CSThesisManual 2017

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Computer Science
Thesis Manual
Department of Computer Science

College of Information and Computing Sciences
University of Santo Tomas
Computer Science Thesis Manual

Requirements, Guidelines and Forms
By
Delfinado, Cecil Jose A.

(Head Author)
and
Cosme, Perla P.
Ponay, Charmaine S.
Sagum, Ria A.
(co-authors)
November 2016
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Table of Contents
Chapter I The Thesis Policies
A. General Information
B. General Requirements
C. Stakeholders and Their Roles
Chapter II The Thesis Processes
A. Thesis 1 Activities
B. Thesis 2 Activities
Chapter III The Thesis Manuscript
Chapter IV Forms
A. Thesis 1 Forms
B. Thesis 2 Forms
C. Additional Forms:
D. Forms included in the Thesis Manuscript

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The Thesis Policies
A. General Information
1. Mandate
The Thesis is required for candidates for graduation per Section 10 of

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO). 25, series 2015 or the “Revised Policies and
Standards for IT Education” of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The thesis would not only demonstrate a student's’ comprehensive knowledge of
the area of study and research methods used but also allow them to apply the
concepts and methods to a specific problem in his/her area of specialization.
BS Computer Science students are required to complete a Thesis that is

focused on the theories and concepts of computing in the form of a scientific
work or technical paper.
2. Definition and Objectives
The thesis is a major technical paper required of every student to earn the
BS Computer Science degree. It is intended to give the student an opportunity to
demonstrate his ability to conduct independent research on a specific problem in
computer science or any field where a computer science model or solution may
be employed.
A thesis must have the following elements:
1) It is a major paper concerning subject matters of interest to the student

and is a component of his major field of study.
2) It must be an action-oriented undertaking and not a purely theoretical

paper. As such, the thesis must be a product of field research rather than
a purely library work.
3) It must be significant to society, or in line with the mission-vision of the

University. This means that the study would address present issues in
the service of the University, National or Church issues.
4) It must be an original work. This means the thesis so chosen by the

student should not duplicate the content, form and conclusions of any
previous study. Operationally, this means that thesis topics must have
been checked by the student as against the presence or absence in the
collection of theses, i.e., library.
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B. General Requirements
1. Prerequisites
Thesis students must be on their third or fourth year of the B.S. Computer
Science program. Specifically, they must satisfy the all course requirements as
stipulated in the BSCS Curriculum. For BSCS Curriculum 2013, the
requirements of Thesis 1 are Design and Analysis of Algorithm (CS 204), and
English 3 (Academic Writing). Thesis 2 requires that one must have a
satisfactory grade in Thesis 1.
A student who enrolls in Thesis 1 & 2 must have mastery of computer

fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, database
management systems and statistics. They must be adept in at least one high
level programming language. Technical English or technical writing is a co-
requisite course to prepare students to write an insightful and professional
technical thesis manuscript. Students must be well versed in systems analysis
and design to implement their proposal in a systematic and scientific manner.
3. Delivery
The thesis shall be developed over two semesters or 2 school terms. In

the first term, students shall enroll in a one-unit lab course called Thesis 1. In the
following term, students will enroll in a two-unit lab course called Thesis 2. A
satisfactory grade in Thesis 1 is required prior to enrolling in Thesis 2.
In Thesis 1, students shall form thesis groups, each one consisting of at

most four (4) students enrolled in the same section. With the help of a thesis
coordinator, each group is expected to identify a computer science thesis
problem they intend to address. Each group must then work with a thesis
adviser or technical adviser who will be their guide to come up with a concrete
and detailed thesis proposal. The group must successfully defend their proposal
to a group of thesis panel members who are mostly from ICS faculty members.
Upon the approval of the thesis proposal, students continue with Thesis 2.
In this course, they shall implement a plan to test the effectiveness and efficiency
of their proposed solution to their thesis problem with the technical guidance of
their thesis adviser. Their proposed solution must be compared to the best
solutions currently available that address their problem or related problems.
Solutions are mostly programmed and coded using an appropriate programming
language. A thesis manuscript is written to document their research. The group
must successfully defend their research to a thesis panel and provide all
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necessary documentation.
4. Content
A computer science (CS) thesis is a technical report on a systematic

investigation of a problem that can be solved using Computing principles. It may
include a solution, an approximate or partial solution, a scientific investigation, or
the development of results leading to the solution of the problem. A CS thesis
must be anchored on Computer Science principles.
The thesis should integrate the different courses, knowledge, and

competencies learned in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce
innovative results, generate new knowledge or theories, or explore new frontiers
of knowledge or application areas.
A CS thesis states a problem, establishes the theoretical framework of the

problem and plans to solve the problem based on computer science (Thesis 1) or
computing principles and concepts. A thesis executes the plan and analyzes the
results (Thesis 2).
It is worth noting that a thesis done by CS students must be strongly

differentiated from a project done by IT and IS students. The output of a thesis is
a well-defined innovative principle that may be used as a basis of a new
technology. More often, a thesis revolves around conceptualizing innovative
ideas which are concretized in the form of any of the following:
● a algorithm, or
● a method, or
● approach, or
● strategy, or
● procedure
Each of the above mentioned possible outcomes may be subjected to statistical

analysis, tested for conditions which will yield the optimal results, or implemented
in different environments to identify the threshold values of factors affecting the
efficiency and effectiveness of such technique.
An IT or IS project creates a product or service. The ultimate output is a

prototype of a new product that is based on providing useful solutions using
computer technology. Most projects do not qualify to be CS theses. A project is
created as part of a thesis to investigate the new solution to a thesis problem.
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Table I-1 lists the fields of study appropriate for a CS thesis.
Table I-1 CS Thesis Fields of Study
Foundations of Computer Science Software Development and Theory

● Artificial Intelligence ● Bioinformatics; Embedded Systems
● Automata and Formal Languages ● Cloud Computing; Parallel
Computing
● Coding Theory ● Computer Vision; Image / Signal
Processing
● Computer Architecture ● Emerging Technologies
● Data Structures, Algorithm Design ● Expert Systems and Decision
and Analysis Support Systems
● Modeling and Simulation ● Game Development
● Operating Systems ● Graphics Applications
● Programming Languages ● Intelligent Systems; Natural
Language Processing
● Theory of Computation ● Mobile Computing Systems
● Visualization Systems ● Pattern (shape, character)
Recognition and Data Mining
● Web Semantics ● Software Extensions or Plug-ins
● Systems Software (software
tools/utilities, interpreters,
simulators, compilers, security
aspects)
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5. Thesis Manuscript
A thesis manuscript documents the results of the research. It must

conform with thesis writing standards set forth by the Department of Computer
Science. It is primarily based on the APA (American Psychological Association)
format. Chapter III of this Thesis Manual provides the details on the components
of the manuscript. A template is provided in the appendices to facilitate easier
typesetting.
The manuscript is written in two parts. The first part, Chapters 1 to 3, will
be required in Thesis 1. The second part, Chapters 4 to 5, will be covered in
Thesis 2. During Thesis 1, the manuscript is known as the thesis proposal; while
the complete set of Chapters 1 to 5 substantiate the entity of the thesis.
Chapters 1 to 3 are written to present the problem, related results and the
plan on how to address the problem. The proposed solution to the CS problem is
oftentimes highlighted in the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework of the
Study. The title page, certificate of originality and authenticity, table of contents,
list of figures and tables, and reference list complete the thesis proposal
manuscript.
In Thesis 2, the manuscript is rewritten to present the results at the

completion of the research. Chapters 1 to 3 are reviewed, revised and rewritten
to adjust to this point of view, if necessary. It is essential that the tone of the
verbs used presupposes that the thesis has come to its completion. Hence,
grammatical construction must be in the present past participle or present
tenses.
Chapters 4 and 5 must be fully documented and completed. The

references section must be updated whenever necessary. Preliminary pages
(i.e., approval sheet, certificate of authenticity and originality, acknowledgment,
dedication, abstract, table of contents, list of figures, list of tables) are included
before Chapter 1. After Chapter 5, the references or bibliography is appended.
The section of appendices is added to provide additional important details
supporting some information or results based on the study, Appendices usually
include any or a combination of the following:
● Algorithms adopted or lifted from other authors/researchers in the

study, or
● function definition used in the study,
● critical codes lifted from specific web sites (url must be included),
● critical codes (newly) generated as a solution to the problem
● lengthy test data and test results
● lengthy statistical analysis results
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The curriculum vitae of each member follows the appendices to complete

the thesis manuscript.
These manuscripts are submitted to the thesis coordinator/adviser for

checking and evaluation. Upon endorsement of the thesis coordinator and/or
thesis adviser, a copy is given to all the thesis panel members for evaluation at
least three school days prior to the schedule of the defense. Depending on the
evaluation of the panel members, the manuscript must be modified to address
the concerns of the panel members. When the code of the program is modified,
then the manuscript must likewise, be modified to match the changes. When
documentation has fully satisfied the panel members, it is signed and is
published <via eleap> to be readily available for future reference.
6. Quality of Thesis
The thesis aims to validate the application of student learning into a

competent and professional work. To be acceptable, therefore, the following
criteria are being used:
● the thesis must show evidence of originality, creativity,

