research paper guidelines

of 16

Bicol University College of Business, Economics, and Management College of Business, Economics, and Management Daraga, Albay 4501 OFFICE of the RESEARCH COORDINATOR and INSTRUCTION COORDINATOR

Guideline for Standardized Format for Research Paper

Implemeting Office Office of the Research Coordinator Elmer A. Lorenzana Office of the Instruction Coordinator Rey Joseph M. Redoblado Introduction and Objectives As the challenges comes in the aspiration of the university to become a world class university, the function of research is given of much highlight. Enable to contribute to the attainment of the aforementioned vision, the college have sought the need for synchronized design for college researches. Likewise, research and instruction functions can be harmonized to produce quality research work of the students and faculty members that can be published to refereed journals. Hence, the college has the following objectives for the proposed synchronized research format for thesis and feasibility studies, to wit:

1. Align the research work of students to international refereed journals; 2. Increase the number of research works that can be published to refereed journals; and 3. Contribute in the attainment of the target of the University for the Publishable Research

Works. Scope Reseach paper includes

1. research study authored by faculty member and/or student 2. thesis authored by bachelor and master degree student 3. disertation authored by doctoral student, and 4. feasibility study.

This guideline only covers research papers authored by faculty and/or student of College of Business, Economics, and Managemt. General Principles and Concepts A. Research is systematic, objective, and comprehensive investigation of certain phenomenon

which involves accurate gathering and recording, and critical analyses, and interpretation of all facts about the phenomenon for theoretical or practical ends (Ardales, 2001). It is defined as all projects and investigations involving the creation of new knowledge of a theoretical or practical nature (Carnegie, 1988).

B. Feasibility Study is an analysis and evaluation of a proposed project to determine if it (1) is technically feasible, (2) is feasible within the estimated cost, and (3) will be profitable (Business Dictionary 2015). It is an investigation that examines whether a planned business activity or project is likely to be successful (Cambridge Dictionary 2015).

C. Thesis is a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view; especially: one written by a candidate for an academic degree (Webster Dictionary). It is a proposition: it advances an idea, a hypothesis or a recommendation (Webster’s New Collegiate 2015).

D. Research work emphasis is on analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. It is highly thorough of concept of the problem of research, methods to be used, and the conceptual framework designed. It measures the level of complexity of the relationships between and among variables and indicators as employed in the study. It is should be depth over breadth, consistency over conformity, and substance over form. Consistency of arguments and thoughts are highlighted and not on the conformity on normativity and traditional paradigms.

of 16


E. Synchronized Research Format is the standardized format for all student researchers whether

thesis or feasibility study. It shall be adapted by all the programs in the college. Guidelines for the Format The following parts must be present, at least, in a research paper:

1. Abstract The abstract shall present the overview of the research study. The highlights of the every aspect of the study shall be showcased. This area shall not exceed more than 500 words.

2. Introduction

The introduction shall state the rationale for undertaking the study. Situation analysis shall also be given emphasis to present the gaps in which will be addressed by the proposed study. This area shall not exceed more than 500 words.

3. Objective of the Study (or Research Problem)

The objective/s of the study shall not be more than 150 words. This shall present the area/s in which the study will be answering through research.

4. Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework shall include the theoretical underpinnings and synthesis of the art of the study. This shall emphasized the flow of the undertakings of the study. It shall be expressed not more than 1,000 words.

5. Method

The methodology of the research shall be at least 350 words. This shall encompass the discussions of research design, data gathering technique, data analysis: qualitative - tools; qualitative – approaches.

6. Discussion and Analysis

The discussion and analysis will include literature and studies relevant to the analysis of the results and findings of the study. This should also give emphasis on tools/ approaches of the study. Furthermore, this shall be written from 1,000 words and up.

7. Conclusions

The research conclusions of the study shall present conclusion per objective of the study.It shall be presented from 300-500 words.

8. References

The minimum number of references of the study shall be 10 references whether literature or studies. The references can be from international, national and local researches.

