HANDBOOK

for
CBBR4106 – PROJECT
(BIT )

1
 PART I

OVERVIEW

2
1.0 Introduction

It is well recognized that final year project paper is an important component of the first-
degree curriculum. Accordingly, first-degree students are required to take the paper
toward or at the end of their studies. Basically first-degree project paper aims to train
students to carry out small-scale research activities, namely to train them to carry out
literature survey for the problems definition and also solutions to the problems (i.e.
system development in the context of IT). The project paper also provided an avenue for
the students to develop experience to present their research in written reports. The
previous practice at OUM is to divide the project into two parts: Project 1 (3 credits) and
Project 2 (3 credits). Effective May 2009, the two Projects have been combine into one
subject known as Project (6 credits) and must completed within one semester. The
deliverables for the Project are:

 Project Report (written according to OUM format as elaborated in Part II)

 System/Software (to be burnt in the CD and attached together with the report)

Students intend to take Final Year Project must satisfy the following requirements:

Students with CGPA less than 3.00:

At the time they register for Project, they must have at most one elective subjects
excluding project paper at the last semesters.

Students with CGPA more or equal to 3.00:

At the time they register for Project , they must have at most two elective subjects
excluding project paper at the last semesters. namely:

Management of student projects at OUM gives rise to number of implementation issues,

in particular the following:

 Appointment of the Supervisors and Examiners

 Logistic
 Monitoring students’ progress

This paper attempts to provide some guideline to assist toward effective management of
the students’ projects at OUM.

3
2.0 Appointment of the Supervisors and Examiners

Minimum qualification of the supervisors and examiners is MSC in Computer Science/IT

or related qualifications. Basically the students need to have five meeting (physical or
virtual) with their supervisors. Supervisor and examiners can be appointed among SME
or tutors and in certain cases among lecturers from IPTA or IPTS. At most seven students
will be assigned to one supervisor in a particular semester. The Faculty will create
database of potential supervisors and examiners.

3.0 Projects Topics

The scope of the Final Year Project must be link to program/system/software developing
as OUM want produce graduates who are able to develop applications. Project topics can
be proposed by the students or the supervisors concerned. But the faculty needs to
evaluate the topics for their suitability. For computer science or IT first-degree program
the scope of the project should covers all the following elements:
 problem identification,
 Literature review
 modeling,
 system design and
 development of prototype system.

Although system development is emphasized, other computing projects such as devising

new algorithm for scientific problems such as cryptography, sorting or devising
methodologies for software process improvement, etc are allowed. Case study projects
such as “A survey on the usage of computer among school teacher”, etc are strictly
prohibited.

4.0 Contents of the Project Report

The first task that need to be done by the student is come up with a Project Proposal.
Project Proposal should contain the following aspects:
 Title of the project
 Introduction
 Problem Statement
 Objective
 Project Scope
 Requirement of Software/Hardware needed in the project
 Gantt Chart
 Conclusion

4
6-10 pages (1.5 spacing) is enough for the Project Proposal and student need to
submit it to their supervisor a week before the semester commences or latest on the
first week of the semester.

After their proposal has been endorsed by their supervisor, the student can proceed to
write the report and eventually develop the system. The following are the chapters (to be
included in the final report) and time frame that are proposed to the students so that they
can complete the project on time:

Proposed Chapters Proposed Time Proposed Number

Frame of Pages in the
Final Report
(1) Introduction (problem statement, 1 week 6-10 pages
objective, scope, limitation,
implementation plan)
(2) Literature Review 2 weeks 10-15 pages
(3) Analysis/Design: Program 2 weeks 40 pages
design, Database design,
Interface design, etc
(4) Implementation/Programming 4 weeks 30- 40 pages
and Testing
(5) Summary and Conclusion 1 week 4-5 pages
(6) References -
Appendix
TOTAL 10 WEEKS >= 90 pages
(1 semester)

It is the duty of the supervisor in order to make sure that the students is progressing well according to
the time frame given above.

Students can use their own computer or computers at the PPW/T computer Lab in order
to do the write-up or system development. STUDENT WHO PLAGIARIASED THEIR
PROJECT WORK WILL BE GIVEN 0 (F).

