Capstone Project Library Guide
This guide supports students enrolled in BU404 – Capstone Project at Vector Technology Institute (VTI). It brings together research tools, data sources, frameworks, and writing support to help you successfully plan, execute, and present your final capstone project.
The BU404 capstone integrates theory, applied research, and professional practice. Students are expected to demonstrate analytical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and clear academic and professional communication.
Using This Guide Successfully
- Start with problem definition and scope.
- Select an appropriate research or analytical framework.
- Use credible academic and industry sources.
- Apply findings to a real-world organisational or technical context.
Required companion guides: Research Skills • How to Write the Research Paper • APA Style Guide
1. Project Planning & Topic Selection
Your capstone topic should address a clear problem, opportunity, or innovation relevant to your programme (ICT, Technology Management, Software Programming, Cybersecurity, or Business).
- Identify a real-world organisational, technical, or policy problem.
- Ensure access to data, literature, or case materials.
- Align the topic with your programme learning outcomes.
Helpful starting points:
2. Choosing a Framework or Model
Frameworks help structure your analysis and provide academic rigour.
- Business & Management: SWOT, PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, Balanced Scorecard
- Technology & ICT: ITIL, COBIT, NIST CSF, SDLC, Agile/Scrum
- Cybersecurity: NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, Risk Assessment Models
- Software Development: Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Secure SDLC
Tip: Always justify why the chosen framework fits your research question.
3. Research & Evidence Gathering
Use a combination of academic research, industry reports, standards, and data.
- Google Scholar – Peer-reviewed articles and conference papers.
- BASE – Full-text academic research discovery.
- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) – Quality-controlled open access journals.
- Open Access Theses & Dissertations (OATD) – Advanced academic examples.
4. Data, Reports & Case Evidence
Use reliable data sources to support analysis and recommendations.
- Government of Jamaica Open Data Portal – National datasets.
- World Bank Open Knowledge Repository – Development, ICT, and economic data.
- Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) – Policy and socio-economic reports.
5. Writing the Research Proposal
Your capstone should follow a structured academic format.
- Introduction & problem statement
- Literature review
- Methodology / framework
- Analysis & findings
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
Mandatory referencing style: APA (7th edition)
Use the Research Paper Guide and APA Style Guide for formatting and citations.
6. Evaluating Sources & Academic Integrity
Apply critical evaluation methods such as the CRAAP Test:
- Currency
- Relevance
- Authority
- Accuracy
- Purpose
Ensure all sources are properly cited to avoid plagiarism.
7. Presentation & Defence Preparation
Prepare to communicate your findings clearly and professionally.
- Create clear visuals (charts, diagrams, frameworks).
- Explain methodology and decisions confidently.
- Justify recommendations with evidence.
Recommended Companion Guides
- Research Skills Library Guide
- How to Write the Research Paper
- Literature Review Guide
- APA Style & Citation Guide
- Find Research
This guide is designed to support successful completion of the BU404 Capstone Project and demonstrates VTI’s commitment to research quality, academic integrity, and applied learning.
