To print in PDF you need to use the Chrome browser.

FP Professionalizing Report Manual

Introduction

This manual has been designed to assist in the correct preparation of the FP Research Report Template document. Here you will find the necessary information to complete the mandatory fields for this document, as well as some examples to better understand it.

Initial considerations
  • In the FP Research Report Template, Advance 1 should be developed first, followed by Advance 2.
  • It is mandatory to complete all sections of the FP Report Template, as well as to respect its original format and structure.

1. Cover

You must include the cover of the University that entitles your program of study. If more than one degree is chosen, the cover pages of all the degree-granting Universities must be included. Below, you can download the cover(s) of the corresponding University(ies):

If there are doubts about the titling University, remember to consult the PANAL as indicated in the figure below:

The sections to be completed on the cover page are listed below:

    1. Name of the academic area of the study program: the study programs are associated with an academic area, for example:
      • Environment
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Sports
      • ICT Technologies
      • Tourism
      • Companies
      • Law, Policy
      • Psychology, HR.
      • etc.

If there are doubts about the area to which the curriculum is associated, the FP Director can be consulted.

  2. FP title: the FP title must correspond to the title defined and approved in document D1.
  3. Study program's complete name: (remember that the full name of the program can be consulted in the Panal). If the student is enrolled in several universities, it is important to note that the name of the program may vary depending on the University. In this case, the cover page of each university must include the name of the corresponding program.
  4. Student's complete name: full name must be included, presenting all names and surnames without using abbreviations.
  5. Student's login: the student's login corresponds to the user code for access to the Panal.
  6. Name of the FP Director: the name of the FP Director must be included.
  7. Student's city and country: the name of the student's city and country must be submitted.
  8. Year of completion of the FP: the year of completion of the FP must be submitted. The day and month are not presented but the year.

When submitting the FP Progress, the following scenarios may occur:

  • Student graduating from a university: in the same document where the FP Progress is developed (not in a separate file), you must include the cover page corresponding to that university.
  • Students graduating from several universities: in this case, when sending the FP Progress, you must attach a previously compressed file (in ZIP or RAR format), containing the following documents:
    • The development of the corresponding FP Progress (in Word format).
    • The cover pages of the universities; each of them must be included in a separate document.

2. Dedication and Acknowledgments

The dedication and acknowledgments are optional. However, they are very frequent sections in Final Projects.

  • In the dedication, the student dedicates the conclusion of the paper to the people closest to him/her, such as family and friends.
  • On the other hand, in the acknowledgments, the student thanks the people and/or institutions that were directly or indirectly involved in the FP and have been important for the completion of the project. If the student has received a scholarship, it is also very important to thank the institution that provided the scholarship.

Considerations:

  • The dedication and acknowledgments are presented on separate pages.
  • If the student decides not to present them, the student may delete these sections in the FP Report.

3. Author's commitment

In this section, the student, as the author of the FP and responsible for it, commits to present an original work

This section is mandatory in all FPs and cannot be deleted. It should be completed from the beginning of the development of the FP Progress, i.e., it should be submitted from Advance 1.

The text is already written (it should not be modified, it should be respected), and the students should only complete, in black and bold, the following information:

  • The full name, presenting all first and last names, without using abbreviations.
  • The signature digitized in scanner and with a white background. It cannot be in photo format.

Correct way to insert the signature:      Incorrect way to insert the signature:

4. Voluntary authorization of electronic publication of the FP

Authorization for electronic publication of the FP Report is voluntary and not mandatory.

  • If the student gives his/her authorization, the text is already written (it should not be modified, it should be respected); only the sections in blue should be completed in black and bold.
  • If the student does not give his or her authorization, this section may be deleted from the FP Report.

5. General index

Respect the font format of the index available in the FP Report template. This index uses the font format required in the Manual on Formal Aspects (available HERE) for the chapters/sections/subsections of the index.

The index shows the complete structure of the FP, it should consist of the following main sections:

  • Introduction
  • Initial situation and objectives
  • Conceptual references
  • Methodology for the collection and treatment of information
  • Data collection results
  • Proposed solution to the problem or taking advantage of the opportunity
  • Proposal implementation, validation, and/or evaluation (Optional)
  • Final aspects of the project
  • Bibliography
  • Annexes

According to the needs of the course of work development, this index may be modifiable until the completion of the FP. If a correction is deemed necessary, it must be authorized by the FP Director. The index must be composed of all the chapters/ subchapters/ sections/ subsections that make up the FP and must include the page number where they begin in the development of the FP.

