Senior Project (BAPR

4211/BAPR3311)
Guidelines for Students of
Business Studies Department

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©Business Studies Department
2014/15

CONTENTS

Introduction

1 Senior Project Process

• The Process of UNDERTAKING Senior Project

2 Senior Project Supervision

•Work Expectations, Provision of Structure, and Timelines

• Responsibilities of the Student
• Conflict Resolution

3 The Four Ps

•Overview of the Four Ps

• The Proposal
• The Paper
• The Portfolio
• The Presentation

4 Appendices

Appendix 1 Checklist for Students

Appendix 2 Progress Report Form
Appendix 3 Ethical Commitment Form
Appendix 4 Project Proposal Outline
Appendix 5 Guidelines on Evaluating Internet Sources

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This publication is based on the work produced by many colleagues in the Business
Studies Department at the Higher College of Technology. We are grateful for their
willingness to allow us to use and revise the work for students and faculty of this
Department.

Prepared by Verified by HOS Approved by HOD

(Dr. Suneel Kumar) (Ms. Khadija Al-Issai) (Ms. Moza Al-Shihi)

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INTRODUCTION

As a student of the Business Studies Department of the Shinas College of Technology

you will be participating in a learning experience that will allow you to extend both
intellectually and emotionally. The Senior Project is designed to give you the freedom
to select a topic of particular interest to you and present it through a research paper,
portfolio, and presentation. The Business Studies Department is requiring all students
to complete this very worthwhile process. Students are required to achieve
proficiency on each component in order to receive a Higher Diploma or a Bachelor
from the Higher College of Technology.

The Senior Project gives students a chance to become self-directed learners through
the process of selecting a challenging topic and reaching out into the community for a
information seeking and data gathering. Success will come with self-discipline, good
management of time and resources, and a positive attitude.

The Business Studies Department has built in a number of resources to assist you in
successfully completing the Senior Project. With the assistance of various members of
the department, you will have a project supervisor, who will guide you through the
process and assist you with the particulars of writing the research paper, completing
the project, completing the portfolio, and making the final presentation.

Benefits of a Senior Project

A Senior Project is an educational experience that provides students an opportunity to

demonstrate their ability to research a topic, process information from different
sources, write a research paper, and make an oral presentation to defend their
research.

The Senior Project:

 Provides students with opportunities to engage in new learning experiences to

stretch and go beyond where they have been before.
 Requires students to assume responsibility for their own learning.
 Ensures all students have had an opportunity to practice and demonstrate such
essential workplace skills as time management, presentation, team work, speaking,
writing, as well as skills used in accessing information and doing research.
 Results in graduates who are more confident in their abilities and who have an
understanding of the academic expectations of the world of work.
 Involves the business sector and the community in communicating to students that
they and their learning are important.

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 The Process of Undertaking a Senior Project

Select a Project Topic/Area

Step # 1
(Sep 21 – 25, 2014)

Get the Topic Approved by your Supervisor

(Use the Topic Approval Form) Step # 2
Literature Review, Propositions/Hypothesis Development (Sep 28 – Oct 02, 2014)

Write a Project Proposal Step # 3

(Use the Project Proposal Outline) (Oct 12 – 16, 2014)

Develop Chapter 1, 2 & 3 (Introduction, Literature Step # 4

Review & Research Methodology) (Oct 26 – 30, 2014 )

Data Collection and Field Work

Step # 5
(Nov. 09 – 13, 2014)

Data Analysis and Interpretation Step # 6

(Nov 16 – 20, 2014 )
Develop Chapter 4

Findings and Conclusion

Develop Chapter 5
Step # 7
Submit the first draft of your printed report. (Nov 23 – 27, 2014)

Submit your Project Portfolio and the final Research

Paper Step # 8
(Nov 30 – Dec 04, 2014)

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 Final Exams (Proposed) Step # 9
(Dec 09, 2014)

Responsibilities of the Student

When a student registers for a senior project, that student commits time and energy
necessary for research leading to a project that makes a substantial and original
contribution to knowledge. It is the responsibility of the student to conform to College
and department requirements and procedures. Although it is the duty of the
supervisor to be reasonably available for consultation, the primary responsibility for
keeping in touch rests with the student. The student’s responsibilities include the
following:

 Becoming familiar with, and adhering to, the rules, policies, and procedures in
place in the project, department, and the College as outlined in available resources
such as student handbooks/web sites.
 Adhering to all deadlines and policies regarding registration leaves of absence,
limitations on time and recertification, project completion and submission.
 Preparing a research plan and timetable in consultation with the supervisor as a
basis for the course of study, including any proposed fieldwork.
 Meeting with the supervisor when requested and reporting regularly on progress
and results.
 Keeping supervisors informed on how they can be contacted and informing them of
any significant changes that may affect the progress of the research.
 Acquiring the necessary health and safety skills for undertaking the proposed
research and adhering to the ethical practices appropriate to the discipline.
 Maintaining good records of each stage of the research.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

If a dispute or concern arises between a student and supervisor with respect to the
supervisory relationship, the student and supervisor should try first to resolve any
difficulties agreeably between themselves. If informal discussion does not resolve the
problem, there are several avenues to pursue within the department: in most cases,
the senior project committee coordinator should be consulted first. If the committee
coordinator is unable to find a satisfactory solution, advice may be sought from the
relevant head of the student’s department. If all else fails, and if the nature of the issue
is academic, a student may pursue a formal academic appeal by contacting the Office
of the Assistant Dean for the Academic Affairs.Here are some further considerations
related to conflict resolution:

 All conflict is not necessarily to be avoided. Conflict can result in creative solutions
and when the conflict involves ideas, it can advance knowledge.

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 There is a significant power differential in the student/supervisor relationship, but
the very nature of the relationship and the academic enterprise requires that ideas
and assumptions may be challenged.
 Expectations should be clear and commonly understood on both sides; put them in
writing, if necessary.
 Conflict should be handled early: it is easier to handle smaller issues as they arise,
and sometimes options for resolution may diminish over time.
 Not all conflict can be resolved informally. If you have tried your best but you have
not resolved the issue, follow the recommended route to a more formal resolution.

THE FOUR Ps 3

OVERVIEW OF THE FOUR P’s

Proposal

 Each student chooses a topic of a personal/professional interest.

 From this topic, each student writes a research proposal.

Paper

 Each student writes 6000-7000 words research paper in American Psychological

Association (APA) format (NOT including title page and works cited or references
page).

Portfolio

 The portfolio records the student’s progress throughout the Senior Project
research.
 Work logs, reflections, a copy of the research paper, images, and other relevant
items are included in the portfolio as documentation of the process the student has
taken with Senior Project.

Presentation

 Each student prepares and completes a 15-20 minute oral presentation in front of
a 2-3 member board of lecturers.

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The Proposal

After you have selected the research topic and got it approved (See Appendix 6: Topic
Approval Form), the next step is to write a project proposal. The proposal will identify
the topic you intend to research, the reason you chose the topic. The proposal should
briefly describe the method you will use to research the topic, the data collection plan,
and your research paper outline. (See Appendix 7 or the Project Proposal Outline
provided with the guidelines)

The Paper

Analyzing Topic Selections

One of the most important aspects of choosing a topic for your research is that you
have to widen your learning experience. This means that you must push yourself to go
above and beyond what you already know. This project is an opportunity for you to
practice skills in the ‘real world’ while pursuing a subject of personal interest.
Selecting the idea is a personal challenge; because YOU, not your supervisor, not your
friends, but YOU, get to decide. It is important to find a topic that truly interests YOU.
You must be actively engaged in the entire process. Consider the following questions
as you prepare to select a topic:

 Within the next five years, what do you hope you have accomplished?
 What things would you like to do better?
 What do you wish you had more time to do?
 What would you like to learn more about?
 List experiences you wish you could have.
 What is a profession you think about but have not seriously explored?
 What classes have you taken that you really like?
 What is one hand-crafted item that you wish you could make?
 What do you wish would happen in your life?
 What goal have you avoided?
 What would you like to get others to do?
 What is unique or special about you?
 What community group do you admire?
 What can’t you do but would like to do?

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Now that you have generated several ideas that you might possibly pursue, you need
to begin evaluating your lists for how they lend themselves to different aspects of the
Senior Project.

Circle/highlight any topic that:

1. Will have a goodsupply of information and variety of resources(interview, books,

articles in periodicals, websites, etc.).
2. Will lend itself to a project that is valid, useful, and relevant.
3. Will be affordable – consider both time and money.
4. Will expandyour knowledge and experience.
5. Will give you a taste of a possible career.
6. Will maintain your interest to the end of the project.
7. Will allow you to take a stand on the topic (you have to decide whether or not the
topic has a negative/positive impact, insignificant/great influence, etc.)
8. You will know someone who can support you through this research.

