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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEUST Vision 5

NEUST Mission 5

Graduate School Goals 5

Program Objectives 5

Chapter I. Introduction 6

Chapter II. Requirements and Qualifications in Enrolling Thesis Writing 7

Qualification

Requirements

Schedule of Fees

Duration

Chapter III. MSIT Tracks Description 8

Data Science

System Development

Systems Administration

Chapter IV. Research Topics Priorities 8

University Research Agenda

Suggested Thesis Topics based on the Tracks

Chapter V. Comparison of MSIT Thesis Topics and BSIT Capstone Project 12

Chapter VI. Process and Procedures of Title Presentation 14

Application of Title Defense

Document Format

Thesis Committee

Chapter VII. Criteria and Evaluation of Title Defense 17

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Chapter VIII. The Three-Stage Defense Process 18

Proposal Defense

Pre-Oral Defense

Oral Defense

Rebuttal Form

Completion of Thesis Writing

Chapter IX. Format and Content of Thesis 21

Thesis Format Guide

Manuscript Preparation

The Thesis Manuscript Writing Guide

Chapter X. Amendment and Effectivity 30

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VISION

NEUST is a locally responsive and internationally relevant and recognized University of Science
and Technology.

MISSION

To develop new knowledge and technologies and transform human resources into productive
citizenry to bring about development impact to local and international communities.

GRADUATE SCHOOL GOALS

a. To develop qualified individuals to be effective instrument in inquiry, extension service and higher
instruction and training in trade and industrial education, technology and public, business and
educational management;

b. To stimulate, encourage and maintain productive, functional research in all fields of trade and
industrial education and technology;

c. To promote extension services for dissemination/transfer of knowledge for the advancement of

the quality of life in the community;

d. To improve competence in teaching, supervision and management of educational programs in

trade and industrial education and technology;

e. To serve as the springboard for the enrichment, transmission and preservation of the cultural
heritage; and

f. To enhance and enrich moral, spiritual and ethical values among the constituents of the
Graduate School in consonance with defined national thrusts and priorities.

MSIT RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

To intensify relevant researches, the Master of Science in Information Technology program has
formulated the following objectives:

1. Engage in professional development or post-graduate education to pursue flexible career paths

adopting the future technological changes in information technology and related fields.
2. Demonstrate professionalism and sense of ethical responsibility in information technology
practice development and all their endeavors; and
3. Articulate the expertise in making technical contributions to design, develop, and solve problems
in the practice of information technology that meets industry and society's needs.

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Research shall be given primary focus and importance in all programs in order to
train faculty members, staff and students to conduct independent investigations. The
importance and justification for the conduct of research rest on the fact that research generally
precedes development.

As an academic function, research is one of the major sources of knowledge and

innovation. As such, it shall generally support and enhance the instruction, extension and
production services of the institution.

In other words, researches undertaken by the Master of Science in Information

Technology (MSIT) thesis writers in Information Technology (IT) priority research areas shall
be pursued not only for advancing knowledge, skills, and technologies but also for innovate
researches responsive to industry and community needs and relevant to the current IT trends
and issues.

The purpose of this thesis writing manual is to provide MSIT students, faculty and
other stakeholders with a reference manual containing policies and procedures on Thesis
Writing particularly in the field of IT.

In the interest of brevity, an attempt has been made to include only information
which will be used by the MSIT student-researchers under usual operating circumstances
within the University.

This document shall officially be known as the MSIT Thesis Manual of the
Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

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 CHAPTER II
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS IN ENROLLING THESIS WRITING
Section 1. Qualification

• The student must be enrolled in thesis writing course during the term.
• The student must have completed all academic requirements and must have passed
the Comprehensive Examination.

Section 2. Requirements

• Certificate of Registration (COR) enrolled in Thesis Writing Course.

• Payment of the fees reflected in the next section.

Section 3. Schedule of Fees

Type of Defense Amount

Title Defense None
Proposal Presentation PHP 7,770
Pre-Oral Defense PHP 11,700
Oral Defense PHP 14,200
*to be paid at university Cashier’s Office upon submission of the
requirements *subject for changes

Section 3. Duration

The proponent has to finish the thesis within four semesters (two years). However, in
case of more complex researches requiring longer period of time to complete, the proponent may
request for extension.

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 CHAPTER III
MSIT TRACKS DESCRIPTION AND ITS SPECIALIZATION COURSES

Section 1. System Development

System Development Track focuses on design and development of an enterprise wide system.
With this track, students' research and management skills will be enhanced particularly in the
areas of software engineering, strategic planning, web engineering, web systems, web
framework and technologies, mobile development, cyber security and assurance.