comprehensiveness,
● and must exude professional and scholarly research work,
● sound organization and clear thinking.
1) Originality and creativity means that the thesis

a) applies lessons from the classroom to deal with actual problems;
b) surveys related problems, and studies ideas that may contribute to
potential solutions;
c) acknowledges all work not originally from the thesis group by
properly tracing them to their sources using appropriate citations
and bibliographic entries;
d) is the result of ingenuous thinking that brings about the creation of
an innovative approach to address a problem; and
e) identifies and recommends further areas of research.
2) Comprehensiveness exudes professional and scholarly research work

which means that
a) the thesis problem is thoroughly studied to include all relevant and
related literature and studies from reputable sources;
b) appropriate tools and techniques of research and analysis are
used;
c) field work, procedures and experimentations are scientifically
conducted to gather sufficient and reliable collections of data;
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d) facts and computations are accurate and objectively presented;

e) the results are qualified to be true under a scope of study with
stated assumptions and limitations; and
f) the work is useful, current, and relevant to concerned parties.
3) Sound organization and clear thinking means that in the manuscript and
defense,
a) correct grammar is used to precisely articulate ideas, data and results;
b) tables and figures are used to consolidate and illustrate information;
c) facts are logically interpreted to arrive at reasonable conclusions;
d) mathematics and statistics are used to support theories; and
e) ideas are coherently expressed in a straightforward manner.
7. Thesis Defense
In Thesis 1, the thesis proposal must be defended by the students before

a group of at least two panel members and the thesis coordinator. The thesis
adviser is likewise, enjoined to be present during the presentation / defense. The
purpose of the thesis proposal defense is to determine whether the proposal
● qualifies as a CS thesis,
● preliminary research is adequate, and
● research plan is sound and manageable.
In Thesis 2, the thesis must be defended by the students from the same
panel as in thesis 1 with one additional panel member. Changes in the
composition of the panel members may be allowed only for justifiable reasons
and must be concurred by the thesis coordinator. The purpose of the thesis
defense is to ensure the compliance on the following areas:
● research plan is properly carried out,

● data is accurately collected and analyzed,
● conclusions and recommendations are reasonable, a
● the thesis manuscript professionally documents the research
according to prescribed standards.
The selection of the panel members must be done in consultation with the thesis
coordinator. Each defense must be publicized so that interested parties may
attend. Usually, all thesis groups which were given to “GO” signal to defend are
advised to check their schedule which is publicly announced and posted in a
bulletin board or via eleap. The thesis adviser may attend but only as a non-
participating observer or as an interpreter to the queries of the panel members.
He or she cannot be a member of the panel group. The thesis group may opt to
have a scribe during the defense as “note-taker” or scribe of the details of the
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defense.
All thesis or thesis proposal defense must be conducted and passed

before the first day of the final examination. No defense may be conducted
during the final examination period, or immediately after the final examination
period as this may interfere with the heavy workload of the faculty members. The
detailed procedure for each defense is discussed in Chapter II .
8. Adhering to a Schedule
Students must follow a schedule of activities. The high level schedule is

specified at the beginning of Chapter II. Delays in the submission of
requirements will contribute to lower grades. Failure to defend successfully and
hence, non-compliance to the requirements of the course will mean a grade of
incomplete (INC). Completion must be done immediately the following school
term, otherwise, the INC will be automatically transpired to 5.0.
9. Grading
The research must be of sufficient quality as discussed earlier in section 6.

Grading is based on the timeliness and quality of work delivered by the group in
each activity throughout the thesis process. A larger weight is assigned to the
quality of research at the time of the defense and at the completion of the
requirements. The individual contribution of each member to the success (or
failure) of the thesis is considered when computing individual grades. The panel
members, the thesis adviser and the group members are consulted by the thesis
coordinator to supply information for the computation of grades. The thesis
coordinator is responsible for encoding the grades.
Students unable to complete the requirements on time but have shown

considerable effort and progress are to be given incomplete (INC) grades. They
must, however, complete the requirements on or before the end of the following
term. The completion grade must be lowered by 0.5 (e.g.: 2.0 instead of 1.5) to
reflect the delay along with other imperfections. Students who do not make
significant progress with their thesis are to be given outright failing grades.
10. Cataloguing – Directories, Registries, etc.
The thesis manuscript is a public document. In the Department of

Computer Science, the bound, signed and graded copy is returned to the thesis
group. The softcopy is archived and made available to future thesis students and
other interested parties via eLeap, the learning management system of UST.
A flash drive or CD/DVD containing the thesis manuscript, source code

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and executable codes for the test system, test data and results, and a readme
file containing instructions on how to install, or use the system are submitted to
the coordinator. This is archived for future reference.
Each group must maintain an entry in the ICS thesis directory. Contact
information about each member, and the thesis panel members are documented.
Each group must also submit a filled University IP / Research Registry form.
This will inform the UST Office of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and
Research of the on-going and recently concluded research in the University.
C. Stakeholders and Their Roles
1. The Student
The student must be in the B.S. Computer Science program in his third or
fourth year. He must be officially enrolled in a computer science thesis course
(THS 1 or THS 2), or CS 291 and CS 292, respectively. He will receive a grade
at the end of the course commensurate with his contributions to the successful
completion of the course requirements.
2. The Thesis Group
A thesis group of at most four (4) students enrolled in the same section of
a thesis course is formed to pursue research on a CS problem. The following are
the tasks of the thesis group:
1) identifies the CS problem the members of the group want to address;
2) formulates an innovative solution to their CS problem;
3) conducts all necessary research processes needed;
4) seeks the guidance of the thesis coordinator and the thesis adviser for
direction;
5) consults with the technical English faculty member to produce a well-
formatted professional manuscript in good style;
6) works cohesively as a group, manages its activities and ensures that each
member contributes significant output;
7) defends their thesis and completes all requirements;
8) offers refreshments, honoraria, tokens and certificates of participation to
the panel members to show their appreciation of their time and expertise.
3. The Thesis Coordinator
The thesis coordinator is the person-in-charge of the overall conduct of the

thesis.
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The following are the tasks of the thesis coordinator:

1) orients and guides the students through the thesis processes;
2) enforces the thesis policies and implements the procedures and the
schedule;
3) helps the group identify a thesis problem and recommends a suitable
thesis adviser knowledgeable or with interest in the field of study of the
thesis problem;
4) checks the manuscript if it conforms with the standards;
5) determines if the group is ready for their thesis defense;
6) recommends thesis panel members;
7) facilitates the thesis defense;
8) reads the final copy of the thesis manuscript taking into consideration both
content and format per recommendations of the thesis panel;
9) checks all other requirements are completed in time; and
10)collates the evaluation forms necessary in the student's’ grade
computation;
11)grades the students after consultation with the thesis adviser, panel
members and group members.
12)Encodes the grades
4. The Technical English Faculty Member
The technical English faculty member is the teacher handling or who

handled the class where the student enrolled in ENG 108A (Technical English).
The following are the tasks of the technical English faculty member:
1) Teaches data gathering procedures needed for technical writing;
2) Enables students with techniques on how to express ideas coherently;
3) Teaches effective writing styles appropriate for technical writing;
4) Explains and applies the APA format to the thesis manuscript;
5) Guides the students to cite all sources, whether online or printed
resources, in accordance with the acceptable bibliographic entries using
the APA; and
6) Proofreads thesis manuscripts with respect to grammar, format and writing
style.
5. The Thesis Adviser
The thesis adviser is recommended by the thesis coordinator to work with

the thesis group with respect to the thesis content. When the thesis adviser and
the thesis group agrees to work together, the following are the tasks of the thesis
adviser:
1) provides technical expertise and direction to the thesis group in his area of
specialization or interest;
2) guides the group in searching, collecting and organizing relevant and
reliable research material;
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3) suggests ways to improve the technical details of the research;

4) helps structure the research method and design appropriate for the thesis
problem;
5) verifies that the test system meets all requirements to ensure that test
results are accurate;
6) ensures that the results are correctly interpreted and that conclusions are
made based on statistical analysis;
7) evaluates the technical content of the thesis manuscript for completeness
and correctness; and
8) prepares the thesis group to defend the technical content of their thesis
Because of the contributions of the thesis adviser to the success of the

thesis, the group must acknowledge the adviser in the thesis cover as their thesis
adviser. Should the thesis be submitted for inclusion in conferences, publications
and the like, the adviser should be listed as a co-author of the thesis group
members.
6. The Thesis Panel Member
Thesis panels members cross examine the thesis proposal and the thesis
during the defense. Defense panels in Thesis 1 have three (3) members,
whereas defense panels in thesis 2 have (4) members. The thesis coordinator is
usually a member of these panels. The thesis coordinator also recommends and
approves membership of individuals in the panels based on their knowledge of
the thesis topic. It is advisable to have the panel members of Thesis 1 also be
panel members in thesis 2 for the same thesis group.
The following are the tasks of the thesis panel member:

1) accepts the membership in the panel and confirms his availability during
the thesis defense, provided ample time and sufficient advance notice is
given;
2) reviews the manuscript, provided a copy is received at least two (2) school
days before the date of the defense;
3) punctually attends the entire duration of the defense;
4) listens to the thesis presentation, asks questions to clarify important
points, evaluates the thesis / proposal, and makes constructive
recommendations;
5) assesses the value of the thesis / proposal, the ability of the thesis group
to defend the thesis / proposal, and the quality of the manuscript;
6) judges whether the thesis / proposal is acceptable, requires modifications,
and/or needs to be re-defended;
7) reviews further revisions of the manuscript and attends any re-defense or
presentation, whenever necessary; and
8) evaluates the group work and effort as a whole as well as each member of
the thesis group (refer to the Panel Member Evaluation Form)
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7. The Department Chair
The following are the tasks of the department chair :

1) assigns faculty members to be coordinators of groups in thesis sections;
2) facilitates the availability of faculty members for thesis advising and thesis
paneling;
3) receives the bound thesis manuscript with the necessary signatures of the
thesis group members and with signed approval of the thesis coordinator,
the thesis adviser, and the thesis panel;
4) confers with the thesis coordinator that all policies and procedures have
been followed, and that all standard thesis requirements have been
completed;
5) demands completion of any administrative requirements related to the
thesis; and
6) gives final approval that the thesis fulfills the thesis requirements of the
B.S. Computer Science program;
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The Thesis Processes
The CS thesis work is divided over two courses: Thesis 1 and Thesis 2.
The thesis proposal is created, written and defended in Thesis 1. The proposal
is implemented, evaluated and defended in Thesis 2. The following sections
detail the activities in each course.
A. Thesis 1 Activities
The following table provides a guide in scheduling the activities in Thesis 1:
Table II-1 Thesis 1 Recommended Schedule of Activities
Week
Activity
No.
1 Orientation: The coordinator identifies to the students the thesis
process, the requirements, the resources and the roles of the various
stakeholders. Thesis groups are formed.
2 Mostly Research Week: The students look for thesis topics, read
scholarly work on the field of interest and identify CS problems they
intend to solve.
3 Individual Thesis Proposals: Each student writes a skeletal thesis
proposal identifying a CS problem, its significance, related literature,
and provide high-level ideas on how to solve the problem. The
coordinator evaluates each proposal.
4 Group Thesis Proposal: Each group decides on a thesis proposal it
would pursue. The group develops the proposal by digging deeper
into the literature and explores alternative ideas to solve the problem.
The coordinator evaluates the proposal and recommends potential
thesis advisers and panelists.
5 Agreement with Technical Adviser: The group prepares the thesis
proposal form and discusses their proposal to potential thesis
advisers and panelists. The group contracts a thesis adviser and
have their proposal form approved.
6 Mostly research week: With the guidance of the adviser, the group
researches to provide more breadth and depth to their proposal.
They should collect as much relevant information as possible in
preparation to thesis writing.
7 Mostly research week and preliminary draft of Chapter 1: The group
makes a preliminary draft of chapter 1 and the adviser guides the
group to improve the draft.
8 Chapter 1, first draft: The coordinator checks the progress of Chapter
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1. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on the

recommendations.
9 Prelim Exam Week
10 Chapter 1, second draft: The coordinator checks the progress of
Chapter 1. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on the
recommendations.
11 Chapter 2, first draft: The coordinator checks the progress of
Chapters 1 and 2. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on
the recommendations.
Chapters 1 to 3. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on
14 Pre-defense draft: The coordinator checks if the manuscript is ready
for thesis proposal defense.
15 Thesis proposal defense preparation: The group, with the help of the
adviser and the coordinator, prepares for the defense.
16 Thesis proposal defense: The group presents its proposal to the
panel. The panel evaluates the proposal and makes
recommendations.
17 Completion of thesis proposal requirements: The group works to
address all issues raised and submits all requirements to complete
their thesis proposal. A revised manuscript is necessary to reflect
recommendations made during the proposal. A Summary of Revision
Form must be properly accomplished and signed by the concerned
Panel Member and/or Thesis Adviser/Coordinator.
18 Final Exam Week
1. Orientation and Grouping
The coordinator gives an orientation to the students about research in

general and about thesis writing in particular. The coordinator discusses the
requirements and procedures, and directs the students to resources available for
doing research work. The students must form thesis groups of at most four
students per group. To keep the number of thesis groups monitored by the
coordinator manageable, some students may be asked to join other groups.
Students in a group will work together to write a group thesis.
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2. Selection of Group Thesis Proposal, Reviewers and Adviser
Each student identifies fields of study related to computer science. The

student reads literature to learn the advances and issues in the field. He/she
researches for recent or best attempts to solve significant problems. He/she
conjectures his/her own original ideas that could improve previous solutions to a
problem or to create a solution to a previously unsolved problem. The student
then presents his/her individual thesis proposal by identifying a computer science
problem, its significance, the related literature and the proposed original solution
to the coordinator. The coordinator evaluates the proposal for thoroughness and
acceptability. The coordinator opines on the potential for success and the
difficulty involved should the group adopt the individual proposal as their thesis
proposal.
Each group selects a thesis proposal from among the evaluated individual
proposals of each member of the group, or by coming up with a new proposal it
would like to pursue. The group works to improve on the details of their
proposal.
When the coordinator finds sufficient focus, depth, significance and

promise in the thesis proposal, he/she instructs the group to complete and have
the thesis proposal form reviewed. The coordinator suggests candidate thesis
advisers who may have interest or expertise in the topic. Once the thesis
proposal is accepted by a thesis adviser, the thesis group, the adviser and the
coordinator signs the thesis group advisorship agreement.
The group pursues their thesis proposal under the guidance of the thesis
adviser. The adviser provides advice as to the technical content of the thesis.
The adviser works with the group to ensure the research is of acceptable quality.
The coordinator checks on the progress of the thesis work.
3. Writing the Thesis Proposal
Thesis 1 requires a manuscript that presents the thesis proposal. Chapter

3 of this manual details the thesis proposal manuscript.
Before writing the manuscript, the group must fully understand their
computer science thesis problem. It must gather reliable information from
scholarly publications. It must determine the factors involved in the problem: the
causes and effects. It must study previous attempts to solve the problem, similar
problems, and related problems. It must cross-reference each piece of
information to its original publication.
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The group must hypothesize an innovative solution that involves computer

science principles. Such a solution must be shown to have the potential of
improving on the best attempts to solve the problem, or to provide a new solution
where none previously exists. The group must research on the feasibility of the
details of their solution. The group must exhaustively check that their solution is
indeed original, and that nothing strikingly similar has been done before.
It is very important to find an appropriate basis for the research. The basis
is a previous study that currently gives the best solution to the problem, or a very
similar problem. It will serve as a point of comparison on the effectiveness and
efficiency of the proposed solution. A scientific process must be determined to
fairly evaluate the proposed solution against the basis. A plan must be provided
on how to conduct this evaluation.
The results of the research about the thesis proposal must be documented
in a manuscript. The thesis coordinator provides guidelines on how to format
the manuscript. The thesis manuscript template is intended to help the thesis
groups follow this format.
The group members draft the manuscript. To improve its quality, other
members of the group must proofread the document checking for spelling and
grammar errors, understandability, organization of material, correctness,
completeness and proper citation of ideas to their sources as listed in the
references section. It is highly recommended that the group consult a technical
English expert to review their manuscript.
The group works with their thesis adviser to ensure the technical content
of the manuscript is correct and properly documented. The thesis coordinator
checks the progress of the thesis writing. The following parts of the manuscript
must be prepared :
● Title Page
● Certificate of Authenticity and Originality
● Table of Contents
● List of Figures
● List of Tables
● Chapter 1 : The Problem and Its Background
● Chapter 2 : Review of Related Literature and Studies
● Chapter 3 : Research Design and Methodology
● References
● Appendices
o One-Page Thesis Proposal (with signature of Faculty
Evaluators)
o Thesis Adviser Agreement Form
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The thesis coordinator and the thesis adviser determine if the manuscript is of
sufficient quality and gives the go-signal for the group to proceed with their thesis
proposal defense.
4. Defense (and Presentation) of the Thesis Proposal
A concrete proof that the thesis group underwent the screening from their
respective thesis adviser and/or thesis coordinator is for them to affix their
signature on the Thesis Proposal Defense Endorsement form. This will serve
as a clearance that the group members are ready for the presentation / defense.
a. Preparation for the Thesis Proposal Defense
The group gets approval to proceed with the thesis proposal defense by
completing the “Endorsement for Thesis Proposal Defense” form. It must be
signed by the thesis adviser and the thesis coordinator. With this form and the
“Panel Members’ Availability Confirmation” form, the group gets the schedule of
their defense and get the commitment of the panel members to perform their
responsibilities and be available during the defense schedule.
The defense must be scheduled as early as possible. This will give more
time for the group to address recommendations and/or revisions suggested by
the panel members and to complete all additional requirements as agreed upon
during the defense. It is highly recommended that revisions made must be
presented to the panel members/thesis adviser/thesis coordinator. It is generally
easier to find a time when all participants are available.
The defense runs for approximately 60 minutes long (or longer than 60
minutes as agreed upon by the thesis coordinators and the overall thesis
coordinator). The schedule must not conflict with the schedule of classes of the
group members and/or schedule of the panel members. A venue must be
reserved in advance. The group must give each panel member the following at
least two (2) school days before the defense:
● a completed “Thesis Proposal Defense Reminder” form,

