General Guidelines on Manuscript Preparation

The Research and Publication Office (RPO) is mandated to ensure the quality and
uniformity of research work in the pillars of the World Citi Colleges. These guidelines will help
in attaining the said mission in delivering quality research work in the academic community. Also,
authors are advised to properly subject their paper to plagiarism detection, grammar checking
software or expert, and readability prior to submission since research value begins with writer.
They should apply the corrections indicated and append the first and final reports.

The researcher must observe the following:

Abbreviation

 Spell out names, expressions, acronyms or unfamiliar abbreviations for the first time; use
the abbreviated equivalent on the subsequent instances.
 Spell out stand-alone unit of measurement, except for instances when it comes with a
figure (e.g. kg for kilogram; 9 kg for nine kilogram
 Spell out any number used as first element of the sentence.
 Use the word equivalent for numbers 0-9, numerals for numbers 10 and above.
 Do not use full point and a space for abbreviation of titles (e.g. PhD, MA).

Correct Usage

 Foreign word(s) or expression(s) must have equivalent meaning in English.

 Use italics to highlight a word (usually foreign) or technical terms when they are first
introduced, whether or not it comes within a direct statement in quotation marks.
 Double quotation marks are used to enclose quotes within text which is itself quoted.
 Use letters and close parenthesis for enumeration (e.g. a) sifting of seeds; b) drying of
seeds).
 Use gender-sensitive language (e.g. fire fighter for fireman).
 Use slashes if two terms are possible to establish gender sensitivity (e.g. He/She, or
simply use They).
 Use Latin abbreviations such as e.g., i.e., etc., et al. for expressions with parentheses.
Elsewhere they should be used using their English equivalents.
 Spell out the word “and” when used to connect two or more names of authors, phrases or
clauses. When these are enclosed in parentheses as in in-text citation, the author should
use the ampersand (&) tan its spelled out equivalent (and).
 Use the symbols f (for frequency in italics) and % (for per cent) in tabular presentation of
research results. The word equivalent should be used in gtext except for instances when
the word “per cent” comes with a numeral.
 Use the expression per cent in its spelled out version when used as a stand - alone
expression; use in symbol equivalent when it comes with a figure e.g. per cent; 5%
Fonts

 Times New Roman, 12 font size all throughout the manuscript; 10 font size for tables
 Italics for foreign words, including scientific names
 Uppercase for heads
 Boldface, sentence case for side- heads

Indention

 All paragraphs must be properly indented by 0.5 inch

Length

 Abstract must have 200-400 words

Margin

 1.25 inch for left side, 1 inch for other sides

 Right margin must be justified

Pagination

 Rib page should be numbered using roman numerals

 Number serially all pages, including tables, appendices, and references.
 Page number should be written below the right hand corner of the paper.

Paper size

 8.5 x 11 inch

Spacing

 Double – space

Spelling preference

 Use standard American English (e.g. favor not favour)

Table and figure headings

 No color fill
 Table head should be in sentence case
 Do not use full point at the end of the table heading
 Do not set table head and column labels in boldface.
 Move each table to the center; table heading should be placed on top of the table it
describes flushed to the left.
  Figure heading should be placed below the figure.
 Headings do not include capitals for all capitals for all content words; only the first letter
of the first word should be capitalized
 Avoid such expressions as “In the following table….” Or “As can be seen in the figure
above…”. In the printed version, these elements may need to be repositioned due to
constraints of page layout. Generally, long tables and/or space-consuming figures are
removed when the data presented in this manner are already reported in the text which
needlessly repeats the obvious data.
 Each table should have three horizontal lines only without vertical lines.
 Figure heading should be placed below the figure.
 Present only summary tables of descriptive data, statistical tables with significant results
and do not present charts and graphs if data are presented in tabular form as this is
redundant.

Sample table for quantitative study:

Table 1. Comparison of ICT knowledge level among teachers and students

Computer Applications Teachers Students

Advanced Advanced
PC Basics**
(3.11) (3.17)
Advanced Advanced
MS Word*
(2.85) (2.76)
Intermediate Intermediate
MS Excel*
(2.46) (2.25)
Intermediate Intermediate
MS PowerPoint*
(2.49) (2.26)
Advanced Advanced
Internet Application*
(2.62) (2.52)
Advanced Advanced
Overall*
(2.71) (2.59)
* Items where the ICT knowledge level of the teachers is higher than that of the students.

