FAST SCHOOL of MANAGEMENT

National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences

Chiniot-Faisalabad Campus

FINAL YEAR PROJECT

/THESIS HANDBOOK
Guidelines, Procedures & Regulations

Fall-2023
 Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 3
2. IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR FYP/Thesis ............................................................................. 4
2.1. Registration Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 4
2.2. Role of Advisor ................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Evaluation Committee & Grade Finalization Committee ........................................................ 4
2.4. Sourcing Ideas..................................................................................................................... 5
3. FORMAT OPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 6
3.1. FYP formats ........................................................................................................................ 6
Business Plan / Feasibility Study ......................................................................................... 6
Business Consultancy Report/Practice Project ...................................................................... 6
Case Study ......................................................................................................................... 6
3.2. Thesis formats ..................................................................................................................... 7
Empirical Research Paper.................................................................................................... 7
Theoretical Paper................................................................................................................ 7
4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT ....................................................................................................... 8
4.1. Formatting Guidelines ......................................................................................................... 8
4.2. Document Layout ................................................................................................................ 9
Layout of Covers & Title Page ............................................................................................ 9
Researcher’s Submission.....................................................................................................10
Anti-Plagiarism Declaration ...............................................................................................11
Researcher’s Declaration ...................................................................................................13
Report Format ...................................................................................................................16
5. EVALUATION OF FYP/THESIS............................................................................................... 17
5.1. Evaluation Scheme ............................................................................................................ 17
5.2. Penalties ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.3. Grading Standards ............................................................................................................. 18
6. CONDUCT OF FYP/THESIS .....................................................................................................19
6.1. Deliverables & Presentations .............................................................................................. 19
Deliverables ...................................................................................................................... 19
Guidelines for Presentation ............................................................................................... 19
6.2. Complaints and issues related to FYP/Thesis ....................................................................... 19
7. PLAGIARISM ........................................................................................................................... 20
What is Plagiarism & is not acceptable............................................................................... 20
What are acceptable practices ............................................................................................ 20

8. FINAL YEAR PROJECT OUTLINES…………………………………………………………...…... 26

9. Guidelines for FYP Poster……………………………………………………………………………...39
 FINAL YEAR PROJECT/THESIS
FAST SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, CFD Campus

1. INTRODUCTION
For the undergraduate (BBA & BS-AF) and graduate (MBA) programs, Final Year Project/Thesis
(FYP/Thesis) is a mandatory requirement for award of degree. FYP/Thesis is completed in two separate
parts, referred as FYP-I/Thesis-1 and FYP-II/ Thesis-2 during the second last and last semester of
respective programs.

1.1. Objectives
FYP/Thesis is a considerably different undertaking compared to taught courses as it allows students to
work more independently and develop a product which adds to existing knowledge.

Key objectives of FYP/Thesis include:

Provide an opportunity for graduating students to engage in a comprehensive learning exercise which
focuses on a particular field of Management Sciences /Business Administration
Working independently and gathering information, analyzing it and presenting findings while following
a clearly articulated structure
To draw on knowledge acquired in different courses for an academic and/or practical undertaking Produce
an original, comprehensive, and structured literary document in Management Sciences/Business
Administration.
2. Important Guidelines for FYP/Thesis
These rules are to be clearly understood by students before registering for FYP/Thesis. In case of any
queries, students should consult the Academic office or their FYP Advisor. Any issues arising during or
after FYP/Thesis due to ignorance of these rules shall not be entertained.
2.1. Registration Guidelines
Registration: Complete the registration using the form provided in the Annexure-A of this document
within the deadline given by the Academic Office. Academic office shall intimate the Final approval.
Number of students in a group: One student allowed in the case of undergraduate and one in the case
of graduate. For business consultancy reports with exceptional scope, one member may be added
with permission from Head of Department (HoD).
Formation of Group: Students who fulfill all the pre-requisites (credit hours) for
undertaking.
FYP can form groups on their own.
Continuity of Group: Groups formed for FYP-I/Thesis-1 shall continue as such in FYP-II/Thesis-
II. In case of discontinuance of any group member(s) at any stage, due to any reason, the rest of
the group will continue working towards the completion of their FYP/Thesis.
Selection of Advisor: Students can request work with any advisor, after reviewing their research
interests.
Selection of Format & Topic: There are two options available to Students. They can register either
for a Final Year Project or a Final Year Thesis. Students must choose one of these options in
consultation with their advisor. It is recommended to review the format details of both options
before deciding to register for one of them (for details, see section 3).
Selection of Topic: Students must choose a topic that is of common interest to them and their
advisor. Area of focus and specific topic should be finalized after securing the consent of advisor.
2.2. Role of Advisor
From the onset, the group must work closely with their assigned advisor and meet formally to
consult about progress of project and take advice on different matters. Consultation with Advisor carries
significant weight in the evaluation process, and it includes “attendance” in these meetings with advisor.
A thorough review by an advisor and subsequent suggestions for improvements shall also help
students to improve their work as they progress along. In case of requirement of external supervision,
an advisor from faculty will be assigned to ensure that the quality of the report meets academic
standards.
2.3. Evaluation Committee & Grade Finalization Committee
During the process of FYP/Thesis, all faculty members shall review the Proposal and Final
presentations and an Evaluation Committee consisting of Advisor and two other faculty
members shall review interim presentation and report of FYP/Thesis. The advisor shall act as
coordinator and convener for the committee meetings.
Evaluation committees will send evaluations as per evaluation plan and recommended grades to HoD’s
office. Since grades will be recommended individually for parts of group and individual performance
of each student, group members working on same project/thesis may get different grades.
Overall Grading and Evaluation shall be reviewed and finalized by Grade Finalization Committee
Consisting of designated faculty member(s).
Grades will be announced by the Academic Office only.
2.4. Sourcing Ideas
Students are advised to work in the area in which they intend to specialize and/or find jobs. There are
two main options available to source or generate ideas for FYP/Thesis.

Option 1: A list of faculty members and their respective interests shall be made available by the
academic office of FAST School of Management. Students can review the research
interests/available projects of different faculty members and interact with them before
registration and achieve mutual consent of working on a specific project.