Selecting and Narrowing a Topic

Listed below are a few guidelines to help you select and narrow Senior Project topics.

1. Select topics of interest to you.

2. Make sure the topic will widen your knowledge. You are required to learn
something new or something on your own and really demonstrate what you are
capable of learning and doing.
3. Talk with your lecturers and supervisor to get ideas.
4. Read articles, books, and search the Internet on the topic to make sure the
information you will need is readily available.
5. Limit your topic in time. Do not cover too long a time period.
6. Limit your topic in space. Do not cover too broad an area. Limit your research to
your community.
7. Limit your topic in extent. Do not cover every element of the topic; instead cover
one element.
8. Decide on a project that you can AFFORD – financially and time-wise.
9. Take pictures while you are working on your project.
10.Keep a detailed log of your efforts, meetings, and time while working on the
project.
11.Think and rethink your topic. Will the topic hold your interest for the entire
semester?

Example of narrowing a topic:

 Broad: Recycling

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  Narrow the space: Recycling in the Shinas College of Technology

 Narrow the extent: Students Use of the Recycling Bins in the

Business Studies department at the Shinas College of
Technology

Research Paper Rationale

The Senior Project is more than just another requirement for the completion of a
degree. From the paper to the presentation, the student will be engaging in a
meaningful, challenging, and ultimately rewarding learning experience that will
benefit him/her for many years beyond college days.

Because the Senior Project is more meaningful than just another assignment, Business
Studies Department wants the Research Paper component to be just as beneficial. The
student will select and refine a topic of interest to research. Throughout the research
process, the student will be compiling and evaluating sources of information,
gathering notes, and organizing the paper. As the student begins to synthesize all
his/her ideas, s/he will be involved in the important process of documenting and
drafting the paper.

The final copy will be the outcome of a variety of essential real-life skills: writing,
thinking, analyzing, researching, evaluating, synthesizing, documenting, and revising.
In one paper, the student will demonstrate competence in all the necessary job skills
for today’s market. Whether in the college classroom or on the job, these skills are a
must for today’s graduates.

Guidelines to Research

1. The Research Paper is more meaningful than an ‘assignment’. It is likely to cross

disciplines and will require interviews, as well as written material.
2. The first step involves researching. Research may take a variety of forms, primary
and secondary, traditional and non-traditional. Primary sources of information
may include interviews and surveys, an expert’s actual notes, and autobiography,
letter, or on-line databases. You may use more than one primary source. You must
provide a written or recorded transcript. Secondary sources are textbooks,
reference books, periodical articles, literary criticism, and/or written material
discussing any primary information.
3. The Research Paper must cite a minimum of ten different sources. Students
should seek a variety and balance in their selections. Sources should include at
least one primary source because primary sources add immediacy and relevance to
the research.
4. Students must carefully document all research information cited in their papers.
This should include parenthetical documentation within the paper and a list of

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 works cited at the end of the paper. Likewise, the student should be thoroughly
informed of research ethics and the serious consequences of plagiarism.

Using the Essential Questions to Move from a Topic to a Research Statement

Once you have selected and limited your topic, the Essential Questionbecomes the
foundation for the entire Senior Project. These are questions that you will eventually
answer through your research.
A good essential question is…

 Clearly limited in scope; it sets boundaries on the breadth and depth of your
research. If your topic is too broad, it will lack depth.

 Open-ended; it asks what requires an involved, in-depth response, not a simple

answer. If the answer is obvious, throw away the question and try again.

 A clear, direct, and precise sentence. The essential question will become the
declarative statement of your research paper.

 Evaluative in nature; you are not writing a research report. You are investigating
an idea and presenting an interpretation of your findings, drawing conclusions
from the data you research.

 Uses evaluative key words and phrases:

Relate Initiate Emergence Affect/effect

Revolve Inspire Evolve Align
Significance Involve Facilitate Alter
Support Link Force Bring about
Motivate Generate Cause
Concern
Continue to
Contribute to

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A Generic Research Paper Structure (How to organize your portfolio?

Business Studies Department

Project Title: Write your project title

Student Name: Write your own name
Student ID: Write your own Student ID
1. Approval Sheet
Specialization: Human Resource Management
Project Approved By: [Name of Lecturer/ Your Guide’s
Name]
[Post]
Date Approved:

[Project Title]
2. Title/Cover Page
by
Identification, containing the
[Student Name]
title, your name and a
conventional note as to the
Senior Project Research Paper submitted to Business
status of the document.
Studies Department of the Higher College of Technology
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor's
Degree in ----[Year]
3. Acknowledgments

Acknowledgements Mentioning and thanking the

assistance of family, friends,
colleagues, teachers, as well
My heartfelt thanks goes to [Name], [relationship], for as your research candidates
[contribution]. who helped you throughout
the research.
I thank [Name], [relationship], for [contribution]. I am
also grateful to [Name], [relationship], for [contribution].

