Proposal Reporting

First, Choosing a Topic

Always check the initial feasibility of the title with these 5-Ws and 1-H questions namely:
- What are you going to do/what do intend to achieve? (Aim and Objectives)
- Why is this topic important? (relevance and your contribution)
- Who will you include in your study? (respondents, secondary data, and content)
- Where are you going to carry out your study? (scope and limitations)
- When will you carry out your study? (timeline)
- How will you carry out your research? (Methodology)

The Proposal/Synopsis Format - A proposal is usually the first hands-on view of a researcher about the
research to be understudied. It grants insight to a reader about what the proposed research should look like.
Every proposal must contain the following items. It should be formatted as thus:
Paper Style: A4
Line Spacing/Font Size: Single, 10-points (see Sample Proposal)
Reference(s): Mendeley, Zotero, JabRef, X9
- Executive Summary [1page] gives a little backdrop of the work, clearly states just one or two issues
that motivated the study, clearly and concisely states the methodology to be adopted for the study (as
well as notes if the study is an extension of a previous work), states expected results to be achieved,
and details the cost implication of the study.

- Background of Study [2-3pages] – Describes the topic from various author viewpoint, whom have
earlier written on the topic. Do so chronologically so that you follow the trend and see the problems
previous authors experienced in the past. Please, place the citation (in-text) properly and where
necessary.

- Problem Statement / Study Motivation [1page] – clearly and concisely points out the issues cum
problems you have identified and/or discovered, as being the reasons for embarking on this study.
These forms the focal issues to be addressed and they must be S.M.A.R.T (i.e. specific, measureable,
achievable, reusable and/or robust, and time dependent).

- Aim / Objectives [1page] – The aim is what the research aims to achieve. The objectives are specific,
achievable outcomes (i.e. milestones) that as you achieve – leads to ultimately, reaching the aim. They
must be measurable.

- Study Justification/Rationale [1page] – clearly states/defines what your research will finally address
and how it will impact on the immediate society – while, having a global perspective.

- Literature Review [2-3pages] – gives a detailed, general description of the research topic being
investigated. So, we must have atleast 3-sections namely: (1) review of related literature as displayed
by the Meta-Analysis Table 2.1 – which shows (i) Authors/Date/Title of work, (ii) Objective of work,
(iii) Adopted Methodology, (iv) Findings/strengths, and (v) Gaps – all from previous studies you
already researched, (2) knowledge gaps and conceptual review as detailed in next section, and (2)
summary of literatures as in Table 2.2. with features, their relevance and gaps on both previous studies
and how your proposed method curb all that.
For Under-Graduate(s) study, the proposal should not have any less than 30-references
For Post-Graduate(PGD) study, the proposal should not have any less than 40-references
For Post-Graduate(MSc) study, the proposal should not have any less than 50-references
For Post-Graduate(Ph.D) study, the proposal should not have any less than 75-references

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- Knowledge Gaps Identified [1-2pages] – from the Table 2.1 – the researcher must identify the
various knowledge gaps from the various authors’ standpoint. S(he) must also be able to: (a) itemize
these knowledge gaps explicitly, clearly and concisely, and (b) s(he) must be able to introduce various
technologies, model and framework (features and characteristics) that can help him/her to resolve the
identified gaps from the various knowledge shared therein. That is, s(he) must show what technology,
means and the technical procedures needed to support his/her argument in a bid to resolve the gaps.
Thus, going forward, the researcher should be able to identify and concisely state clearly the features-
technologies-systems: (a) to adopt that will help resolve the gaps found, (b) why they should be
adopted, (c) its relevance (i.e. positive and negative effect these feature(s) will impact on the ongoing
research), (d) selection of feature(s) to ensure that the research adopts/blends all the various strengths
gained from the previous works, with none of its weaknesses.

- Proposed Methodology [2-3pages] – describes the adopted method for your research. This has to be
accomplished in 3-phases namely: (a) Phase-1: Analysis of the Existing System, (b) Phase-2: Proposed
System Description, and (c) Phase-3: Proposed System Implementation.