Option 2: Students may approach an organization of their own choice and identify a project strictly within
the ambit of FYP/Thesis guidelines. In such a case, they can either interact with an advisor
(to arrive at mutual consent for working under his/her supervision) OR they can leave it to
the school to appoint an advisor appropriate for the project.
3. FORMAT OPTIONS
Graduate students have a choice of doing a thesis in lieu of FYP. Undergraduate students can opt for any
of the formats, but their work will be considered only as FYP.
Also, there are different formats in which students can undertake their FYP/Thesis. There is no distinction
in weightage or grading between FYP and Thesis as such. The decision to choose either FYP or Thesis
and subsequent selection of formats should be based on student’s interest, area of specialization as well as
research/professional interests of advisor.
FYP may be undertaken in different formats as given below:
Business plan / Feasibility Study
Business consultancy report/Practice Project
Case Study
For Thesis, following two format options are available:
Empirical Research Paper
Theoretical Paper
Details regarding FYP and Thesis formats are given below. These should be understood by students
and followed in consultation with advisor.
3.1. FYP formats
Business Plan / Feasibility Study
A business plan is a comprehensive undertaking to establish feasibility of a business venture and outlining
short-term and long-term business strategies. The scope of work on a Business Plan is oriented more
towards practical aspects of the business.
The product/service in a business plan can be hypothetical i.e., non-existent in the market. However, it
should not be unrealistic and since feasibility is part of this project, it is imperative that financial can
be justified and product should relate to the target market.
Main parts of a Business Plan / Feasibility Study are outlined in Annexure-B1.
Business Consultancy Report/Practice Project
A consulting project uses theoretical knowledge for solving an ongoing management problem, which may
be related to management decision-making, identifying best practices or analysis of an industry. Outcome
of FYP business consultancy project is formal advisory by students. Main components of the Business
Consultancy/Practice project are outlined in Annexure-B2.
Case Study
A case study is a careful documentation of information and facts about a certain situation or scenario
faced in real-world business organization. Case study writing is somewhat different from other forms of
academic writing as in its different forms it requires different writing style. For instance, in decision-
making case studies, situation, its background and relevant information is presented, and reader is
allowed to make own judgment and reach a certain decision assuming role of protagonist of the case.
A case study is to be developed because of a complete process having different steps as given in
Annexure-B3.
3.2. Thesis formats
Empirical Research Paper
Empirical research involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting observable data. This data may be
either quantitative or qualitative. The source of data may be primary (e.g., interviews, questionnaires,
observations, focus groups, etc.) or secondary (e.g., a content analysis of financial reports, television
commercials or an organization’s internal correspondence). Analysis of this data may involve the use
of standardized statistical tools or accepted frameworks and models.
The research paper will include an abstract, title page, and table of contents. The main body of an
empirical research paper may follow the pattern given in Annexure-B4. These sections should be linked
together and integrated such that they tell a single story. Researchers must avoid a disjointed project (e.g.,
discussion does not refer to the literature review; the conclusion fails to answer the research
question etc.). Not every empirical research will adhere rigidly to the above layout. Researchers may
consult with their advisor to decide on a more suitable layout for their work.
Theoretical Paper
The Theoretical Paper involves presenting a new theoretical idea, reviewing / modifying the existing idea
to present solution to a problem. It involves a comprehensive and thorough literature review on a chosen
topic. It will draw upon the available theoretical material and generally does not need data collection and
analyses. Theoretical Papers ordinarily involve exploring and developing ideas around a particular topic.
It may be to provide new insights on an issue, or to present a new theory, or to refine/challenge an
existing one. The purpose may be to develop a new set of research propositions that form a basis for
further empirical research.
Writing theoretical paper requires a strong analytical approach coupled with a vast theoretical knowledge
to (re)interpret and (re)evaluate existing evidence. Students opting for theoretical papers must be
prepared to undergo a rigorous process of literature review and analyses. Specific skills are required to be
developed and honed for presenting coherent arguments to demonstrate the solution of problem and reach
conclusions.
The theoretical research paper will include an abstract, title page, etc. However, the main body of a
theoretical paper need not adhere to any “typical format”. Suggested list of chapters is given in
Annexure-B5.
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT

4.1. FYP Report Guideline

Title Page
The title page should include the title of the report along with the name(s) of the department or
university/organization for which the report is written and the year of submission. Also included on the title
page should be the name(s) of the author(s) of the report along with the name (s) of the supervisor (s). Title
Page is followed by a blank page. A sample is shown in Figure 1.
4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT

Handbook (Title)

Producing Quality FYP (Subtitle)

FYP Team

Mr. Hassan Mustafa (18F-8959)

Supervised by

Dr. Muhammad Uzair Khan

Department of Management Sciences

National University of Computer and Emerging Science
Chiniot-Faisalabad, Pakistan
2023
Figure 1: Sample Title Page
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT

Researcher’s Submission
This includes the title of the report and its occasion.

Intellectual Property Right Declaration

This is to declare that the work under the:
Title: ________________________________ carried out in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of:

BS FYP MS Research Survey MS ThesisCourse Project

Is the sole property of the National University of Computer and Emerging Science and is protected
under the intellectual property right laws and conventions. It can only be considered/used for
purposes like extension for further enhancement, product development, adoption for
commercial/organizational usage, etc., with the permission of the University.

This above statement applies to all students and faculty.

Date: ______________

Student 1
Name: _____________________

Signature:___________________
Student 2
Name: _____________________

Signature:___________________
Supervisor (Faculty)
Name: _____________________

Signature:___________________
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Anti-Plagiarism Declaration
This is to declare that the above publication produced under the:

Title: ________________________________

Is the sole contribution of the author(s) and no part hereof has been reproduced on as it is basis (cut
and paste) which can be considered as Plagiarism. All referenced parts have been used to argue the
idea and have been cited properly. I/We will be responsible and liable for any consequence if
violation of this declaration is determined.

Date: ______________

Student 1
Name: _____________________

Signature:___________________

Student 2
Name: _____________________

Signature:___________________
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Researcher’s Declaration
This states researcher’s declaration that the work presented in the report is his/her own and has not
been submitted/ presented previously to any other institution or organization. This page also
includes the Certificates of the supervisor/s and examiners.
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Abstract (optional) (50 to 125 words)
Three to five sentences describing the essence of the research work and a thumbnail sketch of the
findings or results.

Abstracts are short, 50-125 words summaries of a research paper/work.

An Abstract should state: the purpose (thesis), findings, and conclusion of your research without
commenting on or evaluating the work itself. Put the abstract on a separate page which follows the
Title page.

Acknowledgments (if any)

Executive Summary:
The executive summary should be a one-to-two-page overview of the information contained in the
research report. It should give the reader an easy reference, in very brief form, to the important
information contained in the report and explained in more detail in the body of the report. People
attending a presentation of research or reading the report will use this section as a reference during
presentations and as a synopsis of the research done.

