{PROBLEM NAME: TYPE THE NAME OF THE PROBLEM HERE IN

ALL CAPS, DOUBLE SPACE, 2 INCHES FROM THE TOP MARGIN}

{4 spaces after the previous text} A Thesis {Proposal} Presented to the Faculty of

Informatics International College

Cainta, Rizal

{4 spaces after the previous text} In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Course{s}

{Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and

Diploma in Computer Studies Major in Computer Science}

{4 spaces after the previous text} {Martin E. Chua, BSCS

Jose H. Mercado, BSCS

and Myrna O. Perez, ADCS Major in CS}

{1 inch from the bottom margin} {March 11, 2007}

THESIS APPROVAL SHEET

{2 spaces after previous text} This Thesis entitled

{2 spaces after previous text} {NAME OF THESIS}

{2 spaces after previous text} By

{2 spaces after previous text} {Martin E. Chua, BSCS
Jose H. Mercado, BSCS and Myrna O. Perez, ADCS Major in CS}

{2 spaces after previous text} After having been recommended and approved is hereby accepted by Informatics International College, {Campus Location}

Recommended:

_________________________
{Name}
Thesis Adviser

Approved by the Panel:

| | | |
| | | |
|_______________________ |_______________________ |_______________________ |
|{Name} |{Name} |{Name} |
|Chairperson |Critic |Guest Panelist |

Accepted:

|_______________________ |_______________________ |
|{Name} |{Name} |
|Head, Academics Department |Dean |

ABSTRACT

{The abstract is an abbreviated summary of the thesis which is used to help readers quickly understand the paper’s purpose. The abstract is written in paragraph form, and contains the following sections: Introduction and background, statement of the problem, presentation of findings, conclusions and recommendations, short details of the development of the I.T. system which is the subject of the study.}

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THESIS APPROVAL SHEET ii
ABSTRACT iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vii
CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING 1 A. Introduction 1 B. Background of the Study 1 C. Theoretical / Conceptual Framework 1 D. Statement of the Problem 1 E. Significance of the Study 2 F. Scope and Delimitation 2 G. Definition of Terms 2
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 3 A. Foreign 3 B. Local 3
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 4 A. Method of Research 4 B. Locale of the Study 4 C. Participants 4 D. Research Instruments 4 E. Data Gathering 4 F. Treatment of Data 5 G. Design Strategy 5
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND FINDINGS 8 A. Sample Figure 10 B. Sample Table 10
CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION 12 A. Summary 12 B. Conclusion 13 C. Recommendation 13
APPENDICES 15 A. Letter asking permission 15 B. Questionnaire 16
REFERENCES 17
CURRICULA VITAE 18

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Figures

{1. Organization Chart of ABC Corporation 10

2. Flowchart of Sales Procedure 25}

Tables

{1. Product Categories used in Sales Transactions 18

2. Data Dictionary of the Point of Sales System 32}

{DESCRIPTION: All figures and tables shown in the main text and appendixes must be included in these lists. The descriptive titles in these lists must match those found in the main text.}

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

{DESCRIPTION: This is where you can thank people who helped and had influence in your studies and in the writing of the thesis. This section is limited to one page. EXAMPLE: We would like to acknowledge to the following people who helped us in completing this thesis:
The Natividad Family, for providing us the needed support and accommodating us in our research and implementation
Mr. Lambert Antonio, for being very supportive and guiding us in preparing this thesis
Our family and friends, for their undying support and love
Mr. Engel Estefanio and Mr. Alfredo Cabiles, thesis advisers, for guiding us and providing their honest criticisms
Most of all, we thank our Almighty God for giving us the strength, knowledge and perseverance to finish this study.}

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

A. Introduction

{Write an introduction to the problem by citing the situation existing in other organizations and how effectively they dealt with problems related to the one you want to address. It is best to refer to published examples.}

B. Background of the Study

{Write some background information about the organization targeted by the research, how the problem came up and why you want to address this problem through the study.}

