ANNEX A: GUIDELINES

UNDERGRADUATETHEISIS / CAPSTONE PROJECTS FOR COMPUTING PROGRAMS

ARTICLE I: INTRODUCTION
Section 1: Rationale and Background
The Commission on Higher Education has approved programs for Computer Science,
Information Technology and Information Systems. These shall henceforth be referred to as
Computing Programs. This shall also include any programs that may be endorsed by the
Technical Panel for Information Technology Education (TPITE), and subsequently approved by
CHED.
The Thesis / Capstone Project are required for candidates for graduation in all Computing
Programs. Both the thesis and capstone projects are terminal project requirements that 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
their 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.
BS Information Systems students must complete a project in the form of a business application
development, or an Information Systems plan.
BS Information Technology students must complete a capstone project in the form of an IT
application, a Multimedia Systems development, or an IT Management project.
It is expressly understood that Computing Thesis and Capstone projects need not require
surveys, statistics, and descriptive methods, unless appropriate.
HEIs are required to include thesis and capstone projects in their curricula. The Policies and
Standards for Undergraduate Thesis intends to serve as a guide for administrators, faculty and
students alike in determining what are allowable standards or capstone projects in the context
of undergraduate studies in Computing.
ARTICLE II: THESIS / CAPSTONE PROJECTS SPECIFICATIONS
Section 2: Definitions
2.1 A Thesis is a technical report on a systematic investigation of a problem that can be
solved using Computing. 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.
2.1.1 A Computer Science thesis must be anchored on Computer Science principles.
2.2 A Capstone Project is an undertaking appropriate to a professional field. It should
significantly address an existing problem or need.
2.2.1 An Information Technology Capstone Project focuses on the infrastructure,
application, or processes involved in introducing a Computing solution to a
problem.
2.2.2 An Information Systems Capstone Project focuses on business processes and
the implications of introducing a Computing solution to a problem.
Section 3: Scope of the Theses / Capstone Projects
The Theses or Capstone Project 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.
For Computer Science, theses involving the development of the software systems should
involve algorithm-based research and development founded on Computer Science principles.
This should be reflected in the final report.

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For Information Technology Capstone Projects, recommended infrastructure and its
implications on other systems should be clearly specified in the final report with the
introduction of the project.
For Information Systems Capstone Projects, changes in process and information flow and/or
information policies with the introduction of the system should be clearly specified in the final
report.
The thesis/capstone project adviser should determine the appropriate complexity level of the
specific problem being addressed and the proposed solution, considering the duration of the
project, the composition of the team, and the resources available.
Section 4: Suggested Areas for Theses / Capstone Projects
Following is a list of some suggested areas per program. The specific areas identified for each
degree program may also be considered for the other computing degree programs, depending
on the scope, limitations, and approach and following the principles stated in preceding
sections.
4.1 Computer Science
4.1.1 Current Computer Science Topics
 Software Development and Theory
 Mobile Computing Systems
 Software Extensions or Plug-ins
 Expert Systems and Decision Support Systems
 Systems Software (software tools/utilities, interpreters, simulators, compilers,
security aspects)
 Intelligent Systems
 Game Development
 Computer Vision
 Image / Signal Processing
 Natural Language Processing
 Pattern Recognition and Data Mining
 Bioinformatics
 Graphics Applications
 Cloud Computing
 Parallel Computing
 Embedded Systems
 Emerging Technologies
4.1.2 Foundations of Computer Science
 Automata and Formal Language
 Data Structures and Algorithm Design and Analysis
 Web Semantics
 Coding Theory
 Programming Languages
 Visualization Systems
 Computer and Architecture
 Modeling and Simulation
4.1.3 Human-Computer Interaction
 Usability
 Affective Computing
 Emphatic Computing
4.2 Information Systems
4.3.1. Software Development
 Software Customization
 Information Systems development for actual client
 Web Applications Development
 Mobile Computing Systems
4.3.2 IS Planning
 Enterprise Resource Plan
 Information Systems Strategic Plan
4.3.3 Analysis and Design of a sufficiently complex business system