IT-251 Advanced Software Engineering

IT-252 Web Engineering and E-Commerce
IT-253 Mobile Application Development
IT-254 Information Security and Assurance
IT-255 Web Systems, Frameworks, and Technologies

Section 2. Systems Administration

System Administration track focuses on the deployment and maintenance of computer systems
and networks. The students taking this track will be able to enhance their skills in the design,
deployment and securing information systems and managing and maintaining heterogeneous
systems. It will also help them apply their skills on the implementation of policies and automated
administration regimes and Internet-working environments.

IT-261 Advanced Software Engineering

IT-262 Supply Chain Management
IT-263 Web Server and Client Services
IT-264 Business Analytics
IT-265 System Administration

Section 3. Data Science

Data Science Track develops strong statistical, computational and programming skills which will
prepare the students to become data science professionals. It exposes students to different skill-
based activities on data science education such as data analytics, data visualizations and
presentations, artificial intelligence and neural networks. It is also designed to help meet the
expanding needs of data science professionals in the academe, community and industry.

IT-271 Data Analytics

IT-272 Enterprise Data Warehousing
IT-273 Data Visualization
IT-274 Artificial Intelligence
IT-275 Deep Learning

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 CHAPTER IV
RESEARCH TOPICS PRIORITIES
Section 1. University Research Agenda

The NEUST Research Agenda integrates the concerns of the different curricular programs with
the over-all development goals and objectives of the country and the higher education international
community.

The University laid down its Research Agenda (2019-2024) and took into consideration the
thrusts and priorities, policies and directions necessary to fulfill its mandated research function and to attain
its mission.

In elucidating the vital role of research in the University’s academic life, the National Higher
Education Research Agenda stated below serve as its springboard:

1. Push the frontiers of knowledge across all identified higher education disciplines in the country;
2. Enhance instruction through original contributions in specialized discipline, thereby
encouraging students to become creative, innovative and productive individuals; and
3. Develop unifying theories or models which can be translated into mature technologies for the
purpose of improving the quality of life of the Filipinos within the sphere of influence of the
academic institutions in the country.

The formulation of the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) is in
line with the DOST’s mandate of providing central direction, leadership and coordination of the scientific
and technological efforts in the country.

The HNRDA is aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040: matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa
lahat. It has three pillars: Malasakit (enhancing the social fabric), Pagbabago (reducing inequality) and Kaunlaran
(increasing potential growth). AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the three pillars form the foundation for more inclusive
growth, a high-trust and resilient society and a globally competitive knowledge economy.

One of the outcomes identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 is to increase the
country's potential growth by building the foundation for a globally competitive knowledge economy where
accelerated technology adoption and stimulated innovation are envisioned to be achieved.

The HNRDA is organized into 5 sectors: Basic Research; Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources;
Health; Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology; and Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
Adaptation. The Agenda was formulated by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP),
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Philippine Council for
Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) in cooperation with stakeholders in the respective sectors.

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The Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) is divided into five (5) sectors.
It is aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040, and is founded on the three pillars of Malasakit, Pagbabago and
Kaunlaran.

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Section 2. Suggested Thesis Topics based on the Tracks

2.1 System Development

System Development Track Thesis Topics:

1. Internet of Things
2. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Applications
3. Mobile Applications
4. ICT Business Applications/E-Commerce
5. Technopreneurship
6. E-Governance
7. Decision Support System
8. Robotics

2.2 System Administration

System Administration Thesis Topics:

1. System Integration
2. ICT/Cyber Security
3. E-Governance
4. IT Infrastructure and Services
5. Supply Chain Management
6. E-Commerce
7. Block Chain Technology and Cloud or Grid Computing

2.3 Data Science

Data Science Thesis Topics:

1. Application of Algorithms
2. Machine Learning and Computer Vision
3. Modeling and Simulation
4. Natural Language Processing
5. Pattern Recognition and Data Mining
6. Robotics
7. Expert Systems
8. Artificial Intelligence and Neural Network

The Data Science Track topic must use the real-time and big data and not consider the Kaggle data.
In System Development and System Administration, topics must be applicable enterprise-wide and must
be installed or tested in the community/company concerned.

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 CHAPTER V
COMPARISON OF MSIT THESIS TOPICS AND BSIT CAPSTONE PROJECT
Postgraduate study is a step up from undergraduate study, requiring a more advanced level of
understanding, greater independent study, and more specialized knowledge. Hence, the need to
differentiate BSIT from MSIT thesis/capstone project requirements. Here are some of their distinctions:

1. Research Focus

MSIT research studies require a more advanced level of understanding on the field of information
technology, where student-researchers need to engage in more advanced research methods than those
they would have used during their undergraduate research studies.

This means that with MSIT research studies, there will be a greater emphasis on the research
skills of the students. This will include training in appropriate research methods preparing them for the
possibility of furthering their studies to the next higher level, the doctorate program.