5.0 Processes Involved In The Management Of Student Projects

Basically management of student project involves three major core processes:

1. Identifying potential supervisors and examiners database

2. Project Registration
3. Project Supervision
4. Project Examination
5. Awarding Grades

5
Refer to the next pages for more details on the above processes.
Identifying Supervisors and Examiners Database

Responsibilit Input Outputs

When List of
supervisors
Anytim Faculty and
e examiners
Advertise the
need for
Supervisors and
examiners
Criteria for
selection List of
Faculty successful
Select potential candidates
supervisors and
examiners

List of
Create database of Faculty successful Database
successful candidates
candidates

List of
Inform the
Faculty successful Letters/e-
candidates
candidates mail
etc

Students Registration Project

When Responsibility Input Output

s

Students apply to
register for the After List of
getting Students Exam students apply
project 1 List of
examinatio result to register for
eligible List of
n result Students
project 1
Allocate
Check students
student to 6 students eligible
projects
eligibility
supervisors
to do Supervisor students
Informproject
the students Exabase Data
Letters/e-mail
Faculty
Faculty data
m base
etc
 Students
projects
Data
base

7
 Project Supervision

When Responsibility Input Output

s s

Supervisor
Make At each students
arrangement to T’s
see students/to
meet

At each
T’s

Supervisor Log Updated

Discuss the and book log book
progress students

Project Examination

When Responsibility Inputs Output

List of s
Examinatio
students List of
n results
submit the results
List of
Students submit Beginning Students Project,
Supervisor
project for By
students
the project for of the Submission
reports,
examination supervisor
submit the
examination examinatio form
Submission
Guideline for Examination
and
project for
Send the result to n week8 form
marking the results
supervisor
examination
the faculty project-2 Supervisor
reports
Mark the project reports
Supervisor
PPU
Appendix I: Sample of Project Evaluation Form:

FINAL YEAR PROJECT EVALUATION FORM

STUDENT NAME: ___________________________________

MATRIC NO: ___________________________________

9
PROGRAM: ___________________________________

PROJECT TITLE:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

PPW/T: ___________________________________

SUPERVISOR NAME: ___________________________________

PROJECT AREAS/SCOPES MARKS

________
Introduction
1 / 10

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

10
 ________
Literature review
2 /10

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

System Analysis/ ________

3 System Design / 15

11
 Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

________
4 Implementation/Programming and Testing
/ 45

Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

________
5 Summary and Discussion
/5

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 Supervisor Comments:
(Brief comments are not acceptable)

________
6 Presentation
/ 10

________
7 Overall Report Writing
/5

13
 ______________/100
TOTAL
MARKS
Note:
1. Total marks given by the supervisor is not final. The faculty will verify the marks.
2. Student who plagiaries their project work will be given 0 (F)

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________

DATE: _____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

PANDUAN PEMARKAHAN

Berdasarkan borang pemarkahan, Projek perlu dinilai dari TUJUH (7) aspek berikut:-

1. Pengenalan (10 markah)

 Penilaian perlu dilihat pada pengenalan umum terhadap masalah,
pernyataan masalah yang jitu, objektif kajian yang jitu, skop dan
sumbangan kajian

2. Kajian Kesusasteraan (10 markah)

 Penilaian perlu dilihat pada ulasan berkenaan kajian-kajian lepas
yang berkaitaan dengan masalah yang hendak diselesaikan oleh
pelajar

3. Analisis/Rekabentuk Sistem (15 markah)

 Penilaian perlu dilihat pada ketepatan analisis dan kesesuaian
rekabentuk (rekabentuk antaramuka, pangkalan data, dsbnya.) yang
dibuat oleh pelajar.
 Rajah-rajah yang perlu seperti Rajah Konteks, Rajah Aliran Data, Rajah
Hubungan Entiti, serta rajah lain yang berkaitan dan bersesuaian perlu
juga dinilai.
 Penilaian terhadap metodologi permbangunan juga perlu dibuat.

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4. Pengaturcaraan dan Pegujian (45 markah)
 Aspek ini perlu dinilai berdasarkan ciri-ciri sistem yang dibangunkan,
fungsi-fungsi yang ada, kreativiti yang ditunjukkan, bebas ralat, berfungsi
secara tekal (konsisten) dan penilaian lain yang difikirkan sesuai.
 Penilaian juga perlu dilihat dari sudut kefahaman pelajar terhadap
elemen pengaturcaraan yang dibangunkan bagi memastikan sistem itu
adalah dibangunkan sendiri oleh pelajar terbabit.
 Penilaian perlu dilihat pada pengujian sistem yang dilakukan oleh
pelajar, jenis-jenis pengujian dan

5. Ringkasan dan Kesimpulan (5 markah)

 Ringkasan yang memberangsangkan dengan cadangan
untuk kajian
masa hadapan.

