Republic of the Philippines

Northeastern Mindanao State University

Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
Thesis Proposal

Title: Investigating the Implementation and Impact of Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation
Guidelines on Research Quality: A Case Study of North Eastern Mindanao State University

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the implementation and impact of thesis and dissertation
guidelines provided by the Graduate School of North Eastern Mindanao State University
(NEMSU) on the quality of graduate research. Using a sequential exploratory mixed methods
approach, the study will first explore graduate students' and faculty members' perceptions of
the guidelines through qualitative interviews and focus groups. The findings will then inform
a quantitative phase that evaluates the relationship between adherence to these guidelines and
research quality as measured by thesis and dissertation grades and feedback. This research
seeks to provide insights into how well the guidelines are understood and applied, and their
influence on academic outcomes.

Introduction

Background of the Study

Thesis and dissertation guidelines are critical in ensuring the quality and consistency of
graduate research. North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) provides specific
guidelines to help students produce high-quality research. However, there is limited empirical
research on how these guidelines affect the overall quality of graduate theses and dissertations.

Statement of the Problem

While guidelines are established to standardize and improve the quality of graduate research,
there is a need to assess how effectively they are implemented and their actual impact on
research quality at NEMSU. This study will address the gap by examining the perceptions of
stakeholders and evaluating the correlation between adherence to guidelines and research
quality.

Objectives of the Study

 Republic of the Philippines
Northeastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
1. To explore graduate students’ and faculty members’ perceptions of the thesis and
dissertation guidelines at NEMSU.

2. To assess the impact of adherence to these guidelines on the quality of graduate theses
and dissertations.

3. To identify any gaps or challenges in the implementation of the guidelines.

Research Questions

1. How do graduate students and faculty members perceive the thesis and dissertation
guidelines at NEMSU?

2. What is the relationship between adherence to the guidelines and the quality of graduate
research outputs?

3. What challenges and gaps exist in the implementation of these guidelines?

Significance of the Study

This research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of thesis and dissertation
guidelines at NEMSU. Findings will help improve guideline implementation, enhance the
quality of graduate research, and offer recommendations for policy adjustments or additional
support mechanisms.

Scope and Delimitations

The study will focus on graduate students and faculty members at NEMSU involved in thesis
and dissertation work. It will examine the implementation and impact of guidelines specific to
NEMSU and may not generalize to other institutions with different guidelines or policies.

Literature Review

Theoretical Framework

The study will be grounded in theories of academic quality and educational policy
implementation. Theories such as the Quality Assurance Framework and Implementation
Theory will provide a basis for understanding how guidelines affect research quality and their
practical challenges.

Review of Guidelines and Standards

 Republic of the Philippines
Northeastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
Previous research indicates that clear and comprehensive guidelines contribute to higher
research quality. Studies on similar guidelines in other institutions highlight the importance of
consistent enforcement and the need for ongoing support and feedback mechanisms.

Challenges in Implementation

The literature also identifies common challenges, such as lack of awareness, inconsistent
application, and insufficient support. Understanding these challenges will help in assessing the
effectiveness of NEMSU's guidelines.

Methodology

Research Design

A sequential exploratory mixed methods design will be employed, consisting of two phases:

1. Qualitative Phase:

o Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with graduate

students and faculty members to explore their perceptions and experiences with
the guidelines.

o Data Analysis: Thematic analysis to identify key themes and issues related to
the implementation and impact of the guidelines.

2. Quantitative Phase:

o Data Collection: Analysis of thesis and dissertation grades, feedback from

faculty reviewers, and adherence checklists to measure the relationship between
guideline adherence and research quality.

o Data Analysis: Statistical analysis to evaluate correlations and assess the

impact of guideline adherence on research quality.

Sampling

• Qualitative Phase: Purposive sampling of graduate students and faculty members

involved in thesis and dissertation work.

• Quantitative Phase: Stratified random sampling of theses and dissertations from

various departments at NEMSU.
 Republic of the Philippines
Northeastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical standards, including obtaining informed consent from
participants, ensuring confidentiality, and addressing any potential biases.

Budget and Timeline

Estimated Budget

• Data Collection: $600 (for recording equipment, transcription services, and participant
incentives)

• Materials: $200 (for survey tools and data analysis software)

• Miscellaneous: $200 (for printing, administrative expenses)

Total: $1,000

Timeline

• Month 1-2: Literature review and development of data collection instruments.

• Month 3-4: Qualitative data collection and analysis.

• Month 5-6: Design and implementation of the quantitative phase.

• Month 7: Data analysis and interpretation.

• Month 8: Writing and revision of the final report.

References

A comprehensive list of references will include sources related to academic quality, guideline
implementation, and relevant research studies. All references will follow the required citation
style.
 Republic of the Philippines
Northeastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
Analysis of Proposal Contents

Strengths

1. Comprehensive Approach: The sequential exploratory mixed methods design allows

for a thorough examination of both perceptions and quantitative outcomes, providing a
well-rounded view of the guidelines' effectiveness.

2. Relevance and Impact: The research addresses a specific need at NEMSU, aiming to
improve the quality of graduate research by evaluating existing guidelines.

3. Practical Implications: The findings will offer actionable recommendations for

improving guideline implementation and support mechanisms, directly benefiting the
academic community at NEMSU.

Weaknesses

1. Scope Limitation: The focus on a single institution may limit the generalizability of
the findings to other universities with different guidelines or contexts.

2. Data Availability: Accessing and analyzing existing thesis and dissertation data might
be challenging, especially if there are inconsistencies in record-keeping or if certain
data are confidential.

3. Potential Biases: The perceptions gathered in qualitative interviews may be subjective

and influenced by individual experiences, which could impact the overall analysis.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Broaden Scope: Consider comparing findings with similar studies from other
institutions to enhance the generalizability of the results. This could provide a more
comprehensive view of how guidelines impact research quality across different
contexts.

2. Enhance Data Collection: Ensure robust data collection methods by collaborating with
the institution’s administrative bodies to access accurate and comprehensive data on
thesis and dissertation submissions.

3. Address Biases: Use multiple data sources and triangulation to validate findings and
mitigate potential biases from qualitative data. Incorporate feedback from a diverse
range of stakeholders to ensure a balanced perspective.
 Republic of the Philippines
Northeastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

GRADUATE SCHOOL
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. Expand Budget: If feasible, increase the budget to cover additional expenses such as
participant incentives, advanced data analysis tools, or extended research time to ensure
thorough and high-quality research.

Conclusion

The proposed study aims to critically evaluate the implementation and impact of thesis and
dissertation guidelines at NEMSU. By employing a mixed methods approach, the research
seeks to provide valuable insights into how well these guidelines are followed and their effects
on research quality. Addressing the identified weaknesses and incorporating suggestions for
improvement will enhance the study's rigor and relevance, ultimately contributing to the
betterment of graduate research practices at NEMSU.