AN INFORMATION HANDBOOK AND GUIDE TO WRITING
UNDERGRADUATE FINAL-YEAR PROJECT REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF GROUND AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KADUNA
1|Page
PART - 1
HOW TO CONDUCT A RESEARCH PROJECT
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title (Project/Dissertation/Thesis title should contain maximum of 23 words)
- Declaration
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgements
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures (If any)
- Abstract
The abstract is written as a mini-paper, i.e., it contains the following information in this order:
Introduction: a few sentences to provide background information on the study. Methods:
techniques used. Results: the major results of the study, and recommendations.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The background sets the general tone for your study. The researcher is expected to discuss in
detail and convincingly the background, need and rationale for the topic. It should start by
introducing the broad overall topic and providing basic background information surrounding the
dependent variable of interest from a global approach and narrowing the topic down to a more
specific research context. In other words, this should have a funnel structure.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Inform the reader of the specific problem under study. This should flow from gaps existing and
how the present study will fill that gap.
2|Page
1.3 Aim and Objective
The aim is usually an amplification of the title. Let us consider one example:
“Gender Differences in Senior School Certificate Examination Chemistry in Ikorodu Local
Government Area of Lagos State"
The aim of the study can be stated thus:
The aim of this study is to examine the gender influence on academic performance of students in
Senior School Certificate Examination Chemistry in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos
State.
The specific objectives are as follows:
1 To assess the extent to which male and female students differ in their Chemistry performance
in the Senior School Certificate Examination
2 To determine the influence of home background on students‟ Chemistry performance in the
Senior School Certificate Examination
3 To find out if the type of school that students attend can influence their academic performance
in Senior School Certificate Examination Chemistry
4 To examine……………………………………………………………
Always begin your statement of purpose with: The purpose of this study is to………...
The specific objectives should be based on the number of variables of your study. For instance in
our example, we have used the variables of gender, home background, and school type to further
expand the scope of our study. Ensure that the variables you have selected are relevant to your
study. Now, from your understanding of our discussion, provide a suitable variable to form the
fourth objective in the example above.
1.4 Research Questions and /or Hypotheses
The „Research Questions‟ is a question format of the objectives e.g. using the example above:
1 To what extent would male and female students differ in their Chemistry performance in the
Senior School Certificate Examination?
The „Hypotheses‟ is a testable form of the objectives and must be stated in the null form be
accepted or rejected at the point of testing; e.g. using the example above:
2 There is no significant difference between male and female students in their Chemistry
performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination.
1.5 Significance of the Study
Indicate those that will benefit from findings of the study and how.
1.6 Scope of the Study
3|Page
The scope of the study should cover both the content scope and geographical scope.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Begin this chapter thus:
This chapter deals with the review of literature considered important to this study. The literature
review is discussed under the following sub-headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical studies using relevant sub-head8ings
2.4 Appraisal of the Reviewed Literature
2.1 Conceptual Framework
The conceptual model of the study should be provided here with explanation of linkages.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
Here you should have a review of the major theory or theories related to the topic and indicate
the relevance of the theories to your study.
2.3 Empirical studies using relevant sub-headings
Empirical studies are abstract-like in nature. It should indicate the purpose of study, sample and
sampling technique, instruments for data collection, method of data analysis, and major findings
of the studies reviewed. Ensure that the studies you are reviewing are related to your research
work.
2.4 Appraisal of Reviewed Literature
The literature reviewed should be summarized. You should also indicate the gap in literature that
justifies your own study.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Start with an introductory statement such as this:
In this chapter, the processes and procedures that were followed in carrying out the study are
discussed under the following sub-headings:
3.1 Research Design
4|Page
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
3.5 Validity of the Instrument
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
3.1 Research Design
State the design you want to use and the justification for such design.
3.2 Population of the Study
The totality of all the respondents to whom the findings of the study will be generalized. Provide
the population of the study that make up your study.