C. Theoretical / Conceptual Framework

{The theoretical / conceptual framework is the basis of the research problem. It explains the phenomena upon which the thesis investigation hopes to fill the vacuum in the stream of knowledge. It justifies the rationale behind the investigation. It gives the reason for searching for new data and for analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing these data. It cites the theories on which the study is premised in order to establish the relationship among the variables in the study.}

D. Statement of the Problem

{State the problem or problems to be addressed by the study. The problems must be presented in question form.
EXAMPLE:

1. What are the perceptions of the sales staff on the following items: accuracy of transactions, speed of processing sales, and security of sales information? 2. What are the perceptions of the supervisors on the following items: accuracy of transactions, speed of processing sales, and security of sales information? 3. Is there a significant difference in the perceptions of sales staff and supervisors on the accuracy of transactions, speed of processing sales, and security of sales information? 4. What are the implications of the perceptions of sales staff and supervisors on the management of sales operations and the development of an I.T. solution?}

E. Significance of the Study

{State the significance and benefits of the study. You can do this by citing the benefits for the stakeholders in the study.
EXAMPLE:
1. Administrators and managers - This study will help managers and administrators process sales faster, thus increasing the sales and profitability of the organization. 2. Customers - Customers will benefit through more efficient service brought about by the system to be developed through this study.}

F. Scope and Delimitation

{In a brief and concise way, this section defines where and when the study was conducted and who the subjects were. In the course of the study, other limitations must be cited here, like the programming language and hardware used, the platform and the operations covered by the I.T. system, etc.}

G. Definition of Terms

{The terms used in the study are defined in this section.}

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

{The review of related literature involves the systematic identification, location and analysis of documents containing information related to the research problem. The researchers are required to include at least three foreign and three local literatures.}

A. Foreign

{Below are some foreign literature that are related to this study. Marge Cargo, a librarian in the Fullerton High School in California, U.S.A., in her article on Education West Magazine (1999), wrote about the struggles of the school in building an automated system for their libraries. She described the difficulties of staff in developing the automated system, especially in implementing this for several libraries through a computer network. She also described how the system helped in improving the services of the school’s libraries. Cargo’s article is related to this study because it explains how an automated system can help libraries work efficiently and reliably especially in a networked environment. The researchers believe that this example should be a model in developing the thesis collection information system for Ridge Mount High School.}

B. Local

{Below are some local literature that are related to this study.}

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

A. Method of Research

{Indicate the type of research method used in the study (descriptive, historical, job analysis, etc.)}

B. Locale of the Study

{In this section, indicate in detail the organization or company which is the target of the study and the participants or respondents.}

C. Participants

{If you conducted a survey or interview, indicate the participants or respondents. Mention the total number of target participants (population) and the number of actual participants (sample). Use Slovin’s formula to determine the required sample of participants. [pic] n = sample N = population e = margin or error }

D. Research Instruments

{Describe the instruments you used like questionnaires, or interview sheets.}

E. Data Gathering

{Describe the data gathering procedure, like conducting dry run, the survey and interview.}

F. Treatment of Data

{Indicate the statistical treatment used for the results of the survey, like weighted mean, t test, f test, etc.}

G. Design Strategy

{Describe the process of planning, writing, testing and implementation of the system you designed to address the problem of this study.}

1. Planning

{The researchers started the planning of the sales management system upon the completion of the survey and the analysis of its results. The results allowed the researchers to identify the features and requirements of the system to be developed. The researchers also got more insight through the interviews with staff and supervisors of the company. The flow chart and data flow diagrams were made to help in the planning process. These are found on Appendices C and D.}

2. Writing

{The writing of the program took place from August to November 2006. The researchers decided to use Microsoft Visual Basic for the interface and MySQL as the database for the development of this system. Visual Basic was selected because the client had a license, while MySQL was chosen because it is free, since it is an open source technology. Visual Basic has a wide variety of tools that allow developers to create applications, from a small utility, to a large enterprise-wide system (Microsoft, 1998). MySQL offers features that are required by the client and can perform effectively like proprietary software (Chigrik, 1997). The program code and data dictionary are found in Appendices E and F.}

