Instructions for writing a BP/DP

In the following text you will find all the information necessary for processing bachelor's and master's theses at the Department of Information Technology.

Topics of individual educators

Faculty deadlines for applying for auditions, formal requirements and other instructions for submission
Other useful information on the ČZL Library website

The above text is generally valid for writing final theses at KIT. The supervisor may further specify the rules as needed.

The text is not intended for use outside the department.

Contents:

  1. What is a diploma/bachelor's thesis?
  2. Choosing a thesis topic – auditions
  3. Assignment
  4. Chapters of the final thesis
  5. Recommended sources of information
  6. Deadlines and credits
  7. KIT seminars
  8. Thesis defense – presentation structure
  9. Tips and recommendations
  10. Attachments

1. WHAT IS A DIPLOMA/BACHELOR'S THESIS?

Diploma and bachelor's theses (hereinafter referred to as final theses, ZP) are the first scientific works of students. It is a professional and scientific text on a given topic with a clearly defined goal. Each work contains a theoretical and practical part (more on the division is in Chapter 4). In the practical part, the student fulfills the main goal. To achieve the goal, it is necessary to use objective methods so that the result can be verified.

A final thesis should always have some generalizable benefit. It should address something new, or at least in a new way, using different methods, etc. It can build on other research and further expand, refine, or, conversely, refute it.

2. CHOOSING A THESIS TOPIC – COMPETITIONS

Students register for topics listed by specific teachers. The dates are announced by the faculty for each academic year and are binding. Registration is done through the university information system ( https://is.czu.cz/ ).

The student comes to the audition with a draft assignment (if not already posted by the teacher) and a clear idea of how to work on it. We recommend, and some teachers require, sending a draft assignment in advance. The structure of the assignment and how to work on it are described in Chapter 3. Always read the topic annotation in the information system. It may contain additional requirements and instructions.

The audition usually takes the form of a discussion of this assignment and specific aspects of the solution. The student should appear for the audition primarily according to the teacher's instructions and respect his specific requirements and deadlines.

3. ASSIGNMENT

3.1 WHAT IS AN ASSIGNMENT

The assignment is a binding document that is part of the final thesis. It is prepared together with the supervisor before starting to write the final thesis. After approval, the student must adhere to it. The assignment is entered into the ČZL Information System and is electronically approved by the thesis supervisor, head of department and dean. Changing the assignment is not possible as a standard.

The completion of the assignment is checked by the supervisor and opponent, as well as by the committee at the final exams!
The focus of the thesis must correspond to the profile of the department, field/program of study, and faculty.

3.2 STRUCTURE

Title of work
  • The title of the thesis (and the entire topic) must correspond to the focus of the department (wp) and field of study!
  • More general is better, but it must be in line with the objectives of the work (see below).
Objectives of the work

Solution area:

Methodology

The theoretical part of the thesis is based on the study and analysis of professional and scientific information sources.

The methodology contains a brief procedure for the entire solution, the methods and data used. It characterizes how the objectives of the work will be achieved, how the data will be obtained and how they will be evaluated.

Based on the synthesis of the theoretical part and the evaluation of the results of the practical part, the conclusions of the thesis will be formulated.

Keywords

6 to 10 basic terms closely related to the main goal of the work.

Literature

4–5 book sources (printed and electronic). They should be subsequently used in the work. Must be listed in the citation format (ISO690). At least one source must be in English. Literature should always be up-to-date, preferably from the last 5–10 years (it is appropriate to include some new source from the current or previous year. Recommended sources of information are in Chapter 5.

3.3 SCOPE AND OTHER ESSENTIALS OF THE WORK

Please also pay attention to the following requirements and recommendations:

  • The scope of a Bachelor's thesis is usually 40 to 50 pages .
  • The scope of the Master's thesis is usually 60 to 80 pages .
  • The theoretical part is always at least ½ of the entire content (the practical part is the other ½ )
  • The scope of work is always calculated from the introduction to the conclusion .
  • The exact scope of work is always specified in the assignment, and it is recommended to adhere to it.
  • The solution of the work in a real company or in cooperation with a real company is appreciated.
  • The final thesis, which the student defends before the committee, will be published in the university information system and will be publicly accessible.

4. CHAPTERS OF THE FINAL THESIS

Attention: It is always necessary to follow the official template - available at https://www.pef.czu.cz/cs/r-7008-studium/r-7026-informace-pro-studenty/r-12261-zaverecne-prace .