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques
The sample refers to a section of the population that was used for the study. The sampling
technique discusses the techniques you have adopted in choosing the sample from the
population. Indicate your sample size. Also, the technique used in selecting the sample should be
stated and you should give justification for the adoption of such technique as it relates to your
study.
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
You should describe in detail all the instruments used in collecting the data for the project. These
may include questionnaire, interview schedules, sociometric instruments, rating scales, tests,
government documents, etc. The instrument should be explained including how it is patterned,
sectioned and scaled in terms of expected responses and weightings.
3.5 Validity of the Instrument
The processes involved in the validation of your instruments should be explained in details. This
is mostly based on the face and content validity, construct validity, concurrent validity, etc.,
depending on the nature of your study.
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
Explain the method of reliability, how it was done and the results obtained. There should be an
explanation of the type of reliability that was undertaken and its justification. This could be test-
retest, split half or some other methods, depending on the nature of your study.
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection
5|Page
This section describes step by step how the instruments were administered. i.e. give the details of
how the data collection was carried out
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
State the statistical tools used in the analysis such as percentages, frequency counts, mean,
standard deviation, chi-square test, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), bar charts, pie charts,
histogram, graphs, etc. and justify the selection of such method, depending on the nature of your
study.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This is where you report your findings and present them in a systematic manner. It should be
reported in sufficient detail to justify any conclusion. The use of tables and figures must be
judiciously employed to present summaries. Number the tables in the order of occurrence in the
text. In referring to the tables or figures use such phrases as „see Table 2‟ or „as shown in Table
2‟. Avoid such references as „the table below‟ or „the table above‟.
Start Results section with an introductory statement such as this:
The results of the study are presented in accordance with the research questions and hypotheses.
4.1 Answers to the Research Questions
4.1.1 Research Question 1
4.1.2 Research Question 2
4.1.3 Research Question 3
etc.
4.2 Testing of Hypotheses
4.2.1 Hypothesis 1
4.2.2 Hypothesis 2
4.2.3 Hypothesis 3
etc.
4.3 Summary of the Findings
Summarize the findings by listing them out, point by point. You can use any of these sentences
as your introductory statement:
The following are the major findings: or The results revealed the following major findings: or
Based on the analysis of data the following findings emerged.
6|Page
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
After presenting results and analysis, the researcher is now in a position to discuss findings and
draw conclusions and implications.
Start with an introductory statement such as this:
This chapter presents Discussion of the findings, Conclusion, Implications of the study,
Recommendations, Contribution to knowledge and Suggestions for further study.
5.1 Conclusion
Draw up a summary of the entire work as your conclusion.
5.2 Recommendations
REFERENCES
- APA format should be strictly adhered to.
- All literature/illustrations/figures used must be well cited. Students must be conscious of
plagiarism.
APPENDICES
Order of Arrangement
- Letter of Introduction from Head of Department to the field
- Letter of Attestation from the field i.e. where the study was carried out
- Instruments/Packages
Important Note
- Project/Dissertation/Thesis title should contain a maximum of 23 words
- All chapter titles in block letters and center placed
- All sub-headings in initial capital except words like in, on, of, the, a, an etc.
- All chapters and Sub-headings in bold text
- Use A4 size of paper
- Set equal margins of 1inch
- Use Times New Romans font style with 12 font size
- Justify the typing lines
7|Page
- Each chapter must start from a new page
- Use indented paragraph in typing the body of the report
- Use double line spacing
All students are to submit soft bound copies of their projects for moderation and defense. It is
after their oral defense and corrections that they submit the hard-bound copies.
Final Binding of Project/Thesis
All final projects/theses are bound with hard cover with the following colours:
- Undergraduate - The school colour
Submission
Students are to submit four hard copies and two soft copies in CD-ROM Department after
student’s supervisor has signed the certification page. The study H.O.D also signs their part on
the certification page.
