DETAILED RESEARCH PROPOSAL

FORMAT FOR
THESIS/DISSERTATION
(Technical Research)

Engr. Rewil Tornalejo

 Preliminaries
 Title Page _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Approval Sheet _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Dedication _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Acknowledgement _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Abstract _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Table of Contents _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 List of Tables and Figures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Chapter I Introduction
 Background of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Objectives of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Scope and Limitations of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Chapter II Conceptual Framework
 Review of Related Literature and Studies_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Conceptual Model _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Operational Definition of Terms _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Chapter III Research Methodology (Technical Research)
 Design and Materials _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Fabrication and Construction Procedure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Operation and Testing Procedure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Evaluation Procedure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Chapter IV Presentation of Results and Discussions
Description of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Structure of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Capabilities and limitations of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Evaluation of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Bibliography _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 Appendices _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 A. Typing Instructions
 The manuscript must be written on one-sided 8.5” X 11”,
white typewriting papers
 Left margin should be 1.5”, while top bottom & right margins
are at 1”
 The page number should be on the upper right hand corner
of the page. Page numbers of every first page of a chapter
should not appear.
 Each chapter should start on a new page. Titles of each
chapter should be in the upper case, font 12, Times New
Roman and numbered with Roman numerals positioned at the
topmost center of the page.
 Text should be double spaced, with font 12, Times New
Roman type, set on the justified paragraph format. First line
of the paragraphs should be indented at the ninth space.
 Tables and graphs should be located near the text where
these are mentioned. Keep tables simple with table numbers
and caption immediately above the table. Do not overcrowd
the table.
 Illustrations marked as figures should be drawn/ written in
ink. Place illustrations within the text, not at the end. Leave
only one line or space above or below them. These generally
look best at the top of the page, place it centered on each
page or side by side if these are small. Do not type or place
text beside illustrations, as it makes appearance cramped
 B. Research /Study Title
 In title case, bold, should be specific and
precise, but still interesting. It should not be
more than 3 lines long, and should indicate
what one intends to do/find out. It is suggested
that the Title should be written like an inverted
pyramid.
 Must be broad enough to include what is
expected to be found in the project report, but
not too narrow for it to be considered as
researchable.
 C. Approval Sheet
 The approval sheet is where the
signatories to the study (adviser, panel of
examiners and the dean) places their
signatures when all the corrections and
revisions have been satisfied signifying that the
study is accepted as a partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the degree the student is
enrolled in.

 D. Dedication Page
 A short statement for whom the piece
of work is being devoted to. The only part of
the study where a different font is allowed.
 Acknowledgement
 A part of the study where the researcher
expresses his/her gratitude and Appreciation
to the individuals who, in one way or the other
had contributed for the completion of the
study. Their names are cited and the nature of
their contribution stated or acknowledge.

 F. Abstract
 The abstract of the study presents the
list or summary of the entire manuscript. It
touches the important items specifically the
problem, objectives, limitations, methodology
the conduct of evaluation and its significant
results, conclusions and recommendations. It
could be done in 1 – 2 pages.
 F. The Abstract
 The abstract of the study presents the list or
summary of the entire manuscript. It touches
the important items specifically the problem,
objectives, limitations, methodology the
conduct of evaluation and its significant results,
conclusions and recommendations. It could be
done in 1 – 2 pages.

 G. Table of Contents
 The Table of Contents presents the major topics
of the study in an outline form with the
corresponding page indicated. A separate table
of contents for tables and figures should be
provided.

 H. List of Figures and Tables

 Presents the list of all tables and figures
included in the study.
 I. Chapter I Introduction

 This chapter presents the background, objectives and

scope and limitations of the study.

 a. Background of the Study

 An Introductory statement or rationale of the
study arranged in a manner by which a historical
background of the problem representing a macro point
of view of the situation on hand, slowly being trimmed
down towards a micro level of presentation of a problem
showing the existence of an unsatisfactory condition and
the felt need to provide a solution. It provides a realistic
background of the study by describing the underlying
issues that have influenced the identification of the
proposed project. This includes the theories or previous
studies related to the proposed study, identifying what is
lacking in those studies, and indicating how the
proposed study differs from them or how it can
strengthen those studies. There should be as many
paragraphs as there are issues. You may cite if similar
problems were earlier reported in some publications as
proofs that the underlying issues are realistic, serious or
of general occurrence.
 a. Background of the Study