6. Pembentangan (10 markah)

- Penilaian perlu dilihat pada keyakinan pelajar di dalam memberikan
pembentangan, kecekapan komunikasi, berupaya untuk menjejak kod
aturcara yang dibangunkan dan demonstrasi sistem

7. Penulisan Laporan secara keseluruhannya (5 markah)

 Penilaian juga perlu dibuat berdasarkan pada kandungan bahan yang
ada dalam laporan pelajar secara umum, memenuhi format penulisan
fakulti, tiada kesilapan ejaan, menggunakan bahasa dan tatabahasa
yang betul serta dari segi struktur dan penyampaian dengan
kesinambungan yang teratur.

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 PART II

GUIDE TO WRITE REPORTS FOR

CBBR4106 (BIT)

16
1.0 CONTENTS OF PROJECT PAPER

Contents of the project paper should be arranged in the following order. However, this is
only a guide, as project papers differ in terms of the contents, headings and
subheadings. Students should consult their supervisors and discuss with them when
finalizing the arrangements and contents of their project paper.

With Roman Numerals

Page
Title Page i {but not shown on the page}
Abstract ii {beginning of numbered pages)
Abstrak
Dedication- optional
Acknowledgements
Declaration
Table of Contents
List of Figures/ illustrations
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations/ Notations/ Glossary
Of terms (if any)

With Arabic Numerals

1. INTRODUCTION 1 {beginning of numbered pages}

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Objectives
. .
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
.
Summary

3. SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1
3.2
3.2.1
3.3
.
3.6 Summary

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

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 4.1
4.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
.
.
4.6 Summary

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

REFERENCES
APPENDICES

2.O GENERAL FORMAT FOR WRITING PROJECT PAPER AND

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 CASE

a. Writing and Printing Format

Language

The language of the project paper/ case is either standard American or British English or
Bahasa Malaysia . The use of a language must be consistent throughout the project
paper/ case study. Mixing of British and American English or Bahasa Malaysia is not
allowed. The project paper/ case study must be written in the third person.

Technical Specification

i. Typing-- typing should be done on a word processor, with printing done on a

letter quality or a laser printer. Word processor softwares such as
Microsoft Word or Word Perfect can be used. For tables and calculations
Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123 may be used.

ii. Typeface and Font Size—the entire text, including headings and page
numbers must be produced with the same font or type face. The font size
should be 12 point (Times New Roman) for the main text and should not
be scripted or italicized except for scientific names and terms in a different
language. Bold print is used for headings. Footnotes and text in tables
can be in 10 point font size. The font styles must be in Times New
Roman.

iii. Margins—The left margin should be at 35mm and the right, top and bottom
margins are at 30 mm.

iv. Spacing— the main text of the chapters should be typed on one side of the
page and 1 ½ -spaced throughout. Spacing between two paragraphs in the
text should be set at 2 single spacing. Spacing between the chapter
heading and the first subheading should be set at 4 single spacing. Single
spacing will be used for the following purposes only:

 Abstract
 Explanatory footnotes (if absolutely necessary)
 Quotations longer than 3 lines set in a block
 References and bibliographies (except between entries)
 Long headings or subheadings
 Long captions to tables, figures or plates
 Appendices such as questionnaires and letters.

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 v. Pagination—all pages should be numbered centrally at the bottom
margin. Page numbers should appear by themselves and should not be
placed in brackets, hyphenated or accompanied by other decorative
devices.

Only the original word-processed copy of the project paper/ case or its
good and clean photocopies will be accepted. When a page consisting of
Figures or Tables needs to be inserted, it may be numbered with a lower
case letter (e.g. 5a if inserted between pages 5 and 6).

vi. Paper—White paper (80 gm) or paper of equivalent quality with A4 size (210
mm x 297 mm) should be used.

vii. Heading—Chapter number and heading should be centred and written in bold,
upper case letters with 16 point font size. Subheadings should be aligned
to the left margin and written with 14 point font size, upper case and lower
case letters.

viii. After supervisor’s approval, the student need to bind the report properly
with the cover page and the back cover should be hard-covered (color:
“Royal Blue”)

b. Abstract

An abstract of the project paper is required in English and Bahasa Malaysia. The abstract
should not exceed more than 200 words. It is a summary of all the important elements of
the project such as the problems, method, results, implications and conclusions. It
should be written in one paragraph. The abstract should be written in past tense to
describe processes or activities already done by the researcher, and present tense to
describe conclusions and implications based on the study. Use Times New Roman, 12
with single spacing for the abstract.

c. Text Citations

Ideas, words, findings, figures and others which are taken directly or indirectly from the
others must be duly acknowledged by the writer. To acknowledge others’ works in the
text, students must follow certain conventions. The following examples illustrate some
of the conventions when making citations in the text.