Table of Contents
The table of contents lists the information contained in the report in the order in which it will be
found. All major topics of interest should be listed.
Introduction
The introduction should contain a brief overview of the problem being addressed and the
background information needed for the reader to understand the work being done and the reasoning
behind it. After reading the introduction, the reader should know exactly what the report is about,
why the research was conducted, and how this research adds to the knowledge that the reader may
have about the topic.
Body Chapters
Conclusion/Results and/or Recommendations
Present a summary of what you found in the results section. Here you should describe the
techniques that you used for each analysis and the results of each analysis.

Conclusions are broad generalizations that focus on addressing the research questions for which
the project was conducted. Recommendations are your choices for strategies or tactics based on
the conclusions that you have drawn. Quite often authors are tempted to speculate on outcomes
that cannot be supported by the research findings. Do not draw any conclusions or make any
recommendations that your research cannot clearly support.

References
This section should be a listing of all existing information sources used in the research project. It is
important to allow the reader to see all the sources used and enable the reader to further explore
those sources to verify the information presented.
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Appendix/
Planning documents, meeting minutes, publications
This section should include all supporting information from the research project that was not
included in the body of the report. You should include surveys, complex statistical calculations,
certain detailed tables, and other such information in an appendix. The information presented in this
section is important to support the work presented in the body of the report but would make it more
difficult to read and understand if presented within the body of the report.
Cite the appendix items in the report narrative (write "see Appendix A") and organize appendices
(e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.)
Any tables, figures, form, or other materials that are not totally central to the analysis but that need
to be included are placed in the Appendix.
Footnotes/End Notes
Footnotes are located at the bottom of a page. These are like footnotes but are located at the back
rather than the bottom of each page. These would include all the references for all works cited in
the Review of Related Literature or any other sections of the report as well as the references for
quotations, either direct or indirect, taken from other sources, or any footnote comments that
might have been included. These are listed in numeric order as presented in the text.

1. Lani Arredondo (1999) Business Presentations, McGraw-Hill, pp. 23-34.

2. Jann Schill (1996) On Purpose, Heinemann, Australia, p. 23.
3. Paul Tench (1981) Pronunciation Skills, Macmillan, p. 23.

In case an endnote is followed by another citing the same source, only the word: “Ibid.”
(As above) shall substitute for the entire text. If the page no. is different than the page number shall
appear after the word: “Ibid”. For example:

1. Jann Schill (1996) On Purpose, Heinemann, Australia, p. 23. Ibid., p. 54.

In case the same source comes to be mentioned after a few interrupting sources than the word “op
cit” (mentioned earlier is written), followed by the page number.
Bibliography or Literature Cited
These are the bibliographic references for each of the works cited in the End Notes. Bibliography
will appear in alphabetic order of the authors’ surnames. The author’s surname shall come first as is
the case in the catalogues of libraries.

Arredondo, Lani (1999) Business Presentations, McGraw-Hill. Schill, Jann (1996) On Purpose,
Heinemann, Australia. Tench, Paul (1981) Pronunciation Skills, Macmillan.
Note: Use underlining (italics) for titles of books, periodicals newspapers, works of art,
ships, etc. Articles or chapters in books, periodicals, or journals shall come in double quotes.
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Appendix/ces
Appendixes may include maps, graphs, charts, or other helpful material.
Paper
Standard A4 size
Width: 8.27"
Height: 11.69"
Weight: 90 Grams
Fonts, Type Styles
Font Size = 11 (Normal Text)
Font = Times New Roman
Title= 26 bold (Times New Roman)
Sub-title=20 bold (Times New Roman)
Heading 1 (Font Size) = 16 (Bold)
Font = Arial
Heading 2 (Font Size) = 14(Bold)
Font = Arial
Heading 3 (Font Size) = 13 (Bold, Italics)
Font = Arial
Margins
Top = 1.5"
Bottom = 1.0"
Left = 2.0"
Right = 1.0"
Spacing
Line Spacing = 1.5
Paragraph Spacing = 6 pts
Indentation
Indent all quotations comprising 4 or more lines by 5 spaces from left.
Page Numbers
Except for the title page, number all pages which come before the first page of the body chapters
consecutively with lower case roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv…).
The first page with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, and so on) starts from the page of the introduction but it
is mentioned on page 2 onwards.
Mention page numbers on the top right of the page. The first page of each section or chapter will not
carry the page number; however, the page number will be counted for the proceeding page.
Headers
The header will comprise the title of the Project report. On every odd page will appear the title of the
report while on the even pages the title of the chapter or section will be mentioned. The first page of
every section or chapter shall not carry the header.
 4. FORMATTING & LAYOUT
Binding Color
The final report should be a dark green for BBA and BS A&F and dark Blue for MBA Students with
Project information written in Golden color.
9. Sample Templates
Visit your library for sample templates of Business idea, Empirical research work etc.
Hard copy Layout
Title
Final Year Project
Project Title

FYP Team
Student Name-Reg #
Student Name-Reg #
Student Name-Reg #
Back Page
(Blank) [University Logo]
Project Supervisor
Mr. XYZ

FAST School of Management

Date National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences
Chiniot-Faisalabad
Pakistan
 5. EVALUATION OF FYP/THESIS

5.1. Evaluation Scheme

For both FYP-1/Thesis-1 & FYP-2/Thesis-2, the following evaluation plan shall be used.
Specific guidelines for different parts of the project are in Annexure C1 & C2 for FYP/Thesis-I & II
respectively.
Evaluation Plan for FYP/Thesis
Grade
Evaluation
Stage / Activity Occurrence* Evaluator FYP-I FYP-II as
th th
Proposal Defense 4 - 5 week of All Faculty 10% - Individuals
Presentation Semester members
th th Evaluation
Interim Presentation 15% 15% Individuals
10 -11 week of Committee
Semester
Final Presentation & Evaluation
Poster Competition Last week of Semester Committee 15% 15%+10% Individuals

Attendance Ongoing Advisor** 10% 10% Individuals

Consultation Ongoing Advisor 10% 10% Individuals

One week before Final

Initial Draft 20% 20% Group
Presentation Advisor
Not more than One week
Final Draft Evaluation 20% 20% Group
after Final exams
Committee
* These are planned/tentative plan of occurrences and are subject to change
**Based on actual attendance of individual members in meetings

5.2. Penalties
Students must ensure that they meet all deadlines for various parts of the project.
Late submission of Registration document: 5% till Initial presentation
If not submitted till initial presentation, project will be cancelled.
Group not meeting with advisor at least once a week: Per absent, 0.5.
% deduction in attendance weightage
Individual not attending Presentation: 0% in individual score.
Late submission of First Draft: Up to one grade reduction / week
If not submitted start of final exams, FYP/Thesis may be postponed till next semester.
Late submission of Final Draft: Up to one grade reduction / week
If not submitted till the final deadline, FYP/Thesis may be postponed till next semester.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism in any part(s) of project will result in “F” in the FYP/Thesis and case shall be
forwarded to disciplinary committee as per University’s regulations. For details on plagiarism, see
section 7
5. EVALUATION OF FYP/THESIS