 It indicates a desire to have a

deeper and clearer understanding of a
situation, circumstances, or
phenomenon; to find a better way of
doing things (or improving a product,
and the quest to discover a process that
could prevent wastage and or improve
working conditions and procedures. – for
technical research) This include the
prevailing conditions and/or technologies
in the wider community (national or
global) related to the project that will be
undertaken. Includes a scenario of a
 b. Objectives of the Study
 On the basis of the underlying issues that were
perceived, and could be validated by earlier
reports, and the justifications that follow, formulate
your research objectives. The objectives indicate in
operational terms what you intend to do to solve
the identified problems related to the study. The
characteristics of an objective are: specific,
measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
State appropriately by using the exact verbs that
best describes what you want to answer in relation
to the underlying issues within a certain time
frame. Usually, primary or main objectives of the
study are set. Under each main objective, specific
objectives, which are necessary to attain each of
the main objectives are specified.
 General Objective (The main focus of the project
implementation)
 c. Scope and Limitations
 Presents the borderline, limit or
extent of the study. It also centers
on the strengths and weaknesses of
the research, the time and place
where it is conceived and developed
/ conducted
 J. Chapter II Conceptual Framework

 This chapter presents the framework of the

study, the part of the study where it is founded and
justified. It covers the following:
 a. Review of Related Literature and Studies
 Composed of discussions including facts and
principles to which the research is related. Materials
are usually taken from textbooks, encyclopedias,
professional journals, magazines, newspapers, internet,
and other print media.
 There should be a topical outline of the Review
of Related Literature that is based on the variables and
key words of the study. Collate and organize all the
information relevant to each topic of the literature
review. Fix your mind exactly why you are using each
piece of information. Decide on the order in which the
topics /ideas will be presented within the review and
make an outline. The order must provide a logical
progression from one idea to another. All literatures
included should be fully documented.
 a. Review of Related Literature and Studies
 Review of Related Studies are studies, inquiries,
investigations, and applied researches to which the
study is related or has some bearing or similarity.
These usually are unpublished materials like research
manuscripts, project reports, theses and dissertations.
Both the related literature and studies are
characterized by the following:
 The materials must be as recent as possible
 Materials must be objective in nature
 It must have high relevance to the study at hand
 It must be sufficient enough in number so as to provide
a more accurate foundation where the study can rely.
 The relationship of previous studies to the study in
consideration must be discussed intelligently in order
that the status of the proposed study can be assessed
in the light of available results so far obtained. This
necessitates the inclusion of recent and current studies.
This is necessary in order to avoid overlapping. It is
also important to indicate how the proposed study
differs from previous studies and how it can strengthen
 a. Review of Related Literature and Studies
 Example:
 The Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Baras (2001-2010),
approved through resolution No. 016A-S-005….

 Ahafig Ahmed et. Al., (2000) conducted a study on mangrove

ecosystem ….

 Qihao, Weng, (2003) investigated the applicability of vegetation

…

 Buyan and Wu (2006) in their study, “Effects of Thematic

Resolution on Landsape Analysis”, mentioned that the …

 In the study conducted by Gutierez, et al., (2002) of the Texas

Shoreline project, mapping and analysis of the Gulf of Mexico…
 b. Conceptual Model

 This is a graphical representation of

the conceptual framework depicting
the procedures the researcher has
undertaken from the
conceptualization of the study up to
the point where objectives are met
and conclusions are given. It maybe
in the form of a Flow Chart, an IPO
Chart, Balloon Chart, et.
Example:

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Figure 04 The Conceptual Model of the Study

 c. Operational Definition of Terms
 These are terms and definitions coined by
the researcher to provide a clearer
understanding of what items in the study
connotes. The guidelines for defining terms are
as follows:
 Only terms, words or phrases with special or
unique meanings in the study, are defined
 Terms should be defined operationally, or how
they are being used in the study
 The researcher develops his/her own definition
from the characteristics of the terms defined
 Definitions should be brief, concise, clear and
equivocal as possible
 Acronyms should always be spelled out fully
especially if it is not commonly known or if it is
used for the first time.
 K. Chapter III Research Methodology