** Items where the ICT knowledge level of the teachers is lower than that of the students.

Example table for qualitative study:

Table 1. Female stereotypes portrayed in the three films

Films Leading Behavior Physical

Female Appearance
Characters Interactions Intelligence
  The words. Table and Figure, should be spelled out with the number.
 Place a zero before the decimal in numbers less than 1 (e.g. 0.25)
 Figures should consist only of simple line drawings, computer-generated graphics or
good quality black and white photographs.
 Photographs should be original figures that are not electronically enhanced and submitted
in a jpeg or png file.
 Label of figures should be of such a size so that these are still legible even after reducing
the size by as much as 50%.
 Use preferably Adobe Photoshop CS, Adobe Indesign CS, and/or PDF computer
generated graphics.

VERB TENSE

Use past tense when:

 Discussing the research methodology and reporting the findings

 Referring to a statement(s) of other researches
 Citing previous research in your article
 Discussing a fact, research results or law that is no longer considered valid and relevant.

Use present tense when:

 Discussing the findings, that hold true up to the present, and their implications
 Stating general truths or facts or conclusions supported by scientific findings that are
unlikely to change-this may be anything that is universally accepted to be true. To refer
to the article, thesis or dissertation itself.
 Referring to the research manuscript itself, its contents including illustrations, texts, and
the like

Use present tense when:

 Stating recommendations

HEAD WORD PLACEMENT

 Move to the center and set in bold-uppercase all main heads (ABSTRACT,
ACKNOWLEDEMENT, TABLE OF CONTENTS, LIST OF FIGURES, LIST OF
APPENDICES, CHAPTER I, CHAPTER II, CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV,
 INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY, RESULTS, DISCUSSION, REFERENCES,
APPENDIX)

Title Page

 Boldface
 Uppercase the title of the research study

Name of the Author(s)

 Provide middle initial in the author’s (or names of the authors for team research), if
applicable.
 Set in uppercase
 Boldface
CONTENT AND OUTLINE OF THE THESIS

World Citi Colleges theses follow a writing format called IMRad, which has increasingly
become popular organizational structure used in scientific journals. It has four major
components:

 Introduction: What is the problem?

 Materials and Methods: How can the problem be solved?
 Results: What was found?
 Discussion: What does it mean?

Overall, based on the above, final theses will contain the following:

Preliminaries (Front Matter)

Title Page
Signature Page
Certification of Proof-reading
Copyright Statement
Acknowledgements and Dedications
Abstract and Keywords
Table of Contents
List of tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices

Chapter I. Introduction
Rationale
Literature Review
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Hypotheses (if there are any)
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Definition of Terms

Chapter II. Methodology

Research Design
Research Locale and Sampling Procedures
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedures
Statistical Treatment of Data
Ethical Considerations (if necessary)
Chapter III. Results
Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

Chapter IV. Discussion

Conclusions
Recommendations

Abstract

The Abstract should contain topic introduction, chief purpose/aim, method (design, techniques,
and optional sub-parts, instruments, statistical treatment), results, conclusions /implications and
traditional research. (optional)

Abstract must be at least 200-400 words

Key Words

 Indicate the discipline of the study, concepts studied, research design/process and setting
of the study as key words
 Set keywords in sentence case.


CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

The Introduction should contain:

First Section

 Global situational analysis of the problem supported by the literature from different
continents.

Second Section

 Regional situational analysis supported by literature from the region of the study.

Third Section

 Local situational analysis of the problem

Fourth Section

 Gap in the literature from the literature reviews that the study intends to find
 Differences of the study from other previous studies
 Compelling reasons of the writer for choosing the problem
Craft the Introduction relatively nontechnical yet clear enough for an informed reader to
understand the manuscript’s contribution.

Use several sources with several authors embedded in a sentence.

 Utilize research review papers and scientific sources preferably from subscription
journals because they are more authoritative and credible.

Note: Basic research and other types of research may follow a different format.

Framework

 (Optional for experimental researches)

 It should contain basic explication of the meaning of the variables of the study.
 Present the framework in either schematic or textual form merging the theories discussed
in which the study was anchored.
 Remove diagram unless very essential

CHAPTER II: METHODOLOGY

For QUALITATIVE:

Methodological Perspective
Context of the Study
Participants of the Study
Data Gathering Procedure
Data Analysis Procedure
Subjectivity of the Researcher
Instrumentation (Appendix)
 Construct, try-out, reliability and validity
Research Ethics Protocol (Appendix)
 Informed Consent
 Clearance from the Ethics Review Board
 Permit from the head of the indigenous people of the research sites.


