HANDBOOK

for
CBBR4106 PROJECT
(BIT )

PART I
OVERVIEW

1.0 Introduction
It is well recognized that final year project paper is an important component of the firstdegree curriculum. Accordingly, first-degree students are required to take the paper
toward or at the end of their studies. Basically first-degree project paper aims to train
students to carry out small-scale research activities, namely to train them to carry out
literature survey for the problems definition and also solutions to the problems (i.e.
system development in the context of IT). The project paper also provided an avenue for
the students to develop experience to present their research in written reports. The
previous practice at OUM is to divide the project into two parts: Project 1 (3 credits) and
Project 2 (3 credits). Effective May 2009, the two Projects have been combine into one
subject known as Project (6 credits) and must completed within one semester. The
deliverables for the Project are:

Project Report (written according to OUM format as elaborated in Part II)

System/Software (to be burnt in the CD and attached together with the report)

Students intend to take Final Year Project must satisfy the following requirements:
Students with CGPA less than 3.00:
At the time they register for Project, they must have at most one elective subjects
excluding project paper at the last semesters.
Students with CGPA more or equal to 3.00:
At the time they register for Project , they must have at most two elective subjects
excluding project paper at the last semesters. namely:
Management of student projects at OUM gives rise to number of implementation issues,
in particular the following:

Appointment of the Supervisors and Examiners

Logistic
Monitoring students progress

This paper attempts to provide some guideline to assist toward effective management of
the students projects at OUM.

2.0 Appointment of the Supervisors and Examiners

Minimum qualification of the supervisors and examiners is MSC in Computer Science/IT
or related qualifications. Basically the students need to have five meeting (physical or
virtual) with their supervisors. Supervisor and examiners can be appointed among SME
or tutors and in certain cases among lecturers from IPTA or IPTS. At most seven students
will be assigned to one supervisor in a particular semester. The Faculty will create
database of potential supervisors and examiners.

3.0 Projects Topics

The scope of the Final Year Project must be link to program/system/software developing
as OUM want produce graduates who are able to develop applications. Project topics can
be proposed by the students or the supervisors concerned. But the faculty needs to
evaluate the topics for their suitability. For computer science or IT first-degree program
the scope of the project should covers all the following elements:
problem identification,
Literature review
modeling,
system design and
development of prototype system.
Although system development is emphasized, other computing projects such as devising
new algorithm for scientific problems such as cryptography, sorting or devising
methodologies for software process improvement, etc are allowed. Case study projects
such as A survey on the usage of computer among school teacher, etc are strictly
prohibited.

4.0 Contents of the Project Report

The first task that need to be done by the student is come up with a Project Proposal.
Project Proposal should contain the following aspects:
Title of the project
Introduction
Problem Statement
Objective
Project Scope
Requirement of Software/Hardware needed in the project
Gantt Chart
Conclusion

6-10 pages (1.5 spacing) is enough for the Project Proposal and student need to
submit it to their supervisor a week before the semester commences or latest on the
first week of the semester.
After their proposal has been endorsed by their supervisor, the student can proceed to
write the report and eventually develop the system. The following are the chapters (to be
included in the final report) and time frame that are proposed to the students so that they
can complete the project on time:
Proposed Chapters
(1) Introduction (problem statement,
objective, scope, limitation,
implementation plan)
(2) Literature Review
(3) Analysis/Design: Program
design, Database design,
Interface design, etc
(4) Implementation/Programming
and Testing
(5) Summary and Conclusion
(6) References
Appendix
TOTAL

Proposed Time
Frame
1 week

Proposed Number
of Pages in the
Final Report
6-10 pages

2 weeks
2 weeks

10-15 pages
40 pages

4 weeks

30- 40 pages

1 week
-

4-5 pages

10 WEEKS
(1 semester)

>= 90 pages

It is the duty of the supervisor in order to make sure that the students is progressing well according to
the time frame given above.

Students can use their own computer or computers at the PPW/T computer Lab in order
to do the write-up or system development. STUDENT WHO PLAGIARIASED THEIR
PROJECT WORK WILL BE GIVEN 0 (F).