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4.3 Information Technology
4.2.1 Software Development
 Software Customization
 Information Systems Development for an actual client (with pilot testing)
 Web Applications Development (with at least alpha testing on live servers)
 Mobile Computing Systems
4.2.2 Multimedia Systems
 Game Development
 e-Learning Systems
 Interactive Systems
 Information Kiosks
4.2.3 Network Design and Implementation and Server Farm Configuration and
Management
4.2.4 IT Management
 IT Strategic Plan for sufficiently complex enterprises
 IT Security Analysis, Planning and Implementation
Section 5: Thesis / Project Duration
Students should be given ample time to finish their project. Two (2) to three (3) terms or
semesters should be prescribed in the curriculum for BS Computer Science students to
complete their theses and one (1) to three (3) terms or semesters for BS Information
Technology and BS in Information Systems students to complete their Capstone Projects.
The maximum number of units that may be required for Thesis or Capstone Projects is nine (9)
units.
Grading systems and possible honoraria rates for thesis/capstone project are left to the
discretion of the HEI, provided that such policies are not grossly disadvantageous to the
students, and provided further that such policies are documented and approved by the proper
HEI authorities.
Section 6: Composition of Thesis / Project Groups
Students should preferably work in teams of two (2) to four (4) members depending on the
complexity of the project. The adviser should be able to determine whether the team can
complete the project on time.
Multidisciplinary teams are also encouraged, provided that team members prepare separate
documentations per program.
Section 7: Adviser / Panel Composition
7.1 Panel Composition
The project is prepared under the guidance of an adviser and presented and accepted
by a Panel composed of at least 3 members that includes the adviser.
7.2 Adviser / Panel Qualifications
The adviser must have completed a computing project successfully beyond the
bachelor’s degree project. As much as possible, the adviser should be a full-time faculty
member of the HEI. Otherwise a full-time faculty co-adviser is required.
Advisers and Panel Members should have a degree in a Computing or allied programs,
or must be domain experts in the area of study. At least one of the panel members must
have a master’s degree in Computing (preferably in the same field as the thesis or
project) or allied program. For IT and IS, at least one of the panel members should
preferably have industry experience.
The adviser must be able to guide the students throughout the whole project life cycle,
including the thesis/capstone project defense and possible project deployment.

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 Faculty advisers should preferably handle at most five projects at one time, and in no
case should exceed ten (10) projects. Panel members should preferably be limited to at
most ten (10) projects and in no case should this exceed twenty projects in one
semester, counting all projects in all HEIs.
In case of the participation of an external client, then the organization for which the
project is intended should be represented as much as possible.
Section 8: Presentation of the Thesis or Capstone Projects
Thesis and Capstone project must be represented in a public forum. This forum may be an
international, national, regional, or school-based conference, meeting, or seminar that is
announced and open to interested parties. This may be separate from the presentation before
the Panel mentioned in Section 6. A school-based colloquium organized for the purpose would
suffice to satisfy this requirement. Presentation in a public forum, such as the National
Conference on IT Education (NCITE) or PSITE, is encouraged.

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 ARTICLE III
THE THESIS / PROJECT FORMAT
Section 9: Suggested Documentation Template / Format
Upon completion of the Thesis or Capstone Project, the students shall be required to submit
copies of documentation of their work by team. This may be in the form of a research report in
journal article format such as ACM or IEEE Format, a bound technical report, or
comprehensive electronic documentation. The format is left to the discretion of the HEI.
9.1. Computer Science Thesis
9.1.1. Sample Outline for Thesis involving Foundations of Computer Science
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Notations
Introductions
 Background of the problem
 Statement of the problem
 Objectives
 Significance
Scope and Limitations
Related Literature
Theoretical Background
 Include comprehensive discussion on theorems, definitions, fundamental
algorithms, mathematical models/formula
Proposed and Discussion, includes theoretical proof, verification, or
evidence
Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendices may include the following
 Relevant Source Code, where applicable
 Source Data, where applicable
 One-page Curriculum Vitae per team member
9.1.2. Sample Outline for Thesis involving Software Development
Title Page
Abstract or Executive Summary
Table of Contents
List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Notations
Introduction
 Project Context
 Purpose and Description
 Objectives
 Scope and limitations
Related Literature
Technical Background
 Include in-depth discussion on relevant technical aspects of the project
Design and Methodology
 Include discussion on conceptual design / system architecture/ block
diagrams and algorithms
Results and Discussion
Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendices may include the following
 Relevant Source Code
 Evaluation Tool or Test Documents
 Sample input/output/Reports
 User Guide
 One-page Curriculum Vitae per team member
9.1.3. ACM Journal Article Format
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9.2 Information Technology and Information Systems Capstone Projects
9.2.1 Sample Outline for IS Plans
The IS Plan may follow any of the established frameworks, such as that of the
National Computer Center.
9.2.2 Sample Outline for Capstone Projects
Title Page
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Notations
Introduction
 Project Context
 Purpose and Description
 Objectives
 Scope and limitations
Review of Related Literature/Systems
Technical Background
Methodology, Results and Description
 Requirements Analysis
 Requirements Documentation
 Design of Software, Systems, Products, and/or Processes
 Development and Testing, where applicable
 Description of the Prototype, where applicable
 Implementation Plan (Infrastructure/Deployment) where needed
 Implementation Results, where applicable
Recommendation
Appendices (may include the following)
 Relevant Source Code
 Evaluation Tool or Test Documents
 Sample input/output/Reports
 User Guide
 Process/Data/Information Flow
 Screen layouts
 Test Results
 Sample Generated Outputs
 Pictures showcasing the data gathering, investigation done (e.g. floor
plan, layout, building, etc.)
 One-Page Curriculum Vitae per team member

ARTICLE IV
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Section 10: Intellectual Property (IP) Rights
All Thesis and Projects must not infringe on existing IP. All prior works, including open source,
open content, and creative commons content, shall be properly cited.
Copyright and other Intellectual Property Rights arising from the Thesis or Capstone Project
shall be bound by the IP Policies of the HEI, provided that any such policies shall not be
grossly disadvantageous to the creators of IP.