomplish (or what the design of the study inherently will not allow) The delimitations of a study are those characteristics that limit the scope (define the boundaries) of the inquiry as determined by the conscious exclusionary and inclusionary decisions that were made throughout the development of the study.

Definition of Terms Include only those terms (usually highly technical terms) which may confuse the readers No need to include terms thoroughly discussed in the manuscript Can be an operational definition and/or textual (conceptual) definition Operational Definition your own definition on how the term was used in the study Textual/Conceptual Definition definition taken from literature materials i.e. books, journals, etc. The source/s should be properly cited if conceptual definition

In this chapter the researcher formulates a theoretical conjecture representing a potential conceptual solution to the research question. The conceptualization may be a graphic model of an empirical generalization, a mathematical formula representing the conceptual solution, or a description of a grounded theory. Chapter Contents
Conceptual Literature Research Literature Related Studies Synthesis Conceptual Framework (or Theoretical Framework) Conceptual (or Theoretical) Paradigm Definition of Terms (Previously in Chapter 1)

 Conceptual

Literature

Discussion of the concepts, principles, theories

by which the research study was built. Sources come from refereed literature such as books, journals, etc. (Note : sources should be properly cited, using Harvard or MLA citation style) The student synthesizes ideas, practices, and personal insight to form the basis for conceptualizing a solution to the research questions.

Research (or Related) Literature

Related Studies - Here the analytical abilities of the

student are applied to analyze and interpret the work of others regarding the research problem and question(s). Historical or conceptual survey of relevant research works undertaken in the area by previous investigators or researchers. Each contribution must be accompanied by appropriate references to be listed in the reference section. (Again, sources should be properly cited) The researcher does not need to report on every published study in the area of the research topic. Choose those studies which are most relevant and most important.

 Synthesis

proposal)

(may not be included in

Do not merely summarize the research findings

that others have reported. It must also be evaluated and commented on each study's worth and validity. Discuss here researchers own perspective and views regarding each of the previous works/studies presented. How is the present study work compared to the work of the other researchers individually, what are the differences and similarities?

Conceptual Framework

It is a complete presentation of the variables to be

observed in the current study. It is the ideas defined in a way the researcher wants. It is understood in the current research, the operationalization of the variables-concepts, the visible indicators or the variables-concepts, the scheme of measuring the variables. It focuses on the specific stipulative and operational definition of concepts and variables with respect to the particular research problem.

Conceptual Paradigm
framework of the study.

A graphical diagram/representation of the conceptual

 Synthesis

proposal)

(may not be included in

Do not merely summarize the research findings

that others have reported. It must also be evaluated and commented on each study's worth and validity. Discuss here researchers own perspective and views regarding each of the previous works/studies presented. How is the present study work compared to the work of the other researchers individually, what are the differences and similarities?

The way in which research is conducted may be conceived of in terms of the research philosophy subscribed to, the research strategy employed and so the research instruments utilized (and perhaps developed) in the pursuit of a goal the research objective(s) - and the quest for the solution of a problem - the research questions. This is the chapter of your thesis where you will present the methodological framework for your research. You will discuss how you would do in order to be able to answer the research questions The contents of this chapter will depend on the type and nature of research being undertaken.

This chapter can also be titled as:

Research Methods and Procedures Methodology

For quantitative, academic, theory-based research the following are suggested contents:
The chapter should contain how the research was carried

out, should describe the subjects, instruments used (if any), the conditions how test were executed. The research methods and procedures utilized in the study The research design used in the study Population, demographics instrumentation data collection, and methods of data analysis and other statistical measurement used (if any or applicable)

For Project Development the following can be the chapter contents:

Design Development and Procedures Procedures and steps to be carried out in the design and development of the project Proposed Design Detailed requirements, specification Data/Information gathering (If appropriate)

Testing

and Evaluation

Testing procedures and method of evaluation to be

done

 Presentation, analysis, assessment

there is) or results of procedures undertaken. Presentation of the output of the study in any forms as maybe necessary or required (graphs, charts, formulas, plans, designs, etc) with detail analysis and discussions on how it was formulated or developed in the study. The chapter should contain the detailed findings/answers to the questions posted in the statements of the problem.

of data (If

 For

Project Development Research the Chapter Content can be :

Final Project Design Presentation of the final project tested and evaluated Results of Testing and Evaluation Presentation of the testing result
Used of tabulations, graphs or combination

Evaluation and Interpretation of test results(if said project conforms to the expectation)

 Summary of Findings Summary of findings should be a short statement

such as the main purpose of the study, period of the study, method of research used, research instrument and sampling design Findings should be written in textual generalization, that may contain a summary of the important data consisting of text and numbers. Important findings should be included in the summary. No new information or data should be included in the summary of findings. Findings should be stated concisely, not explained or elaborated anymore.

Conclusions

The conclusion should be short and concise and should be

based on the findings of the study. The conclusion section is not the place for details about the methodology or results. Although it should give a summary of what was learnt from the research, this summary should be short, since the emphasis in the conclusions section is on the implications, evaluations, etc. that was made in the study.

Recommendations

Should be based on the conclusions and findings of the study. Recommendations can be on items or works that the authors

failed to include of the study, utilization of the results of the study and furtherance on the study conducted.