5.0 Processes Involved In The Management Of Student Projects

Basically management of student project involves three major core processes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Identifying potential supervisors and examiners database

Project Registration
Project Supervision
Project Examination
Awarding Grades
5

Refer to the next pages for more details on the above processes.
Identifying Supervisors and Examiners Database

When

Advertise the need

for Supervisors and
examiners

Select potential
supervisors and
examiners

Anytime

Responsibility

Inputs

List of
supervisors and
examiners

Faculty

Faculty

Create database of
successful candidates

Faculty

Inform the
candidates

Faculty

Outputs

Criteria for
selection

List of
successful
candidates

List of
successful
candidates

List of
successful
candidates

Database

Letters/e-mail
etc

Students Registration Project

Students
Allocate
Check students
student
apply toto
register
eligibility
supervisors
fortothe
do
Inform
the
students
project
project
1

List of eligible
List
ofof
students
List
When
Inputs
Outputs
After gettingResponsibility students
Students
apply
to register
eligible
6
Students Supervisor
examination
projects
for
project
1
students
data
base
Exam
Letters/e-mail
Exam
result
Data base
Faculty
Faculty
result
etc
result

Students
projects
Data base

Project Supervision

When

Make arrangement
to see students/to

Responsibility

At each Ts

Supervisor
students

At each Ts

Supervisor and
students

Inputs

Outputs

meet
supervisors

Discuss the progress

Log book Updated log

book

Project Examination

When

Students submit
the project for
examination

Responsibility

Beginning of
the
examination
week

Students

Supervisor

Mark the project

Send the result to

the faculty

PPU

Appendix I: Sample of Project Evaluation Form:

Inputs

Outputs

Project,
Submission
form

List of students
submit the
project for
examination

List of students
submit the
project for
examination
Guideline for
marking the
project-2

Examination
results
Supervisor
reports

Examination
results
Supervisor
reports,
Submission
form

List of results
By supervisor
and supervisor
reports

FINAL YEAR PROJECT EVALUATION FORM

STUDENT NAME:

___________________________________

MATRIC NO:

___________________________________

PROGRAM:

___________________________________

PROJECT TITLE:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
PPW/T:

___________________________________

SUPERVISOR NAME:

___________________________________

10

PROJECT AREAS/SCOPES

MARKS

Introduction

________
/ 10

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

________
/10

Literature review
Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

11

System Analysis/
System Design

________
/ 15

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

Implementation/Programming and Testing

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

12

________
/ 45

________
/5

Summary and Discussion

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

Presentation

________
/ 10

Overall Report Writing

________
/5

13

TOTAL
MARKS

______________/100
Note:
1. Total marks given by the supervisor is not final. The faculty will verify the marks.
2. Student who plagiaries their project work will be given 0 (F)

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE:

_____________________________________________

DATE:

_____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________
PANDUAN PEMARKAHAN
Berdasarkan borang pemarkahan, Projek perlu dinilai dari TUJUH (7) aspek berikut:-

1. Pengenalan (10 markah)

Penilaian perlu dilihat pada pengenalan umum terhadap masalah,

pernyataan masalah yang jitu, objektif kajian yang jitu, skop dan
sumbangan kajian

2. Kajian Kesusasteraan (10 markah)

Penilaian perlu dilihat pada ulasan berkenaan kajian-kajian lepas

yang berkaitaan dengan masalah yang hendak diselesaikan oleh
pelajar

3. Analisis/Rekabentuk Sistem (15 markah)

Penilaian perlu dilihat pada ketepatan analisis dan kesesuaian

rekabentuk (rekabentuk antaramuka, pangkalan data, dsbnya.) yang
dibuat oleh pelajar.

Rajah-rajah yang perlu seperti Rajah Konteks, Rajah Aliran Data, Rajah
Hubungan Entiti, serta rajah lain yang berkaitan dan bersesuaian perlu
juga dinilai.

Penilaian terhadap metodologi permbangunan juga perlu dibuat.

14

4. Pengaturcaraan dan Pegujian (45 markah)

Aspek ini perlu dinilai berdasarkan ciri-ciri sistem yang dibangunkan,

fungsi-fungsi yang ada, kreativiti yang ditunjukkan, bebas ralat, berfungsi
secara tekal (konsisten) dan penilaian lain yang difikirkan sesuai.

Penilaian juga perlu dilihat dari sudut kefahaman pelajar terhadap

elemen pengaturcaraan yang dibangunkan bagi memastikan sistem itu
adalah dibangunkan sendiri oleh pelajar terbabit.

Penilaian perlu dilihat pada pengujian sistem yang dilakukan oleh

pelajar, jenis-jenis pengujian dan

5. Ringkasan dan Kesimpulan (5 markah)

Ringkasan yang memberangsangkan dengan cadangan

untuk kajian
masa hadapan.