● a printed copy of their manuscript (Chapter 1-3), and
● a pre-filled “Thesis Proposal Defense Evaluation Sheet”
● other parts of the thesis proposal documentation (title page,
certificate of originality and authenticity, table of contents, list of
figures, list of tables, references, etc.)
● Clearance form (signed by the Thesis Adviser)
● Confirmation of the panel members availability
● Appendices
20
a. One-page thesis proposal (with signatures and dates)

b. Thesis Advisorship Agreement
Aside from the manuscript, the group should see to it that the venue of the
defense has been reserved, prepare equipment such as a laptop and a projector,
and they should create presentation slides, scripts, notes, and illustrations. The
thesis adviser and the group may conduct a mock defense to review the logistics
preparation, to walkthrough the presentation, and to anticipate questions and
prepare answers in advance.
The group must change to business attire. For men, tucked-in, long
sleeves, buttoned, collared shirts with neck tie must be worn with a black belt,
school pants and shoes. For women, a blouse and skirt or a dress that is not too
short nor too tight must be worn with office shoes.
The group must personally remind the thesis coordinator, adviser and
panel members one hour before the scheduled defense. The group must follow-
up in case any participant is late.
b. The Thesis Proposal Defense Proper
The thesis group, coordinator and panel members must attend the thesis
proposal defense. The thesis adviser may attend as a non-participating observer
unless consulted by the panel members to clarify some of its concerns.
The format of the defense is

● 5 minutes to make the participants ready, setting up of projector,
● 15 - 20 minutes for the presentation
● 10 - 15 minutes for question and answer
● 5 - 10 minutes for panel deliberation
● 5 minutes to pack-up and restore the venue ready for the next
group
● (10 (or less) minutes allowance for overtime, whenever necessary)
Name tags should be worn to identify each member. Expect questions to

be raised during the presentation. The members should take turn taking notes of
the comments, questions, concerns and recommendations of the panel.
Alternatively, the group could get a classmate or a friend to be a scribe and take
the notes for them.
Group members must take turns to do the following in the presentation:
1. Give an introduction to the proposal

21
2. Present main ideas, define key terms
3. State the problem
4. Argue the significance of solving the problem
5. Discuss the theoretical framework, particularly the basis of the
proposal
6. Explain the conceptual framework, highlight the problem
7. State the objectives to solve the problem
8. Explain and Illustrate the proposed solution
9. Discuss methods for evaluating the proposed solution
10. Identify tasks to implement and evaluate the proposed solution
The panel members will ask questions to check the mastery of the thesis
proposal by each group member. Specific members may be selected by the
panel members to answer questions. The group will be asked to clarify the
proposal, the manuscript and the presentation. The panel will identify strong and
weak points of the proposal and give recommendations for improvement.
After the question and answer portion, the group members, the thesis
adviser and the audience must leave the room. The thesis coordinator and the
panel members will privately deliberate on the proposal. They will decide if the
proposal is worth pursuing, if sufficient work has been done, what corrections are
necessary, and what improvements are recommended. They will fill out the
evaluation forms and hand these over to the coordinator for grading and
feedback. The thesis group will be invited back to the venue to listen to the
decision of the panel.
c. Post Thesis Proposal Defense Activities
After the defense, the group reviews the comments and recommendations
made by the panel. With the help of their thesis adviser, the group may be
required to do additional research, improve their research plan, revise their
manuscript and other tasks needed to complete their thesis proposal.
If the recommendations are minor, the thesis coordinator checks and

decides if sufficient changes have been made to address the issues. The panel
22
members will be consulted, if necessary, to make the decision.
If the recommendations are major, the group may be required to undergo

another thesis proposal defense. The procedure for this re-defense is similar to
the first one, but additional tokens for the panel members are not necessary.
Within the next 2-3 days, the group must submit a summary of the
comments, suggestions, recommendations, etc. made during the defense. This
has to be authenticated by the thesis adviser and/or anyone of the panel
members. This must be presented to the concerned panel members during the
presentation of the revision/s. The panel member/s must affix their signature/s
upon satisfactory compliance of the revision/s. See the form, Summary of
Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations.
5. Completion of Thesis 1
After successfully defending the thesis proposal and fulfilling the

recommendations of the panel members, the thesis group submits to their thesis
coordinator a copy of their final thesis proposal manuscript. This could be in
softcopy or printed form at the discretion of the thesis coordinator.
Each member of the group then fills out the “Groupmates’ Evaluation
Sheet” to rate the contributions of his/her groupmates. This form also asks the
evaluator to distribute 100% to each of the group members in proportion to their
contribution to the success of their thesis proposal. Each group member must
personally give the sealed form he/she accomplished to the thesis coordinator.
Students in a thesis group work together to write a group thesis.

However, they are graded individually based on their group effort and their
individual contributions. Only students who provide sufficient contribution to the
successful completion of their thesis proposal are allowed to proceed and
implement their thesis proposal in Thesis 2.
If most of the groupmates consistently mark a student as poor or needs

improvement, and allocate to the student a very small part of the 100%, the
thesis coordinator will investigate further the performance of the student. If the
coordinator finds that the student was indeed unable to make a significant
contribution to the thesis, the student is given a failing grade.
The individual course grades is based on the following components:

30% – Thesis Coordinator evaluation
● 5% – Proposal, Participation in class meetings,
consultations, forms preparation, Completion of
requirements
● 15% – Quality of draft documents
23
● 10% – Thesis proposal defense evaluation
20% – Thesis Adviser evaluation

40% – Thesis Panel evaluation
10% – Peer evaluation
The passing score is 75 in a 0 to 100 scale. Groups unable to fulfill any of the
requirements are given incomplete grades.
Note: The distribution of weights of the grade may vary from term-to-term
as agreed upon by the concerned faculty members. Likewise, the
criterion may also change.
24
B. Thesis 2 Activities
Table II-1 provides a guide in scheduling the activities in Thesis 2:

25
Table II-1 Thesis 2 Recommended Schedule of Activities

Week
Activity
No.
1 Orientation: The thesis coordinator discusses thesis 2 deliverables
with the thesis group. The thesis group continue to work with their
thesis adviser to implement their research plan.
2 The system architecture and project plan to implement the research
plan and to document the activities and results are due.
3-7 System implementation and preparation of test cases and other
evaluation tools under the guidance of thesis adviser.
6 Checkpoint: The group presents work-in-progress to thesis
coordinator.
8 Full System Testing and preliminary evaluation of results by thesis
group and thesis adviser.
9 Prelim Exam Week
10 Checkpoint: The group presents their fully working system, including
sample input and output data to be used for evaluation.
Data gathering for evaluation of proposed solution.
11 Chapter 4 first draft with updated chapters 1-3 due. Focus is on
system architecture, description of modules and interfaces and
sample simulation of test data. Outline and placeholders for
remaining sections are needed to show how test results will be
presented, analyzed and interpreted.
12 Chapters 1-4 due. Focus on presentation of test results, analysis and
interpretation
13 Chapters 5 with updated chapters 1-4 due.
14 Full printed manuscript due. The coordinator checks if the thesis is
ready for defense.
15 Thesis defense preparation: The group, with the help of the adviser
and the coordinator, prepares for the defense.
16 Thesis defense: The group presents its thesis to the panel. The
panel evaluates the thesis and makes recommendations.
17 Completion of thesis requirements: The group works to address all
issues raised and submits all requirements to complete their thesis.
18 Final Exam Week
The execution of the research plan, including the documentation of the research,
are under the primary supervision of the thesis adviser.
1. System Architecture and Thesis Plan
The system architecture and project plan are critical to the success of the
group’s thesis. The system architecture must show how the proposed solution is
26
implemented. It highlights the different modules and their interplay to achieve the
solution to the problems. This is usually presented with a diagram or a figure and
a textual description that details the interaction and interplay of the modules and
the steps to be undertaken.
The system architecture must provide ways for the proposed solution to
be fairly compared against the basis research in terms of effectiveness and
efficiency. It must show how the system is broken down into modules that
address specific aspects of the solution and to compare against the basis
research. Data that flow in and out of modules must be included. The modules
must be well-defined in terms of their expected inputs, processes and outputs, so
that each module is unambiguously specified and can be systematically
developed and tested.
The thesis plan must show how the research plan will be managed so that
the necessary activities will be completed on-schedule. It must cover all tasks,
identify durations and dependencies, assigned tasks and activities to members
and the estimated completion status. The project plan makes sure that all
required tasks to be performed are accounted for and monitored.
2. System Development
Usually, a system is developed to demonstrate how the proposed solution works

and how it compares against previous research results. It includes
1. programming the proposed solution,
2. possibly developing a way to simulate the basis research,
3. formulating a significant number of test cases,
4. automating system execution, collection of output, and
categorization and summarization of data.
System development must be closely monitored by the thesis adviser to

ensure that the system being built adheres to system specifications. Each
module must be individually tested. Full end-to-end testings must be thoroughly
performed. The group must provide periodic status reports to their thesis
coordinator to track their progress. Demonstrations of the system being built is
recommended.
As the system is being developed, test cases must be prepared. If