Advisors and Evaluation Committee shall use the following grading standard guideline in
scoring different activities.
100% Performance that Exceeds expectations
90 %--99% Excellent Performance, not a single point is missing, no improvements are needed, perfectly according to expectations
80% --89% Very good performance, Minor improvements are needed, almost according to expectations
70%--79% Good performance, Moderate Improvements needed, could not meet all expectations
60% --69% Average performance, Major improvements needed, Not as expected
50% --59% Below Average performance, Major revisions are needed
49% and below Fail to fulfill requirements, “F” grade
6. CONDUCT OF FYP/THESIS
The following are different guidelines which relate to the conduct of FYP/Thesis and their different
activities.
6.1. Deliverables & Presentations
Deliverables
Different activities are outlined in Section-5, Evaluation Guidelines. These should be understood by
students and delivered as scheduled and announced.
Based on the feedback received from the Evaluation Committee, students shall be required to
submit a Final Document within the given period.
For report writing, students are expected to exhibit professionalism and should avoid plagiarism. They are
expected to understand all aspects of plagiarism as explained by the university and summarized in
Section-7 of this handbook.
Guidelines for Presentation
For all presentations i.e., initial, interim, and final, following are important guidelines for
presentations.
Time for group presentations is 15-20 minutes, with no interventions during the allotted
time.
All group members are directed to be well prepared and must ensure their presence on the mentioned
date and time. Anyone maybe called to present any part of their presentation.
Submission date for word report & PPT presentation (signed by Advisor: 4-6 slides per page) will be
one day prior to the scheduled date and time of presentations to FYP coordinator. Late submissions
will not be accepted.
Only relevant information, data, results, questionnaires, or surveys must be
presented.
A Q&A session may follow the presentation in which every student must be able to answer the
questions asked by faculty.
6.2. Complaints and issues related to FYP/Thesis
For any issues related to FYP/Thesis, students should consult their advisor. In case of non-resolution,
they may consult “Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC)” consisting of HoD and two faculty
members other than advisor.
Complaints on behavior of group members specially about not doing one’s due share have to be
made in writing to the advisor. All such complaints will be reviewed by a panel of faculty members,
who may recommend awarding “F” grade to any member on account of such complaint.
In case such complaints are registered late in the project cycle, the panel reserves the right to
award “F” to the entire group.
Changing groups is not allowed at any stage of FYP/Thesis. Thus, students are advised to form
their groups very carefully from the beginning. However, for special circumstances, exceptions
can be made only after due consent of relevant advisor(s) and coordinator, FYP. Any disruption in
work and/or time wastage caused by such a change of group will not be accorded any special
treatment or relaxation.
Changing advisor is not allowed at any stage of FYP/Thesis. Thus, students are advised to select their
advisor very carefully from the beginning. However, for special circumstances, such a change may be
requested. Its acceptance or otherwise will depend on acceptance by initial advisor, proposed advisor
as well as coordinator, FYP. Any disruption in work and/or time wastage caused by change of
advisor will not be accorded any special treatment or relaxation.
7. PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism as per university regulations is a serious offense and should be understood by all students
clearly before undertaking any report writing assignment, including FYP/Thesis writing.
In principle, Plagiarism is presenting the words, the work, or the opinions of someone else as one’s own,
without proper acknowledgement. This covers any published material, including that on the Internet.
Also, copying word-by-word even with reference/acknowledgement is counted as plagiarism.
Following are some important guidelines on Plagiarism. Further for proper referencing, Annexure-D
contains referencing guidelines for FYP/Thesis.
What is Plagiarism & is not acceptable.
You cannot copy anybody else’s wording “word by word” even if you are going to give a reference at
the end as this is plagiarism. You cannot copy multiple paragraphs (even if you are using your own
words) from someone else’s work and give reference at the end of the last paragraph only, without
making it clear that all the paragraphs are from another source as this is still plagiarism. You cannot
assume that people will know that e.g., all four paragraphs are from the source mentioned at the
end of the fourth paragraph.
If you copy the first sentence or two of each of the ten to twelve paragraphs from a document
and make it into a new paragraph, it is still plagiarism.
If you are consistently using the work of one author for many paragraphs, you may think that it is
not essential to repeatedly give the reference. This could be acceptable if you have made it clear that
the discussion in a particular sub-section or under a subheading is influence by the work of Author
X. (Note: As mentioned in Item 1, you still cannot use the „words‟ of Author X)
If you first copy someone’s words and then explain the same idea in your own words, not making
it clear which are your words and which are borrowed, this is plagiarism.
If you copy the key thoughts from a paragraph of another author, Author Y, and that author has
used multiple references in his/her work in this paragraph, you may end up copying all the
referencing in the paragraph. Copying multiple referencing from another source is plagiarism unless
you make it clear that this collection of references is not yours but that of Author Y.
Also, forgetting to give a reference is plagiarism.
Cutting references for any reason, by accident or to reduce the word count is plagiarism.
Please note, you may be tempted to retain the well- structured sentences of the original
documents, but they are not your work, so that will be counted as plagiarism.
What are acceptable practices?
Summarizing the work/thoughts of others in your own words and giving a proper reference Copying
Definitions can be done in quotes followed by the proper in-text reference. It is also acceptable to
write a definition without quotation marks and give the reference immediately after the definition
sentence finishes. (Note: Definitions are usually one sentence long)
If you are copying a list developed by another author (and even if you are using the list to
develop sub-heading for your document), you must make it clear that the list was developed by
Author X, giving proper in-text and end-text reference. If you do not identify the source of the
list, this is plagiarism.
Overall, referencing should be done in such a way that it is obvious to the reader that you have
used the ideas of another person in a paragraph or multiple paragraphs.
 ANNEXURE - B
Format Options, Main Parts of Project, and Delivery Schedules
Business Plan / Feasibility Study
Part
Introduction
Proposal of business plan/ Business idea
Product/Service & process Description
Competitor/Industry Analysis
Marketing Plan
Organizational Structure
Financials for the business
Financing
Planned future developments
Conclusion
Details Stage
An overall introduction as well as rationale for the business idea; an overview Introductory
of the idea as well as existing information
Presentation
Clear rationality for business grounded in academic framework of core
business concepts. A general idea about financial feasibility to ensure that
project is.
Feasible Interim
FYP-1
Presentation
Details about the Product/Service and how it will be delivered. A thorough
An overview of the process is required.
A clear and focused analysis for direct & indirect competitors. Understanding of
Industry dynamics vis-à-vis environment factors Final
Presentation
An overall marketing plan for the product and organization.
Details about human resources including management of the
organization proposed to run the business.
Cost, revenue, and profit centers etc. and Projections for first year as well as Interim
subsequent years. Key financial parameters include breakeven analysis, ROI, Presentation
and contingency/backup plans.
FYP-2
Financing options and selection of most viable financing option for the business
with rationale future strategy.
Final
Overall recommendations about feasibility of the project Presentation
Annexure - B1 of B5
Business Consultancy Report/Practice Project
Part Details Stage
Introduction Description of the project, defined issue(s) and related details which may Introductory
include options identified.
Presentation
Scope & Goals Advisory outcomes, academic and theoretical underpinnings of the problem Interim
Areas as well as key assumptions and constraints FYP-1
Presentation
Review of Theoretical concepts / Literature an academic review of the related concepts Final
Methodology Proposed course of action. Presentation
Research Collected information (primary & secondary) as per defined course of action.

