Project Topic: Web Application Firewall
DO:
– Include visual information: graphs, pictures, tables, formulae, and data.
– Include a separate reference to the original source for any graph, illustration or table not created by you.
– Give ALL references, including websites, in the same format: Author(s), Title, Publication (book, magazine, web link), and page. Wikipedia is NOT a valid bibliographical source and MUST NOT be cited.
– A number of references: 6 is a bare minimum. But don’t go overboard, either and consider 20 as an upper limit.
– Aim for 20 -25 pages in total. Papers which are too short or too long are undesirable.
– And finally, if you are uncertain about anything with your project, ASK.
DO NOT:
– Include a Table of Contents. This only belongs in books, not in short articles. It seems like an easy way to boost your page count, but it will be penalized.
– Include code. In case the code is necessary, add it as an Appendix. If the code is of significant length, make a separate file for it and upload to along with your project paper.
2. Research Presentation (MS PowerPoint)
DO:
– Include as many graphs, tables, and data as possible
– Keep the number of text slides to a minimum.
– Aim for 10-12 slides total. Presentations which are too long are undesirable.
DO NOT:
– Include References. They only belong in your paper, not a presentation.
– Copy/paste your entire paper into PowerPoint. Again, it seems like an easy way out, but it will be penalized. Presentation is NOT the same as a project paper. The goal of the presentation is to support your oral report and show your results.
COURSE RESEARCH PROJECT
The proposal should clearly describe the project to be undertaken, including the topic to be covered, any investigation, development, or experimentation to be conducted, and the expected results. Proposals will be reviewed and must be approved by the instructor.
REPORT GUIDELINES
Each project will result in a detailed 20-25-page written report. The project report should be neat, readable, and self-contained. Also, it should be written with the readers in mind. Any class member should be able to understand your report and benefit from the results you obtain. Therefore, you should include adequate references and/or background materials and you should use tables, diagrams, graphs, figures, and portions of printouts to enhance readers’ comprehension of your project.
The following format is suggested. You don’t have to follow it exactly. Some sections may not be needed, or additional sections may be necessary. In all cases, please type and paginate your report!
1. Abstract. It comes first in your report, but you write it last.
2. Summary. Gives succinct information on the purpose, methods, results and conclusions reported.
3. Introduction. Include background material and discuss the scope and limitations of your project.
4. Discussion. The body of your report. This includes the methodology used. Be sure to fully describe any figures, tables or diagrams you include.
5. Results.
6. Conclusions.
7. Recommendations, especially for future work and unsolved problems.
8. References must always be included., annotated if possible.
9. Appendices, including supporting material as needed.
Do not submit complete computer outputs. Relevant excerpts from program listings or output should be included but reduced to the size of the rest of the report and containing either as figures or tables in the text or as an appendix.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The format for written reports and copies of presentation slides is 8.5 x 11″ white paper, stapled in the upper left corner. Submit a copy of a report or set of presentation slides. In addition, attach an electronic copy of your report to an e-mail sent to your instructor.
Grading of written reports and presentations will be based upon substantive content, appropriate organization and use of allotted size, and effectiveness of the presentation or report. Multiple errors in grammar and spelling are unprofessional and detract from the clarity of your report or presentation and will be graded accordingly, so use a spell checker!
Plagiarism is stealing or passing off the ideas or words of another as one’s own — using material without crediting the source. This is prohibited behavior and will not be tolerated. Take the time to properly cite material written by someone else — include references, put verbatim quotes in quotation marks, and do not paraphrase excessively. If you have questions about this, ask your instructor.