Phase I: Analysis of the Existing System

Describe how the Existing Itemize the gaps in the

System works Existing System

Draw how Data flows in

Existing System → DFD
(Data Flow Diagram)

Phase II: Proposed System Description

Describe SE concept/UML - Data Collection
how new - Use-Case - Instrument
system will - Sequence Diag. - Procedure
work… - Activity Diag. - Ethical Consid.
- State Chart - Data Cleaning
- Interaction Diag. - Data Dictionary
Draw new - High Order Sys
improved - Behavioral view
flow-chart

Phase III: Proposed System Implementation

Experiment Performance - Data Collection
- Testbed setup Metrics - Instrument
- Input/Output - Confusion Matrix - Procedure
- Algorithm - F1/Precision/ Recall - Ethical Consid.
- Data Design - Execution/Response - Data Cleaning
- Flowchart Time - Data Dictionary
- HW/SW Req. - Throughput
- Training Result - Scalability
- Testing Mode - Benchmarking
- Security Issues - Discussion of Find
- Sys Conversion

- Expected Result [1-2pages] – What does the researcher expects to uncover as the intended research
result vis-à-vis or in relation to the stated aim and objectives. Where research questions and hypothesis

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 statement are applicable, the report should seek ways to address the formulated questions using the
various hypothesis.

- Work-plan/Time Frame Using Gantt Chart [1page] – see table 1 below

Sample Work-Plan / Time Frame
Time Line from September 2022 to April 2023
Description Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
Study of Existing System / Data Collection
Model Development / Programming
In-Sample and Out-Sample
Interpretation of Results
Report Writing

Description: This research will span period of __ months during which we will: (a) ascertain goodness
of the existing system – its internal workings and the bottlenecks therein, (b) collect daily, monthly
and yearly data from relevant bodies etc, (c) develop the framework and system for in-sample/out-
sample analysis of data, and (d) interpret finding and compare results to those of other models.

- Budgetary Allocation [1-2pages] – see table 2 below

Sample Budgetary Table
S/N ITEM/OPERATION Number UNIT COST TOTAL (N)
Personnel Cost / Allowances
1.1. Co-Researcher (8-Months) 25,000 200,000
1.2 Programmer (8-Months) 25,000 200,000
1.3 Visual Content Creator (8-Months) 25,000 200,000
1.4 Proof-Reader (4weeks) 50,000-in-all 50,000
Sub-Total N 450,000
2.0. Equipment / Tool
2.1. 15” Mac-Air Notebook (spec): 1 $1700 @N480 816,000
1.7GHz Intel Core i7 with 8GB 1600MHz DDR3
with Intel HD Graphics 5000 1536 MB
2.2. Laptop Computer (spec.): 1 120,000 120,000
15” HP Laptop with Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i7, 2.2GHz speed
Screen: 17.3 Inch 1080 x 1920 Resolution
AMD Radeon HD 7690, Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 8GB DDR3 and Hard Disk: 1TB. 7200
2.3 HP LaserJet Printer with 1200x1200 dpi 1 65,000 65,000
2.4. Internet Subscription (4G-Lite Smile) (8-months) 10,000 80,000
2.5. Scientific License of MATLAB 2013b 1 $295 @N480 141,600
Sub-Total: N 1,222,600
3.0. Miscellaneous
3.1 Tonner 2 18,000 36,000
Paper rims (80gm) 1 box 6,000 6,000
Pens and Markers NIL 400 400
3.2 Backup Storage Device (Western Digital) 1 N35,000 / 2TB 35,000
3.3 Subscription of WestGrid to run ACO 3weeks 100,000/week 300,000
Sub-Total: N 377,400
GRAND-TOTAL N2,000,000

- References – gives a detailed descriptions of authorities used in the course of reporting this research.
There are various reference styles namely: APA, IEEE, Chicago, MLA etc. Each researcher must
strictly adhere to the reference style adopted by either the Department, Faculty/College, or Publishing

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 House. Whatever articles are cited in the body of the research must appear at the references section.
And every cited work in the reference must also appear in the body of the work. The essence is to
ensure originality.