At this level, student-researchers should also put a greater emphasis on the following research
topics:

• The System Development Topics must be along the Internet of Things, Virtual Reality and
Augmented Reality Applications, Mobile Applications, E-Commerce or ICT Business
Applications, Technopreneurship, E-Governance, Decision Support System and Robotics.
• System Administration Topics must be along System Integration, ICT/Cyber Security, E-
Governance, IT Infrastructure and Services, Supply Chain Management, E-Commerce, Block
Chain Technology and Cloud or Grid Computing.
• Topics must be along the Application of Algorithms, Machine Learning and Computer Vision,
Modeling and Simulation, Natural Language Processing, Pattern Recognition and Data Mining,
Robotics or Expert Systems and Artificial Intelligence and Neural Network.
• The Data Science topics must use the real-time and big data and not consider the Kaggle data.
System Development and System Administration Topics must be applicable enterprise-wide and
must be installed or tested in the community/company concerned.

The master thesis will typically require the researchers to:

1. Identify relevant research topic/s.

2. Use rigorous scholarly research method in preparation for research publication and presentation.
3. Demonstrate advanced understanding of IT integration

2. Area of Specialization

While BSIT studies equip students with general competence in the field of IT, MSIT studies give
students the advanced expertise within a specific area.

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 For example, while a BSIT degree will help the students understand information technology in a
general context on the following area: web programming, database programming and network
management; a master degree in IT will give students advanced expertise in a specialized area, such as
system development, systems administration and data science.

3. In-Depth Readings

With the MSIT research, student-researchers need to be prepared for more in-depth readings
than with their BSIT capstone projects.

The reading list/literature for the MSIT researches will likely be much more extensive and
advanced than that of the capstone project in the BSIT program. This is because student-researchers need
to understand and critically assess a range of perspectives in their specific subject area, and more deeply
and meaningfully engage with readings in the chosen specialized area so that they can develop their own
substantiated ideas and arguments in developing their research outputs.

4. Implementation and Utization of the Research Outputs

In the MSIT program, student-researchers are required to implement and deploy the research
outputs prior to their Oral Defense presentations. This is to ensure that research studies and outputs are
not just prepared as compliance to the requirements of the MSIT degree.

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 CHAPTER VI
PROCESS AND PROCEDURES OF TITLE DEFENSE
Section 1. Application of Title Defense

The student will have to submit the copy of his/her thesis proposal to the thesis writing professor.
The thesis writing professor will coordinate the schedule and venue of the title proposal to the GS
committee. The Dean and Program Chair will identify the members of the evaluating committee to assess
the title proposal of the student.

Section 2. Document Format

Accomplish the thesis title proposal form and write the following:

1. Rationale
2. Objectives
3. Research Description
• Research Model/Literature
• Methodology
• Development
• Development & Implementation Costing
• Features/Highlights
4. Workplan (Gannt Chart)
5. Expected Output
• Beneficiaries

Section 3. Thesis Committee after the Approval of Thesis Title

The Thesis Committee consists of the Advisory Panel (AP) and the Defense Panel (DP). The
Dean of the Graduate School approves the members of both committees upon recommendation of the
concerned Department Chair.

3.1 The Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel consists of the Adviser, the Statistician and the English Critic of the proponent.
Below are their specific functions.

3.1.1 The Adviser. A qualified Research Adviser shall be chosen preferably from among the full
time faculty of the Graduate School. In addition to this, he/she needs to have majored in the field of
research being undertaken and must have had experience as a member of a panel of thesis oral defense
and/or experience in research designing, advising, critiquing, and the like.

The adviser shall guide the proponent from the preparation of the proposal to the preparation of
the final research report. His/her role includes the following:

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 a. advising the proponent all throughout the research process;
b. guiding the proponent in preparing all necessary research staff work;
c. critiquing of the research paper chapter by chapter and ensuring that it is already scholarly
enough, grammar wise and content wise, for endorsement to, and examination of the Defense Panel.

To be able to do the above, the adviser does not only have to be knowledgeable in research but
must also have the commitment and the capacity to sit long hours discussing the research details with the
advisee. He/She should be approachable, accessible, and inspiring enough to encourage the advisee to
complete his/her research paper within the prescribed period.

3.1.2 The Statistician. Contrary to common belief, the role of the statistician does not begin and
end in performing statistical computations for the proponent. His/her duty goes beyond and extends further.
His/her role may require direct assistance to the proponent in terms of the following:

a. planning and developing other data gathering tool that would succinctly answer all research
queries;
b. ensuring that each item in the data gathering tool would lead to finding answers to the
specific statement of the problem;
c. validating and establishing the reliability of the data gathering tools developed;
d. choosing the statistical tool or instruments appropriate for the data gathered;
e. presenting gathered data in tabular, graphical, or figure form; and
f. analyzing and interpreting statistical data.