Throughout this research I received invaluable support

and encouragement from many people in [Organization],
[relationship], for [contribution].

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES X
LIST OF TABLES
XI
Chapter I. INTRODUCTION 1Overview of TQM 4. Table of Contents
7 History of Total QualityManagement
Development 8 Purpose of the Study
27 Significance of the Research28

Chapter II. REVIEW OF TQMLITERATURE32

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

SHCT Shinas College of Technology

IT Information Technology 5. List of
TQM Total Quality Management Abbreviations/Acronyms
URT Uncertainty Reduction Theory

LIST OF FIGURES
Pages
Figure 1. Key TQM Tools and Approaches 5
Figure 2. Causal Principles Underlying Total Quality 6. List of Figures
Management 31
Figure 3. Multiple Regression Model 243
LIST OF TABLES
Pages
Table 1. Key TQM Tools and Approaches 5Table 2.
Causal Principles Underlying Total Quality Management
7. List of Tables
31
Table 3. Multiple Regression Model
243

8. Chapter One:

INTRODUCTION

Presenting the question or hypothesis your research paper focuses on. Explain here why
the question under research is topical, state your motivation to conduct the research, set
the tasks involved in achieving the objectives, define the object and subject of the
research, specify the structure of your paper.

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 When making this part of your research paper, you should, first of all, explain why your
research is regarded to be significant and why the topic of your research paper is worth
considering. Writing this part of a research paper also implies setting the purposes of your
research and informing on your expectations from this research.
9. Chapter Two:

LITERATURE REVIEW

Discussing major and secondary publications on your subject area, presenting the
divergences and convergences of the up-to-date and outdated ones.

The Main Body of your research paper is directed to the presentation of the research
procedure conducted. Here you will have to provide a critical review of the literature
sources used. The literature review should provide not just a list of the literature sources
used, but rather a profound analysis of each of them. What each of the authors says about
the problem you are considering, what approaches exist in relation to this problem, what
practical applications have been made in order to support a certain assertion to this
problem. Sometimes, the Main Body can contain the visuals in order to relieve perception
of the information you provide.

10. Chapter Three:

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter focuses on the preferred methods of your research, explaining the reasons for
selecting this very method, stating its advantages as well as limitations in comparison
with others.

This part of your research paper will include the methods you intend to use for
conducting research. Here you should also explain why, from your point of view, the
chosen method is applicable.
11. Chapter Four:

FINDINGS and ANALYSIS

Discussing and familiarizing your readers with the very procedure of data obtaining,
processing, selecting as well as finding answers to the questions asked in Introduction.

12. Chapter Five:

Conclusions and Recommendations

Presenting the answer to the question posed in Introduction, together with the justification
indicating how the chain of reasoning flows from Discussion.
Briefly and effectively summarize the content of the whole research paper.

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 13. APPENDICIES

Enclose here copy of the

questionnaire used in your
research, interview
questions,…etc.
Give No. (APPENDIX 1,
APPENDIX 2, APPENDIX
3…etc.

14. References OR Bibliography

Giving full references to the literature that we have consulted.

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 Submission Tips
1. Planning, Page Layout and Type

It is advisable to use the default page setup for Microsoft Office Word as given in the
table below.

A4 (210 x 297) Paper Size

21cm Width
29.7cm Height
Portrait Orientation

Margins
1˝ Top
1˝ Bottom
1.25" Left
1˝ Right

Each page of the paper should have the same setup. This will make the chapters
consistent across the whole paper and will avoid any problems at the printing and
binding stages.

2. Font Size, Type and Style Considerations

Readers are easily discouraged by hard-to-read copy. Readability drops when the
wrong typeface, type size or line spacing is used. Therefore, the unit body text should
conform to the following specifications.

Font Style Font Font Body Text

Type/Typeface Size Sections
Bold Arial Black 18 Chapter title
Bold Bookman Old Style 16 Heading
Bold Arial Narrow 14 Subheading
Bold Times New Roman 12 Sub-
subheading
Regular (except for special Times New Roman 12 Text
emphasis)

For a quick preview of the above specifications see the following example.