For QUANTITATIVE:

Research Design
Population and Sampling
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
 Construct, try-out, reliability and validity(Appendix)
Research Ethics Protocol (Appendix)
 Informed Consent
  Clearance from the Ethics Review Board
 Permit from the head of the indigenous people of the research sites.
 Representative of animal welfare society for clinical studies involving
animals (Experimental)
Data Gathering Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data
CHAPTER III: RESULTS

Answers to SOP/Objectives
Use keywords from SOP/objectives as side- head of the Results
Summary tables and significant results
Long tables with brimming data should be avoided especially when the text can stand to
discuss and/or explain the data

CHAPTER IV: DISCUSSION

Highlights salient findings of the study supported by global, regional and local
Intercontinental literature support of the data (in-text citation)
Validation of the theory used (integrated)
Provide a critique on the methods and theories used in the last paragraph.
Conclusion
 Broken down number by number in accordance to the number
arrangement of the Statement of the Problem
 Highlight new discovery (if any) that you obtained only after completing
the study, something (not found in the literature) which contributes to new
knowledge.
 This section supports or negates previous conclusions, validates theory
used and /or generates new theory.

Recommendation

 Write recommendations only for national, regional, and global

significance and application.

References

 Use referencing softwares such as Endnote and Medeley. Writers must

submit screenshot of their accounts in Endnote and Mendeley.

Spacing :

 Double space in between referenced literature items; single space in

between lines of each literature sited.
DEFENSE PROCEDURES FOR THESIS WRITERS

A. PROPOSAL DEFENSE
For those students who have approved title form their thesis seminar

Step 1: Secure your GS Form 1 (Request for research consultants) from the
office of GS office and have the form signed by the consultants for proposal
defense.

Step 2: Contact the secretary of GS office for your schedule and things that you
will need to prepare for the defense.

Proposal Stage: (Time duration 50 to 60 minutes)

1. Introduction of the candidate, advisory and evaluation committee by the

Adviser.
2. Prayer, presentation (using PowerPoint) of his/her proposal for 10 to 15
minutes by the Candidates.
3. Q and A, suggestions, comments for 30 to 35 minutes (presided by the chair)
4. Reading of comments and suggestions of the members of the panel by the
secretary.

Contents of the Manuscript:

▪ Title Author and Adviser

▪ Rationale
▪ Framework
▪ Statement of the Problem
▪ Research Design
▪ Participants/Respondents & Locale
▪ Data Analysis
▪ Proposed Instrument

* Contents of the PowerPoint Presentation

 Title and Name of the Author and Adviser
 Rationale (Brief intro and reasons behind the conduct of the study)
 Statement of the Problem, Framework, Research Design and Respondents)
 Proposed Questionnaires/Instrument

* Research proposal (softcopy, pdf, and word) must be submitted to the secretary 3-4
days before the date of defense.
*The defense will be online via Zoom Video conferencing /CLASH IN or Face to Face (if
possible) Schedule of Defense will be posted.

NOTE: After the defense, request your GS FORM 3 (Questionnaire approval form) to the
Secretary.

B. PRE-ORAL DEFENSE

Step 1: Download GS Form 2 (Request for a schedule of Defense) and have the form
signed by the consultants for pre-oral defense.

Step 2: Contact the secretary for your schedule and things that you will need to
prepare for the pre-oral defense.

Pre-Oral Stage: (Time duration 60 to 70 minutes – online / face to face)

1. Introduction of the candidate, advisory and evaluation committee by the

Adviser.
2. Prayer, presentation (using PowerPoint) of his/her paper for 25 to 30 minutes
by the Candidates.
3. Q and A, suggestions, comments for 30 to 35 minutes (presided by the chair)
4. Reading of comments and suggestions of the members of the panel by the
secretary.
5. Deliberation among the panel and announcement of the grade by the chair
(70%)

Contents of the Manuscript:

(Include the comments and suggestions of the panelists)

Preliminaries
Title Page
Signature Page
Certification of Proof-reading
Copyright Statement
Acknowledgements and Dedications
Abstract and Keywords
Table of Contents
List of tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices

Chapter I. Introduction
Rationale
Literature Review
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
 Statement of the Problem
Hypotheses (if there are any)
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Definition of Terms

Chapter II. Methodology

Research Design
Research Locale and Sampling Procedures
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedures
Statistical Treatment of Data
Ethical Considerations (if necessary)

For QUALITATIVE:
Methodological Perspective
Context of the Study
Participants of the Study
Data Gathering Procedure
Data Analysis Procedure
Subjectivity of the Researcher
Instrumentation (Appendix)
Research Ethics Protocol (Appendix)

For QUANTITATIVE:
Research Design
Population and Sampling
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
Research Ethics Protocol (Appendix)
Data Gathering Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data
Chapter III. Results
Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

Chapter IV. Discussion

Conclusions
Recommendations
Reference Materials
Bibliography
Appendices
Contents of the PowerPoint Presentation
 Title and Name of the Author and Adviser
 Comments and Suggestions of the Members of the Panel
 Statement of the Problem, Framework, Research Design and Respondents)
 Questionnaires/Instrument
 Significant Findings of the Study
 Recommendations

* Manuscript (softcopy, pdf, and word) must be submitted to the secretary 5-6 days
before the date of defense.