3.1.3 The English Critic. The English Critic ensures that the manuscript is acceptable in terms
of form and grammar. The role of the English Critic includes

a. ensuring that the manuscript is ready for presentation and printing based on the principles of
technical writing;

b. checking grammar usage on the basis of the research content. This means that the English
Critic or editor must not only be after grammar usage but also after the rules of logic. He or she may
suggest changes in the paper, in coordination with the adviser.

3.2 The Defense Panel

The Panel on Oral Examination consists of a Chair and two (2) members for thesis defense. A
secretary is also assigned to take care of the minutes of every proceeding of each research presentation.
The Dean of the Graduate School assigns and invites the Chairs and Members of the Panel on the basis of
competence and availability.

3.2.1 The Chair. The Chair of the Department may or may not be a Chair of the Defense Panel.
When the Department Chair is not available or when he/she happens to be the adviser of the proponent,
any other GS faculty member with doctorate degree, from the same discipline as that of the proponent, and
with relatively rich experience in research, can be a Chair of the Defense Panel.

3.2.2 The Members. Any GS Faculty member whose training and qualifications are in line with the
proponent’s research topic, and whose discipline is the same as that of the proponent, can be a member of
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the POE. In case of non-availability of prospective panel members from the school, the GS can invite
panelist from other schools or agencies, provided that the specialization of the invitee is the same as, or
relevant to, the specialization or research topic of the proponent. If possible, one member of the panel must
be an expert statistician.

3.3 Functions of the Panel on Oral Examination

The members of the Defense Panel are expected to evaluate the ability of the master’s or
doctorate candidate to present the summary of his/her paper and to answer questions relevant to his/her
study. In general, the members are expected to find out the depth and breadth of knowledge of the
proponent regarding the thesis project being presented.

Specifically, the members of the Defense Panel are expected to probe among others on:

a. whether the proponent is the rightful owner and author of the research;
b. the justification behind the choice of the problem, objectives, and methodologies used (data-
collection procedure, sampling procedure, data/ statistical analysis procedure);
c. the appropriateness of related literature and studies to the research project;
d. data authenticity;
e. whether specific objectives are answered;
f. whether findings are within the scope of the problem;
g. whether analysis, implications and conclusions are done objectively in an in-depth and
logical manner;
h. whether recommendations are drawn from findings and conclusions;
i. whether the form of the writing style follows the prescribed format of the NEUST Graduate
School; and
j. whether the research contributes to the testing and building of theories or knowledge in the
discipline.
k. etc.

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 CHAPTER VII
CRITERIA AND EVALUATION OF TITLE DEFENSE
1. Scientific merit (20%)
✓
Contribution to the advancement of S&T
✓
Sound scientific basis to generate new knowledge/ technology
✓
Applies existing knowledge/ technology in an innovative manner

2. Technical, financial and timeframe (10%)

✓
The undertaking is technically and financially reasonable
✓
Duration of the project and its activities are reasonable, consistent with the nature and
complexity to achieve the proposed objective
3. Methodology/Strategies for Implementation (20%)
✓
Procedure is clear
✓
Materials used, sampling method and statistical analysis including scope limitation and place of
study are specified
4. Socio economic impact (15%)

✓
Effect of the project to create/ provide employment, increase income and address any current/
pressing national problem, among others are specified and quantified
5. Environmental impact (15%)
✓
The project does not have a significant adverse effect on the environment and /or public health

6. Plans for research/ project utilization (20%)

✓
Plans on how R&D results will be used by the potential and users or adapters are defined

Tangible and measurable project output [the expected product from this

research]Publications (in recognized scientific journals)

Patents/Utility Model (intangible measure of innovation)

Product (commercial value of outputs)

People services (increase in scientific workforce)

Policies (adopt science-based guidelines)

*Writing of the thesis begins only after the approval of the thesis title proposal.
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 CHAPTER VIII
THE THREE-STAGE DEFENSE PROCESS
A thesis will have to undergo three stages of defense: the proposal, the pre-oral and the oral
defense. In all these stages, the candidate shall first have to present a copy of the manuscript to the
adviser. The adviser, upon ensuring that the manuscript measures up to standards, will seek endorsement
of the Program Chair and approval of the Dean for possible date of manuscript presentation before a
defense panel, using the ISO form approved by the Board of Regents.

When the date for presentations shall have been approved, the student shall be advised to prepare
and submit eight (8) copies of manuscript for thesis at least, seven days before the presentation date.