6. Index of figures and tables

The inclusion of tables and figures in the development of the FP, both in the theoretical framework and in the methodology, is essential to complement the explanations in the text:

  • The tables show the data in an organized manner in rows and columns, facilitating comprehension.
  • The figures are any type of illustration other than a table. Figures are understood to be images, maps, photographs, graphs, or any other form of graphic representation.
  • The tables and figures used should be didactic and not decorative. We must avoid those figures that do not provide added value.

This section is mandatory only in papers presenting figures and/or tables. This index of figures and/or tables should be included even if the FP has a very small number of figures and/or tables, such as, for example, only one or two figures. In the index of figures and/or tables:

  • Numbering should be in Arabic numerals and should consist of a digit corresponding to its appearance in the text, starting with Table 1 or Figure 1 for the first table or figure in the project, Table 2 or Figure 2 for the second table or figure in the project, and so on.
  • Tables and figures are numbered independently. For example, in the same project, there may be Table 3 and Figure 3: Table 3 will be the third table of the project and Figure 3 will be the third figure of the same project.
  • The paging, i.e., the page number where the figure or table is located, must be included.
  • Formatting such as bold and/or italics is not used.
  • Bibliographic sources are not presented.

For more information on the format that figures and tables must comply with, see the Manual on Formal Aspects (available HERE).

7. Index of annexes
  • Annexes are those documents that support and complement the development of the Final Project
  • The annexes mentioned in this annexes index should be included in the Annexes chapter.
  • The index of appendices follows exactly the same rules of presentation as the index of figures and tables.
  • If annexes were included in the D1 document and will also be related to the development of the Progress, they should be included in the FP Progress.

8. Summary, Abstract, and Keywords

8.1 Summary

The summary is a brief synthesis of the FP and its final version should be done once the research is completed. The summary should consist of the following sections, presented in this order:

  1. Problem or opportunity identified
  2. General objective
  3. Field data processing
  4. Content of the proposal
  5. Relevant aspects of the proposal

The following aspects are important when writing the summary:

  • It should not exceed 500 words.
  • Always write in the third person singular.
  • Do not submit bibliographic citations.
  • Do not use tables, charts, and/or other diagrams.
  • Avoid the use of acronyms and abbreviations as much as possible.
  • The summary should be written in a single paragraph.

8.2 Abstract

The development of the abstract is optional and corresponds to the translation of the Summary into English. In the case of including it in the FP:

  • It will be exempt from academic review and evaluation.
  • Do not do so until the abstract (in Spanish) has been approved by the FP Director.
  • Never use online translators; in general, they do not do a good job. If you are not fluent in English, it is best to hire the services of a professional translator. Another option may be to rely on the help of a colleague who is fluent in English.
  • Remember to translate the keywords as well.

8.3 Keywords

The summary ends with the presentation of the 5 keywords of the FP.


Keywords can be terms composed of two or more words, such as "Environmental management," "Marketing plan," or "Nutritional status," for example. It does not need to be a single word.

It is very common that students do not give enough importance to keywords and include any generic word that has some relation to the topic of the Final Project. This is a serious mistake!

Keywords are extremely important in academic/scientific papers because they allow your paper to be easily found in search engines and, of course, increase the likelihood that others will find you and cite your work.

The keywords must be carefully selected and must have a direct connection with the central themes of the Final Project. These terms have to convey to the reader of the paper an idea of what will be found.

9. Introduction

The introduction gives a brief but accurate idea of the various aspects that make up the project. The aim is to introduce the reader to the content of the project in a clear, precise, and concise manner. It is written in prose at the end of the entire project and not at the beginning. The ideal length is 2 to 3 pages.