4.0 CONTENTS

Only headings up to level 3 are included in the table of contents. If you are sending your work for consultation, always remember to update the table of contents.

4.1 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

Range: ¾ to 1 page

The introduction contains a general introduction to the issue. It may contain the necessary definition of the topic, its importance and its setting in the social context. It is divided only into paragraphs, not subchapters.

4.2 CHAPTER 2 – OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY

Scope: approx. 1 page

The objective and methodology contain either an exact transcription of the assignment, or even better, a specification of the methodology, data used, and procedures. It depends on how the assignment was written in general.

Attention! It must never conflict with the assignment.

4.3 CHAPTER 3 – THEORETICAL BASIS

Range: min. ½ of the entire content

It contains a literature review – a description of the current state of knowledge on the given issue. It should be critical, i.e. it should draw from multiple sources, compare the sources, debate them and select relevant information from them. Summarize current knowledge and describe how other authors view and address the issue. The goal is to incorporate the most important information from scientific and professional literature. Note : you are not writing a manual, textbook, or another book.

The text is divided into subheadings and paragraphs. It contains enough citations (or links to citations). Ideally, each paragraph contains at least one citation. No page should be without a citation(s).

Recommended sources of information and how to work with them are listed separately in Chapter 5.

Recommended subchapters within Chapter 3:

3.X Similar solutions

It contains a list of specific similar solutions to the given problem and how each author solves it. Next, define how the given work differs, for example, how it solves it better, what aspects it solves additionally, etc. Specify here the definition of the novelty of your work.

This content may be part of previous chapters. In that case, summarize everything in the next chapter.

3.Y Summary

It contains a brief summary of the theoretical part and what it implies for the practical part, as well as the identification of the problem being solved (research opportunities).

4.4 CHAPTER 4 – OWN WORK

BP – Own work / Own processing / Own solution / Analytical part *)

DP – Own work / Analytical part / Practical part / Empirical part / Own solution *)

*) only one of the listed chapter name options is selected.

The practical part includes the solution procedure, data collection methodology, documentation of the experiment and application of the methods. Write here how the procedure was followed to achieve the results. This procedure should allow someone else to repeat everything with the same results.

4.5 CHAPTER 5 – BP – EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS, OR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION *)

Range: 2 to 4 pages

It contains a list of results (graphs, tables, illustrations, ...) of the practical part. It also contains their detailed characteristics and evaluation in relation to the main goal. Discussion means a polemic over the results and their comparison with similar research or studies by other authors. Based on the results, answer the basic question - the goal of the work.

*) only one of the listed chapter name options is selected.

4.7 CHAPTER 6 – CONCLUSION

Range: 1 to 2 pages

Summarize the results of the work and what follows from them. The conclusion should clearly answer all the objectives. You can also emphasize the contribution of the work. Include possibilities for further research, expansion of your work and possibilities for practical use. The link between objectives and conclusion is important.

5. RECOMMENDED SOURCES OF INFORMATION

6. DEADLINES AND CREDITS – SCHEDULE FOR PROCESSING THE FINAL THESIS

Please note: the following obligations and deadlines are the minimum necessary and are binding. Failure to meet them will result in the student being denied credit or being removed from the register.

The exact deadlines, requirements and method of communication are always determined by the project manager.

1st credit (LS)
Assignment End of May
 consult with manager, enter into UIS
Min. 20 (BP)/ 30 (DP) pages
 ½ August
 send by e-mail, consult
2nd credit (ZS)
Checking the status of work Two weeks before Christmas
 send by email
Consultation Before the BP/DP seminar.
 in person, exact date by arrangement
3rd credit (LS)
Bachelor's seminar (at PEF)
 End of January/beginning of February
 defense in vain
Diploma seminar in Všeradice
 3rd week in LS, Thursday
 defense in vain
Consultation of the final version of the thesis A month before submission
 by email/in person
Handing in work
 According to faculty deadlines
 (standard BP until 15. 3. / DP until 30. 3.)

7. KIT SEMINARS

7.1 BACHELOR'S SEMINAR

The Department of Information Technology always organizes a bachelor's seminar for its students at the turn of January and February. It is usually held at the Faculty of Economics and Business. Here, students get a taste of defending their bachelor's thesis.