Analysis Review of the findings (primary & secondary) and analyzing different options
Interim
Presentation
Recommendations Option(s) to be selected based on the analysis and giving rationale.
Consequences & Requirements Perceived consequences for selected option(s) as well as any resource. FYP-2
Requirements for implementing them
Final
Implementation Proposed plan of action for carrying out the recommended option(s) Presentation
Conclusions Summary overview and recommendations for the project

Annexure - B2 of B5
Case Study
Part Details Stage
Introduction Basic information about the planned structure of the case. A shortlist for
Introductory Presentation
organizations from which organization is to be selected
P
Organization selection Selecting the organization from a shortlist and completing formalities of Interim Presentation
Permissions. Initial information about the organization and its operations. I
P
n
Organization’s information Detailed information about the organization, including but not limited to, its history, product lines, rFYP-1
financials, operations, management style and structure. e
Industry information Detailed information about the direct and indirect competitors, overall industry s
Final Presentation
dynamics and key environmental forces impacting industry F
Articulate a particular scenario and/or practices around which the case would be constructed. P
i
Situational Analysis Understanding the scenario/practice in detail r
Theoretical underpinnings of the situation presented in the case. These e
Interim Presentation
Theoretical Structure Theoretical references and tools will also be usable for the solution of case. I
fying options As author of case study, solutions may be identified and advised, explicitly or implicitly for readers P
n
rFYP-2
Authoring Case Study Formal authoring would consist of putting together all collected information in e
Limited number of words
Final
Authoring teaching notes teaching notes are an integral part of an academic case study and helps Presentation
instructor use case study in classroom environment.

Annexure - B3 of B5
 Empirical Research Paper
Part
Introduction
Scope and Purpose
Literature Review
Research Question
Data collection and Methodology
Results and Analyses
Conclusions
Limitations
Details Stage
Summary of the purpose and context of research and defining the area or topic Introductory
Presentation
Details on the importance of the selected topic and expected theoretical
and practical implications for the relevant area.
Review of existing research on the topic, while commenting on the existing Interim
state of knowledge, as well as trends and /or controversies in the existing Presentation
literature; an important aspect of this section is to identify any gap(s) in the
knowledge.
FYP-1
Based on literature review, a specific research questions/ hypotheses/ proposed
model. Identification, measurements, and operationalization of required
variables should be explained with reference to research questions/proposed.
model. Final
Details of selected sample the steps taken in collection of data and the basic Presentation
information derived from collected data; Providing details of quantitative or
qualitative methods to be employed to investigate the research
question/proposed model.
Details the findings from the data analysis; presents the results of quantitative.
/Qualitative analyses in tables, figures, and/or illustrations.; answers the Interim
research questions using analysis results; provides commentary on findings Presentation
(e.g., do they confirm or contradict existing views? what contribution do they
make to literature?)
FYP-2
Explains the o v e r a l l conclusions of study; provides implications and
recommendations for relevant stakeholders (e.g., businesses,
practitioners,
governments, academics) with suggestions for future research. Final
Presentation
Clearly stating the limitations of the findings relevant to available data, selected.
sample, methods of analyses employed, period chosen for research etc.…
Annexure - B4 of B5
Theoretical Paper
Part Details Stage

Introduction Introduction to the topic and explaining why it is interesting and worthwhile to
Introductory
explore the topic. Followed by the statement of the problem and authors Presentation
position about the problem/situation. Ends with a brief overview of the paper.
Originality and Scope Identifying gaps and/or opportunities of development in the existing literature. Interim FYP-1
This area provides the justifications for the study
Presentation
Literature review Theoretical background of the issue and a critical review about the relevant Final
solutions to the problem from both supportive and contradictory points of
views. Presentation

Analyses
Interim
Explanation of the proposed solution and position of the current paper within Presentation
this structure of existing knowledge so that it fills a gap/provide solution to the FYP-2
problem. Analyses are built on the work of existing literature, but authors
should provide original solutions to the problem and existing knowledge. this is
the key analysis of a theoretical paper) Final
Presentation
Conclusions Concludes the paper and presents the theoretical contributions and
implications of findings.

Annexure - B5 of B5
 Business Plan Outline

FYP I – Proposal Defense Presentation/Report

1. An overall introduction as well as rationale for the business idea; an overview of the idea as
well as existing information. Everything about the new venture’s distinctive nature.

FYP I – Interim Presentation/Report

1. Business Introduction/Company Description
a) Company description
b) Company history
c) Mission statement
d) Vision statement
e) Products and services
f) Current status
g) Legal status and ownership
h) Key partnerships (if any)

2. Product (or Service) Description and Design & Development Plan

a) Basic need that the product/service aims to serve.
b) Product Portfolio
 Current products
 Future products/services (expected)
c) Development status and tasks
d) Challenges and risks

3. Operations Plan
a) How your business will be run and how your product or service will be produced
b) General approach to operations.
c) Business location.
d) Facilities and equipment
e) Any Operations Management/Project Management technique

4. An overall cost/revenue calculation including:

 a) Start-up costs
b) Expected market size.
c) Expected revenues.
d) Pay-Back, Break-Even

5. Overall Schedule
a) A schedule should be prepared that shows the major events required to launch the business.
b) The schedule should be in the format of milestones critical to the business’s success, such
as:
 incorporating the venture,
 completion of prototypes,
 rental of facilities,
 obtaining critical financing,
 starting the production of operations, obtaining the first sale, and so forth

6. Management Team and Company Structure

a) Organogram of the Management Team
b) Recruiting
c) Training & Development
d) Compensation & Appraisals