surveys or interviews are needed, the questionnaires must be designed.
27
3. Data Gathering and Analysis
Data must be gathered to evaluate the new solution and compare it

against existing or related solutions. Some data may be obtained through further
readings into related literature. Additional data must be collected through
surveys, observations and computations.
Previous studies indicate their results and recommendations. These may
be used as points of reference or comparison with the results of the new solution.
Such data is particularly useful if the previous study is difficult to recreate. They
may also check systems that try to simulate the previous studies.
Some data may be based on expert opinions or experiments with human

subjects. These data may be collected by conducting interviews, surveys and
well-controlled experiments. Enough data must be collected through appropriate
sampling methods to ensure that every category of data is well represented.
Samples of these questionnaires, answers, tests and results should be added to
the thesis manuscript either in the main chapters or the appendix section.
Automated systems for the new solution may be run a significant number
of times under varying kinds of input. These runs should generate data that can
be checked for accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency to solve the problem on
different input conditions. These same inputs should be fed to systems that
simulate the previous solutions for benchmarking purposes. It is very important
to control all the facets of the experiment, varying only a moderating variable, so
that any difference can be clearly attributed to this variable.
The gathered data must be categorized and summarized using standard

statistical methods. These include showing data in tabular and graphical
formats. Analysis of the data should include statistically testing any hypothesis
made. Conclusions backed by systematic analyses of the data are generally
more sound and reliable than those based on intuition and gut-feeling.
4. Writing the Thesis
In thesis 2, the full thesis manuscript is created. The thesis 1 manuscript

is updated and expanded. The manuscript is rewritten for the reader who
peruses the document after the completion of the research. This means that the
point of view should be changed from “proposing a solution” to “created a
solution”. All plans and activities that have been carried out must be stated in the
past tense.
Any additional information discovered after the thesis 1 document has

28
been approved must be added. The introduction may now provide an overview
of the entire research including its results. The theoretical framework and
chapter 2 must describe supplementary ideas not discovered earlier. The
description of research design and methodology may be improved based on the
actual activities performed.
Chapters 4 and 5 are also written to document the execution of the

research plan. The system architecture to implement the new solution must be
described through the interaction in its underlying modules to solve the thesis
problem. The gathered data is presented and analyzed. A summary of the
results is made from which conclusions and recommendations should follow.
The preliminary pages and appendices must be completed before the
thesis is presented for approval by a defense panel. The details on how to write
each section of the manuscript is elaborated in Chapter 3 of this manual.
5. Defense of the Thesis 2 (Final Thesis Defense)
a. Preparation for the Thesis Defense
The group gets approval to proceed with the thesis defense by completing
the “Endorsement for Thesis Defense” form. It must be signed by the thesis
adviser and the thesis coordinator. With this form and the “Panel Members’
Availability Confirmation” form, the group schedules their defense and get the
commitment of the panel members to perform paneling responsibilities and be
available during the defense. The panel members of the thesis 1 proposal
defense are the best candidates to be the first two of the three panel members
for the thesis defense. The thesis coordinator will identify an appropriate third
panel member and replacements if any of the thesis 1 panel members is not
available.
The defense must be 90 minutes long and must not conflict with the
classes of the group members. A venue must be reserved in advance. The
group must give each panel member the bound manuscript that contains the
following documents at least two (2) school days before the defense. The order
must be:
● Title page
● Summary of Revisions, Recommendations, and
Comments (during Thesis Proposal Defense or Ths 1)
● a completed “Thesis Defense Reminder” form, or
Confirmation of the panel member’s availability
● a pre-filled up “Thesis Oral Defense Evaluation Sheet”
● Clearance form (signed by the Thesis Adviser)
● Certificate of Originality and Authenticity,
● Acknowledgement of Undertaking
29
● Table of Contents,
● List of Figures,
● List of Tables
● a printed copy of your manuscript (complete Chapters 1-5),
● References, or Bibliography
● Appendices
a. Additional references needed by the reader to increase
understandability and readability of some essential topics
(such as important algorithms, how an algorithm/game
works, survey instrument used in gathering data, extensive
and detailed results of some test case evaluation, source
code or program listing, etc.
● Curriculum Vitae
Additionally, the following forms must be may be prepared for each Panel
Member. These forms must be part of the documentation that must be submitted:
● the “Summary of Results of Thesis Oral Defense” and

● the “Thesis Coordinator’s Evaluation Sheet” forms, and
● the “Panel Member’s Evaluation Sheet”
Preparations for the thesis defense is similar to the preparations for the
thesis proposal defense. However, cash honoraria, agreed upon by coordinator
and advisers, enclosed in an envelope per panel member should be offered by
the group, instead of token gift certificates. These honoraria must be coursed
through the thesis coordinator at least one hour before the defense for
distribution to the intended recipients after the defense.
d. The Thesis Defense Proper
The thesis defense is similar to the thesis defense proposal. However, the
focus is on the newly built solution to the thesis problem. Group members must
take turns to do the following in the presentation:
1. Introduce the thesis problem,
2. Review the thesis problem,
3. Enumerate the objectives, scope and limitations,
4. Discuss the proposed solution,
5. Describe the system architecture,

30
6. Demonstrate how the new system works,
7. Explain what, why and how data are collected,
8. Analyze the data, make conclusions and recommendations.
The panel members will ask questions to specific members to check their
mastery of the thesis. The panel will identify strong and weak points of the thesis
and give recommendations for improvement.
The thesis coordinator and the panel members will privately deliberate on
the thesis. They will decide if sufficient work has been done, what corrections
are necessary, and what improvements are recommended. They will fill out the
evaluation forms and hand these over to the coordinator for grading and
feedback. The thesis group will be informed of the decision of the panel.
e. Post Thesis Defense Activities
After the defense, the group reviews the comments and recommendations
made by the panel. With the help of their thesis adviser, the group may be
required to do additional research, tweak the solution and the system, do more
tests and gather more data, improve their analysis, conclusions and
recommendations, revise their manuscript and other tasks needed to complete
their thesis.
If the recommendations are minor, the thesis coordinator checks and

decides if sufficient changes have been made to address the issues. The panel
members will be consulted, if necessary, to make the decision.
If the recommendations are major, the group may be required to undergo

another thesis defense. The procedure for this re-defense is similar to the first
one, but additional honoraria for the panel members are not necessary.
To ensure that all revisions are properly accomplished, the group must
prepare the Summary of Revisions, Comments, and Recommendations form. If
the group is ready with the revisions, the group must make an appointment with
concerned panel member or adviser to present the necessary revisions. If done
and the panel member is satisfied, his/her signature must be affixed to the form
for proper recording and acknowledgement.
6. Completion of Thesis 2
After successfully defending the thesis and fulfilling the recommendations

of the panel, the thesis group submits to their thesis coordinator the following:
31
1. a portable file medium, a single flash drive, for the entire section that
is properly labeled containing important files about the thesis including
the following:
● create folders or subdirectories for each group
● PDF version of the complete manuscript that includes the
signed Approval Sheet, ACM-formatted Research Paper, duly
signed Waiver of Acknowledgement,
● Some softwares and/or programming languages used, and/or
plug-ins needed to run the program smoothly.
● Minimum software and hardware requirements
● Installation set-up and procedure
2. filled-up groupmates evaluation sheets (this will be printed or based on
your arrangement with your Thesis Coordinator)
The “Groupmates’ Evaluation Sheet” allows each member of the group to

rate the participation of his/her groupmates. This form also allows the evaluator
to distribute 100% to each of the group members in proportion to their
contribution in the completion or on the success of their thesis. Each group
member must personally give the sealed form he/she accomplished to the thesis
coordinator.
The file medium must contain an Excel File with the following columns
containing the thesis group number, thesis title, and the month and year of
completion. Include also, the names of the authors, coordinator, and adviser, and
the title of the thesis may be included. The file medium must be properly labeled
on its exterior with the section.
The medium must contain the following:

32
1. a softcopy of the full manuscript in pdf format
2. poster format presentation
3. source codes and executables of all original programs
4. executables of acquired programs (source codes are optional)
5. applications and scripts necessary to run the system
6. test data: loaded databases, sample inputs, outputs and lookup data.
7. readme file containing
● description of files in medium,
● installation procedures for setting up system, and
● instructions on how to operate the system
Once the manuscript, file medium and evaluation sheets have been
checked, the thesis coordinator records the groupmates’ evaluations, archives
the file medium.
The thesis group provides separate pdf’s of the manuscript and the
appendices to the Department Chair so the manuscript may be signed by
him/her. The thesis coordinator then marks the group grade on the approval
sheet before the manuscript is returned to the thesis group.
Students in a thesis group work together to write a group thesis.