3. Testing

{The researchers conducted the testing of the developed system first, among themselves, second, together with the adviser, and last, together with the staff of the client company. During the first two rounds of testing, sample data was entered to determine if the system functions properly and produces correct outputs. The adviser provided inputs to improve security and added reports, such as monthly, weekly and annual sales summary, to be included. The system was tested with the users for a day of actual operation in the store. The users were quick in learning how to use the system. The researchers identified some bugs and got some suggestions from the users for improvement. The testing resulted to the following improvements: • Increase the required minimum number of characters for passwords to six characters, which improves the strength of the password protection • Add a “logoff” hotkey to increase security of the system • Allow searching of the products database in other fields, such as product name, brand name, and year of manufacture • Development of weekly, monthly and annual sales reports }

4. Implementation

{The implementation had the following stages: 1. Installation of system on client computers – The installation was done on January 8, 2007. The researchers tested the system and made some additional program revisions to fix some bugs. 2. Training of staff and supervisors – The staff and supervisors were trained on January 10, 2007. They learned the security features, how to enter data and produce reports. The supervisors were trained how to backup and recover data, and reinstall the system if necessary. 3. Live run of the system – The system was used for two days, from January 11 to 12, 2007, during store operating hours. The researchers were present during this initial live run to troubleshoot possible errors. 4. Turnover of documentation and software – The software and documentation were turned over to the supervisors of the store on January 14, 2007.}

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND FINDINGS

{Describe in detail the results of the surveys and interviews. Indicate findings in this chapter by showing the tables that contain the survey results and computations, and by writing the interpretations of the results. Example: This chapter presents the data gathered through the survey. The results were analyzed by using the weighted means, and their corresponding verbal interpretations. Tables 1 and 2 show the results of the survey conducted for sales staff and supervisors on the accuracy of sales information and the efficiency of the manual sales transaction processes. There were eight respondents to this survey – six sales staff and two supervisors.
Table 1: Perceptions of the sales staff and supervisors on accuracy
|Item |Number of respondents |Wtd |Verbal |
| | |X |Interpretation |
| |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 | | |
| |always |often |sometimes |rarely |never | | |
|a.1. Sales data is |6 |1 |1 |0 |0 |1.38 |Always |
|organized. | | | | | | | |
|a.2. All sales |2 |3 |3 |0 |0 |2.12 |Often |
|transactions are | | | | | | | |
|recorded. | | | | | | | |
|a.3. The amount |2 |2 |3 |1 |0 |2.00 |Often |
|charged to | | | | | | | |
|customers is | | | | | | | |
|correct. | | | | | | | |

The results under the category accuracy gave weighted means ranging from 1.38 to 2.12 (always to often). Item a1 got a weighted mean of 1.38, indicating that sales data is always organized. Item a2 and a3 got weighted means of 2.12 and 2.00, respectively, indicating that all sales transactions are recorded and the correct amount is charged to customers often. The results in the last two items show some problems since an ideal business scenario requires that these are done always.}
Table 2: Perceptions of the sales staff and supervisors on efficiency
|Item |Number of respondents |Wtd |Verval |
| | |X |Interpretation |
| |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 | | |
| |always |often |sometimes |rarely |never | | |
|a.1. I can quickly |1 |1 |6 |0 |0 |2.62 |Sometimes |
|compute for daily | | | | | | | |
|sales. | | | | | | | |
|a.2. I can quickly |4 |2 |2 |0 |0 |1.75 |Often |
|locate a | | | | | | | |
|transaction from a | | | | | | | |
|particular | | | | | | | |
|customer. | | | | | | | |
|a.3. I can easily |1 |2 |5 |0 |0 |2.50 |Sometimes |
|update customer | | | | | | | |
|data. | | | | | | | |