The seminar takes place one morning or afternoon for a group of approximately 12 to 16 students in one of the PEF meeting rooms. Presentations are evaluated by a committee composed of department members.

Attention! Participation is a mandatory part of the 3rd credit (for the summer semester)!

7.2 DIPLOMATIC SEMINAR

A graduate seminar is always held at the end of February for graduate students. For the past few years, it has been held in the castle grounds in Všeradice. Here, students get a taste of defending their thesis.

The seminar lasts all day and students are divided into sections. The presentations are evaluated by a committee consisting of members of the department and experts from practice. At the end of the day, the best works are announced and awarded. You can read more about the seminar here: https://kit.pef.czu.cz/zpravy-akce-prednasky/archiv-diplomantskeho-seminare-kit/ .

Attention! Participation is a mandatory part of the 3rd credit (for the summer semester)!

8. THESIS DEFENSE – PRESENTATION STRUCTURE

The presentation before the committee is usually 5–8 minutes and then about 5 minutes for questions for bachelor's theses. For diploma theses, it is about 10–15 minutes and 5–10 minutes for questions. Students of computer science (or other) fields also have a PowerPoint presentation available. Be careful: the committee may be "in a hurry" and request a reduction only for their own results.

The structure of the presentation (similarly for oral forms) should be as follows:

Introductory slide – 1 slide

  • Job title, name, supervisor's name

Objectives of the work – 1 slide

  • Emphasize the main goal, list the sub-goals as well

Methodology – 1 slide

Theoretical part – 1 slide

  • Only a list of topics covered in the theoretical part

Own work – approx. 3 slides

  • Procedure, data collection, use of methods

Results – 1 to 2 slides

Conclusions – 1 slide

Stick to general presentation guidelines (contrast, font size, brevity). See Chapter 9 for more recommendations.

9. TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Don't try to solve everything, "save the world."
  • Try to go in depth and focus on a specific problem.
  • Always follow the faculty's instructions at pef.czu.cz.

9.1 ASSIGNMENT

  • Write everything in the future tense, 3rd person passive voice.
  • The goal is to write more generally, but not too much.
  • It is tactical to write in such a way that the text is independent of changes that may occur before the work is submitted (the length is practically more than 3 semesters).
  • It is therefore not appropriate to name a specific company where the solution will be implemented (the company may go bankrupt, a key employee will leave, you will resign, there is a change in the company's concept, etc.) - it is better to address it in general terms: "selected company" or "selected environment".

9.2 METHODOLOGY

  • Select and use appropriate empirical methods to solve a given problem.
  • Developing an application using this or that approach, framework, language, development environment is not a method !!!
  • KIT strongly discourages the use of questionnaires ; its possible use must be consulted with the thesis supervisor.
  • It is possible to use multi-criteria evaluation methods for comparison. However, the choice of criteria and weights is always key. It cannot be chosen "just like that".
  • It is appropriate to conduct an experiment(s), collect data and then evaluate it.

9.3 FORMATTING IN WORD AND THE FORMAL PAGE OF THE WORK

  • Write from the beginning in the template .
  • Don't forget to number your headings .
  • Images, tables, etc. always need to be accompanied by a description . Use the tool directly in Word (add caption) - this will allow direct links and list generation.
  • Every picture, table or diagram must have its own justification, i.e. it must bring something new and contribute to a better understanding of the message.
  • Divide the text into paragraphs – one paragraph = one idea .
  • When writing, pay attention to " orphans " - prepositions and conjunctions left alone at the end of the line (use Ctrl-Shift-character).
  • We recommend using styles for formatting the text of the document (correct chapter numbering, creating a table of contents, creating a list of tables, graphs and images, etc. depend on this)
  • Each level 1 heading should start on a new page (can be adjusted in the heading style).
  • Number headings up to level 4. If necessary, do not number the next heading (level 5). However, try to avoid level 5.
  • Use headings up to the third level in the content.
  • Use citations and references in the research section – see the following chapter.