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 Information Flow in Organizations
Chapter Title-Bold, 18, Arial Black

Types of Organizations According to Ownership

Heading-Bold, 16, Bookman Old Style

Private Sector Business Organizations

Sub-headings-Bold, 14, Arial Narrow

Sole trader
Sub-subheading-Bold, 12, Times New Roman

The oldest and the most popular type of business is the sole trader, a business that…
Body text-Regular, 12, Times New Roman

3. Citation

Delaney, R. (2007). APA Citation Style. Web site:

http://www.liu.edu/CWIS/CWP/library/workshop/citapa.htm

APA Citation Style

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th edition

Follow these color codes:

Title of Periodical Title of Article Title of Book Date Author(s)
Other Information Publisher Place of Publication Pages Volume

Book

Okuda, M., & Okuda, D. (1993).Star trek chronology: The historyof the future. New York:
Pocket Books.

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Book Article or Chapter

James, N. E. (1988). Two sides of paradise: The Eden myth according to Kirk and
Spock. In D. Palumbo (Ed.), Spectrum of the fantastic (pp. 219-223). Westport, CT:
Greenwood.
Journal Article: where the page numbering continues from issue to issue

Dubeck, L. (1990). Science fiction aids science teaching. PhysicsTeacher, 28, 316-318.

Journal or Magazine Article: that start each issue with page one (for magazine
articles, include the month and day - see below)

Wilcox, R. V. (1991). Shifting roles and synthetic women in Star trek: The next
generation.Studies in Popular Culture, 13(2), 53-65.

Magazine or Journal Article from a Database (for journal articles, do not include the
month - see above)

Mershon, D. H. (1998, November/December). Star trek on the brain: Alien minds,

human minds. American Scientist, 86(6), 585. Retrieved July 29, 1999, from Expanded
Academic ASAP database.

Newspaper Article

Di Rado, A. (1995, March 15). Trekking through college: Classes explore modern
society using the world of Star trek.Los Angeles Times, p. A3.

Encyclopedia Article

Sturgeon, T. (1995).Science fiction.In The encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 24, pp. 390-
392). Danbury, CT: Grolier.

Database Document

Fuss-Reineck, M. (1993).Sibling communication in Star trek: The nextgeneration:

Conflicts between brothers. Miami, FL: Annual Meeting of the Speech Communication
Association. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 364932)

Website

Lynch, T. (1996). DS9 trials and tribble-ations review. Retrieved October 8, 1997, from
Psi Phi: Bradley's Science Fiction Club Web site:

http://www.bradley.edu/campusorg/psiphi/DS9/ep/503r.html

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Notes

 Single space all lines and skip a line in between each reference.
 Arrange the items on your reference list alphabetically by author, interfiling
books, articles, etc.
 Use only the initials of the authors' first (and middle) names.
 If no author is given, start with the title and then the date.
 Article titles and book titles: capitalize only the first word of the title and
subtitle. (Capitalize all significant words of periodical titles.)
 Magazine articles: include the month (and day) as shown under "Magazine
Article from a Database" and "Newspapers".
 Websites: if the date the page was created is not given, use (n.d.).

4. Plagiarism

Madray, A. (2006). Students' Guide to Preventing and Avoiding Plagiarism. Web site:

http://www.liu.edu/CWIS/CWP/library/exhibits/plagstudent.htm

What constitutes plagiarism?

 Turning in another person's work as your own, and this includes a paper
from free website.
 Copying a paper, an excerpt, a paragraph, or a line from a source without
proper acknowledgement (these can be from a print source, such as a book,
journal, monograph, map, chart, or pamphlet, or from a non-print source,
such as the web and online databases.
 Taking materials from a source, supplying proper documentation, but
leaving out quotation marks.
 Paraphrasing materials from a source without documentation of that source.
 Purchasing a paper from a research service or a commercial term paper mill.
 Sharing or swapping from a local source (from student papers that were
previously submitted).
 Creating invalid or faked citations.

What will happen to you if you plagiarize?

You may have to:

 Repeat the assignment

 Fail the course
 Face possible suspension

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How can you avoid plagiarizing?

Acknowledge sources by giving credit. If you don't, intentionally or not, it is

plagiarism.

What are some sources that need to be credited or acknowledged?

Books, periodicals, pamphlets, charts, statistics, maps, interviews, television, radio,

Internet, online databases, and many other types of material. When credit is properly
attributed, you reduce the chance of plagiarizing.