The results under the category efficiency gave weighted means ranging from 1.75 to 2.62 (often to sometimes). Item a1 and a3 got weighted means of 2.62 and 2.50, respectively, indicating that personnel can easily compute for daily sales and update customer data sometimes. Item a2 got a weighted mean of 1.75, indicating that personnel can quickly locate a particular transaction from the list often. The results from all three items in this section of the survey show problems, since in an ideal business setting, these must be done always.}

A. Sample Figure

{Below is a sample figure with caption. The figure is centered on the page. The caption starts with the figure number (ex: Figure 1), formatted Arial size 9 or 10.}

[pic]
Figure 1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

B. Sample Table

Table 1. Comparative Energy Requirements of Building Materials

|Material |Primary Energy Requirement (MJ/Kg) |
|Very high energy | |
|1. Aluminum |200-250 |
|2. Plastics |50-100 |

Table 1 continued
|Material |Primary Energy Requirement (MJ/Kg) |
|3. Copper |100+ |
|4. Stainless Steel |100 |
|High Energy | |
|1. Steel |20-60 |
|2. Lead, Zinc |25+ |
|3. Glass |12-25 |
|4. Cement |5-8 |
|5. Plaster Board |8-10 |
|Medium Energy | |
|1. Lime |3-5 |
|2. Clay bricks and tiles |2-7 |
|3. Sand-lime brick |0.8-1.2 |
|5. Timber (sawn) |0.1-5 |

{For tables, the title appears first as shown in the previous example. If the table occupies several pages, the succeeding pages must begin with the table number and the word “continued”. Each succeeding page must begin with the table headings. Text is formatted Arial, 9 to 11.}
{SAMPLE direct quotes:

In the same publication, Judith Chapman (1997), a professor of education at the University of Western Australia, and an education management research and development expert who worked with multilateral organizations like the World Bank, OECD, and UNESCO, argues that in a school system, especially in public schools, autonomy in several areas of their operations “can only be rendered intelligible and made to work within the confines of a relationship with the (school governing) system and the community based on a mutuality of benefit and regard” (p. 71). As defined by Huitt (2003), the descriptive method is a research process in which the researcher attempts to document what is actually occurring. The study may be either qualitative (descriptions in words) or quantitative (descriptions in numbers). The researcher has no control over the phenomena of study, but simply records what is observed or reported (p. 240). }

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

{This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations to solve the problem.}

A. Summary

{Enumerate the findings of the study and describe briefly. Example: The findings of this study are as shown under the categories of accuracy and efficiency.
1. Perceptions on accuracy According to the perceptions of sales staff and supervisors, the following areas under accuracy got the following weighted means:
Organization of sales data – 1.38 (always)
Recording of all sales transactions – 2.12 (often)
Correct amount charged to customers – 2.00 (often) The company’s sales data is well organized, as shown by the perceptions of the personnel. However, the survey results indicate that improvements must be done in the areas of recording of all sales transactions and the correctness of the amounts being charged to customers.
2. Perceptions on efficiency According to the perceptions of sales staff and supervisors, the following areas under efficiency got the following weighted means:
Quick computation of daily sales – 2.62 (sometimes)
Quick location of a particular transaction – 1.75 (often)
Ease of updating customer data – 2.50 (sometimes) The three areas under this category need improvements since the perceptions of personnel indicate problems in terms of the efficiency in computing daily sales and locating transactions, and the ease of updating customer data.}

B. Conclusion

{Enumerate your conclusions based on the findings and describe briefly. Also show how the system you developed helped in addressing the problems identified. Example: Taking into the account the findings mentioned previously, the following conclusions were reached:
1. Accuracy – The company’s sales data is well-organized. There are some concerns on the completeness of transactions and the correctness of amounts charged to customers.
2. Efficiency – There are concerns on the company’s efficiency in recording sales and customer data. Personnel find it slightly difficult to locate past transactions, while they are more concerned about the efficiency in computing daily sales and updating customer information.}