9.1 Guidelines for its preparation

  1. It is recommended to write it at the end, in the past or present continuous tense, and it should be clear, precise, and concise.
  2. There should be a presentation of the topic/problem addressed, the motivations for developing the chosen topic, the objectives, the methodology, and some results. The last part will consist of a brief summary of each chapter of the paper.
  3. Some mistakes to avoid during the writing process are:

a) Unnecessary adjectives: the writing should be neutral, moderate, academic, without stridency. Redundant wording and untidiness: repeating an idea too much, talking about "the present paper" or "the present research" are mistakes to be avoided. In the same way, it is not possible to start with the chapter but first with a contextualization and the objectives of the project.

b) Writing in parts: the introduction is written in prose, with consistent paragraphs and, if necessary, highlighting important ideas and concepts, but it is not advisable to make a subindex of the introduction where its elements are written.

c) Writing in the first person: "I consider", "for me" are not used. The correct verb tense of an introduction is the past or present continuous through the passive voice.

d) The introduction is a different section from the others; therefore, it should be placed on a separate page as a section.

9.2 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

What is the problem/opportunity identified? And why is it relevant? (in a synthetic form, it can be a paragraph)

The suggested wording is:
The problem/opportunity addressed in this project is… and the importance it has lies in…

What is the context in which the problem or opportunity takes place? (in synthetic form, it can be a paragraph)

The suggested wording is:
The characteristics of the place/organization/person who are impacted by the situation described in the previous paragraph are…

What is the overall purpose of the project? (general objective)

The suggested wording is:
The general purpose of the project is… and it was thought of in this way because…

What is the content of the proposal developed? (in prose and emphasizing the most relevant aspects)

The suggested wording is:
In order to address the described problem/To take advantage of the described opportunity, proposal W is proposed, which has X as its main elements. The actors in the project are Y, and the expected impacts are Z

What is the structure of the project, i.e., the chapters contained in the paper? And what does each one of them consist of? (one paragraph for each chapter)

The suggested wording is:
The content of each of the project's chapters is described below.
Chapter 1 discusses…
Chapter 2 deals with…
Chapter 3 develops…

10. Initial situation and objectives

This section is the starting point of the project. It includes the initial situation, justification of the project, objectives, and characterization of the context.

10.1 Initial situation


This involves the collection of basic information that serves as a kind of snapshot of the local reality from which a first view of the aspects that characterize the problem or opportunity is formed. It includes the organized and systematic gathering of information and the initial analysis of key aspects.

The previous steps to develop the initial diagnosis are the following:

a) Inform the population and/or manage the permits for the intervention, if necessary.

b) Carry out a documentary review on the subject in question to make a better initial approach.

c) Visualize possible problems and difficulties to carry out the diagnosis, and alternatives for action and solution.

10.2 Objectives


The general objective and specific objectives are fundamental elements in all projects with a professional approach, as they concisely present the direction of the project. The objectives demonstrate where it is intended to go.

The general objective summarizes and presents the paper’s central idea, while the specific objectives are essentially the presentation of steps needed to achieve the general objective. Important: all presented objectives (general and specific) must necessarily be met in the development of the Final Project.

The objectives (general and specific) always start with a verb in the infinitive form, and Bloom’s taxonomy is a useful tool for writing objectives as it combines three models to classify learning objectives at levels of complexity.

When writing objectives, it is best to use verbs from the cognitive dimension of the taxonomy, as these are aimed towards the understanding and knowledge of a topic. The following table suggests verbs from the cognitive dimension of the taxonomy according to levels of learning:

10.3 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

What is the problem/opportunity identified? (subtract what is developed in D1 and develop it in 1 or 2 pages)

The suggested wording is:
The problem/opportunity addressed in this project is…

What is the context in which the problem or opportunity develops? (develop it in 1 or 2 pages)

The suggested wording is:
The characteristics of the organization/place/people impacted by the project are…

What is the justification for the project? (subtract what is developed in D1)

The suggested wording is:
The magnitude of the project problem is…
The significance of the project is…
The feasibility of the project is…
The vulnerability of the project is…

What is the overall objective of the project? (subtract what is developed in D1)

The suggested wording is:
To address the problem/opportunity described above, the following general objective is proposed…

What are the specific objectives of the project? (subtract what is developed in D1)

The suggested wording is:
In order to address the proposed general objective, the following specific objectives are stated…

11. Conceptual references

It is structured around two main sections: A. The theoretical concepts involved in the subject matter of the project. B. Explanation of the model used to develop the project, and depending on the option chosen in D1, there can be two types:

a) Project design: an existing model and a structure known and accepted by an academic community is used. Example: "Business plan for a juvenile store aimed at the male market," "Design of a dietary system for a geriatric residence," "Project for the construction of an inter-oceanic cargo bridge," etc.

b) Intervention project: there is no predetermined model for addressing the problem or taking advantage of the opportunity, and the classic project methodology structure is used: initial situation, proposal, validation of the proposal, and evaluation of the proposal.