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 i. Writing the author’s name (s).

Western or English name, use only the surname (or the family name) in the text. For
example: John Smith, use Smith.
Malay and Chinese names: Use the whole name or the first name for the Malay, and
family name for the Chinese.
Example: Mohd. Ali Bin Kassim, use Mohd. Ali.
Lee Ah Hua, use Lee.

ii. Citation Style: Author(s)-Year.

For Single Author

When the author is a part of the formal structure of the sentence, the citation is as
follows:

Franklin (1998) pointed out that, universities as providers of management education have
both privileged opportunities and critical responsibilities to …..

According to Denison (1990), culture refers to underlying values, beliefs, and principles
that serve as …….

When the author of the source is not part of the formal structure of the sentence, the
citation is as follows:

As the average inter-item correlation is low, Cronbach,s alpha will be low. As the
average inter-item correlation increases, Cronbach’s alpha increases as well (Santos,
1999).

(Note the way the author and year are written for each condition or situation.)

For Multiple Authors

Similar style is used for multiple authors, but with the use of “and” and “&” as follows:

 Mallak and Kurstedt (1996) introduce their model of participative management….

 It reflects the enforcement of rules, conformity, and attention to technical matters

(Denison & Spreitzer, 1991).

21
  The Legitimacy Model (Miles & Cameron, 1982; Zammuto, 1982) considers
organizational effectiveness in terms of contextual measure….

[Note (1) semi colon separates the two sources of information, and (2) the sources are
arranged in alphabetical order]

When many authors are found in one source, use “et al.” for second time citation. For
example:

 Mohd. Ali, Lee, Smith and Bradner (1990) found that ….. (First time citation)
Mohd. Ali et al. (1983) found that …. (second citation and onwards).
The knowledge obtained through this process must be retained (Mohd. Ali et al.,
1983).

Same Authors over several works and Several Years

Several studies by the same author in one year are referred to by the writer, then the
citation is as follows:
 Mohd. Ali (1990a, 1990b, 1990c)

Several studies by the same author over several years are referred to by the writer, then
citation is as follows:
 Mohd. Ali (1990, 1991, 1993).

When the citation is not taken directly from the source

Ridley and Mendoza developed a model based on interrelated organizational processes

which was used primarily as a tool for management consultants (as cited by Rojas, 2000).
[Cite only the study that you have read in the Reference List—in this case it is Rojas
(2000)].

d. Quotations

i. When short quotations (less than 40 words) are taken from the source, these
can be incorporated in the text but enclosed by double quotation marks.
Example:

According to Emory (1985, p. 115), even when the research design is ideal, “there is
always a question about whether the results are true.”

ii. When long quotations are taken from a source (more than 40 words), display
the quotations in a free-standing block of typewritten lines but without the
quotation marks. Start the quotation block on a new line, indented five
spaces from the left margin. Type double-spaced lines. If the quotation
takes more than one paragraph, then start the new sentence of the new
paragraph indented five spaces from the new left margin.

22
[Note: (i) Materials quoted must follow the wording, spelling, and interior punctuation of
the original source, even if the source is incorrect. Students must make sure to check the
typed copy with the original source to ensure no discrepancy exists. (ii) For quotations,
write the authors’ names, year and page number of the source.]

Example of a long quotation:

In summarizing the research finding on the roles of ISO consultants, Salleh Yahya (2003)
states that:

In the old ISO 9000 quality assurance systems, consultants often act as knowledge

brokers who transfer their codified knowledge of ISO 9000 technical

requirements and implementation, which is learnt through the precise ISO 9000

codebook, to the client’s organization. They also function as informers or

advisers of best practices and ‘know-how’ in ISO implementation to their clients.

