TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR PROJECT

INTRODUCTION: In response to question from clients and numerous young researchers especially at the undergraduate level that what “constitute a research project outline”. i.e what each chapter entails.

The table of contents otherwise called TOC which is a roadmap to each part of the project/ thesis. A table of contents often come before the full thesis/project to give insight into the work. It allows readers to locate specific information or visit their favourite parts within the text. A table of contents helps readers to decide what part of the work they want to read first, in short, it offers an opportunity where to start. For instance, one may jump to research methodology if the reader is interested in the method (s) used in carrying out the study and so on.

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

1. General description of the area of study
2. Problem analysis (Problem Statement)
3.   Purpose of study (Objectives of the Study)
4. Relevant research questions
5. Statement of the hypothesis
6. Delimitation (scope) of the study
7. Significance of the research problem and the justification for investigating it.
8.   Definition of (Unfamiliar) terms.
   
9. References, Chapter 1

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review

1. Historical background
2. Models (s) and or theories relevant to research questions & hypothesis
3. Current literature based on each of the relevant variables of the model
4. Empirical studies
5. Summary of chapter
6. Reference chapter 2

CHAPTER THREE: Methodology

1. A brief outline of the chapter
2. Restatement of the research questions and hypothesis (optional)
3. Research design and Method (s)
4.  Study population
5. Sampling design and Technique
6. Simple size
7. Data collection instrument
8. A pilot study, a test of validity and reliability of the study instrument
9. Administration of the data collection instrument
10. Procedures analyzing data
11. References for the chapter 3

CHAPTER FOUR: Presentation and analysis of data

1. A brief introduction of the chapter
2. Criterion group returns; respondents’ characteristics
3. Presentation and analysis of data according to research questions
4. Presentation and analysis of data according to test questions
5. Analysis of other data

CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

1. Summary of the study including a comprehensive summary of the findings
2. The conclusion is drawn from the finding including how the study has answered the research questions and tested the hypothesis
3. Recommendations based on the conclusion
4. Suggestions for their studies
5. References Chapter 5

SAMPLE

Below is an example of how a table of content of a typical project or thesis should look like, though, it differs from school to school and level to level, yet this is a framework for students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification/ consent                                         

Dedication                                                             

Acknowledgement                                               

 Table of Contents                                               

 Abstract                                                                                                                   

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       Introduction

1.1       Background to the Study                                                         

1.2       Statement of the Problem/ Problem Statement

1.3       Objectives of the Study/ Aim of the Research                                                

1.4       Research Questions               

1.5       Scope of the Study                 

1.6       Significance of the Study              

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms     

            References

CHAPTER TWO

2.0       LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1       Conceptual Review 

2.2       Empirical Studies               

2.3       Theoretical Framework             

2.4       Summary                 

            References 

CHAPTER THREE

3.0       Research Methodology

3.1       Research Design   

3.2.      Research Method(s)         

3.2       Population of the Study            

3.3       Sampling Technique       

3.4       Sample Size

3.5       Data Collection Instrument (s)        

3.6       Validity and Reliability of the Instrument (s)        

3.7       Data Collection Method(s)                  

3.8       Data Analysis Method (s)       

            References      

 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0       DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1       Data Presentation and Analysis          

4.2       Answer to Research Questions (Optional)

4.2       Discussion of Findings          

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATION (S)

5.1  Summary              

5.2  Conclusion                 

5.3  Recommendations              

5.4  Limitations for Further Studies         

      References                

      Appendix