11.1 Guidelines for its preparation

It is recommended to follow the following guidelines for a correct writing of the Conceptual References:

  1. Perform a complete bibliographic search on the object of study in appropriate search engines and databases (PubMed, EBSCOHost, Google Scholar…).
  2. Use keywords in the bibliographic search, both in Spanish and English. Important: the updated scientific evidence is mostly in Anglo-Saxon language.
  3. Collect and carefully read the relevant sources found after the bibliographic search.
  4. Note which elements can be drawn from each source and associate them with the corresponding sections or subsections of the theoretical framework.
  5. Identify all sources consulted that will be used for citation during the writing of the final project content.
  6. Include bibliographical references in each paragraph when they are based on the bibliography consulted. Do not wait to finish writing a chapter, it should be a continuous and dynamic process.
  7. Use a bibliographic manager to facilitate efficient management of the bibliographic references consulted.
  8. Make a complete outline of the theoretical framework with the points to be addressed, so that the common thread is understood throughout each chapter.
  9. Use a narrative style that facilitates reading for the Evaluation Tribunal, sequencing all paragraphs correctly.
  10. Reread on different days, at least twice, the theoretical framework with a self-critical spirit to look for inconsistencies and spelling and grammatical errors.

Check the Manual on Formal Aspects and the Vancouver Standards or APA Standards (whichever corresponds to the standards commonly used in your program of studies. In general, students will be governed by the APA Standards, except for students whose Final Projects are related to Health Sciences, who will be governed by the Vancouver Standards).

11.2 Most common errors in the wording of the Conceptual References section

The most common errors to avoid in the wording of the Conceptual References section are:

  1. Use information from different sources without giving them a common thread.
  2. Write the subsections without giving them a connection. It should not be forgotten that the Conceptual References section is a "whole" and that it should make sense to read the entire document in order to understand the need to develop the study in question.
  3. Abuse of conceptual and terminological explanations, as a "dictionary."
  4. Abuse of direct quotes.
  5. Use few sources for the writing of the entire section on Conceptual References.
  6. That a large part of the Conceptual References section is based on very old or not very serious bibliographic sources.
  7. Include too many tables and figures in the theoretical framework with the intention of taking up more space. Only those summary tables or explanatory figures that facilitate the understanding of more complex aspects, such as classifications, processes, etc., should be provided (see Manual on Formal Aspects).
  8. Moving away from the objective of the final project, detailing information on complementary aspects not relevant to the development of the FP.
  9. Copying and pasting verbatim information from sources consulted without paraphrasing. This is considered plagiarism (for more information, review APA Guidelines or Vancouver Guidelines, as appropriate).
  10. Including direct or indirect quotations without accompanying them with the corresponding bibliographic reference: this is considered plagiarism (for more information, review APA or Vancouver Standards, as appropriate).

11.3 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

What are the theoretical constructs, concepts, and foundations related to the final project topic? (based on recent scientific articles and other sources with academic rigor)

The suggested wording is:

In relation to the topic of the project, it is necessary to explain concept A, which, according to author X, can be defined as…

In the same sense, concept B helps to better understand the problem posed because, from this, it can be explained that…

What are the characteristics and structure of the theoretical model to develop the project? (choose Project Design or Intervention Project)

The suggested wording is:

Since a Project Design/Intervention Project was chosen, the characteristics and structure of the theoretical model with which the proposal will be developed are explained. The characteristics of model X, which is the basis for developing the project proposed in a subsequent chapter, are described below.

12. Methodology for the collection and treatment of information

The way in which empirical data were collected for the project and how this information is treated should be explained. Fieldwork is mandatory.

12.1 Guidelines for its preparation

In order to define the actors and/or participants who will contribute information for the construction of the proposal, inclusion and exclusion criteria can be used to justify their participation and inclusion. If a probabilistic calculation is chosen, the sample equation should be chosen for finite or infinite universes, as appropriate; otherwise, it can be mentioned that it is a non-probabilistic representative sample for convenience.