Some tips on preventing plagiarism:

Be organized - from the onset of a research project, establish order while gathering
information. This will help to alleviate confusion and problems, especially when the
time comes for the bibliography, works cited, and reference pages to be prepared.

Use a note card to identify the following:

1. Source (citation) - common sources:

 Book: Author, Title, Publisher, Place and Year of publication

 Periodical: Author, Title of Article and Periodical, Year, Vol. Issue and
Pages
 Internet: URL/Web Address, Author ,Title, and the Date site was
accessed

2. Quotes - note the page numbers, enclose quoted material in quotation marks,
and include a link to the source.

Example: "Culture is the pattern of shared philosophies, beliefs,

values,behaviors, and norms which groups of people have created for
themselves". (Atkinson 1990, p.55; Garrity 1993, pp.445-447)

3. Paraphrasing/Summarizing - in your notes, indicate points and ideas in your

own words and, again, create a parenthetical reference to the source.

Example: This is easy, since all you need to do is mention the author:

o The report by James (1984) highlights the fact….

o It has been argued (James, 1984) that the results show…
o …the results indicate that the reverse may be true (see James,1984).

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The Portfolio

Students are required to complete a Portfolio in which they keep records and
materials relating to all aspects of the Senior Project requirements. A copy of all
required forms, research paper, Supervisor documentation and any additional records
should be included.

Use the checklist below to arrange the Portfolio.

Portfolio Checklist

This is the spirit of the project. The style, information, graphics

1. Title Page
and layout are your choice!

Reflects your ability to arrange and organize in a logical

sequence. It should be accurate and useable. You must have page 2. Table of Contents
numbers!

Marks the beginning of your Senior Project and the approval to 3. Senior Project
begin work towards the four P’s. Topic Approval

Demonstrates your undertaking to abide by the rule of ethics in 4. Ethical Agreement

all aspects of your project. Consent Form

Demonstrates writing skills, and gives a brief introduction to 5. Project Proposal

your project and shows its progress. Outline

Demonstrates your ability to narrow and define a topic, access

information from a variety of sources, select, sort, and organize
appropriate information, properly cite texts, use APA format, 6. Research Paper
activity use library and research skills, and demonstrate
knowledge or proper writing skills.

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The Presentation

The Presentation is the final step in the Senior Project process. It is a self-evaluation
and reflection by the student of all that s/he has accomplished. It consists of a fifteen
to twenty minutes presentation in front of a panel of two to three faculty members,
followed by a five-minute question and answer period. The Presentation describes
what has been learned from conducting research, writing the paper, and fulfilling the
requirements of the project. Of special importance is a description of what was
learned from the total experience.

Students are evaluated on their preparedness, their ability to communicate and think
and the overall quality of their research project.

The members of the panel will review the Portfolio prior to the Presentation to obtain
an understanding of what has been accomplished. The Portfolio will contain the
research paper and additional materials that will help to support the Presentation.

Presentation Delivery Checklist

Verbal Elements of Speaking:

Volume Speak loudly enough to be heard without shouting.

Pitch When you speak, vary your pitch.
Pace Do not speak too slowly or too quickly.
Stress Emphasize important ideas by saying them with force.
Tone Match the emotion in your voice to the message you wish to
convey to your audience.
Articulation Pronounce each word clearly and correctly. Do not drop the ends
of words or sentences.
Variety Vary your volume, pitch, pace, stress, and tone to suit parts of your
message.

Nonverbal Elements of Speaking:

Eye Contact Look at your audience as you speak.

Facial Expressions Display emotions that match your message.
Body Language Use good posture.
Gestures Use hand gestures carefully to emphasize points that you
make.
Proximity Stay at a comfortable distance from your audience, neither
too far nor too close.

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Rehearsal

 Refrain from memorizing items during rehearsal. Instead become familiar with
your material and ideas.
 Write key word prompts on note cards so that you can stay on track during your
presentation.
 Practice your actual delivery. Remember, 15-20 minutes is your target time.
 Have friends or family view or even videotape your presentation so that you can
recognize and correct distracting mannerisms or verbal fillers (ummmm, you
know, like, etc).

Presenting

 Remember two key rules: Know your facts and be natural.

 The audience is on your side; they want you to do well.
 Once you set up your props on the day of your presentation, don’t forget to
introduce yourself to the judges.
 Get “set” before speaking allowing time for judges to begin paying attention to you.
 Decide on the exact words you will use to begin your presentation:

 Example: Good morning. I would like to tell you about my Senior Project. How I
chose my research topic, the work I did with my supervisor, the challenges I had,
and what I got out of the process.