Section 1. Schedule of Defense and Manuscript Submission

Thesis may be scheduled for defense at any stage at any time of the year, subject to the
readiness of the presenter and the availability of the members of the defense panel. The deadline for the
Final Oral Defense of those intending to graduate at a given semester shall be held one (1) week before
the Graduate School Academic Council submits resolution for graduation.

The candidate shall ensure that the manuscript (for all three tiers of defense) is duly acknowledged by
the GS Secretary who shall also issue the formal notice of schedule of defense, specifying the names of the
members of the Thesis Evaluation Committee (for the proposal presentation and the pre-oral defense) and the
Panel on Oral Examination (for the oral defense), signed by the GS Dean.

Section 2. Proposal Presentation

The candidate presents his/her proposal for evaluation of the Defense Panel. The Panel scrutinizes
the proposal and gives suggestions for improvement. The proposal will cover the rationale of the proposed
thesis, statement of the problem, methodology, and the beneficiaries of the thesis product/output. The thesis
product/output like software should be 60% completed before applying for Proposal Presentation.

After the presentation, the panel members will have to submit a completed Thesis Proposal
Evaluation Form, containing their respective comments/recommendations. The secretary of the committee
summarizes the comments and recommendations and reads them before the student and the panel for
confirmation. Upon panel approval of the summary, the secretary provides the proponent with a copy for
guidance and compliance. The latter may then start with the revision.

If the recommendations of the panel were all satisfied and the remark “Passed with Revisions”
had been impressed on his proposal by the Chair of the Panel, the proponent may then proceed with data
gathering, collection and interpretation. He will be allowed to proceed to the second stage if the research
report is already complete from Chapters 1 to 4, with references and appendices.

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Section 3. Pre-Oral Defense

Upon completion of Chapters 1 and 4 of the paper and the thesis product/output is already 100%
completed with minor revisions, and upon endorsement of the adviser and the program chair to the dean of
the GS, the student can now be allowed for Pre-oral Defense. During this stage, the completed research
shall be presented for evaluation by the same thesis panel for three reasons:

a) to check ownership,
b) to evaluate the thesis product/output and
c) for further improvement

The secretary takes notes of the observations and recommendations of the panel during the defense.
After the presentation, the Committee members shall accomplish and submit to the Chair of the Thesis the Pre-
oral Evaluation Sheet, otherwise known as Rebuttal Sheet, containing their respective
comments/recommendations. The Chair shall provide the secretary with the evaluation sheet for safekeeping
and validation of minutes. The secretary then prepares the summary of recommendations, have the summary
signed by the committee, and provide the student with a copy. The summary of panel recommendations shall
serve as guide of the student in making necessary revisions or improvement in his/her paper.

Section 4. Oral Defense

After complying with the pre-oral recommendations of the defense panel, and after having
presented the research in local or international conference/fora, the student, thru the adviser, shall submit
the duly approved official request for final Oral Presentation, together with the required number of copies of
the revised manuscript, for distribution to the members of the Defense Panel, at least, seven days before
the date of Final Oral Presentation.

Section 4. Rebuttal Form

The Rebuttal Form contains the summary of the proponent’s compliance to the recommendations
of the POE. This, together with the previously evaluated manuscript and the summary of recommendations
prepared by the Secretary, as well as the revised manuscript with the Approval Sheet must be submitted to
the POE for evaluation and approval. It is only when every POE recommendation has been complied with
that the paper shall be considered final and approved for reproduction into the number of required copies
for graduation.

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Sample Rebuttal Form

PROPONENT : Juan Dela Cruz

PROGRAM : MSIT
THESIS : Decision Support System with Predictive Modeling
DATE OF DEFENSE : February 21, 2021
Recommendations PANEL Action Reference Signature of
Member Taken Page Evaluator
Chapter 1
1. Improve organization of Dr. Ison
paragraphs/ideas in the
introduction.
2. Add more recent reviews on the topic Dr. Reyes Complie Pages 4, 5, Approved
d with 7, 10, 11 (w/signature)
Chapter 2
1. Add justification of the reviews made. Dr. Reyes
Pont the gap which the current study
tries to fill.
Chapter 3
1. Improve discussion of your
methodology.
2. Use more appropriate statistics for
question no. 3.
etc …

Section 5. Completion of Thesis Writing Course

In case of oral defense, submit the following to the GS Department Secretary or Technical
Assistant of the Dean.
• Six hard copies (approved by all concerned)
• Soft copy of the following saved in five (5) Compact Discs (CDs)
o Manuscript including annexes, tables and the like. (Docx file AND PDF copy)
o Presentations (from proposal to oral presentation)
o Source Code
o Database
o User’s Manual
o Other files (Documentation of International/Local Paper Presentation)
• If applicable, submit all the files to the electronic databank of GS.
• Each CD should be appropriately labelled in the manner displayed below:
o Title of Thesis Program (e.g., MS in Information Technology track of System
Development)
o Name of Student (Last name, First name, Middle
name) o Month and year of completion (e.g., April 2021)
o Name of Faculty Adviser
• Rebuttal forms

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 CHAPTER IX
FORMAT AND CONTENT OF THESIS
Section 1. Thesis Format Guide

The parts of thesis manuscript depend upon the research method employed. The research
method can be quantitative, qualitative or developmental. Experimental researches fall under the
Quantitative method.