9.4 SCOPE OF WORK

  • Follow the scope of work specified in the assignment.
  • The scope is calculated from Introduction to Conclusion.
  • Each paragraph should have at least 3 lines.
  • Each numbered chapter should have at least 3 paragraphs

9.5 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND QUOTATIONS

  • Do not cite Wikipedia articles - author unknown, content can be changed at any time and by anyone, the latest version of the article cannot be dated. Solution: test the sources listed under the article and if they are functional, you can take them and cite them.
  • Use a citation manager and put all your citations in it from the beginning.
  • The citation manager takes care of the correct form, numbering, and creates a bibliography. It can often generate a citation based on the ISBN, ISSN, or DOI of the article.
    • For example: citace.com, Mendeley, or even the built-in tool in Word.
  • Compare and verify sources. Especially when drawing on websites and articles, verify information from multiple sources .
  • Every image, table, graph, source code must be referenced in the text, e.g. see table no. 666.
  • If you want to copy another image, table, chart or diagram, make sure that the source's license allows it, otherwise you must obtain written permission from the author. Copying content without the permission of the copyright holder is punishable by law!

9.6 LANGUAGE AND WRITING STYLE

  • Use professional language and always express yourself as precisely as possible!
  • Avoid the popular style that is used in a number of web articles.
  • You are not writing a manual or a textbook.
  • Use the 3rd person passive voice. For example: “It was found that”; “It was verified”.
  • When writing in English, we recommend using: http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/referring-to-sources/ .
  • We recommend that another person independently proofread the text before submitting it.

9.7 PRESENTATION – DEFENSE OF THE THESIS

  • Try the presentation at least for yourself so you have an estimate of the time.
  • For the theoretical part, mention only what the thesis was about, as briefly as possible, and what it implies for the practical part.
  • Don't write full sentences in your presentation! Just the important points.
  • Have sufficient contrast between the text and the background. What may be readable on a monitor may not be readable on a canvas that is still in the sun.
  • Do not insert tables that are too large - they may not be readable.
  • A graph is better than a table.
  • If a table is necessary, print it out and make it available to the committee.
  • Do not read from either the presentation or the paper.
  • However, you can have printed notes. They are also useful for "seizing" hands.
  • Don't keep your hands in your pockets.

9.8 OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

10. ANNEXES

Title of the thesis : The influence of CSS on the performance and loading speed of web pages

Objectives of the work

Main goal:

The main goal of the work is to evaluate the impact and possibly identify the limits of so-called expensive CSS properties on the loading of websites and applications.

Sub-goals:

– Select specific expensive CSS properties for further analysis.

– Create test websites.

– Design and conduct experimental measurements of test page loading performance.

Methodology

The methodology for solving the theoretical part of the thesis will be based on the study and analysis of professional information sources. Based on the knowledge gained in the theoretical part of the thesis, suitable CSS properties and metrics for measuring the loading, rendering and performance of web pages will be identified in the practical part. Experimental measurements will also be performed using appropriate tools. The obtained data will be evaluated. Based on the synthesis of theoretical knowledge and the results of the practical part, the conclusions of the thesis will be formulated.

Job Title: Initial User Experience

Objectives of the work

The diploma thesis deals with the issue of UX and usability of mobile applications for new users.

The main goal of the work is to implement methods of initial user contact with the application and evaluate their influence on adaptation to the application environment.

The sub-objectives are:

– selection of appropriate metrics for measuring and tracking application usage,

– implementation and data collection for the evaluation of selected quantitative metrics,

– evaluation of individual methods.

Methodology

The methodology for solving the theoretical part of the thesis will be based on the study and analysis of professional information sources. Based on the knowledge gained in the theoretical part of the thesis, individual methods of initial contact will be implemented in the practical part of the thesis into an experimental application. Subsequently, appropriate usability tests will be performed and evaluated, focusing on methods of initial user contact with the application, initial setup and user familiarization with the application environment. Based on the synthesis of theoretical knowledge and the results of the practical part, the conclusions of the thesis will be formulated.

Title of the work: Using a smartwatch when playing the guitar

Objectives of the work

The main goal of the thesis is to propose procedures for analyzing and using data obtained using smartwatch sensors to control rhythm while playing the guitar.

The partial objectives of the work are:

– design and implementation of experiments

– data collection from sensors

– data description

Methodology

The methodology of the thesis is based on the study and analysis of professional information sources. The practical part is based on the design of experiments, collection and analysis of data obtained from smart watches while playing the guitar. Furthermore, optimal methods of automatic data analysis will be sought. Based on the synthesis of theoretical knowledge and the results of the practical part, the conclusions of the thesis will be formulated.