8|Page
PART – 2
FORMAT OF WRITING AND PRESENTING A RESEARCH
THESIS/DISSERTATION/PROJECT REPORT
There are five chapters when writing, presenting and submitting final report of educational
research thesis or dissertation or project as presented below:
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title
- Declaration
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures (If any)
- Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.8 Background to the Study
1.9 Statement of the Problem
1.10 Purpose of the Study
1.11 Research Questions and /or Hypotheses
1.12 Significance of the Study
1.13 Scope of the Study
1.14 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter deals with the review of literature considered important to this study. The literature
review is discussed under the following sub-headings:
9|Page
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical studies using relevant sub-headings
2.4 Appraisal of the Reviewed Literature
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, the processes and procedures that were followed in carrying out the study are
discussed.
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
3.5 Validity of the Instrument
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the study are presented in accordance with the research questions and hypotheses.
4.1 Answers to the Research Questions
4.1.1 Research Question 1
4.1.2 Research Question 2
4.1.3 Research Question 3
etc.
4.2 Testing of Hypotheses
4.2.1 Hypothesis 1
4.2.2 Hypothesis 2
4.2.3 Hypothesis 3
etc.
10 | P a g e
4.3 Summary of the Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents Discussion of the findings, Conclusion, Implications of the study,
Recommendations, Contribution to knowledge and Suggestions for further study.
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
REFERENCES
- APA format should be strictly adhered to.
- All literature/illustrations/figures used must be well cited. Students must be conscious of
plagiarism.
APPENDICES
Order of Arrangement
- Letter of Introduction from Head of Department to the field
- Letter of Attestation from the field i.e. where the study was carried out
- Instruments/Packages
11 | P a g e
SAMPLE OF PROJECT/THESIS REPORT PRESENTATION
Cover Page
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KADUNA
Title
By
Name in this order: first name, middle name and surname in capital letters
Matric Number
Month, Year
12 | P a g e
TITLE PAGE
Title
By
Name in this order: first name, middle name and surname in capital letters
Matric Number
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of
Ground and Communication Engineering, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
Award of the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering.
Month, Year
13 | P a g e
CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL
TITLE OF THE FINAL-YEAR PROJECT, CENTURY GOTHIC, SIZE 12, BOLD AND
CAPITALISED
by
Student’s Name (First Middle Last)
Student’s Matric. No.
Meets the requirements governing the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING in CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING and is hereby
approved for its contribution to knowledge and literary presentation.
______________________________
(Insert the name of Supervisor)
Project Supervisor
____________________________
Date
______________________________
(Insert name of Project Coordinator)
Project Coordinator
____________________________
Date
______________________________
(Insert name of Head of Department)
Head of Department
____________________________
Date
______________________________
(Insert name of External Examiner)
External Examiner
____________________________
Date
14 | P a g e
DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY
Project Title:
Student Name: (in blue ink)
Supervisor:
This project report is submitted as part of the requirement for the Bachelor of Engineering in
Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology. I confirm that the
work contained in this [Link] project report has been solely composed by myself, except where
indicated in the text, and has not been accepted in any previous application/award for a degree in
any institution. The report may be freely copied and distributed provided the source is
acknowledged.
Sign here in blue ink
______________________
15 | P a g e
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgements should include the names of the contributors to the project work, including
the supervisors and other organizations or persons that supported or aided you towards the
successful completion of the project. This should be no more than one page, and use the typeface
Arial, 12 points, single-spaced and justified.
16 | P a g e
DEDICATION
Dedication should include the names of persons to whom the student wishes to dedicate the
work.
17 | P a g e
LIST OF TABLES
The list of tables is in the same format as the table of contents. The list of tables follows the list
of figures. The list includes the caption of each table, as well as the page number it is located in.
Delete the introductory text above. To update the list, right-click on it and select “Update Field”.
Select the second option, “Update entire table”, when the “Update Table of Figures” dialogue
box is shown.
If you do not have any tables in your report, delete this page.
18 | P a g e
LIST OF FIGURES
The list of figures is in the same format as the table of contents, and it essentially includes the
caption of each figure and the page number it is found.