6. Pembentangan (10 markah)

-

Penilaian perlu dilihat pada keyakinan pelajar di dalam memberikan

pembentangan, kecekapan komunikasi, berupaya untuk menjejak kod
aturcara yang dibangunkan dan demonstrasi sistem

7. Penulisan Laporan secara keseluruhannya (5 markah)

Penilaian juga perlu dibuat berdasarkan pada kandungan bahan yang

ada dalam laporan pelajar secara umum, memenuhi format penulisan
fakulti, tiada kesilapan ejaan, menggunakan bahasa dan tatabahasa
yang

betul serta dari segi

kesinambungan yang teratur.

15

struktur dan

penyampaian

dengan

PART II
GUIDE TO WRITE REPORTS FOR
CBBR4106 (BIT)

16

1.0 CONTENTS OF PROJECT PAPER

Contents of the project paper should be arranged in the following order. However, this is
only a guide, as project papers differ in terms of the contents, headings and
subheadings. Students should consult their supervisors and discuss with them when
finalizing the arrangements and contents of their project paper.
With Roman Numerals
Page
i {but not shown on the page}
ii {beginning of numbered pages)

Title Page
Abstract
Abstrak
Dedication- optional
Acknowledgements
Declaration
Table of Contents
List of Figures/ illustrations
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations/ Notations/ Glossary
Of terms (if any)
With Arabic Numerals
1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Objectives
. .
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
.
Summary

1 {beginning of numbered pages}

3. SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1
3.2
3.2.1
3.3
.
3.6 Summary

17

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
.
.
4.6 Summary
5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDICES

18

2.O GENERAL FORMAT FOR WRITING PROJECT PAPER AND

CASE
a.

Writing and Printing Format

Language
The language of the project paper/ case is either standard American or British English or
Bahasa Malaysia . The use of a language must be consistent throughout the project
paper/ case study. Mixing of British and American English or Bahasa Malaysia is not
allowed. The project paper/ case study must be written in the third person.
Technical Specification
i. Typing-- typing should be done on a word processor, with printing done on a
letter quality or a laser printer. Word processor softwares such as
Microsoft Word or Word Perfect can be used. For tables and calculations
Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123 may be used.
ii. Typeface and Font Sizethe entire text, including headings and page
numbers must be produced with the same font or type face. The font size
should be 12 point (Times New Roman) for the main text and should not
be scripted or italicized except for scientific names and terms in a different
language. Bold print is used for headings. Footnotes and text in tables
can be in 10 point font size. The font styles must be in Times New
Roman.
iii. MarginsThe left margin should be at 35mm and the right, top and bottom
margins are at 30 mm.
iv. Spacing the main text of the chapters should be typed on one side of the
page and 1 -spaced throughout. Spacing between two paragraphs in the
text should be set at 2 single spacing. Spacing between the chapter
heading and the first subheading should be set at 4 single spacing. Single
spacing will be used for the following purposes only:

Abstract
Explanatory footnotes (if absolutely necessary)
Quotations longer than 3 lines set in a block
References and bibliographies (except between entries)
Long headings or subheadings
Long captions to tables, figures or plates
Appendices such as questionnaires and letters.

19

v. Paginationall pages should be numbered centrally at the

bottom
margin. Page numbers should appear by themselves and should not be
placed in brackets, hyphenated or accompanied by other decorative
devices.
Only the original word-processed copy of the project paper/ case or its
good and clean photocopies will be accepted. When a page consisting of
Figures or Tables needs to be inserted, it may be numbered with a lower
case letter (e.g. 5a if inserted between pages 5 and 6).
vi. PaperWhite paper (80 gm) or paper of equivalent quality with A4 size (210
mm x 297 mm) should be used.
vii. HeadingChapter number and heading should be centred and written in bold,
upper case letters with 16 point font size. Subheadings should be aligned
to the left margin and written with 14 point font size, upper case and lower
case letters.
viii.

b.

After supervisors approval, the student need to bind the report properly
with the cover page and the back cover should be hard-covered (color:
Royal Blue)

Abstract

An abstract of the project paper is required in English and Bahasa Malaysia. The abstract
should not exceed more than 200 words. It is a summary of all the important elements of
the project such as the problems, method, results, implications and conclusions. It
should be written in one paragraph. The abstract should be written in past tense to
describe processes or activities already done by the researcher, and present tense to
describe conclusions and implications based on the study. Use Times New Roman, 12
with single spacing for the abstract.
c.

Text Citations

Ideas, words, findings, figures and others which are taken directly or indirectly from the
others must be duly acknowledged by the writer. To acknowledge others works in the
text, students must follow certain conventions. The following examples illustrate some
of the conventions when making citations in the text.

20

i. Writing the authors name (s).