FYP I – Final Presentation/Report

1. Industry Analysis
a) Industry size, growth rate, and sales projections
b) Industry structure
c) Nature of participants
d) Key success factors
e) Industry trends
f) Long-term prospects
g) Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

2. Market Analysis
a) Market segmentation and target market selection
b) Competitor Analysis
 c) Situation Analysis
 SWOT
 PESTLE
d) Marketing Research
 Research Questionnaire
 Customer Analysis/Buyer Behavior

3. Marketing Plan
a) How the business will market and sell its product or service
b) Marketing strategy/marketing mix
c) Positioning
d) Points of differentiation
e) Promotion plan
 For 03 Years (Pre-Launch, Launch & Post-Launch)
 Billboard/Flex (4 x 6)
 Poster paper (Standard Size)
 Standees (2 different designs)
 Video Ad 30 sec

FYP II – Interim Presentation/Report

1. Financial Plan
a) Startup Capital Requirements (Fixed and Variable Costs)
b) Assumptions sheet
c) Projected Income Statement for three years
d) Projected Balance Sheet for three years
e) Projected Cash Flow Statement for three years
f) Breakeven Analysis (Time and Units)
g) NPV and IRR calculation (Project Life 10 years)

FYP II – Final Presentation/Report

1. Financing: Financing options and selection of the most viable financing option for the
business with rationale.
2. Future Developments: Future growth strategy considering ‘Ansoff Matrix’.
3. Conclusion: Summary and overall recommendations about the feasibility of the project.

FYP – Empirical Study Outline

The detailed flow of the empirical study can be divided into different chapters / sections
preceded by structured abstract as follows:

Abstract

Chapter One: Introduction

 Background of the Study
 Problem Statement
 Research Questions
 Research Objectives
 Scope of the Study
 Study Plan

Chapter Two: A Review of Literature

 Literature Review on Study Variables
 Literature Gaps
 Theoretical Framework

Chapter Three: Research Methodology

 Research Hypotheses
 Study Population
 Study Sample and Sampling Design
 Data Collection Procedure
 Data Analysis Tools and Techniques

Chapter Four: Main Results and Analysis

  Testing of Hypothesis H1, H2, H3 and so on…. (Each hypothesis test can be covered
with separate heading)
Chapter Five: Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations
 Discussion of Study Variables Results along with literature support.
 Conclusion
 Implications of the Study
 Limitations
 Recommendation for Future Research

References

Brief Description

1. Abstract (200 – 250 words)

including
a. Purpose
b. Method/Design/Approach
c. Findings
d. Practical Implications
e. Keywords (3 – 6)

2. Introduction
a. Overall write-up should be of 1500 – 2000 words (caution: every word and
sentence should be “meaningful”). This section should start with the real issue, its
significance for academia as well as for profession (caution: citing previous studies
is good but bulk of citations is not appreciated). Then write a little about previous
research on the issue (only to the extent, you could identify and communicate the
gap and further justify the need of researching the issue). This will further lead you
to write on why this study is proposed to be carried out (means here you will describe
objectives of the study and pose research questions). Do not forget to highlight
certain relationships, which will reveal uniqueness of the study or something “new.”
Next, you will convince the readers that answering these research questions and
achieving research objectives will make a significant contribution to the relevant
 “body of knowledge,” “understanding,” and “practice” (these three words should
carry fair explanations regarding your study). Do not finish this section unless the
topic/theme of the study is completely explained and/or justified (e.g., if topic reveals
environment in which study will be carried out then explain why in that particular
sector, set of organizations, or setting/environment).

3. Literature Review
a. Ideally, overall write-up should be of 3000 – 4000 words but length can be
adjusted as per need. The literature should start with discussion on variables one by
one and dimensions of each variable in the same fashion including the relationships
between/among variables. The question arises how much on each variable? Stop
writing on a variable when you feel its construct is completely explained and when
it seems consistent with what you are going to measure. However, certain
relationships should be highlighted, which are likely to reveal uniqueness or value
of the study. As far as style is concerned, either develop and narrate propositions
in the literature or you can set another section i.e. “The research model and
propositions.”
b. Since, figures provide the information, on the whole research scheme in a single
glance, to the readers. Therefore, draw a schematic diagram revealing relationships
between/among variables.

4. Research Methodology.
This section will include, but not limited to, the following (sequence can be changed as
per need of the study or your write-up):
a. It should provide information on size as well design of the sample revealing
complete profile of the participants (Caution: No doubt size of the sample is
important, but design is even more than that). Thus, the size and design of the sample
both should be justifiable.
b. This should unveil that how you administered the study from ‘selection of
participants’ through ‘analysis of their responses.’
c. It should further narrate and justify the suitability (for the current study), source,
adaptation, reliability (in current and previous studies), validity (in previous studies),
and scaling related aspects of every measure.
5. Results
a. Presenting all positives/favorable to your study is just a novice’s approach.
Therefore, attempt to answer your research questions and hypotheses. Tables and
figures give a clear picture of findings. However, the author’s description guides
readers to see the findings from a desired angle.

6. Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations

a. This section should reveal ‘discussion on the study.’ Before moving ahead, read the
previous sentence again and think, what do we really mean. Usually we ‘discuss the
results’ or start discussing the results only whereas here you are suggested to hold
‘discussion on the study.’ It means this section should cover all important aspects
concerning all previous sections and end up with findings of the current study. Then
it should describe the following as sub- section(s):
b. Think, with respect to the topic under study, where the body of knowledge was
before this study and now where it is. Your conclusion should be generated from this
‘now’ phenomenon.
c. Practical implications of the study
d. Limitations and future research

7. References
Consistency and correctness of the citation style are of great importance. Be
careful, there should be no in-text that is not appearing in the reference list.
Likewise, every reference should be cited in the text, at least once.
 General Outline for Business Consulting Reports

1. Executive Summary
An executive summary is designed primarily to serve the person who, at least initially, does not
intend to read the entire report. It usually states the main points of each section and emphasizes
results, conclusions, and recommendations, usually in around three pages. Executive summaries
are ideally suited to the needs of readers who are seeking advice about a decision or a course of
action. These summaries are called executive summaries because some decision makers rely
wholly upon their advisors to read and evaluate the rest of the report. For the purposes of this
project, the executive summary should be three pages, and should concentrate on listing the tasks
performed by the team. This would involve summarizing problem/opportunity areas, methodology,
conclusions, and recommendations. It’s not a bad idea to develop an executive summary during the
early stages of your team’s writing process, as this document can help to provide your team with
some focus. Keep in mind, however, that this will also be a document that will need to be revised
to properly reflect your report.