Formal Structure A thesis consists of different parts which are listed below and which should be put in the following order:

1. Title page 2. Declaration of Authorship 3. Certification on Non-Commission of Plagiarism 4. Recommendation for Oral Examination (by the Adviser) 5. Result of Oral Examination 6. Acknowledegment 7. Editor’s Certification 8. Abstract

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

HP-PC

Highlight

of 16


9. Table of Contents 10. List of Figures 11. List of Tables 12. List of Symbols and Abbreviations 13. Main Content (Chapter I to V for thesis) 14. Reference 15. Appendix 16. Curriculum Vitae

For a feasibility study, the following are the minimum contents of the main content:

1. Executive Summary (equivalent to an Abstract of a thesis) 2. Management Study (Chapter 1) 3. Market Study (Chapter 2) 4. Technical Study (Chapter 3) 5. Legal and Taxation Study (Chapter 4) 6. Financing Study (Chapter 5) 7. Financial Study (Chapter 6) 8. Socio-economic Study (Chapter 7)

In a bound thesis or feasibility study, all segments (summary and each new chapter) have to start on a new page on the right hand side. The segments should be organised in a logical way, showing a clear thread of thought throughout the whole work. Subdivisions of chapters must only be made if there is more than one subchapter and the sub-structure should not exceed the levels. The author should take care to ensure that subsections have an appropriate length. They should not consist of single sentences, i.e. they should not take the form of listings, nor should they deal with too broad a range of topics. Formatting the Study The text is to be written with 1.5 line spacing and margin of 1.5” left and 1” on the other sides in order to allow for corrections. Use justified text and 12 point Times New Roman. The manuscript shall be printed on a letter-sized paper (8.5”x 11”). There shall be no hanging page except the last page of a chapter. Cover and Title Page An example for the cover and the title page is given in the appendix of this document. The title page design information like the title of the study, author, university, institute, date of completion has to be included. Figures and Tables Each figure is to be numbered and captioned. In the text, all figures should be referenced to their respective numbers; there should be no figures to which no reference is made. The numeration of figures is based on the chapter: The first digit represents the chapter and the second one is given by consecutive enumeration (e.g. Figure 3.1). A uniform style should be used for all figures (shading, frames, line width, font size etc.).

Figure 3.1: Bicol University Logo (Bicol University, 2014)

of 16


Table 3.1: Number of students enrolled as BUCBEM 2013 (BU CBEM Registrar, 2013)

Course Number of Students AB Economics 258 BS Accountancy 276 BS Management 234 BS Entreprenuership 243

Table numbers are built up in the same way, but separately from the figures (see Table 3.1). The sources of all figures and tables have to be cited in the reference section - or they have to be labelled as the author’s own presentations. Abbreviations and Symbols Abbreviations have to be used consistently throughout the whole document. When using an abbreviation for the first time, it has to be defined in the text. If a large number of abbreviations is used, an abbreviation list in alphabetical order is required. Only generally accepted or known abbreviations like "USA" do not have to be defined. Symbols also need to be defined. A definition should be given in the according chapter before the symbol is used for the first time, and all symbols should also be presented in an alphabetically ordered list of symbols at the beginning of the document. It is of particular importance to use variables and parameters consistently, also throughout different chapters. Furthermore, every symbol has to be given a unique meaning (no double usage of the same symbol for different things, but also not two different symbols for the same thing), and hence should be used only for one specific content. Headlines Every page, except the first page of each chapter gets a headline. The font format of the header should be 10 points Times New Roman. Pages are to be numbered at the right starting on the first page of the main text of the thesis (the first page of the introduction). Apart from the page number, the header contain running title on the odd page and last name of the author on the even page, which is to be formatted left-aligned. Footnotes Footnotes are to be numbered continuously throughout the document. The same font style (Times New Roman) like in the text should be used, and the footnote font size should be a little smaller (most likely the size suggested by the document editor program – Microsoft Word). Formula In general, all formulas, except of short or insignificant ones which are included directly in the text, should be numbered in the same style as used for numbering the figures and tables (e.g. Formula 3.1).

lim𝑛→∞ 1 + 1𝑛

𝑛 (3.1)

Each formula, except for generally accepted and well-known formulas, either has to be mathematically derived, to be explained, or a literature source has to be provided. This applies especially to complex models, where each constraint should be described and explained. Appendix Appendices may be used for source code, complex derivations or large tables, which do not have to be included in the main body of the text, but contain useful additional information. It is important that the content of the work remains understandable also without the appendices. Each

