The Center for Environmental Planning & Technology (CEPT) has laid down a requirement of working towards a research-oriented thesis during the final Semester of the Bachelor’s equivalent program. The tradition is well established at the School of Architecture, where the thesis program is in operation successfully since last quarter of this century. The second similar program is now duly formulated, for Bachelor of Construction Technology, at the School of Building Science and Technology. Research oriented thesis program is not offered in any engineering courses at undergraduate level at IITs, RECs & other engineering colleges. Even Master’s level courses in engineering and other similar disciplines, often calls for a project report.

1. Inhibiting an attitude towards research in the minds of undergraduate.

2. To complement the practical work abilities of students and contribute to a higher professional competence.

3. Encouraging faculty to undertake research & involve students in their research, which could be sponsored by Government & Non- Government Agencies or CEPT.

4. Induce Construction Industry for larger participation in the program at CEPT beyond teaching and training of student through sponsoring their problems for research.

5. To address to the problems facing construction industry and thereby develop greater relevance of the academic program as well as industry- institute interaction.

6. To develop a base for undertaking R & D work by the faculty relating to specific problems faced by the Construction Industry.

Methodology:

However the undergraduate level of student and their equipment are to be kept in mind to prescribe the thesis requirements. This note outlines these requirements.

    (a) Design of program of investigations which would include:-

        (i) Need for the Study.   (ii) Well Defined Intentions.         

        (iii) Plan of study incorporating Methodology, scope & restraints.

    (b) Selection of investigation parameters and case study samples.

    (c) Collection and analysis of data using scientific methods.

    (d) Presentation of analyzed data and results in scientific and comprehensive manner.

    (e) Making appropriate inference from the result of analysis with due reference to the intentions.

    (f) Reporting the entire study as a literary work of scientific nature.

As an undergraduate thesis, the emphasis will not be on the extent of original contribution to the field, though this is a part of the intentions. Clarity of approach, Methodology, thoroughness of application of method, logical consistency and knowledge of the basic conventions of academic/ theoretical presentation will be necessary.

1. The Thesis shall be in A4 Size Paper (280 mm x 205mm approx) with margins of 30 mm on binding edge & 10 mm on other edges. No folded pages shall be permissible.

2. The thesis shall be in Standard English language.

3. The thesis shall be type written on both the sides of the papers. Using standard type sizes (10 size). Condensing of typed matter except for emphasis shall not be permitted.

4. The thesis shall not contain more than 60 pages and less than 30 pages. This includes pages for appendix, index and bibliography.

5. The title page of the thesis & the certificate by the guide shall be as per standard sample given from the school.

6. Each page shall be serially numbered.

7. The credits shall be given for any work, which is borrowed to supplement, complement or reinforce the work of the thesis using standard referencing method.
   At the same time, borrowing other work without due credit or acknowledgement with standard referencing method, may lead to rejection of the thesis.

8. Standard method for reference & bibliography shall be used. It would be permissible to make reference either as footnote, or at the end of each chapter or at the end of the thesis work.

9. All tables, graphs, charts, plates, photographs etc. shall be duly related to the text in the body of the thesis. Wherever possible these shall be with the text for easy cross-reference.

The scope of the thesis work would conform to the Objectives & directions of the School of Building Science & Technology.

Possible areas of investigation could be construction materials (new, improvised & current), methods, techniques, tools, plant & equipment, construction management, engineering economics, building & construction services, Evaluation & assessment of technologies, appropriate technology, energy & environmental issues aspects, structures, foundations, chemicals for improvement of material properties etc. The thesis committee will determine thrust/ priority areas of study after perceiving the needs of the industry/ profession.

The thesis work Methodology could be by laboratory or project studies or library work or any combination there of. In any case, scientific methods of selection of case studies, data acquisition, and analysis inference would be absolutely necessary.

The use of numerical & other methods of analysis, logical methods of reasoning etc are to be expected in all cases.

A Guide should have understanding, interest & expertise in a broader area if not in a specific subject (under consideration), & willingness to explore the subject with the student, an understanding of research Methodology applicable to the subject.

Generally academic background or relevant professional experience or research experience in civil engineering profession would be expected.

Further desirable accomplishment would be experience of dissertation work teaching & research experience, laboratory experience, publication of creditable technical papers, project reports etc in journals of repute, presentation of papers, chairing technical sessions, working as reporter etc at seminars, workshops & conferences, preparation of contract documents, project investigations, experience of projects in senior technical managerial capacities etc.

In case of doubt thesis & research committee be approached for specific guidance.

Internal 60 %

Final Viva-Voce 40 %