Western or English name, use only the surname (or the family name) in the text. For
example: John Smith, use Smith.
Malay and Chinese names: Use the whole name or the first name for the Malay, and
family name for the Chinese.
Example: Mohd. Ali Bin Kassim, use Mohd. Ali.
Lee Ah Hua, use Lee.
ii. Citation Style: Author(s)-Year.
For Single Author
When the author is a part of the formal structure of the sentence, the citation is as
follows:
Franklin (1998) pointed out that, universities as providers of management education have
both privileged opportunities and critical responsibilities to ..
According to Denison (1990), culture refers to underlying values, beliefs, and principles
that serve as .
When the author of the source is not part of the formal structure of the sentence, the
citation is as follows:
As the average inter-item correlation is low, Cronbach,s alpha will be low. As the
average inter-item correlation increases, Cronbachs alpha increases as well (Santos,
1999).
(Note the way the author and year are written for each condition or situation.)
For Multiple Authors
Similar style is used for multiple authors, but with the use of and and & as follows:

Mallak and Kurstedt (1996) introduce their model of participative management.

It reflects the enforcement of rules, conformity, and attention to technical matters

(Denison & Spreitzer, 1991).

21

The Legitimacy Model (Miles & Cameron, 1982; Zammuto, 1982) considers
organizational effectiveness in terms of contextual measure.

[Note (1) semi colon separates the two sources of information, and (2) the sources are
arranged in alphabetical order]
When many authors are found in one source, use et al. for second time citation. For
example:

Mohd. Ali, Lee, Smith and Bradner (1990) found that .. (First time citation)
Mohd. Ali et al. (1983) found that . (second citation and onwards).
The knowledge obtained through this process must be retained (Mohd. Ali et al.,
1983).

Same Authors over several works and Several Years

Several studies by the same author in one year are referred to by the writer, then the
citation is as follows:
Mohd. Ali (1990a, 1990b, 1990c)
Several studies by the same author over several years are referred to by the writer, then
citation is as follows:
Mohd. Ali (1990, 1991, 1993).
When the citation is not taken directly from the source
Ridley and Mendoza developed a model based on interrelated organizational processes
which was used primarily as a tool for management consultants (as cited by Rojas, 2000).
[Cite only the study that you have read in the Reference Listin this case it is Rojas
(2000)].
d.

Quotations

i. When short quotations (less than 40 words) are taken from the source, these
can be incorporated in the text but enclosed by double quotation marks.
Example:
According to Emory (1985, p. 115), even when the research design is ideal, there is
always a question about whether the results are true.
ii. When long quotations are taken from a source (more than 40 words), display
the quotations in a free-standing block of typewritten lines but without the
quotation marks. Start the quotation block on a new line, indented five
22

spaces from the left margin. Type double-spaced lines. If the quotation
takes more than one paragraph, then start the new sentence of the new
paragraph indented five spaces from the new left margin.
[Note: (i) Materials quoted must follow the wording, spelling, and interior punctuation of
the original source, even if the source is incorrect. Students must make sure to check the
typed copy with the original source to ensure no discrepancy exists. (ii) For quotations,
write the authors names, year and page number of the source.]
Example of a long quotation:
In summarizing the research finding on the roles of ISO consultants, Salleh Yahya (2003)
states that:
In the old ISO 9000 quality assurance systems, consultants often act as knowledge
brokers who transfer their codified knowledge of ISO 9000 technical
requirements and implementation, which is learnt through the precise ISO 9000
codebook, to the

clients organization.

They also function as informers or

advisers of best practices and know-how in ISO implementation to their clients.

(p. 162)
e.

List of References (or Bibliography)

All references cited in the text must be listed in the List of References or Bibliography.
The listing must be ordered in the alphabetical order based on the name of the author that
appeared in the citation. Writing of references in the Bibliography must follow the style
outlined in the following examples.
(i)

Examples of references to periodicals

(Take note of how the authors names and journal titles are arranged, and also how the
volume and page numbers of journals are written. Spaces between words should also be
noted )
Single author, journal article
Ichniowski, C. (1986). The effects of grievance activity on productivity. Industrial and
Labour Relations Review, 40, 75-89.
Salleh Yahya. (2003). The role of ISO 9001: 2000 consultants. IIUM Journal of

23

Economics and Management, 11(2), 143-165.