of 16


appendix should be given a title and, if there are several appendices, they are to be numbered alphabetically. Furthermore, they should be listed in the table of contents. The appendices get consecutive page numbers. Content and Style of the Thesis A literature research helps to develop a review of the current state of the art which should be the basis and starting-point of each scientific work. An overview on the relevant work in the field should be given, but reproduction and pure compilation is to be avoided. Rather, the publications and results should be grouped and classified according to the relevant aspects and perspectives. Depending the arrangements made with the supervisor, a review of relevant literature may include works conducted within five years for a seminar work or a bachelor thesis. For master thesis and disertation, usually the year of relevant works may extend beyond five years. The number of pages required can be limited; however, detailed arrangements should be made with the supervisor. A rule of thumb says that the work should be "as short possible, but as extensive as necessary". The writing style should be accessible also to readers without specific detailed knowledge of the subject area. The usage of the pronouns "I" or "we" should be avoided. In addition, the style of the thesis should be factual, and not narrative. The structure of the thesis has to be consistent and logical. A clear thread should lead through the paper which reveals in which way individual ideas and concepts are deduced from each other. Each single paragraph should usually develop one idea, and hence the sentences within a paragraph should be linked coherently and logically. Citations and Citation Style The citation shall follows the American Pschological Association (or APA) style. Quotations always have to be indicated. Direct quotations should only be used if the wording is essential, for example in comparison to other authors. Otherwise, an indirect citation which does not use the original wording, but involves the reformulation of the ideas that are presented in the original text is preferable. "Direct citations should be placed within quotation marks and should be italicized." Indirect quotes are written without quotation marks. The following examples illustrate the citation style, i.e. the way in which the sources for any quotations should be given: § One author: Name, year of publication. E.g.: (Brusset, 2009), if the source follows a section

or Brusset (2009), if the reference is placed inside the text. § Two authors: Names of both authors, year of publication. E.g.: (Gopen and Swan, 1990) or

Gopen and Swan (1990). § More than two authors: Add "et al." E.g.: (Frizzell et al., 2003) or Frizzell et al. (2003). (Note

that all authors have to be listed in the bibliography.) § For different publications by the same author in the same year, use small Arabian letters in

addition to the year. E.g.: (Meier, 1990a), (Meier, 1990b) or Meier (1990a), Meier (1990b). § When using a book as a source for quotation, the page number should be included (if a

section is based on more than one page, add "f", for more than two pages add "ff"). Independent of the type of source (journal, book etc.), direct quotes should always include a page number. E.g.: (Meier, 1999, pp. 30f) or Meier (1999, pp. 30f).

The sources of direct and indirect quotes are cited to the reference section. Footnoting as citation is discouraged and can be used for additional notes of the author. Extensive transcription or direct translation of literature sources leads to a non-passing mark for academic-required researh paper. In particular, the direct transcription of texts from online sources is not allowed (i.e. Copy & Paste).

of 16


Reference All literature that has been cited or used when writing the thesis has to be listed in the bibliography and all the literature sources that appear in the bibliography should be cited at least once. It is recommendable to use a literature data base in order to generate the bibliography automatically. This way mistakes in creating the bibliography can be avoided. The bibliography always has to be put in alphabetical order, according to authors’ last names. If no author is given the source is to be marked with a "n.n." (e.g. n.n. (2004)), if the year of the source is missing a "n.d." is included instead. In case of a missing author’s name, the organisation can be used to cite the source (e.g. World Health Organization (2008)). Online sources have to be listed separately from printed sources. The following information should be given for all sources: Names of authors, title of the publication, location of the publication (e.g. for books the city of the publisher, for papers the journal with volume and pages, for online sources the website and the date of the download), and the year of publication. Some examples for the structure of references relating to different media are stated below.

§ Book: (Alley 1996) Alley, Michael: The Craft of Scientific Writing. 3rd edition. Springer

Berlin Heidelberg, 1996. § Journal: (Gopen and Swan 1990) Gopen, George D. and Swan, Judith A.: "The Science of

Scientific Writing". In: The American Scientist 78 (1990), pp. 550-558. § Online source: (Alley 1997) alley, Michael: Writing Guidelines for Engineering and

Science Students. online. 1997. url: http://writing.engr.psu.edu/ (visited on Sept. 14, 2010). Further examples can be found in the websites of universities adopting APA or the APA website itself. Online sources of dubious quality should be avoided like Wikipedia. For online sources, also the date of the download has to be specified in the bibliography. Submission At least one copy of the academic paper should be submitted in printed form (hardbound) along with an electronic copy in PDF document. Depending to the program requirement, more than one copy may be submitted. Author Depending on the supervisor or program requirement, a Bachelor thesis should be authored by at least one student or a maximum of three student per study. In a Master thesis and disertation, one author is allowed for one study. Effectivity This guidelines are effective on second semester of academic year 2015 – 2016. Early adoption is encouraged.

of 16


Components of Thesis (for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees) at Minimum I. The Problem and Its Setting

a. Introduction b. Statement of the Problem c. Hypothesis (if applicable d. Scope and Limitation of the Study e. Significance of the Study

II. Theoretical Background a. Related Literature and Studies b. Synthesis of the Art c. Gap Bridged by the Study d. Theoretical Framework e. Conceptual Framework f. Analytical Framework (for Master Thesis and Dissertation only) g. Definition of Terms

III. Research Design and Methodology a. Research Method b. Sources of Data c. Population and Samples of the Study d. Research Instrument e. Data Gathering Procedure

IV. Discussion and Analysis (Title of the Study) a. Presentation of Data b. Analysis of Data c. Implication of Data

V. Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations a. Summary of Findings and Results Obtained b. Conclusions c. Recommendations

of 16


Components of Feasibility Studies in General. Shown below are the components of the seven basic and terminal parts of a feasibility study. The components can be made applicable to almost all projects in almost all industries.