Delete the introductory text above. To update the list, right-click on it and select “Update Field”.
Select the second option, “Update entire table”, when the “Update Table of Figures” dialogue
box is shown.
If you do not have any tables in your report, delete this page.
19 | P a g e
NOMENCLATURE
Summaries quintessential abbreviations, acronyms and/or other symbols used in the text of the
report.
20 | P a g e
ABSTRACT
A report's abstract is a condensed version of the report. It includes the purpose, scope,
methodology, results, and conclusion of the report. Abstracts should not exceed one page in
length. In the abstract, avoid using bold or italics. The report must be written in a formal and
acceptable English style. Students are encouraged to use simple and direct language, use the
passive voice, and avoid jargon as much as possible.
The following are some of the typical questions that an abstract should address:
• What was the purpose of the project and what were its goals and objectives?
• What was the scope of the project and how was it carried out?
• What were the outcomes and accomplishments of the project?
Example:
This document provides a template and guidelines for computing students for writing project
reports. Nonetheless, this can be adapted to write other types of technical reports such as on
industrial training, experiments, design projects and other final-year interim reports or similar
reports.
This project report guide has been prepared to aid final-year students in the Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, in preparing
their project reports. The guidelines and formats therein shall guide the students and supervisors
in identifying the expectations and requirements of the project report. Therefore, it is binding
upon the supervisor(s) to ensure the conformity of any submitted report to the format provided as
further explained in the ensuing sections.
Additionally, a companion editable project report template to this guide is available. You can use
and edit the companion Word document, “UGFYReport [Link]”, following the guidance
of this handbook.
21 | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents (TOC) follows the abstract and must begin on a new page. All chapter
headers and the headings of sections within each chapter should be included in the contents list.
All page numbers should be provided, and they should be obvious. The page numbers of the
Bibliographic references and Appendices sections, which are mentioned later in this document,
should also be included in the table of contents.
Pages
Title Page………………………………………………………………………………….…
Certification ………………………………………………………………………………
Declaration…………………………………………………………………………………
Dedication…………………………………………………………………………….………..
Acknowledgements…………………………………………………….………………………..
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………..…..
List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………….......
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………….
Abstract………………………………………………………………………….……………..
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study ………………………………………………………………..
1.2 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………..
1.3 Purpose of the Study……………………………………………………………………..
1.4 Research Questions and/or Hypothese………………………………………………….
1.5 Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………….
1.6 Scope of the Study…………………………………………………………………………
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms………………………………………………………….
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………………
2.2 Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………………..
22 | P a g e
2.3 Empirical studies….……………………………………………………………………
2.4 Other relevant sub-headings………………………………………………………………
2.5 Appraisal of Reviewed Literature ………………………………………………………
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design………………………………………………………………………..
3.2 Population of the Study…………………………………………………………………
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques………………………………………………………
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection………………………………………………………….
3.5 Validity of the Instrument…………………………………………………………….
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument……………………………………………………………
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection………………………………………………………….
3.8 Method of Data Analysis ……………………………………………………………….
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
4.1 Answers to the Research Questions………………………………………………………..
4.1.1 Research Question 1……………………………………………………………………….
4.1.2 Research Question 2………………………………………………………………………
4.1.3 Research Question 3 etc…………………………………………………………………..
4.2 Testing of Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………
4.2.1 Hypothesis 1 ……………………………………………………………………………….
4.2.2 Hypothesis 2……………………………………………………………………………….
4.2.3 Hypothesis 3 etc…………………………………………………………………………..
4.3 Summary of the Findings……………………………………………………………………
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion of the Findings………………………………………………………………….
5.2 Implications of the Study……………………………………………………………………
23 | P a g e
5.3 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….
5.4 Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………
5.5 Contribution to Knowledge ([Link]. and Ph.D Students only)………………………………
5.6 Suggestions for Further Study………………………………………………………………
REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………
…
APPENDICES………………………………………
24 | P a g e