*The defense will be online via Zoom Video conferencing /CLASH IN or Face to
Face (if possible). Schedule of Defense will be posted.

C. ORAL/FINAL DEFENSE

Step 1: Download GBA Form 2 (Request for a schedule of Defense) and have the
form signed by the consultants for the oral/final defense.

Step 2: Contact the secretary for your schedule and things that you will need to
prepare for the oral/final defense.

Oral Stage: (Time duration 30 to 40 minutes – online / face to face)

1. Prayer, presentation of the rebuttal sheet (using PowerPoint) for 15 to 20

minutes by the Candidates.
2. Verification and Approval of the members of the panel on the action done by
the candidates as reflected in the rebuttal presentation (Presided by the Chair)
3. Deliberation among the panel and announcement of the grade by the chair
(30%)

*Contents of the PowerPoint Presentation:

Title and Name of the Author and Adviser
Rebuttal Sheet

* Manuscript (softcopy, pdf, and word) must be submitted to the secretary 3-4 days
before the date of defense.

*The defense will be online via Zoom Video conferencing /CLASH IN or Face to
Face (if possible). Schedule of Defense will be posted.
COMMITTEES AND PANELS

Thesis Committee

The committee is responsible in reading and approving prospectus submitted

by the students. It also makes appropriate recommendations to researchers about
how they might improve their research topic. All decisions of the committee is final.
The committee is composed of program heads, the Graduate Studies Coordinator of
the College, and the Dean acting as Chairperson. All decision of the committee will
be communicated to students.

Defense Panel
The Defense Panel is responsible in reading, evaluating, and grading Proposals and Final
Thesis submissions. As scheduled by the College of Deans, the panel will conduct Proposal and
Final Thesis defenses. Thesis panels are composed of members. Thesis panels are composed of
5 members.

Chairperson (Dean, Program, Director, or Serves as the facilitator of the defense. Calls
Appointed) the meeting to order and makes sure
procedures and protocols are being followed.
The chairperson makes sure that all questions
addressed to the student are fair, and that the
grading process is also impartial. The
chairperson is also expected to be a
methodology expert.
Member 1 Expected to be a content expert, this panelist
is a member of the College faculty to help
evaluate the research. This member takes
careful attention to the originality of the
research, its contribution to the field of
knowledge, and the contemporaneity of the
topic. He /she must be present in both the
proposal and final defenses.
Member 2 This panel is content expert or a specialized
practitioner from other university. He/she
functions like member 1.
Member 3 This panel is content expert or a specialized
practitioner from other university. He/she
functions like member 1.
 Adviser Advisers guide the research and writing
process by evaluating and providing feedback
for the students’ ideas and proposals. Works
with the students as independent study mentor
for the thesis. Handles five advisees
(maximum) to supervise and assist during the
oral defenses.
GRADING

The grading rubric for thesis proposals and final work follows the Graduate School’s grading
format. Each panel member – excluding the adviser –will give student marks according to the
Table of grading below. The student must be informed of their grade by the Chairperson at the
conclusion of his/her oral defense.

Grade Point Equivalence Remarks

1.0 99-100 Excellent
1.1 97-98 Superior
1.2 95-96 Superior
1.3 93-94 Very Satisfactory
1.4 91-92 Very Satisfactory
1.5 90 Satisfactory
1.6 89 Satisfactory
1.7 88 Fairly Satisfactory
1.8 87 Fairly Satisfactory
1.9 86 Barely Satisfactory
2.0 85 Barely Satisfactory
Below 2.0 Below 85 Unsatisfactory/Failed

FORMS

The following forms that students need to use in the process of their thesis writing. Students
must contact their College Dean’s Office to access these documents.

GS Form 1 Thesis Topic Approval

GS Form 2 Request for Thesis Proposal /Pre-Oral/Final Defense Schedule

GS Form 3 Questionnaire Approval

Criteria for Grading System

Adopted from Research and Publication Office and Wesleyan University-Philippines

Thesis/Dissertation Handbook
Prepared by: Noted by:

ANICIA S. VELASCO DR. ELENITA M. TIAMZON

Research Coordinator Head of Research and Publication

DR. ESTRELITA D.C. BAGSIC

Dean of Graduate School

MARK FREDERICK L. REGINO

Campus Manager

Approved by:

MA. CRISTINA J. ESTIOCO, RN, MAN

AVP for Education