2. Introduction to the Report

The introduction allows your readers to preview the nature of the project you have undertaken for
your client. Essentially, the introduction forecasts the basic organization of the report. Some
writers and readers insist that the following questions should always be addressed and/or
considered in the introduction to the report:
• What is the problem or the opportunity? Be specific. Whenever you can, quantify. Describe
the problem or opportunity in monetary terms because the proposal itself will include a budget of
some sort and you want to convince your readers that spending money on what you propose is
smart. Be positive. In other words, don’t say that a problem is slowing down production; say that it
is costing $4,500 a day in lost productivity.
• What is the purpose of the proposal? Even though it might seem obvious to you, the purpose of
the proposal is to describe a problem or opportunity and propose a course of action. Be specific in
explaining what you want to do.
• What is the background of the problem or the opportunity? In answering this question, you
probably will not be telling your readers anything they don’t already know. Your goal here is to
show them that you understand the problem or opportunity, as well as the relationships or events
that will affect the problem and its solution.
• What are your sources of information? Review the relevant literature, including internal
reports, memos, external public articles, or even books, so that your readers will understand the
context of your work. Clients are looking to you for sound advice. If your research is sloppy,
incomplete, and rather nominal (for example, you checked out a few websites that the client could
do on his or her own free time), your report will be less convincing, and your ethos as a provider of
sound advice will be suspect. The best reports always contain complete and thorough research--and
complete and thorough research cannot be completed in the waning moments of the semester.
• What is the scope of your proposal? If appropriate, indicate what you are proposing to do as
well as what you are not proposing to do.
• What is the organization of the proposal? Indicate the organizational pattern you will use in the
proposal.
• What are the key terms that will be used in the proposal? If you will use any new,
specialized, or unusual terms, the introduction is an appropriate place to define them. In addition,
you will want to include the following information in your introduction:
• The report is written both to provide the client with a record of the project and to fulfill one of the
requirements for Management 451.
• List the members of the consulting team and acknowledge anyone who has provided the team
with assistance, including your project advisor and the faculty who have taught Management 451.

3. Background
Because not all clients will necessarily be competent in your field, the background section needs to
clearly articulate the context behind your research. The Background Sections require you to
conduct comprehensive research. Your suggestions need to be based on the research that your team
has conducted, and this research needs to be demonstrated to your client. Again, your ethos as a
sound provider of business advice is largely based on the research that supports your findings and
ideas.

Background Sections
Normally all the categories of background information listed in the report outline can be fully
developed. The order of these sections can be varied if such an alteration makes sense.
Open the “background” sequence with a major heading, BACKGROUND, followed by a brief
introduction that explains how the background sections help to key frames of reference for your
analysis. Open each section with an appropriate heading. The generic headings can be revised so
that they are more specific. For example, Client Profile can be revised to read A Look at Our
Client: Historic Harmar Merchants.
Clearly organize each of the sections. Open each section with an introductory preview of the
material. Even more importantly, end each section with a conclusion that summarizes and explains
to the client what the information is designed to demonstrate.
Relate and unify all the sections so that it reads as a coherent whole. Use good transitions between
sections and conclude with a section in which you pull together and evaluate the background.
Refer to resources in the actual text itself. For example: “In their Fourteen Largest Businesses in
Worthington, the Worthington area Chamber of Commerce…” This allows the reader to see the
resources, and the research, without taking his or her attention away from the paper.
The Background section is an important phase in researching and coming to understand your
client, the firm, and the situation and environment in which they operate. It is an important part in
the structure of your final paper and should be between 8 and 10 pages.
Please remember that the Background section is not the place to analyze problems and
opportunities. These sections provide the background and frame of reference for the analysis of the
problems.

4. Client Profile
The purpose of the Client Profile is to both “bring the client to life” and to tie the information
together by explaining how it helps portray your client as a member of the business community.
Do not hesitate to interpret information and to draw conclusions. If your client is a group of people
of whom your contact person is a member, you may want to treat the group as a “collective client.”
Do a profile of the group (for example, the history and makeup of a governing board.)
Some things that you will want to include in the Client Profile:
• Places of residence
• Educational and training background
• Career experience
• Civic interests and activities
• How and why your client became interested in this business
• Your client’s business philosophy and/or attitude towards business
• Any other information that contributes to a portrait of your client as a person who has chosen to
become the operator of a small business.

4. b Nature and History of the Firm

The nature of the firm is a brief description of what it does in the way of production or service. The
history of the firm traces the process and patterns of the firm’s development. This might include a
listing of:
• The firm’s previous owners
• The firm’s location(s)
• The firm’s facilities, and how they have changed
• The firm’s diversification over the years
• The firm’s financial history
• The firm’s staffing, and how it has changed
In the case of a firm with a short history (which has likely undergone little change), merge this
section with the section titled The Firm Today. It would then make sense to use the heading
History of the Firm for the two merged sections.
4. c The Firm Today
The meaning of the word “today” is variable, and differs from firm to firm (last calendar year, last
fiscal year, last quarter, span of time since they moved to current location, etc.) This section will
include a description of:
• Current facilities (external and internal design and appearance)
• Its immediate locale and setting
• Organizational structure and personnel
• Current financial status
Remember, this is not the place to analyze the problems or the opportunities. It is important that
the information placed under each heading only speaks to that heading.

4. d The Business and Market Environment

This section describes the business and market climate of the local community and / or region. The
focus here should be on the business and economic conditions that affect the firm’s operation. For
instance, a craft shop or a bed-and-breakfast would tie into the larger picture of the area’s tourism;
a concrete supplier would be affected by trends in new houses and commercial building starts.
There should also be consideration of the state, national, and global prospects and trends that could
affect the local and regional business climate and / or your client’s business prospects.
Your client’s firm is, in varying degrees, part of these micro and macro environments. Seeing the
firm in these contexts can be crucial in perceiving and understanding its problem and prospects.
This is yet another section where thoughtful, careful, and thorough research is important. Your
client will be extremely impressed with a demonstrated understanding of the local, regional, and
global market conditions that impact on his or her business. Over general statements ("the
economy is in a recession at the moment") provide nothing new to the client and cast a shadow of
doubt about the amount of insight and advice your team can provide.
Again, this is not the place to analyze or discuss any of the firm’s problems or prospects.
4. e The Competition
This section will profile local, regional, and perhaps even global competitors. It will also discuss
likely trends in competition. This section is an important extension of The Business and Market
Environment. Research and investigation beyond the client interviews are crucial in preparing this
section. Again, the amount of careful and thorough research that your team puts into this section
directly relates to your client's perceptions of your team's abilities. Your team needs to be prepared
to provide additional information beyond the names of a few local and regional competitors.
4. f Defining the Firm’s Objectives
This section should include:
• A description of the firm’s short-term and long-term objectives
• Prioritization of primary and secondary objectives
Objectives should be stated as specifically as possible (for example, “…to increase net income by
20% of the end of FY 2005”).