A. Management, proponents, personnel, and organization 1) Management complement and supporting professional firms

a. During the pre-operating period (project management) b. During the operating period

2) Proponents a. Owners b. Project originators, promoters, and founders

3) Personnel or work force a. During pre-operating period b. During operating period

4) Organization (for the operating period) a. Form of business organization b. Internal organization structure

5) Project implementation timetable B. Marketing

1) Demand (customers) 2) Supply (competition) 3) Pricing 4) Marketing program

a. Distribution channels and sales b. Promotions

5) Projected sales quantity C. Production facilities and product

1) Product specification 2) Production process 3) Productive capacity and production schedule 4) Physical facilities 5) Production inputs

D. Taxation and legal 1) Taxation

a. Tax provisions affecting the industry b. Tax exemptions c. Tax schemes (to be adopted by the project in order to legally reduce tax

liabilities) 2) Legal aspects affecting the project/industry

E. Financing

of 16


F. Financial estimates and analyses

1) Financial estimates a. Projected statement of comprehensive income b. Projected statement of financial position c. Projected statement of cash flows d. Assumptions, schedules, and computations supporting the above

2) Financial analyses a. Financial ratios b. Sales volume and sales price sensitivity tests

G. Social desirability 1) Specific project contributions to the Philippine economy or society

a. Contribution to government revenues b. Contribution to foreign exchange reserves c. Contribution to the growth of related industries (supplier-and-consumer-

industries) d. Contribution to the Philippine households (ultimate consumers) e. Contribution to the Philippine work force (as technical skills

development and monetary compensation) 2) Social rate of return

The production facilities study varies greatly from industry to industry.

of 16


Cover Page for Feasibility Study, Bachelor’s and Master’s Thesis, and Disertation

TITLE OF THE STUDY (14)

John M. Dela Cruz, MBA John M. Dela Cruz, MBA John M. Dela Cruz, MBA

College of Business, Economics and Manegement Bicol University Daraga, Albay

Date Year

of 16


Title Page for Bachelor’s and Master’s Thesis and Disertation Title of the Thesis (12 size)

A Thesis Presented To the Faculty of the

College of Business, Economics and Management Bicol University Daraga, Albay

In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Science in Management

First Name Middle Initial Last Name First Name Middle Initial Last Name First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Prof. Mark Francis G. Ng, CPA, MBA Adviser

Date Year

of 16


Title Page for Feasibility Study Title of the Thesis (12 size)

A Feasibility Study Presented To the Faculty of the


In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Science in Management

First Name Middle Initial Last Name First Name Middle Initial Last Name First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Prof. Mark Francis G. Ng, CPA, MBA Adviser

Date Year

of 16


Declaration of Authorship College of Business, Economics and Management

Bicol University Daraga, Albay

Declaraion of Authorship Last name, First name MI Last name, First name MI Last name, First name MI I declare that the work presented here is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, original and the result of my own investigations, except as acknowledged, and has not been submitted, either in part or whole, for a degree at this or any other University. Formulations and ideas taken from other sources are cited as such. This work has not been published.

Signature Signature Signature Date Date Date Location Location Location

of 16


Certification of Non-Commission of Plagiarism


Certification of Non-Commission of Plagiarism This is to certify that the contents of this paper, in whole or in part, are not works that have been plagiarized from other or previous papers.

Signature FIRST NAME MI. LAST NAME



of 16


Recommendation for oral examination College of Business, Economics and Management


Recommendation for Oral Examination This is to certify that this thesis, Title of the Paper, prepared and submitted by Name of the Author in partial fulfillemnt of the requirement for the degree in Course is hereby recommended for oral examination. Signature First Name MI Last Name Adviser

of 16


Editor’s Certification College of Business, Economics and Management


Editor’s Certification

This is to certify that this thesis titled, Title of the Study, prepared and submitted by Name of the Author in partial fulfillemnt of the requirement for the degree in Course has been edited by the undersigned. Issued this 26th day of May 2015, for the Comission on Higher Education’s (CHED) official purposes, at Bicol University, Daraga Campus, Daraga, Albay. Signature First Name MI Last Name Editor

research paper guidelines

Documents

research study

research papers

problem of research

function of research

number of research

research coordinator

research work of students

quality research work