More than one author, journal article.
Kinnear, L., & Sutherland, M. (2000). Determinants of organizational commitment
amongst knowledge workers. South African Journal of Business Management, 31(3),
106-112.
Kinicki, A. J., Carson, K.P., & Bohlander, G. W. (1992). Relationship between an
organizations actual human resource efforts and employee attitudes. Group and
Organization Management, 17, 135-152.
Newspaper article
Mohd. Ali Hassan (Year, month & date). Title, Name of newspaper, p.
Chapter in a book
Salancik, G.R. (1977). Commitment and the control of organizational behavior and
belief. In B.M. Staw & G.R. Salancik (Eds.), New Directions in Organizational
Behavior (pp. 1-54). Chicago: St. Clair Press.
Choudhury, M.A. (1996). Why cannot neoclassicism explain resource allocation and
development in the Islamic political economy? In Ahmed, E. (ed.), Role of Private
and Public Sectors in Economic Development in an Islamic Perspective (pp. 17-44).
Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought.
Reference to Entire Books
Armstrong, M. (1992). A Handbook of Personnel Management Practice. London:
Kogan Page Ltd.
Emory, C. W. (1985). Business Research Methods (3rd.). Illinois: Richard D. Irwin.
Proceedings of Meetings and Symposia
Manjula, J. (2004). Knowledge management in organizations: An essential journey.
Proceedings of 2nd National HRM Conference: Gearing Human Resources Towards
New Dynamism (pp. 88-98). Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia.

24

Unpublished Doctoral Dissertations and Masters Theses

Evans, D. L. (1987). Human resource planning practices in Southern California
hospitals. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, United States International University.
Mohammad Naim Ahmad (1999). Anteseden komitmen kepada organisasi.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Web Document
Roberts, G.E. (1994). Acceptance of performance appraisal. Retrieved September 24,
2003 from http://www.ignoumeids.ac.in/ignou/erl/articles/HR/5952.html
Elangovan, A.R., & Karakowsky, L. (1999). The role of trainee and environmental
factors in transfer of training: An exploratory framework. Leadership &
Organization Development Journal, 20(5), pp. 268-275. Retrieved September 3, 2003
from http://www.emerald-library.com
f.

Tables and Figures

Titles of the tables and figures must be written at the top left hand side. Number all
tables and figures with Arabic numerals in the order in which chapters the tables and
figures appear, for examples, Table 3.1, Table 3.2, or Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2. The
contents of the tables and figures must be written using font of size 10 and single spaced.
The source(s) of data must be written at the bottom left of the table and figure.
g.

Physical Appearance of the Project Paper

(i)

Cover Page
Must be written using upper case letters and font size of 14. The
specifications are shown in the following illustration (Appendix II).

(ii)

Title Page-follow Appendix III

(iii)

Declaration Page-follow Appendix IV

(iv)

Preparing Spine of the Project Paper-follow Appendix V

(v)

List of Figures/ List of Tables Appendix VI

(vi)

Starting a chapter - Appendix VII

25

26

APPENDIX II (COVER OF REPORT)

60 mm

FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGANIZATIONAL

COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF EMPLOYEES IN
KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS
{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

60 mm

27

APPENDIX III- TITLE PAGE (AFTER THE COVER)

FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGANIZATIONAL

COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF EMPLOYEES IN
KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS
{Times New Roman, 16, Bold, Centred}

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

Project Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the

Degree of Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons)
Open University Malaysia
(Year of Submission)
{Times New Roman, 12, Centred}

28

APPENDIX IV DECLARATION PAGE

DECLARATION
{New Times Roman, 16, bold, centred}

Name
Matric. Number

:_____________________________
:_____________________________

I hereby declare that this project paper is the result of my own work, except for
quotations and summaries which have been duly acknowledged.

Signature: _________________________ Date: ______________________

{Times New Roman, 12}

29

APPENDIX V SPINE OF THE PROJECT PAPER REPORT

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN

{Times New Roman, 12 }

BIT

30

2012

OUM

APPENDIX VI LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES {Times New Roman, 14, bold, upper case, right justified}
Page {Times New Roman, 12,
bold, left justified}
Figure 1.2 The Structure of Web
Figure 1.2 The UP model
..
..
Figure 5.8 The Interface

1 {this is page number}

2
..
..
70

{Times New Roman, 12}

Note: The same goes for the List of Tables.

31

APPENDIX VII STARTING A CHAPTER

CHAPTER 1 {font size 16, centralized, bold}

INTRODUCTION
{4 single spacing}

1.0 Introduction {font size

14, bold}

Web services is an ......................

{font size 12, justified for the main text with 1 spacing}

...

{2 single spacing between the paragraphs }

{one tab} The research on Web .

{2 single spacing}
1.1 Problem Statement {font size 14, bold}

.
{2 single spacing }

1.1.1

Scope {font size

14, bold}

.
MarginsThe left margin should be at 35mm and the right, top and bottom
margins are at 30 mm.
-END OF THE DOCUMENT-

32