C. Recommendation

{Enumerate your recommendations on how to effectively use the new system, how management can successfully address the problems, and show possible further studies that can be made in relation to this study. Example: The researchers came up with the following recommendations:
1. Design of automated system The researchers must design an automated system that will respond to the concerns identified in this study. The system must improve both accuracy and efficiency in the current process of managing sales and customer information. Accuracy - The system will be designed to make sure that the data is organized, with appropriately constructed databases with the required tables, fields and relationships. The database must be designed where required fields must not be left blank, to ensure completeness of data. The computations of transactions must also be done accurately. The formulas and functions, input and output interfaces must be designed well in order to achieve correct computation results in sales data. Efficiency – The researchers will design the system interface to allow users to easily input, edit, and delete data. The system will also be designed to allow quick searches through different fields of the database. Lastly, the system will allow users to easily generate daily, monthly, and annual sales reports.
2. Familiarization of staff and supervisors on the proper use of the system In order for the system to be effective and efficient, the users must be given a thorough orientation on the changes to the work process, and training on the use of the computerized system. The researchers will also do testing together with the users until the system is well integrated into the company’s work process.
3. Documentation The company’s staff and supervisors will receive the following documentation as reference in using and troubleshooting the system: user manual, troubleshooting guide, and procedures for backup, recovery and installation (Appendix G).}

APPENDICES

A. Letter asking permission

{ June 10, 2007

Stuart Meer
Meer Trading Inc.
Barcelona St.
Libis, Quezon City

Dear Mr. Meer:

Greetings!

We are students of Informatics International College Quezon City taking up BS Computer Science and Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies Courses. We would like to ask your permission to conduct our study in your organization. We plan to conduct a survey and interviews and eventually develop an I.T.-based solution for your company.

We will appreciate your assistance to make the completion of this study possible.

Yours truly,

Martin E. Chua Jose H. Mercado Myrna O. Perez

Noted:

James A. Martino
Adviser

Approved:

Stuart Meer
President}

B. Questionnaire

{Name: ____________________ Position: ____________________ Date: __________

Indicate if the statements below happen
1 – Aways, 2 – Often, 3 – Sometimes, 4 – Rarely, 5 – Never

1. Accuracy

a. ___ Customers can specify exactly what design or product they want to order.
b. ___ I correctly take note of customers’ specifications for their orders.
c. ___ The amount to be paid by customers is computed correctly based on the specifications.
d. ___ Customers are advised correctly about the amount to be paid.
e. ___ Customers are advised correctly on the date when the orders can be picked up.

2. Efficiency

a. ___ Customers find it easy to visit our store and view our product selections.
b. ___ Customers find it easy to view and choose from our wide selection of designs.
c. ___ I can quickly record the job orders of customers.
d. ___ I can easily retrieve information on job orders to check their status.
e. ___ I can easily update information on job orders.
f. ___ I can easily record and retrieve customer information (name, address, phone number, etc.)

3. Security

a. ___ The job order records are secure and not missing.
b. ___ The job order records are accessed only by authorized persons.}

REFERENCES

{Acedo, C. (1999). Teachers supply and demand in the Philippines. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank.

Blaxter, M. (1976). Social class and health inequalities. In C. Carter & J. Peel (Eds.), Equalities and inequalities in health (pp. 120-135). London: Academic Press.

Huitt, W. (2003). Types of studies in scientific research. Retrieved September 25, 2006, from http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/intro/research.html

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

Zuckerman, F. (1998). Development of environmental policies for Jameson paper mills. Unpublished master’s thesis. Curtin University of Technology, Australia.

DESCRIPTION: References follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This list must be alphabetically arranged. The sample list above shows references for different types of publications. The first reference is for a book, the second is for an article or chapter in a book, the third is an Internet/Web article, the fourth is for a newspaper or magazine article, and the fifth is a thesis.}

CURRICULA VITAE

{All researchers must include their curricula vitae or resumé in this section. Include professional, educational and personal information. Personal information must not include details like telephone numbers, mobile numbers and addresses.}