These stakeholder-participants correspond to those who affect and are affected by the problem (i.e., they have valuable information that allows the construction of the solution) and from whom we are interested in obtaining information. Examples of participants would be: managers of an organization, a group of employees, individuals in need of an intervention-treatment, experts in the area-field in which the problem and opportunity is circumscribed, or a specific target population.

The instruments to be used to collect information should also be defined at this stage. Some of them may include:

  • Questionnaire format
  • Interview guide
  • Checklist
  • Observation list
  • Likert-type measurement scale
  • Apparatus and equipment
  • Standardized tests
  • Indicators

It is desirable for the instruments to be validated and have a high level of reliability.

Regarding the drafting of the schedule, it is advisable to take into account the following factors:

  1. Task definition: In this first step, all the activities that will be carried out within the project execution are defined. The more detailed the description, the better results will be obtained. Even in the case of complex tasks, it is advisable to divide this section into complementary activities.
  2. Time definition: With the tasks identified, the next step is to assign a reasonable execution time to each task. In order to avoid disproportionate calculations, it is recommended that experience in similar projects be applied; in the absence of experience, one option is to consult specialized sources. At the end of this phase, the objective is that the project creator will have a time for each task and an overall time, two calculations that will serve him/her to outline the structure of the entire plan.
  3. Relationship between tasks: However, the analysis of the tasks requires an important nuance: the definition of those of a simultaneous nature and, on the contrary, those that cannot be performed until the completion of those that precede them. These data are of great relevance, as they generally provide ways to optimize execution times.
  4. Restrictions: In turn, deadlines also have constraints, such as tasks that can only be performed at certain times or that are subject to external factors (a meeting with a client, a specific date, etc.). This data will also help to get a better picture of the overall project timeline and help to optimize each phase of the project.
  5. Available resources: At this point, it is a matter of defining the people, materials, or economic means available for the execution of the project. If the economic cost is assigned to each stage, the schedule will serve as the basis for the preparation of the budget, another indispensable tool in the preliminary phase of any business plan. In some cases, however, it is not possible to obtain the cost of a task, since it is possible that the cost is defined throughout the process.
  6. Analysis and review: Finally, it is essential to open a section for checking the time and quality of the tasks performed. This will allow early identification of faults and implementation of improvements or changes.

All Professionalizing Approach papers include empirical data collection, i.e., all must do fieldwork.

12.2 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

Who are the stakeholders for the proposal? (can be subtracted from D1 and developed further)

The suggested wording for quantitative research is:

The participants identified for the project are…the way they are chosen is…their relationship to the project is…and the information expected to be obtained from it is…

What are the data collection instruments? (can be subtracted from D1 and developed further)

The suggested wording for quantitative research is:

The instruments chosen to collect the information are interview guide/compliance checklist/questionnaire form/observation guide/instrument X/tool Y/artifact Z/ and the reason for choosing them is…

As secondary sources of information, the following are mentioned…

What is the data collection and information analysis plan? (can be subtracted from D1 and developed further)

The suggested wording for quantitative research is:

The proposed schedule for data collection and analysis is shown below…

13. Data collection results

The results show in a logical and orderly sequence the evidence obtained after executing what was proposed in the previous section (methodology for data collection and processing), and the accumulation of information is presented through figures, tables, graphs, schemes, diagrams, or whatever helps for better visualization.

13.1 Guidelines for its preparation

  1. It must be written in the past tense.
  2. The results should be presented sequentially according to the specific objectives of the work, i.e., no more results should be presented than necessary.
  3. In order for this section to be more easily understood, explanations and descriptions should be combined with figures and tables since the findings obtained in the paper can be more easily visualized in this way.
  4. Avoid duplication of data, especially when presented in tables and figures.
  5. If deemed appropriate, divide them into subsections.
  6. Finally, remember that only important data and information should be included in this section. All data and information that are not but still need to be submitted should be moved to the Annexes section.

13.2 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions: What was obtained as evidence after executing the methodology section for data collection and processing? (explain in a broad and detailed way, with the use of tables, schemes, diagrams, and everything that helps a better visualization)

The suggested wording is:
The results of the instruments applied are presented below…
Result 1…
Table 1…
Interpretation 1…
Result 2…
Table 2…
Interpretation 2…

14. Diagnosis


It is the synthesis and culmination of the process of collecting, processing, and gathering information.