However, they are graded individually based on their group effort and their
individual contributions. Only students who provide sufficient contribution to the
successful completion of their thesis can pass the course.
If most of the groupmates consistently mark a student as poor or needs

improvement, and allocate to the student a very small part of the 100%, the
thesis coordinator will investigate further the performance of the student. If the
coordinator finds that the student was indeed unable to make a significant
contribution to the thesis, the student is given a failing grade.
The individual course grades are based on the following components:
40% – Thesis Coordinator evaluation

– 5% – Participation in class meetings, consultations, forms preparation
– 20% – Quality of draft documents and system prototypes
33
– 10% – Thesis defense evaluation

– 5% – Completion of requirements on time
20% – Thesis Adviser evaluation
30% – Thesis Panel evaluation (for the 3 Panel Members)
10% – Peer evaluation
The passing score is 60 in a 0 to 100 scale. Groups unable to fulfill any of the
requirements are given incomplete grades (INC). INC grade must be completed
immediately the following term. Failure to complete at the end of the “next” term
will automatically set your grade to be 5.0 (or Failed)
Note: The distribution of weights of the grade may vary from term-to-term
as agreed upon by the concerned thesis coordinators and/or course
coordinators. Likewise, the criterion may also change.
34
Forms
A. Thesis 1 Forms
COMPUTER SCIENCE THESIS PROPOSAL

Your group must identify a CS problem that you propose to address. When the
thesis coordinator approves it, you must find a thesis adviser who will guide you with the
technical content of your thesis. Use the “Computer Science Thesis Proposal” form to
get the written approval from the thesis coordinator and thesis adviser. Ask your thesis
coordinator to suggest acceptable thesis advisers. This form must be completed before
continuing your research and writing your manuscript.
THESIS GROUP ADVISORSHIP AGREEMENT
The thesis group must find a thesis adviser to guide them with the technical
content of their thesis. It establishes an agreement between the thesis group, the thesis
adviser and the thesis coordinator to work together in their respective capacities as
described in the form and in the thesis manual.
ENDORSEMENT FOR THESIS PROPOSAL DEFENSE
Use this form to get the thesis adviser’s and thesis coordinator’s approval
allowing oral defense of the thesis proposal. The signed form must be shown to
prospective thesis panel members to get panel members’ availability confirmation.
PANEL MEMBER’S AVAILABILITY CONFIRMATION
Use this form to get the commitment of the signatories to be available to serve as
panel members of your thesis proposal oral defense. This must be completed at least
three (3) school days from the date of the defense.
THESIS PROPOSAL DEFENSE REMINDER
This form serves as a cover letter to the attached thesis proposal manuscript and
defense evaluation form. It also reminds the panel members and the thesis coordinator of
the schedule and venue of the defense. This must be provided to the panel members and
the thesis coordinator at least two (2) school days from the date of the defense.
THESIS PROPOSAL ORAL DEFENSE EVALUATION SHEET
Attach this form with the thesis proposal reminder. The evaluation sheet will be
used by the panel members and the thesis coordinator to make comments, ask questions,
give recommendations and score each group member.
GROUPMATES’ EVALUATION SHEET
When the final thesis proposal manuscript is approved by the thesis coordinator,
each member must use this form to evaluate the participation and contribution of his/her
group members. This form must be completed and submitted individually inside a sealed
white letter envelope personally to the thesis coordinator.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
____ Term A/Y ____________
COMPUTER SCIENCE THESIS PROPOSAL
Proposed Thesis Title : _________________________________________________
Proponents:
1. <LastName1, FirstName1>
Short Description of the Study:
Source code plagiarism in laboratories is one of the problems of the professors. There are
already existing Java source code comparators; however, there is a trade off between the
reliability and the speed of similarity detection. There is also a need for approximation on what
grade the student will receive which is driven from the similarity percentage.
<YOU CAN WRITE AS WELL THE PROBLEMS THAT YOU AIM TO SOLVE>
The team decided to enhance Plaggie, an open source software version of Jplag which is the
most efficient Java source code comparator according to the related literature that the team
had researched on.
There will be two possible approach to the problem. First is combining the algorithm of a fast
but less reliable java source code comparator and combining Plaggie’s algorithm. Second is
formulating a new algorithm with the use of tokenizing and other methods to balance or
optimize the reliability and speed of Plaggie. With regards to the grade approximation for the
student, the team will use the algorithm of the C++ Source Code Comparator Plug-in for
Eclipse (a thesis of the previous year) as a basis.
Area of Specialization:_<ex. NLP, Game Dev, Emphatic Comp, Data Mining, etc.>__
Tools/Programming Language to be used: <ex. Java, C#, Mathlab>______
_______________________________
Reviewed by/date: Comments/Remarks:

(use backpage if space is not enough)
__________________________ ___________________________________
<name of Thesis Coordinator>
__________________________ ___________________________________
<name of Thesis Adviser>
UST-A005-01-F001 rev02 2/1/17

________ Term A/Y ____________
Thesis Group Advisorship Agreement
Thesis Title : <Insert the thesis title here>
This agreement is made among the thesis group, the thesis adviser and the thesis
coordinator. The thesis group shall work under the technical guidance of the technical adviser
in Thesis 1 and 2. The group is responsible for actively seeking advice and requesting assistance
that the adviser may be able to extend to improve the quality of their thesis.
The thesis adviser shall, in good faith, provide technical expertise and direction to the
thesis group with regards to the thesis content in Thesis 1 and 2. Because of the contributions of
the thesis adviser to the success of the thesis, the group must acknowledge the adviser in the
thesis cover as their thesis adviser. Should the thesis be submitted for inclusion in conferences,
publications and the like, the adviser should be listed as a co-author of the thesis group members.
The thesis coordinator shall monitor the partnership between the group and the adviser,
and the timely completion of thesis deliverables. The detailed tasks of each party are listed in the
thesis manual.
Proponents: Conforme:
1. <LastName1, FirstName1> ____________________________
Thesis Adviser:
<Title, LastName, FirstName> ____________________________
Thesis Coordinator:
<Title, LastName, FirstName> ____________________________
UST-A005-01-F002
_____ Term A/Y __________
Proponents:
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in

Computer Science, the thesis mentioned above, has been adequately prepared and
submitted by the proponents and is hereby endorsed by the undersigned for thesis
proposal oral examinations.
__________________________
<Name of Thesis Adviser>
Thesis Adviser
Date: ________________
<If thesis coordinator and thesis adviser is the same person, remove below part, else a
second signature is required.>
__________________________
<Name of Thesis Coordinator>
Thesis Coordinator
Date: ________________
<If thesis coordinator and thesis adviser is the same person, remove above part, else a
Cc: <Panel Member 1>

<Panel Member 2>
UST-A005-01-F011
_______ Term A/Y ______________
Panel Members’ Availability Confirmation
Proponents:
Scheduled Defense Date : <mmm-dd-yyyy>

Time : <hh:mm to hh:mm am/pm>
Room :
Thesis Coordinator Confirmation
Panel Members Confirmation
1.
2.
UST-A005-01-F003
_______ Term A/Y ___________
Date: <mmm-dd-yyyy>
To: <name of panel member>

__________________
__________________
This is a reminder of the oral defense of the thesis proposal
by the proponents:
on DATE: <mmm-dd-yyyy> TIME: <hh:mm to hh:mm am/pm>
Attached is a copy of:
[ ] The thesis chapters 1-3 (Please bring this with you during the oral defense.)
[ ] Thesis Proposal Oral Defense Evaluation Sheet
Should there be other information you may need, please do not hesitate to get in touch
with us.
Sincerely yours,
______________________
Thesis Coordinator
UST-A005-01-F004
______ Term A/Y ____________
THESIS PROPOSAL ORAL DEFENSE EVALUATION SHEET
Instructions : The thesis coordinator and each panel member must fill up this Evaluation Sheet.
Score each member from 0 to 100 (for your reference: 60 is 3.0, 79 is 2.0, 95 is 1.0)
Member’s Name: _______________________________________ SCORE: _____________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Member’s Name: _______________________________________ SCORE: ____________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATIONS
________________________
Signature Over Printed Name

Date:
UST-A005-01-F004
_________ Term A/Y ____________
Proponents: Group No. T(CS)-__

LEGEND: 0 - NOT APPLICABLE

1 - POOR
2 – NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
3 – AVERAGE
4 – SATISFACTORY
5 – EXCELLENT
Evaluating Member : <LastName, FirstName>
(Write the name of the members being evaluated.)