 Research methodology includes the plan, the

structure and strategy of project implementation. This
section explains the activities or strategies that should
be done to achieve the stated objectives. There are
various format and outlines of procedures to use
depending on the method or approach of the research.
The basic rule is to freely adapt an outline of
procedures to suit the purposes and nature of the
study so that the important aspects are properly
viewed (Camarao, 1990).
Following are suggested guidelines in developing the
methodology:
 Describe the general research approach or the
research design.
 Describe the samples and sampling method you will
use such as: sampling universe (Population), sample
unit (respondents), sample size (how many is a
 Research Methodology

Following are suggested guidelines in developing the

methodology:

 Review the variables at the study level and your

objectives.
 Develop an outline of the major aspects you need to
do in order to answer each research objectives.
 Identify the data to be gathered to answer each
objective. Categorize your data and describe briefly
the procedures how these sets of data will be
gathered. Include the needed materials, instruments,
tools, etc.
 Describe the appropriate data/statistical analysis you
will use for each data set that will provide the most
meaningful interpretation to answer your objectives.
Research Methodology

For technical research, this chapter of the

study presents the course of the development
of the study; the design and materials, the
fabrication and construction procedure,
operation and testing procedure and the
evaluation procedures conducted by the
researcher.

 Study Design and Materials

Discusses the full picture of how the study
came about including its contribution to the
beneficiaries it will serve. It informs the reader
of the changes made and/or its evolution from
the original concept. Different materials used
are also described. The pictorial or graphical
design at different angles of view are shown
 Research Methodology

 Fabrication and Construction Procedure

This portion lists down the step-by-step account
performed by the researcher in creating out the plans
and blueprints from which the study is being presented.
Documentations like pictorial evidences are required to
show the readers the step-by-step account of its
fabrication or development.
 Operation and Testing Procedure
Describes the operation of the study. Discusses the
different testing procedures done to ensure that the
study is functioning well according to its purpose.
 Evaluation Procedure
This part of the study discusses in narrative, analytical,
graphical
and pictorial of the preliminary experimentation
conducted by the researcher. It also gives a clear picture
of the results of the pre-testing and experimentation,
the solutions to discovered problems, and scientific and
 Chapter 4 Presentation of Results and
Discussions
 This chapter presents the results and
detailed discussion obtained as the project is now
complete, operational, tested and evaluated.
 Project Description
 Presents the detailed description of the use and
functions of the different parts of the project.
 Project Structure
 Presents the description of the different
components used in the parts assembly of the
project
 Project Capabilities and Limitations
 Discusses the resulted capabilities and limitations
of the project as tested.
 Project Evaluation
 Discusses the results obtained from the
M.Chapter 5 Summary of Findings,
Conclusions and
Recommendations
 Summary
Discusses the brief accounts of the evaluation found
or highlights of what transpired. This is presented in
narrative form .
 Conclusions
Based on the results of the evaluation, the researcher
concludes in conformity with the objectives of the
study. This part is presented in narrative or itemized
form.
 Recommendations
Based on the conclusion derived, the researcher
recommends further
improvements and innovative ideas that could be
applied in the future. It may also be used as
reference by other researchers who would want to
continue the study. This part may be presented in
N. Bibliography
Standard format in writing bibliography is suggested
below. Please follow APA format. All reference must be
arranged in alphabetical order.
Example:
Book:
El Wakil, Sharif D. Process and Design for Manufacturing,
Prentice Hall,
Inc. New Jersey, 1989
Thesis/Dissertation:
Validor, Ma. Leonor. Corporate Strategic Model for SUC’s in
the Philippines.
2005
Internet/Multimedia:
Singnet, Singnet Paints Asia Backbone Vision, 2008
http://www.stixnet/news.html

Conference Paper:
Cruz, Natividad D. “The Emerging Technology in the 21st
Century”. 2nd
International Conference on Research and Technology,
 O Appendices
This appendices include all
supplementary materials used in the
facilitation of the study. It is composed of
direct and related information that cannot be
placed but one major contributor to the items
presented in the main body of the study.
 It contains the following support materials:
 Design and circuit lay-out used in the study
 Excess (of those included in the various chapters)
charts, tables, figures, drawings and photos of the
study.
 Questionnaires used
 Listing of materials, tools, equipment used in the
study
 Bill of material
 User’s manual / operators manual
 Other items which are deemed to be
supplementary and which are of outmost
importance to the study
 We are about to come to an end of a “new
beginning” that has no end, for anything worth
doing cannot be completed in a lifetime.
Let us keep on learning.

 NOW IS ONE SUCH OPPORTUNITY!

Either

we will

Find a

WAY or

we will make one