5. Defining the Team’s Tasks

First, this section should clearly describe the tasks that the consulting team has agreed to carry out
and explain how the team and client chose those tasks. Normally, these tasks can be identified
concisely (for example, “Task One: Developing a Market Plan. Task Two: Selecting a New
Location”). This section should also identify any tasks that the team originally agreed to perform
but which, for whatever reason, was unable to complete.
The team must clearly point out how a general task breaks down into component tasks. For
example, “Developing a Market Plan” will involve several component tasks. The tasks may
include: “Designing and Administering a Market Survey”; “Designing an Advertising Strategy”,
etc.
By the same token, if a team is presented with only one general task, such as “Crafting a Business
Plan”, they will need to break that general assignment into component tasks. The goal is to break
down each task into its smallest components.
Secondly, this section is pivotal because it serves as a preview for the following section, in which
you explain how you carried out each of the tasks. Write about your team’s tasks in the past tense,
as if the project and the tasks are already completed.
6. Carrying out the Team’s Tasks: Problem, Methodology, Conclusions,
and Recommendations
This is a rather lengthy section that is organized around the team’s basic tasks. A “Table of
Contents” might list as follows:
Task One: Developing a Marketing Plan
Task Two: Selecting a New Location
Task Three: Securing an SBA Loan
Each task section should be organized to:
• Describe the current situation (in effect, the “problem and /or opportunity”) and the needs /
opportunities it creates
• Narrate and explain the procedure the team followed in addressing the needs created by the
market situation
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations
The following example illustrates such an organization, using “Task Two” from the sample above:
Task Two: Selecting a New Location
• Evaluating the Current Location
This is a headed section that describes any advantages but more significantly the disadvantages of
the current business location. This section explains the problem and the needs it creates.
• Identifying and Evaluating Alternative Locations
This is a headed section that describes alternative locations and compares them to the current
location and to each other. This section narrates and explains the team’s method of operation that
addresses the needs created by the problem; it shows the team in action.
• Conclusion and Recommendations
This is a headed section that pulls the evaluations together, states the solution, and justifies one or
more recommendations. If a task area involves two or more related tasks, the organization would
reflect how the basic task breaks down into component tasks.

Task One: Developing a Marketing Plan

• Designing and Administering a Marketing Plan
Current Situation
Procedure
Conclusions and Recommendations
• Designing an Advertising Strategy
Current Situation
Procedure
Conclusions and Recommendations
Important Note: The organization of this section should be marked by clear headings and
subheadings.
Also, this is a good time to reflect on the research that your team conducted. Your team's ideas
should not appear as if they developed out of "thin air." Use sentences that point your reader back
to the research that your team conducted.

7. Summary Conclusion
This final section pulls the report together, offers some words of assurance to the client, and states
the team’s (we hope) pleasure in having undertaken this consulting project. In pulling the report
together, carefully summarize your findings and what you see as the prospects for your
client’s business.

8. Bibliography
“Bibliography” or “Works Cited” – call this section what you want. Whatever the case, you must
list all resources that you used for this report. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep track of all.
the sources that your team used in the report.
Furthermore, in the text of the report you must cite your sources whenever you use ideas or data
generated by someone else. You must cite these sources, even if you do not quote from them
directly. When you do borrow exact wording, including key phrases, you must use quotation
marks.
For examples of proper documentation and bibliographic form, see the handout from Aldred,
Brusaw, and Oliu the Business Writer’s Handbook, 6th edition. You can also access MLA and
APA citation style guides from the Campus Writing Center's webpage
(http://mcnet.marietta.edu/~mcwrite).

9. Appendices
As Brusaw’s Handbook states: “An appendix contains material at the end of a formal report… that
supplements or clarifies” (54). Depending on the nature of a consulting team’s tasks, appendices
will be useful to the client. Among the kinds of material which might be included in appendices
would be complete statistical readouts, copies of surveys and questionnaires, reprints of helpful
articles, or excerpts from book length resources, brochures, copies of letters, etc.
The appendix should reflect the amount of research that the team put into the project. Be careful
that you don't overdo it, though. If your appendix is too voluminous, you risk the chance that your
client will simply refuse to wade through it to seek out important information.
Make sure that Appendix Materials are also referenced in the text of the report.

10. Visuals
Used properly, visuals can effectively reinforce the main points of the written text. Furthermore,
effectively positioned visuals provide a strong image for your readers to remember. When using a
visual, remember to direct your reader’s attention (“As one can see on Chart Three: Enrollment
Statistics”). Note that you also need to be specific in your reference. When positioning the visual
on the page, locate it as closely as possible to the point in the text where it is referred. Tell your
reader what you want them to see, and how you read / interpret the graph.
Discuss one or more examples of something in the visual. Visuals should complement, not replace,
key discussion in the text of the report. Complement the data in the visual by presenting it in a
different form. For example, use percentage to complement straight numerical figures that show a
decline or incline.

11. Headings
Use headings and sub-headings generously. Not only do they make it easier for your client to read
and understand the report, but headings also help you to reinforce the organization of the report.

Guidelines for the Preparation of FYP Poster

The FYP poster is a condensed representation of the Final Year Project. It should be neat,
attractive, and very inviting. Posters will be exhibited during the poster competition and will be
evaluated. The following is a list of recommended poster guidelines:
1. Poster size must be 22.5'' x 34.5''.
2. The orientation of the poster should be Portrait.
3. Don't use too much text - just highlight your major points. Use bullets whenever possible.
4. Make sure the font is large enough for people to see from a couple of feet away.
5. Illustrations and visualizations of concepts (maps, pictures, photos, design drawings,
diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, "screen captures") look nice and can often say more than
words.
6. Make sure you spell check! (Also, note that capitalized words are often skipped by most
spell checkers.)
7. The top-left part on the left side may be the title part and may contain Title of the project,
group members and Supervisor(s).
8. The top-right party may contain Project Goals
9. While staying within these guidelines there is plenty of scope for individual creativity using
different fonts, colors, backgrounds, and graphics.
10. Do not include too much information. Too much information may obscure the main
message of the poster. Limit the information to key information; rely on answering
questions and on your project summary to get across the details.
11. Use graphics where appropriate.
12. Posters should be submitted on a CD which includes an original Photoshop or Corel file
along with a jpeg image of the poster.
13. Recommended tools for making posters are Adobe Photoshop and/or Corel Draw. If the
student uses some other tool, they will be responsible for printing the Poster.