Format of the manuscript also varies depending upon the presentation stage. If the manuscript is for
Proposal Defense it must have the basic preliminaries. For proposal defense, it must have the first two chapters
plus references, appendices and curriculum vitae. For the pre-oral and oral defense, the manuscript must
already be complete with all the required preliminaries, four chapters, with references and appendices.

The Thesis Format Guide for Proposal Defense

Preliminaries
Title
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter 1
The Problem and Its Background
Introduction
Literature Review
Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
Statement of Purpose
Scope and Delimitations
Significance of the study
Definition of terms
Chapter 2
Research Procedures
Research design
Research Locale
Participants with sample and sampling procedures
Research Instruments with validity and reliability proofs
Procedure
Assessment Phase
Development Phase
Validation Phase
Ethical Concerns

References
Appendices
Curriculum Vitae
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 The Thesis Format Guide for Pre oral and Oral Stages

Preliminaries
Title
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter 1
The Problem and Its Background
Introduction
Literature Review
Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
Statement of Purpose
Scope and Delimitations
Significance of the study
Definition of terms
Chapter 2
Research Methodology
Research design
Locale of the Study
Participants with sample and sampling procedures
Research Instruments with validity and reliability proofs
Procedure
Assessment Phase
Development Phase
Validation Phase
Ethical Concerns

Chapter 3
Findings and Discussion

Chapter 4
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of Results
Conclusion
Recommendations
References
Appendices***
Curriculum Vitae
***
Correspondence (all letter requests involving data collection)
Research instruments or data gathering instruments
Pilot Study Result
Statistical Input
Curriculum Vitaé of the proponent
Any other material as may be required by the Thesis Committee

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Section 2. Manuscript Preparation

In the preparation of the manuscript, the specifications on format, spacing, margins, pagination,
running head, headings, tables and figures, paper and printing specifications, as well as font specifications
must carefully be followed. The following pointers serve as guide.

Format. Journal style of writing or the APA style shall be used in the manuscript
preparation. Use of bias-free language is strictly observed, particularly in terms of disabilities, race,
ethnicity, and sexuality all throughout the text.

Spacing. Modified APA is prescribed in terms of spacing. Formal APA prescribes double-space in
all text. Meanwhile, NEUST GS prescribes double-space in all text; single-space in long quotations, tables
and figure captions, and in similar special materials (e.g., table legend).

Margins. Modified APA format shall also be used in setting page margin. APA specifies 1-inch
margin in all four (4) sides of the paper (top, bottom, left,and right). NEUST GS, however, prescribes 1 ½ at
the left and 1 at the top, right side and bottom margin.

Pagination. Page number, in Hindu-Arabic, should be set in the upper right hand corner of the
paper. The first page of each chapter shall not be numbered.

Running Head. This is a short descriptive title that appears at the top of every page in the
published journal. In a manuscript, it appears on every page (including the title page), flush left, in
uppercase letters, on the same line as the page number.

Headings. Headings should be written using the following illustration as guide:

HEADING
Level Format
1 CENTERED BOLDFACE, UPPERCASE
2 Left-aligned, Boldface, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading
3 Indented, boldface, lowercase heading with a period.
4 Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase heading with a period.
5 Indented, italicized, lowercase heading with a period.

Tables and Figures. Tables and figures can be set in either portrait or landscape form, depending upon the
length of the content. The general rule is that it should, as much as possible, be compressed in a single
page. If not possible, it must be cut strategically or either is included in the appendices or incorporated into
the text.

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Example for table

Table 1
Sample Example of Table

Group Heading
Column Heading
Group Heading 1 Group Heading 2
Table Body Table Body Table Body
Table Body Table Body Table Body
Table Body Table Body Table Body
Table Body Table Body Table Body

Example for figure

Figure 1. Sample illustration on how to format figures

Paper and Printing Specifications. Print the final copy with a laser printer using only one side of a
standard-sized bond paper (8.5 x 11 inches).
Font Specifications. Use Times New Roman font size 12 all throughout the manuscript, except to
compress a large table when you can use smaller font size.

The cover. The cover for the manuscript shall be blue for thesis. The cover design is available at
the Graduate School Learning Resource Center.