The diagnosis does not consist of repeating the data obtained in the previous chapter but rather of a one-page (maximum two) synthesis of the results, emphasizing the key factors of the problem/opportunity and environment.

The diagnosis should highlight and relate the main causes and consequences of the problem (or of the factors that lead to the opportunity) and summarize strengths and opportunities that can be used to improve the project’s performance, as well as its limitations and other issues that should be given special attention before the proposal is made.

The diagnosis establishes the baseline for action, is the reference point prior to any intervention or improvement proposal, and can be used to check the impact of the proposal in the future.

Without a correct diagnosis, there is a risk of formulating an ineffective, unfeasible, or inadequate proposal, with a high probability of failure.

15. Proposed solution to the problem or use of the opportunity

This is the most important and comprehensive section of the entire work. The development of the proposal is presented here in detail. It must be congruent with the initial situtatio, that is, with the problem or opportunity detected.

15.1 How should the content of the proposal be structured?

There can be two types of structures to develop the content of the proposal:

a) Project design: a project that already has a specific design approved and endorsed by an academic community. This is a type of project that is frequently repeated and is well-known in the area of knowledge to which the student's study program is attached. Community members know and agree on the structure of certain types of projects, e.g., business plans in the corporate world. The structure (index) in this type of project should be the same as that used in similar projects in the same area of knowledge.

b) Intervention project: this is a type of project that, in the absence of a specific procedure validated by the academic community, adopts a general methodology: diagnosis and solution proposal. This is a project in which specific knowledge of the program of study developed by the student is applied, but the way in which it is developed is decided by the student in agreement with his or her FP director. The structure (index) in this type of project has a certain level of autonomy on the part of the author, as long as it has logic and coherence in the perspective of the FP director.

15.2 Project indicators and expected impacts

Indicators relate to quantitative or qualitative measurement standards that measure the success or failure of the proposal if implemented:

  • If the proposal is about a Problem, then these indicators should be to lessen or diminish the negative impacts of the problem in question.
  • If the proposal is based on an Opportunity, then these indicators should be to increase and improve impacts.

Some criteria for defining indicators for the project are:

  • Verify the degree of achievement of the general objective and the "intermediate objectives" (milestones) by evaluating the degree of achievement of the planned goals.
  • Measure the activities carried out, specify their percentage of compliance with the planning and estimate their contribution to the achievement of the objectives. If possible, identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Determine what resources have actually been used and with what "intensity," assessing efficiency. Actual versus estimated.
  • Assess project management processes and identify improvements based on lessons learned.
  • Know the stakeholders' assessment through instruments that reflect, for example, satisfaction with products and deliverables in the case of business projects.

In the organizational context, KPIs can be used. The term KPI (Key Performance Indicator) refers to a series of metrics used to synthesize information on the effectiveness and productivity of the actions carried out in a project in order to be able to make decisions and determine which have been most effective in meeting the objectives set in a specific process or project. KPIs are also known as quality indicators or key project indicators, they can be used and are applicable in any project with a professional approach.

15.3 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

What is the content of the proposal? (explain in a broad and detailed manner, with subparagraphs)

The suggested wording is:
The content of the plan/design/project is…
The sections of the plan/design/project are…

What are the indicators and impacts? (subtract from D1 and supplement/correct with proposal development)

Suggested wording is:
Indicator and expected impact 1
Indicator and expected impact 2
Indicator and expected impact 3
Indicator and expected impact 4
Indicator and expected impact 5

16. Implementation, validation, and/or evaluation of the proposal

A professionalizing approach project only requires the design of the proposal, but if it is in the student's interest to implement, validate, or evaluate it over time, he/she can do so, and the results should be included in this section. This section is not part of the project grade, but if it is included, it will be exempt from evaluation.