 Know how you want to end your presentation; know your closing statement.

 Example: Senior Project has taught me about time-management, planning, and

problem-solving. Although it has caused me a lot of stress, I am glad that I did it.

 Be confident and let your body language demonstrate your assurance.

 State clearly and precisely.
 Keep your eyes on the audience.

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APPENDICES 4

Appendix 1 Checklist for Students

Appendix 2 Progress Report Form
Appendix 3 Ethical Commitment Form
Appendix 4 Project Proposal Outline
Appendix 5 Guidelines on Evaluating Internet Sources

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 Appendix 1

CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS

1. Have you selected a research area compatible with the personnel resources of the
department? Is your supervisor the most competent person to supervise your
research?

2. Do you fully understand the requirements of the project with regard to load,
proposal, and written document? Are you aware of the expectations of your project
committee at each of these stages? Have you established a detailed timetable, one
that is compatible with normal completion time of the project? Are you meeting
these deadlines?

3. Have you clearly defined your research topic? Are you aware of the possible
limitations to your research? Can the research be completed within the given
timetable? Will your research make an original contribution to knowledge?

4. Are you maintaining regular contact with your supervisor and members of your
research committee? Are they aware of the progress you have made or difficulties
you have encountered in your research? Do you submit a report on your progress
to your committee for inclusion in your files? Does this report list any deviations
from your original timetable or research area?

5. Do you make and observe clearly stated arrangements for the submission and
return of your own work?

6. Do you submit written drafts of your work at regular intervals for comments by
your supervisor?

7. If you are working towards a deadline, are you allowing sufficient time for your
supervisor to read all parts of the project paper in the final form? The
responsibility for proofreading the final clean copy is yours, and this reading, too,
may take some time.

8. Are you responsive to the demands of your supervisor and project committee?

9. Does your supervisor know how to reach you (mail, telephone, other) when you
have to be off campus for any significant period of time? Do you respond promptly
to all communications received?

10.Are you making a concerted effort to present your research? Are you familiar with
the research of leading scholars and aware of current developments in your field of
research?

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 Appendix 3

Senior Project Progress Report Form

No. ( )

Student Name:
ID No.

Department:
Specialization:
Level:
Academic Advisor:

Contact No.:

Project Supervisor:

No. of meetings held:

Issues discussed:

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Actions agreed on:

Work produced to date:

Issues and concerns (raised by the student and/or the supervisor):

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 Appendix 4

Ethical Commitment

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I pledge to adhere to the following as a demonstration of my honor and integrity:

1. I and I alone, will complete the research necessary to write the Research Paper
component of the project.
2. I will not use a paper and/or information gathered by another student.
3. I will not purchase or use a document off the internet, nor will “cut and paste” parts
of Internet sources as if they were my own words or thoughts.
4. I will document my paper accurately to avoid plagiarism.
5. I will collect accurate verifications on all the work necessitating signatures. I will
NOT forge any verification documents.
6. I will complete the Project. I will NOT buy or falsify the completion of a Project.
7. I will not use all or parts of another person’s Senior Project.
8. I will include only work that I have completed in the Portfolio. I will NOT include
any work of any type that belongs to another student. The Portfolio will reflect the
work effort that I and I alone, have exerted through the completion of the Senior
Project.

I agree to adhere to the above criteria in completing my Senior Project. I understand

that if I fail to adhere to these standards and submit work that is not my own, I will
face the penalty of receiving a zero for that particular component of the Senior
Project.

Student Name: ____________________________

Student Signature: __________________________ Date: _______________

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 Appendix 7

SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL OUTLINE FORM

Your project proposal must give as much information as possible about what you intend to do and how you will go about
it. It must be typed on A4 size paper (Times of Roman / size 12) and contain the following:

3. Project Learning Objectives 1. Your Project Title

Indicate what you expect your work to accomplish and the Give the title of your proposed project. Later, as you delve more
conclusions you hope to draw from it. It is important to determine deeply into your subject, you may wish to change the original title to
and state achievable goals at the outset. Please remember that it is more accurately reflect what your project is about. Your supervisor
essential to confine your aims to what you really can accomplish in will advise you on this.
the time available and with the resources at your disposal. This is
referred to as the vehicle objectives in the guidelines.

2. Purpose of the Project and the Reasons for Choosing It.

4. Personal Learning Objectives State clearly and concisely the purpose of your project.

Indicate what you want to gain from carrying out the research and
how you will know if you have achieved it. This is the more
important set of objectives but may alter substantially if you move
to a new level of competence.