For References – We expect the main references to be from reviewed journals articles published,
Conference proceedings and Textbook(s) – where applicable. All references should be to the most pertinent,
up-to-date sources. Sample agreed number of references are as thus:
- B.Sc. – 50-references++ - M.Sc. – 80-references++ - Ph.D. – over 100-references
For a Project (BSc), Dissertation (MSc) and Thesis (MPhil/Ph.D) – we expect a minimum of 40-for BSc,
50-for MSc and 60-for MPhil/Ph.D references entries. References are written in APA style. References can
either be by narration: e.g. Akazue et al., (2022) investigated the food distribution using blockchain
model…etc, or by in-text/parenthesis: e.g. …study is targeted at implementing SmartBeef blockchain to
effective manage the safety and security of the livestock (Akazue et al., 2022, 2023).
Some sample in-text citation can be done as thus: (Akazue et al., 2022, 2023; Brunton et al., 2020; Crawford
et al., 2020; Divayana, 2021; Eboka & Ojugo, 2020; Eghwerido et al., 2021; Géron, 2017; Haipinge et al.,
2022; Komolafe et al., 2020; Muxtorjonovna, 2020; Obasi, Nwele et al., 2020; Ojugo & Yoro, 2021; Piegat,
2014; Psaros et al., 2022; Saxena & Rajpoot, 2021; Shahane et al., 2019; Shroff et al., 2021; Toivonen et
al., 2009; Udeze et al., 2022; Yoro, Aghware, Akazue, et al., 2023; Yoro, Aghware, Malasowe, et al., 2023).
- It is very good practice to use articles in referred journals and texts. Please and as much as possible,
refrain from using and making references to in-text citations from newspapers, magazines, Wikipedia
and blogs. These sources have not passed through the required scrutiny.
- Use software such as Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero, X9 to generate the references used in the study for
in-text citations and reference management and formatting, and choose APA style. Please use a
consistent format for references-see examples (10-point):
- Use Grammarly to correct all forms of typos, grammatical spellings and phrases etc
- Use TurnitIn (recommended) or iThenticate (recommended) to reduce the similarity index to an
acceptable rate (between 18-to-20%). This will ensure the originality of the work and study.
- Quillbot Paraphraser – or you can harness your ingenuity to paraphrase your work.
- Acceptable reference styles for Projects, Dissertation and Thesis includes: APA, IEEE, Harvard,

The APA-Referencing Style

Journal/Periodicals – Basic Format:
Author-1, A.B., Author-2, C.D., & Author-3, E.F., (Date). “Title of paper,” Full Title of Journal/Periodical,
vol. x, (no. x), pages xxx-xxx, doi: xxx.
Examples
Baier, F., Decker, A.T., Kleickman, T., Klusmann, U., & Kunter, M., (2019). What makes a good teacher? The relative
importance of mathematics teachers’ cognitive ability, personality, knowledge beliefs, and motivations for
instructional quality, British Journal of Educational Psychology, 89(4), 767-786, doi: 10.1111/bjep.12256
Fardel, R., & Nagel, M., (2021). Fabrication of organic light emitting diode pixels by laser-assisted forward transfer,
Applied Physics Letters, 91(6): 54-67, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2759475.

Conference Proceedings – Basic Format

Author-1, F., Author-1, & Author-3, M., (Date). Title of the work, In Proceedings of the Name of the Conference,
(Location of the Conference, Country is optional), pages xxx-xxx, doi: xxx
Example:
Baier, F., Decker, A.T., Kleickman, T., Klusmann, U., & Kunter, M., (2019). Importance of mathematics teachers
cognitive ability and motivations for instructional quality, In Proc. of the 12th Conference of British
Association of Educational Psychology, (Minneapolis-Indiana, USA), 767-786, doi: 10.1111/bjep.12256
Fardel, R., & Nagel, M., (2021). Fabrication of organic light emitting diode pixels by laser-assisted forward transfer,
In Proceedings of the World Association of Science and Engineering, (Kwon-loon, Hong-Kong), 154-167,
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2759475.

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Book – Basic Format
Author-1, F., Author-1, & Author-3, M., (Date). Title of Chapter in Book or Title of Published Book, (Name of
Editor(s), x-Edition) Publisher, City of Publisher, pages xxx-xxx
Example
Géron, A. (2017). Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn and Tensorflow (D. T. Chu & T. Turner (eds.); 9th
ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

M. Dissertation (B.Sc., M.Sc.) and Thesis (Ph.D.) – Basic Format:

Author, F.K., (Date). Title of Project/Dissertation/Thesis, BSc Project/MSc. Dissertation/Ph.D Thesis, Department of
X, x-University, State, Country
Example:
Williams, J.O., (2021). Narrow-band analyzer for parametric study on thermal and chemical non-equilibrium nozzle
flow, Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Physics, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State
Nigeria.

References (Sample of Works)