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Section 3. The Thesis Manuscript Writing Guide

The full thesis report paper shall consist of four (4) chapters. To help you in the preparation of
research report, you are provided with the following description and guide in the preparation of each part.

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

The introduction should provide the background of the study. It describes the research problem
or research question and lays out the reasoning behind it. This reasoning is sometimes called a theoretical
argument. It justifies the study in terms of a need for the information it will provide, in order to develop or
test a theory, or in order to understand, explain, or further describe a phenomenon.

The introduction should lead up to, and provide support for the problem statement. It should be
presented following logic for the purpose of clarity.

Review of Related Literature and Studies

The literature cited should support the theoretical argument being made and should demonstrate
that the author has a grasp of the major ideas and findings that pertain to his or her topic

Theoretical /Conceptual Framework

a. Theoretical framework is a tentative explanation on the occurrence of the problem from the
perspective of theorists or of books and journal authors.

b. Conceptual framework is the proponent’s version of what explains the problem. It is usually supported
by a research diagram/paradigm.

The Research Problem

a. This portion has two (2) parts: the general statement and the specific statement.
b. The general statement of the problem captures the title in statement form and explains why the study
was conducted. The specific statement of the problem, on the other hand, enumerates specific
questions or research problems that when answered would lead to finding answer to the general
statement.

Scope and Delimitation

a. Scope and delimitation answers the questions: What or who is the study about? Where was it
conducted? When was it conducted?

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Significance of the Study

b. Significance of the study discusses who will benefit from the study and in what ways will they be
benefitted.

Definition of Terms

a. Only the key terms or variables used in the study are defined under this section. These terms appear in
the title, the statement of the problem and the conceptual paradigm.

b. Terms should be defined conceptually and operationally. Conceptual definition is definition by the book
and must be properly cited. Operational definition is based on the usage of the term in the study.

Chapter 2

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This chapter presents the methods and procedures used in the study. It includes the research
design, population and sampling techniques, instrumentation, data gathering procedures and statistical
treatment of data.

Research Design

a. This portion discusses the research design used in the study.

b. The discussion includes a brief definition of the design, and an explanation on why and how it was used.

Locale of the Study

a. Describe the locale in relation to the study. Description should not be limited to geographical location
alone but most importantly to the characteristics of the locale vis-a vis the research variables which
prompted the researcher to conduct the research there. This should serve as support to the
background of the study

Population and Sampling

a. This portion is necessary only when the study necessitates the use of a sample to represent a
population.
b. The population from which the sample was taken must be described.
c. The sampling technique or method of sample selection used must be explained.

Respondents of the Study/ Participants/ Subject

a. The term “respondents” is used for sources of data in quantitative studies where there are survey or
interview questions to respond to; “participants” are sources of data used in qualitative researches;
while “subjects” is used as sources of data in experimental researches.
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b. Whichever, these sources of data should be mentioned in details in this section, such as; if they are
teachers, office workers or administrators, etc. Likewise, they must be described in terms of their
demographic profile characteristics such as: age, educational attainment or gender, etc.

Research Instruments

a. This section discusses and describes the instruments used for gathering data in the study. It also
discusses the instrument by part and explains what each part measures.
b. If the instrument was standardized or developed by previous researcher, it must be mentioned in this
section with proper citation and permission from the author.
c. If the instrument is self-constructed, it must be described in terms of the variables it intends to
measure and the validity and reliability measures taken to ensure that it is valid and reliable.
d. The proponent must ensure that the instrument will yield data that answer the research questions or
statement of the problem.

Data Gathering Procedures

a. This portion discusses the step by step procedure taken in the conduct of the study: from the
preparation of the data gathering instrument, seeking permission to conduct the study, to gathering,
collating and analyzing the data gathered.
b. The proponent should discuss in this portion how the study was conducted and whether he or she
conducted it by himself or herself or if someone else has done it for him/her.
c. The process of data collection and how the instruments were distributed and gathered should also
be discussed.
d. The exact date of data gathering and the overall number of questionnaires distributed and retrieved
must be mentioned.
e. The data gathering instrument must come with a cover letter stating that the researcher respects the
respondents’ privacy and that all the information to be gathered will be used only for the purpose of
the study and will be kept confidential.

Data Analysis Technique

a. Data analysis technique should describe how the researcher processed the research data.
b. It should include description of statistical tool used to analyze, interpret and determine implication
of data.
c. In case of experimental studies, the treatments used for the variables of the study must
be described.

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results of the analyses, in the order of the specific statement of the
problem. Only the main topics per problem shall appear as headings. The number of subheadings shall be
consistent with the number of sub-problems posed in Chapter 1.

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 The format of Chapter 3 may vary depending on the research design, subject to the approval of
the Thesis Evaluation Committee.