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6. Relevant Past Studies 5. Sources of Data
Inevitably other researchers will have examined similar situations. Indicate what information you need for your project, where you intend
Can you use their reports, monographs or textbooks to guide you? to get it and how accessible it is. Can you get access to a Company or
What do "leading authorities" in your subject area have to say about organisation(s). There are two kinds of data: primary, that which you
it? You need this information (a) to develop and support your own collect yourself, perhaps by using interviews, questionnaires or by
views, and (b) to demonstrate to your readers that you are aware of extracting information from data that is currently held in databases, and
such previous work in your field. Always include references. secondary, available detailed information which has already been
published and collated for some other purpose, such as annual reports,
management reports, company surveys or the Internet. It is here you
can mention what parts of the Masters course material you will draw
on.

8. Anticipated Problems 7. Proposed Methodology

What difficulties do you expect to have to overcome in conducting By what methods do you intend to collect and analyse your data? For
your project? Is it going to be hard for you to gain access to the example, if you are going to investigate a problem in a particular
information, either primary or secondary, which you will need? If organisation, what "tools", such as interviews, questionnaires, personal
so, what can you do about it? Can you foresee any other snags observation, examination of written records or of systems will you
which might hinder your work and how do you propose to deal with employ and how will you process the results? In short, how are you
them? going to get your information and use it to arrive at a set of useful
practical conclusions? If you are going to work with a hypothesis –
what is it?

10. Expected Duration 9. Outline of Chapters

How long do you expect to take to complete your project? State as Give a very brief summary of the contents of each of your proposed
precisely as you can: chapters. This provides you and your supervisor with an outline plan
 the overall time scale; to work to. You may have to make some changes as you obtain more
 the target date for completion of your first two chapters; information, but it is essential to create such a framework at the outset.
 other deadlines which you intend to set yourself;
 When you expect your final draft to be ready, and the target
date for completion of your project.

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 Appendix 9

Guidelines on Evaluating Internet Sources

1. Authorship

 Who wrote the site?

 What are the author’s credentials?
 Is the web information within the author’s field?

2. Publishing body

 Is this an official organizational site or a personal web page?

 Is the sponsoring organization credible?

3. Content

 What is the purpose of the web page?

 Is there evidence of bias?
 What is the source and date of the information?

4. Context of the work

 Does the site include a bibliography?

5. Accuracy of credibility

 What are some of the links listed at the site?

6. Source

 What is the full URL address?

7. Scope

 What is the depth of the context (i.e. number of pages)?

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 Viva-voce can focus on following areas of the project work:

1. Clarity on topic: Whether the student understands the topic

2. Relevance of the topic: How this topic is useful for a Bachelor Student in Business?
3. Significance of the research: Why this topic is important? Who can be benefitted by the research
findings?
4. Available literature:
o What major literature sources you have referred?
o What are the major research papers that you have cited?
o What are the findings of other researchers on the similar topic?
o What problems you faced in finding appropriate literature?
5. Specific research objectives:
o Whether the research topic is specific or general?
o Does the student understand the meaning/value of specificity?
6. Data collection methods:
o What are the various sources from where data was collected?
o If the work is based on primary data, how the survey was conducted?
o What was the sampling method? How respondents were selected?
o If it was based on the secondary data, which sources were used?
7. Sampling procedure: Details of the sampling procedure, whether it was random or non-random
sampling? If random, how it was randomized? How the random numbers generated?
8. Sample size: How many respondents were contacted? Do you think the sample size is appropriate?
9. Sampling unit: Sampling unit can be individuals or business entities.
10. Geographical coverage: what geographical area was covered for the research? Does it provide sufficient
data for research?
11. Nature of the study: Which research design was used? Whether the research is exploratory, descriptive,
or causal? If exploratory, what new things were found? If descriptive, what does it describe? If causal,
what variables were measured?
12. Data Analysis tools: What statistical tools are used for data analysis?
13. Conclusions: Is there any discrepancy in the research topic, objectives and conclusions? All these three
should be in one direction.
14. Future research prospects in the area: what would you suggest for the future researchers? What are other
important research questions related to the topic which you will recommend for future researchers?

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 ProjectOverallScore Sheet

External Marks
Internal Marks Component

5 5 Proposal
5 - Portfolio
- 5 Attendance
40 - Research Paper
- 10 Weekly Progress
30 Viva Voce
80 20 Total Mark

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