CRITERIA <Name> <Name> <Name>
Group member’s cooperation in
completing research
Groups member’s attendance during
meetings with adviser and group.
Member’s attendance during oral
presentation
Group member’s knowledge of the
research undertaken
Group member’s attitude towards the
research activity / presentation
Group member’s ability to present
findings during the oral presentation
TOTAL
Percent contribution: How many percent of the thesis’ group success can be
attributed to each member? Must add up to 100%.
<Your <Name> <Name> <Name>
Name>
Percent
UST-A005-01-F005
1
B. Thesis 2 Forms
ENDORSEMENT FOR THESIS DEFENSE

Use this form to get the thesis adviser’s and thesis coordinator’s approval allowing oral
defense of the thesis. The signed form must be shown to prospective thesis panel members to get
the panel members’ availability confirmation.
PANEL MEMBER’S AVAILABILITY CONFIRMATION
Use this form to get the commitment of the signatories to be available to serve as panel
members of your thesis oral defense. This must be completed at least three (3) school days from
the date of the defense.
THESIS DEFENSE REMINDER
Use this form to serve as a cover letter to the attached thesis manuscript and defense
evaluation form. The thesis defense reminder form also reminds the panel members and the
thesis coordinator of the schedule and venue of the defense. This must be provided to the panel
members and the thesis coordinator at least two (2) school days from the date of the defense.
THESIS ORAL DEFENSE EVALUATION SHEET
Attach this form with the thesis defense reminder. The evaluation sheet will be used by
the panel members and the thesis coordinator to make comments, ask questions, give
recommendations and score each group member.
When the final thesis proposal manuscript is approved by the thesis coordinator, each
member must use this form to evaluate the participation and contribution of his/her group
members. This form must be completed and submitted individually inside a sealed white letter
envelope personally to the thesis coordinator.
APPROVAL SHEET
Include this sheet when you have your thesis manuscript bound. The thesis coordinator,
adviser, and panel members and the department chair will then sign this form. Make sure the
certificate of authenticity and originality is fully signed before securing signatures in the
approval sheet.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND ORIGINALITY
Include this sheet when you have your thesis manuscript bound. The members of the
group must sign this form to vouch for the thesis’ authenticity and originality.
________ Term A/Y ____________
Researchers:

submitted by the researchers and is hereby endorsed by the undersigned for thesis oral
examinations.
__________________________
<Name of Thesis Adviser>
Thesis Adviser
Date: ________________
<If thesis coordinator and thesis adviser is the same person, remove below part, else a
__________________________
Thesis Coordinator
Date: ________________
<If thesis coordinator and thesis adviser is the same person, remove above part, else a
Cc: <Panel Member 1>

<Panel Member 2>
<Panel Member 3>
UST-A005-01-F011
_______ Term A/Y ____________
Panel Members’ Availability Confirmation
Proponents:
Scheduled Defense Date : <mmm-dd-yyyy>

Time : <hh:mm to hh:mm am/pm>
Room :
Thesis Coordinator Confirmation
Panel Members Confirmation
1.
2.
3.
UST-A005-01-F003
__________ Term A/Y ____________
Date: <mmm-dd-yyyy>
To: <name of panel member>

__________________
__________________
This is a reminder of the oral defense of the thesis
by the researchers:
on DATE: <mmm-dd-yyyy> TIME: <hh:mm to hh:mm am/pm>
Attached is a copy of:
[ ] The thesis (Please bring this with you during the oral defense)
[ ] Thesis Oral Defense Evaluation Sheet
Should there be other information you may need, please do not hesitate to get in touch
with us.
Sincerely yours,
______________________
Thesis Coordinator
UST-A005-01-F003
______ Term A/Y ____________
THESIS ORAL DEFENSE EVALUATION SHEET
Instructions : The thesis coordinator and each panel member must fill up this Evaluation Sheet.
Score each member from 0 to 100 (for your reference: 60 is 3.0, 79 is 2.0, 95 is 1.0)

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Member’s Name: _______________________________________ SCORE: ____________

Questions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATIONS
________________________

Date:
UST-A005-01-F006
_________ Term A/Y ___________
Researchers: Group No. T(CS)-__


1 - POOR
3 – AVERAGE
4 – SATISFACTORY
5 – EXCELLENT
Evaluating Member : <LastName, FirstName>
(Write the name of the members being evaluated.)

CRITERIA <Name> <Name> <Name>
Group member’s cooperation in
completing research
Groups member’s attendance during
meetings with adviser and group.
Member’s attendance during oral
presentation
Group member’s knowledge of the
research undertaken
Group member’s ability to present
findings during the oral presentation
TOTAL
Percent contribution: How many percent of the thesis’ group success can be
attributed to each member? Must add up to 100%.
<Your <Name> <Name> <Name>
Name>
Percent
UST-A005-01-F005
C. Additional Forms:
With the thesis defense reminder, provide all three additional forms below to the thesis
coordinator. The third form must also be provided to each panel member.
PANEL’S EVALUATION OF THESIS ORAL DEFENSE (1 page)
This form is accomplished by the thesis coordinator and signed by each panel member. It
summarizes the results of the thesis oral defense and recommendation of the panel.
THESIS COORDINATOR’S EVALUATION SHEET (2 pages)
This form is accomplished by the thesis coordinator to evaluate the thesis group as a
whole and each member of the group individually.
PANEL MEMBER’S EVALUATION SHEET (2 pages)
This form is accomplished by each member of the thesis defense panel to evaluate the
thesis group as a whole.
_______ Term A/Y ___________
Researchers : Group No. T(CS)-__

1. <LastName1, FirstName1> Signature : _________________
2. <LastName2, FirstName2> _________________

Thesis Coordinator : < name> Signature:
Oral Defense Date: <mmm-dd-yyyy> Time: <hh:mm-hh:mm am/pm>
Thesis Oral Defense Panel:
<Panel 1> Signature:

Panel’s Evaluation of Thesis Oral Defense
A. GRADE
1. _______ Pass ______ Conditional Pass _____ Fail

2. _______ No re-oral _____ re-Oral
B. Required revisions and Changes
1. ______ No Revisions ______ Minor Revision ______ Major Revision

2. Revisions/Changes Submission Date (Specific) _________________
3. Revisions/Changes to be Reviewed by
______________ Thesis Oral Defense Panel

______________ Thesis Adviser
______________ Thesis Coordinator
C. Specific Comments on Revisions, Changes and Recommendations
UST-A005-01-F006
________ Term A/Y ____________
THESIS COORDINATOR’S EVALUATION SHEET


1 - POOR
3 – AVERAGE
4 – SATISFACTORY
5 – EXCELLENT
I. Individual Member’s Evaluation:

(write the name of the member being evaluated)
CRITERIA Name Name Name
Group member’s cooperation in completing

research
Groupsmember’s attendance during meetings
with adviser and group. Member’s attendance
during oral presentation
Group member’s knowledge of the research
undertaken
Group member’s ability to present findings
during the oral presentation
TOTAL
UST-A005-01-F008
_________ Term A/Y ___________
THESIS COORDINATOR’S EVALUATION SHEET
II. Group Evaluation

0 - NOT APPLICABLE; 1 – POOR; 2 – NEEDS IMPROVEMENT; 3 – AVERAGE; 4 – SATISFACTORY; 5 – EXCELLENT
CRITERIA Rate 0 to 5
Ability to submit requirements on time
Openness to suggestions and criticisms
Was able to solve problems that came up during the course of
research
Was able to apply classroom learning to research work
Performed literature research thoroughly
Consulted resource person for the problem
Problem envisioned is original
Approach use in research is original
Not over dependent on adviser for solving a problem
Can Support decisions taken regarding conduct of Research
Did a thorough report on the background of the research
Citations of references and other creative works were thorough
(Thesis Writing) Research findings were clearly discussed
(Thesis Writing) Presentation of research activities was thorough
(Thesis Writing) Observed proper typing of manuscript including
pagination, citation, and highlighting of important terms
TOTAL
Signature over printed name

of Thesis Coordinator
___________________
Date
UST-A005-01-F008
______ Term A/Y ___________
PANEL MEMBER’S EVALUATION SHEET


EVIDENCE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORK Rate 0 – 5
1. Draft is well-typed and well-written as to correct grammar and
textual coherence.
2. Document is complete with the necessary appendices.
3. The style of writing is appropriate and can be understood.
EVIDENCE OF SOUND ORGANIZATION OF MATERIAL

1. There is sufficient field work and research to support the document
2. Facts are documented and sources are reliable
3. There is a thorough coverage of subject matter
CLEAR THINKING
1. There is clearness of purpose, ideas, problems and alternatives
2. Appropriate tools were used and decisions from logical conclusions
3. Recommendations & Conclusions logically flow from the findings
EVIDENCE OF CREATIVITY
1. The thesis is in a useful field of research and is relevant
2. The work shows transfer of learning from classroom to praxis
3. The study highlights the extensions that can be done.
TOTAL
________________________
Date: ___________________
______ Term A/Y ___________
PANEL MEMBER’S EVALUATION SHEET

THE PRESENTATION
THE PROGRAM Rate 0 – 5

1. User-friendly interface. – The GUI is standard and consistent
2. Accuracy and Reliability – The computations are accurate and the
reports/output are consistent to the specifications
3. Time Efficient – The algorithms used are the well thought out. The
system flow eliminates redundancy.
4. Modifiable w/ Maintenance (NOTE FOR SYSTEMS ONLY) System is
well documented with a maintenance plan.
5. Users satisfied (NOTE FOR SYSTEMS ONLY). There exists a user
report of satisfaction and user acceptance test results
6. Originality and Creativity. – The work shows consistency with existing
norms and shows creativity in adopting new solutions
THE GROUP Rate 1 – 5

1. The group shows coherence and synergy in their presentation
2. Presentation was clear. Appropriate presentation tools were used.