Results should be presented with sound analysis and bias-free interpretation.

Presentation

a. Research data can be presented in pictorial, textual, figurative, graphical, or tabular manner.
Whichever, the presentation should clearly give a picture of the result of the study.
b. There is no need to repeat the details of all the contents of the table or graph in textual form. It is
more important to capture and substantially interpret the highlights and the interesting points of the
resulting data rather than to convert them textually.

Analysis

a. Provide statistical analyses of the presentations made to answer the research questions or to accept
and reject hypotheses.
b. Integrate the results with the theoretical background and relate with relevant literature findings.

Interpretation

a. Data should be interpreted according to the statistical result of the study and in relation to the
reviews made on related literatures and studies.
b. It is important to point out gaps and similarities between the findings of the current and previous
researches.
c. Implication of the findings of the study in the discipline the researcher belongs should also be drawn
and discussed in the interpretation.

Chapter 4

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings from which the conclusions and
recommendations were derived.

Summary

a. The result of the study should be summarized and presented in technical terms and in
the sequence of the statements of the problem.
b. Each of the summarized findings should be an answer to the statement of the problem
or objectives of the study.
b. There should be as many summarized findings as there are objectives or statements of
the problem.
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Conclusions

a.
Conclusion should be drawn out of the summarized result of the study.
b.
There should be no more mathematical or statistical figures presented in this section.
c.
There should be as many conclusions as there are findings.
d.
Each conclusion must be a direct answer to the specific statements
of the problem.
.
Recommendations

a. Lay down recommendations based on the findings of the study.

b. The recommendations should be specific and should be directed to specific person or entity.
c. Propose further research. Explain why is the proposed research needed and what form should
it take (if you have a proposed program make sure to mention the rationale).
c. Recommend replication if a study of the same nature should be conducted in the near future.

REFERENCES

The following are the prescribed style of referencing you must follow. Take note that
presentation of references differs depending upon whether the material is taken from a book, magazine,
journal, or internet site. They should be presented alphabetically regardless of the sources. However, for
the purpose of illustration, they are presented below according to sources.

Example of References from Books

Anderson, D. L. (2010).Organizational development: the process of leading organizational change. Los

Angeles, CA: SAGE.

Baron, R. A. & Greenberg, J. (2003).Behavior in organizations. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice
Hall.

Bergmann, R., Coulter, M., Robbins, S., & Stagg, I. (2006).Foundations of management. 2nd ed. Frenchs
Forest, NSW: Prentice Hall.

Blanchard, K., Carlos, J. P., & Randolph, A. (2001).The 3 keys to empowerment: release the power within
people for astonishing results. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Bryars, L. L., & Rue, L. W. (2008).Human resource management. 9th ed. San Francisco, CA: McGraw-Hill
Irwin.

Bryke, A. S., & Schneider, B. (2002).Trust in schools. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.

Cavanaugh, J. C. &Kail, R. V, (2007).Human development: A life span view. 4th ed. Belmont, CA:
Thomson Wadsworth.

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Cordero, P. A. & Cunningham, W. G. (2009).Educational leadership: A bridge to improved practice. 4thed.
New York, NY: Allyn and Bacon.

Covey, S. R. (2004).The 8th habit from effectiveness to greatness. New York, NY: Free Press.

Covey, S. R. (2007).The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything. New York, NY: Free Press.

Example of References from Magazines and Journals

Aragon, S. R. & Johnson, S. D. (2002). Emerging roles and competencies for training in e-
learning environments.Advances in Developing Human Resources, 4(4): 424–439.

Boon, J., & van der Klink, M. (2002) Competencies: The triumph of a fuzzy concept.Academy of
Human Resource Development Annual Conference, Honolulu, HA, 27 February – 3 March,
in: Proceedings, (1): 327–334.

Collins, D. B., Lowe, J. S. and Arnett, C. R. (2000) High-performance leadership at the

organization level.Advances in Developing Human Resources, 6: 18–46.

Example of References from the Internet

Calica, A., Crisostomo, S., Flores, H., & Mendez, C. (2010). 7 of 10 Pinoys distrust GMA.
Retrieved:http://propinoy.net/2010/02/25/7-of-10-pinoys-distrust-gma-pulse-asia/

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 CHAPTER X

AMENDMENT AND EFFECTIVITY

Save as to matters specifically provided by law, any provision in this Manual may be amended at
any regular meeting of the University Academic and Administrative Council and/or the Board of Regents.

Any provision of this Manual or any part thereof that are found to be contrary to or inconsistent
with existing laws, decrees, rules and regulations are deemed null and void.

Effectivity. This Thesis Manual shall take effect immediately upon approval of the Office of the
President.

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