Akazue, M. I., Ojugo, A. A., Yoro, R. E., Malasowe, B. O., & Nwankwo, O. (2022). Empirical evidence of phishing
menace among undergraduate smartphone users in selected universities in Nigeria. Indonesian Journal of
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 28(3), 1756–1765.
https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v28.i3.pp1756-1765
Akazue, M. I., Yoro, R. E., Malasowe, B. O., Nwankwo, O., & Ojugo, A. A. (2023). Improved services traceability
and management of a food value chain using block-chain network : a case of Nigeria. Indonesian Journal of
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 29(3), 1623–1633.
https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v29.i3.pp1623-1633
Brunton, S. L., Noack, B. R., & Koumoutsakos, P. (2020). Machine Learning for Fluid Mechanics. Annual Review of
Fluid Mechanics, 52(1), 477–508. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-fluid-010719-060214
Crawford, J., Butler-Henderson, K., & Rudolph, J. (2020). COVID-19: 20 countries’ higher education intra-period
digital pedagogy responses. Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching, 3(1).
https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2020.3.1.7
Divayana, D. G. H. (2021). Aneka-based asynchronous and synchronous learning design and its evaluation as efforts
for improving cognitive ability and positive character of students. International Journal of Modern Education
and Computer Science, 13(5), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2021.05.02
Eboka, A. O., & Ojugo, A. A. (2020). Mitigating technical challenges via redesigning campus network for greater
efficiency, scalability and robustness: A logical view. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer
Science, 12(6), 29–45. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2020.06.03
Eghwerido, J. T., Nzei, L. C., & Agu, F. I. (2021). The Alpha Power Gompertz Distribution: Characterization,
Properties, and Applications. Sankhya A: The Indian Journal of Statistics, 83(1), 449–475.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13171-020-00198-0
Géron, A. (2017). Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn and Tensorflow (D. T. Chu & T. Turner (eds.); 9th
ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Haipinge, E., Kadhila, N., & Josua, L. M. (2022). Using Digital Technology in Transforming Assessment in Higher
Education Institutions beyond COVID-19. Creative Education, 13(07), 2157–2167.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2022.137136
Komolafe, B. F., Fakayode, O. T., Osidipe, A., Zhang, F., & Qian, X. (2020). Evaluation of Online Pedagogy among
Higher Education International Students in China during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Creative Education, 11(11),
2262–2279. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2020.1111166
Muxtorjonovna, A. M. (2020). Significance Of Blended Learning In Education System. The American Journal of
Social Science and Education Innovations, 02(08), 507–511. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajssei/volume02issue08-
82
Obasi, Nwele, J., Amuche N, N., & Elias A., U. (2020). Economics of Optimizing Value Chain in Agriculture Sector
of Nigeria through Mechanised Crop Processing and Marketing. Asian Journal of Basic Science & Research,
02(01), 80–92. https://doi.org/10.38177/AJBSR.2020.2109
Ojugo, A. A., & Yoro, R. E. (2021). Forging a deep learning neural network intrusion detection framework to curb
the distributed denial of service attack. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 11(2),

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 1498–1509. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v11i2.pp1498-1509
Piegat, A. (2014). Uncertainty of Probability. Proc. 19th Triennial Congr. IEA, 56(October), 201–218.
https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.3515.7763
Psaros, A. F., Meng, X., Zou, Z., Guo, L., & Karniadakis, G. E. (2022). Uncertainty Quantification in Scientific
Machine Learning: Methods, Metrics, and Comparisons. http://arxiv.org/abs/2201.07766
Saxena, A., & Rajpoot, V. (2021). A Comparative Analysis of Association Rule Mining Algorithms. IOP Conference
Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1099(1), 012032. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-
899X/1099/1/012032
Shahane, S., Aluru, N. R., & Vanka, S. P. (2019). Uncertainty quantification in three dimensional natural convection
using polynomial chaos expansion and deep neural networks. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer,
139(October), 613–631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2019.05.014
Shroff, A., Shah, B. J., & Gajjar, H. (2021). Shelf space allocation game with private brands: a profit-sharing
perspective. Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, 20(2), 116–133. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41272-
021-00295-1
Toivonen, R., Kovanen, L., Kivelä, M., Onnela, J.-P., Saramäki, J., & Kaski, K. (2009). A comparative study of social
network models: Network evolution models and nodal attribute models. Social Networks, 31(4), 240–254.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2009.06.004
Udeze, C. L., Eteng, I. E., & Ibor, A. E. (2022). Application of Machine Learning and Resampling Techniques to
Credit Card Fraud Detection. Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 769.
https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2022.769
Yoro, R. E., Aghware, F. O., Akazue, M. I., Ibor, A. E., & Ojugo, A. A. (2023). Evidence of personality traits on
phishing attack menace among selected university undergraduates in Nigerian. International Journal of
Electrical and Computer Engineering, 13(2), 1943. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v13i2.pp1943-1953
Yoro, R. E., Aghware, F. O., Malasowe, B. O., Nwankwo, O., & Ojugo, A. A. (2023). Assessing contributor features
to phishing susceptibility amongst students of petroleum resources varsity in Nigeria. International Journal of
Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE), 13(2), 1922. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v13i2.pp1922-1931