3. Questions were well answered with good communication skills.
TOTAL
________________________
Date: ___________________
D. Forms included in the Thesis Manuscript
The following forms must be included among the first few pages of the thesis
manuscript.
APPROVAL SHEET
This form is accomplished to demonstrate the completion of all thesis 2
requirements. The thesis panel members, coordinator, adviser and the department
chairperson signs to show their approval. A grade is also provided.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND ORIGINALITY
This form is signed by all members of the thesis group to vouch for the
authenticity and originality of their thesis work. It declares that the group cites all works
taken from other sources and that their work is new and of their own.
Approval Sheet
Thesis Title: <THESIS TITLE>
Researchers:
1. <Proponent 1 First Name Middle Initial. Last Name>
2. <Proponent 2 First Name Middle Initial. Last Name >

submitted by above mentioned proponents. This thesis was duly defended in an oral
examination before a duly constituted tribunal with a grade of
___________________________
<Title, First, Last name of Panel 1>
Panel Member
___________________________ ____________________________
<Title, First, Last name of Panel 2> <Title, First, Last name of Coordinator>
Panel Member Thesis Coordinator
___________________________ ____________________________
<Title, First, Last name of Panel 3> <Title, First, Last name of Adviser>
Panel Member Thesis Adviser
Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of

Science in Computer Science. ________________________________________
< Title, First, Last Name of Chairperson>
Chairperson
UST-A005-01-F009
Notes:
1. Ask the panel members as to what their current Title is (ex. Asst. Prof, Assoc. Prof, Mr,, Ms,
Engr.) and their middle initials as well.
2. In any form of formal document, use Ms. instead of Mrs. To address a female panel member
and/or adviser.
3. The Panel Member Evaluation Form must be reproduced in 3 copies.
4. If the format is not given, writing the names of proponents or students, panel members and
adviser must be guided by the following:
a. The format of writing the names of advisers, and panel members (if required to affix
their signature over their printed names) in any of the forms must follow this: FN, MI,
LN.
b. LN, FN, MI – if names are in numbered or bulleted
c. FN, MI, LN - if the names are part of the sentence
5. In case of doubt, please ask your adviser and/or other thesis advisers.
University of Santo Tomas
Department of Information Computer Studies
Certificate of Authenticity and Originality
We, the authors of this thesis, “<<< <<< <<< <insert title here> >>> >>>
>>>”, hereby certify and vouch that the contents of this research work is solely
our own original work; that no part of this work has been copied nor taken without
due permission or proper acknowledgment and citation of the respective authors;
that we are upholding academic professionalism by integrating intellectual
property rights laws in research and projects as requirements of our program.
If found and proven that there is an attempt or committed an infringement
of copyright ownership, we are liable for any legal course of action sanctioned by
the University and the Philippine laws.
_____________________________ ______________________________
<<Group Member 1 Name>> <<Group Member 2 Name>>
_____________________________ ______________________________
<<Group Member 3 Name>> <<Group Member 4 Name>>
Program: BS Computer Science Date: <<Month, Day, Year>>

New Forms:
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS, REVISIONS, and RECOMMENDATIONS
After your thesis proposal defense, this is where your will list the comments,
revisions and recommendations of the thesis panel.
The thesis panel must sign that you have complied with all the required revisions.
THESIS CONSULTATION FORM
This form must be signed by the thesis coordinator and the thesis adviser whether
you have completed a specific activity in the thesis proposal development schedule.
Make you bring the form with you every time you meet with your thesis coordinator or
thesis adviser.
________ Term A/Y _________________
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS, REVISIONS, and RECOMMENDATIONS
Proposed Thesis Title: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________
Thesis Proposal Defense Date: ____________________________________________
Proponents: <Member 1>

<Member 2>
<Member 3>
<Member 4>
Expected Date of Presentation of Revisions: _________________________________
Area / Status During the Suggestio Suggested Status Signature of

Topic / Presentation ns/ / [Complied Thesis
Section / Recomme Recomme / Not Adviser /
Chapter ndations nded by Complied/ Panel
Partially Member /
Complied Coordinator,
if Complied
______________________________ _____________________________
Panel Member 1 Thesis Adviser
Date: _____________________ Date: _____________________
_____________________________ _____________________________
Panel Member 2 Thesis Coordinator
Date: _____________________ Date: _____________________
_____________________________
Panel Member 3
Date: _____________________
Note: This form must be accomplished and formatted in landscape orientation.

A print out is necessary for the concerned panel member to affix his/her
signature for possible confirmation of the compliance of revision/s.
________ Term A/Y ___________
A. Thesis Title:
Group Members:
Thesis Adviser:
Week Coordinator Technical Other Re

Activity
No. Adviser Perso
1 Orientation: The coordinator identifies to the students the thesis
process, the requirements, the resources and the roles of the various
stakeholders. Thesis groups are formed.
2 Mostly Research Week: The students look for thesis topics, read
scholarly work on the field of interest and identify CS problems they
intend to solve.
3 Individual Thesis Proposals: Each student writes a skeletal thesis
proposal identifying a CS problem, its significance, related literature,
and provide high-level ideas on how to solve the problem. The
coordinator evaluates each proposal.
4 Group Thesis Proposal: Each group decides on a thesis proposal it
would pursue. The group develops the proposal by digging deeper
into the literature and explores alternative ideas to solve the problem.
The coordinator evaluates the proposal and recommends potential
thesis advisers and panelists.
5 Agreement with Technical Adviser: The group prepares the thesis
proposal form and discusses their proposal to potential thesis
advisers and panelists. The group contracts a thesis adviser and
have their proposal form approved.
6 Mostly research week: With the guidance of the adviser, the group
researches to provide more breadth and depth to their proposal.
They should collect as much relevant information as possible in
preparation to thesis writing.
7 Mostly research week and preliminary draft of Chapter 1: The group
makes a preliminary draft of chapter 1 and the adviser guides the
group to improve the draft.
8 Chapter 1, first draft: The coordinator checks the progress of Chapter
1. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on the
recommendations.
9 Prelim Exam Week
Chapter 1. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on the
recommendations.
Chapters 1 to 3. The group, with the help of the adviser, works on
14 Pre-defense draft: The coordinator checks if the manuscript is ready
for thesis proposal defense.
15 Thesis proposal defense preparation: The group, with the help of the
adviser and the coordinator, prepares for the defense.
16 Thesis proposal defense: The group presents its proposal to the
panel. The panel evaluates the proposal and makes
recommendations.
17 Completion of thesis proposal requirements: The group works to
address all issues raised and submits all requirements to complete
their thesis proposal. A revised manuscript is necessary to reflect
recommendations made during the proposal. A Summary of Revision
Form must be properly accomplished and signed by the concerned
Panel Member and/or Thesis Adviser/Coordinator.
18 Final Exam Week
The Thesis Manuscript

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1

Department of Computer Science

Computer Science Thesis Manual

Delfinado, Cecil Jose A.

Chapter I The Thesis Policies

C. Stakeholders and Their Roles

Chapter II The Thesis Processes

Chapter III The Thesis Manuscript

D. Forms included in the Thesis Manuscript

The Thesis Policies

The Thesis is required for candidates for graduation per Section 10 of

BS Computer Science students are required to complete a Thesis that is

2. Definition and Objectives

A thesis must have the following elements:

1) It is a major paper concerning subject matters of interest to the student

2) It must be an action-oriented undertaking and not a purely theoretical

3) It must be significant to society, or in line with the mission-vision of the

4) It must be an original work. This means the thesis so chosen by the

A student who enrolls in Thesis 1 & 2 must have mastery of computer

The thesis shall be developed over two semesters or 2 school terms. In

In Thesis 1, students shall form thesis groups, each one consisting of at

A computer science (CS) thesis is a technical report on a systematic

The thesis should integrate the different courses, knowledge, and

A CS thesis states a problem, establishes the theoretical framework of the

It is worth noting that a thesis done by CS students must be strongly

Each of the above mentioned possible outcomes may be subjected to statistical

An IT or IS project creates a product or service. The ultimate output is a

Table I-1 lists the fields of study appropriate for a CS thesis.

Table I-1 CS Thesis Fields of Study

Foundations of Computer Science Software Development and Theory

A thesis manuscript documents the results of the research. It must

In Thesis 2, the manuscript is rewritten to present the results at the

Chapters 4 and 5 must be fully documented and completed. The

● Algorithms adopted or lifted from other authors/researchers in the

The curriculum vitae of each member follows the appendices to complete

These manuscripts are submitted to the thesis coordinator/adviser for

The thesis aims to validate the application of student learning into a

● the thesis must show evidence of originality, creativity,

1) Originality and creativity means that the thesis

2) Comprehensiveness exudes professional and scholarly research work

d) facts and computations are accurate and objectively presented;

In Thesis 1, the thesis proposal must be defended by the students before

● research plan is properly carried out,

All thesis or thesis proposal defense must be conducted and passed

Students must follow a schedule of activities. The high level schedule is

The research must be of sufficient quality as discussed earlier in section 6.

Students unable to complete the requirements on time but have shown

10. Cataloguing – Directories, Registries, etc.

The thesis manuscript is a public document. In the Department of

A flash drive or CD/DVD containing the thesis manuscript, source code

C. Stakeholders and Their Roles

2. The Thesis Group

3. The Thesis Coordinator

The thesis coordinator is the person-in-charge of the overall conduct of the

The following are the tasks of the thesis coordinator:

4. The Technical English Faculty Member

The technical English faculty member is the teacher handling or who

5. The Thesis Adviser

The thesis adviser is recommended by the thesis coordinator to work with

3) suggests ways to improve the technical details of the research;