16.1 Guidelines for the implementation of the proposal

  1. Have written permission from the organization/institution where the implementation is to be carried out
  2. Only a part of the proposal can be implemented and evaluated
  3. Take into consideration the time for completion of the program
  4. Inform participants/users of the proposal

16.2 Guidelines for proposal validation

  1. Validation can be done by software or manually, e.g., Cronbach's Alpha for expert consensus applied
  2. Validation can be only qualitative, i.e., with analysis and subjective approval by experts in the same area of knowledge. In this case, it is advisable to present the validation document signed by the experts.
  3. The validation of the proposal is analogous to the validation of a research instrument: both must be carried out with academic rigor
  4. It is desirable to add the evidence of validation in the Annexes section

16.3 Guidelines for proposal evaluation

  1. The starting point should be the fulfillment of the indicators and impacts of the proposal in a given time within the duration of the academic program.
  2. Statistical techniques can be used to evaluate a proposal more accurately, for example: McNemar, Anova, Student's T, etc.; the evaluation can be done qualitatively and subjectively; or a mixture of both. All three options are valid.
  3. The evaluation may be on only one part of the proposal.
  4. It is desirable to add evidence of the evaluation in the Annexes section.

16.4 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

What were the results of the implementation of the proposal? (explain broadly and in detail)

The suggested wording is:
The quantitative implementation results were… and the qualitative implementation results were…

How was the proposal validated? (explain if it was qualitative or quantitative)

The suggested wording is:
The software X and the statistical model Y/Expert consensus result in the instrument/proposal/design being validated for the following reasons/indicators. Here is the breakdown of this…

What were the results of the proposal evaluation? (explain how it was measured over time)

Suggested wording is:
The result of the evaluation of the proposal was…, and it was done after evaluating its results X number of days/months/years after its implementation.

17. Final aspects of the project

The purpose is to evaluate the fulfillment of the objectives presented in the Final Project, perspectives and limitations on the development of the proposal.

17.1 Guidelines for the presentation of the relevant aspects of the Final Project

  1. The verb tense to be used is always the present tense.
  2. The objectives of the paper should be reviewed, and an assessment should be made as to whether they have been met.
  3. Establish the limitations that have arisen in the Final Project
  4. Indicate the process to be followed in the short and long term, considering the possible implementation of the project.
  5. The most relevant aspects of the project should be highlighted as a conclusion and final reflections.

17.2 Writing guide

This section is developed by answering the following questions:

Were the objectives of the Final Project met? (explain broadly and in detail)

The suggested wording is:
According to the objectives set, the project has been successful in terms of…

How should the proposal evolve into the future? (with short- and long-term perspective)

The suggested wording is:
The proposal made was pertinent for the following reasons…, but going forward, the way forward should be the following…

What limitations were there during the development of the Final Project? (explain how it was measured in time)

Suggested wording is:
Although the objectives set for the project were achieved, the following are a series of limitations that the reader of this project should consider for its analysis and interpretation.

18. Bibliography

Present the bibliographic references according to the corresponding citation standards. In general, students will follow the APA Standards, except those whose final projects are related to Health Sciences, who will adhere to the Vancouver Standards.

This is one of the parts of the FP that many students do not give due importance to and receive multiple remarks to correct from their FP Director.

The final list of the FP Report should include all the bibliographical references consulted and that have been useful in the elaboration of the FP Report.

References must be academic/scientific, such as books, theses, and scientific articles. As a general rule, do not submit web pages, with very few exceptions.

References should be current, within the last 5 years, except for those bibliographies that are considered fundamental, historical frameworks in the topic of the research.

Finally, there is no fixed number established, but in order to develop the Final Project, the student should have as a starting point the minimum number of 10 bibliographic references for specialization/specialty final projects and 15 bibliographic references for master's degree final projects.

18.1 Examples of bibliographic databases

There are many portals and bibliographic search engines, as well as thesis repositories. The following are some examples of generic databases, the most important and well-known, but it will be necessary to search for bibliography in specialized databases in the area of study.

19. Annexes

Annexes are those documents that support and complement the development of the Final Project. They should contain information that has helped to carry out the FP, but which does not fit in any of the chapters/paragraphs/sections of the FP Report, nevertheless.

The annexes that are included are those that have been included in the index of annexes, they must be correctly numbered and follow the order of presentation in the FP, and it is advisable to mention them in the development of the FP.

Some examples of annexes are:

  • Letter of authorization from the organization/institution/company where the Final Project is carried out.
  • Interview guide(s)
  • Transcription of interviews or focus groups
  • Characterization of the sample
  • Description of the techniques or instruments used
  • Collection of data obtained in statistical analysis
  • Glossaries

There is no specific number of annexes that must be included in the FP Report; include those that are considered appropriate and add value to the Final Project.