(p. 162)

e. List of References (or Bibliography)

All references cited in the text must be listed in the List of References or Bibliography.
The listing must be ordered in the alphabetical order based on the name of the author that
appeared in the citation. Writing of references in the Bibliography must follow the style
outlined in the following examples.

(i) Examples of references to periodicals

(Take note of how the authors’ names and journal titles are arranged, and also how the
volume and page numbers of journals are written. Spaces between words should also be
noted )

Single author, journal article

Ichniowski, C. (1986). The effects of grievance activity on productivity. Industrial and

Labour Relations Review, 40, 75-89.

Salleh Yahya. (2003). The role of ISO 9001: 2000 consultants. IIUM Journal of
Economics and Management, 11(2), 143-165.

23
More than one author, journal article.

Kinnear, L., & Sutherland, M. (2000). Determinants of organizational commitment

amongst knowledge workers. South African Journal of Business Management, 31(3),
106-112.

Kinicki, A. J., Carson, K.P., & Bohlander, G. W. (1992). Relationship between an

organization’s actual human resource efforts and employee attitudes. Group and
Organization Management, 17, 135-152.

Newspaper article

Mohd. Ali Hassan (Year, month & date). Title, Name of newspaper, p.

Chapter in a book

Salancik, G.R. (1977). Commitment and the control of organizational behavior and
belief. In B.M. Staw & G.R. Salancik (Eds.), New Directions in Organizational
Behavior (pp. 1-54). Chicago: St. Clair Press.

Choudhury, M.A. (1996). Why cannot neoclassicism explain resource allocation and
development in the Islamic political economy? In Ahmed, E. (ed.), Role of Private
and Public Sectors in Economic Development in an Islamic Perspective (pp. 17-44).
Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought.

Reference to Entire Books

Armstrong, M. (1992). A Handbook of Personnel Management Practice. London:

Kogan Page Ltd.

Emory, C. W. (1985). Business Research Methods (3rd.). Illinois: Richard D. Irwin.

Proceedings of Meetings and Symposia

Manjula, J. (2004). Knowledge management in organizations: An essential journey.

Proceedings of 2nd National HRM Conference: Gearing Human Resources Towards
New Dynamism (pp. 88-98). Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Unpublished Doctoral Dissertations and Master’s Theses

Evans, D. L. (1987). Human resource planning practices in Southern California

24
 hospitals. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, United States International University.

Mohammad Naim Ahmad (1999). Anteseden komitmen kepada organisasi.

Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Web Document

Roberts, G.E. (1994). Acceptance of performance appraisal. Retrieved September 24,

2003 from http://www.ignoumeids.ac.in/ignou/erl/articles/HR/5952.html

Elangovan, A.R., & Karakowsky, L. (1999). The role of trainee and environmental
factors in transfer of training: An exploratory framework. Leadership &
Organization Development Journal, 20(5), pp. 268-275. Retrieved September 3, 2003
from http://www.emerald-library.com

f. Tables and Figures

Titles of the tables and figures must be written at the top left hand side. Number all
tables and figures with Arabic numerals in the order in which chapters the tables and
figures appear, for examples, Table 3.1, Table 3.2, or Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2. The
contents of the tables and figures must be written using font of size 10 and single spaced.
The source(s) of data must be written at the bottom left of the table and figure.

g. Physical Appearance of the Project Paper

(i) Cover Page

Must be written using upper case letters and font size of 14. The
specifications are shown in the following illustration (Appendix II).

(ii) Title Page-follow Appendix III

(iii) Declaration Page-follow Appendix IV

(iv) Preparing Spine of the Project Paper-follow Appendix V

(v) List of Figures/ List of Tables – Appendix VI

(vi) Starting a chapter - Appendix VII

25
APPENDIX II (COVER OF REPORT)

60 mm

FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGANIZATIONAL

COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF EMPLOYEES IN
KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

60 mm

26
APPENDIX III- TITLE PAGE (AFTER THE COVER)

FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGANIZATIONAL

COMMITMENT: A STUDY OF EMPLOYEES IN
KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS
{Times New Roman, 16, Bold, Centred}

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN

{Times New Roman, 14, Centred}

Project Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the

Degree of Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons)

Open University Malaysia

(Year of Submission)
{Times New Roman, 12, Centred}

27
APPENDIX IV – DECLARATION PAGE

DECLARATION
{New Times Roman, 16, bold, centred}

Name :_____________________________
Matric. Number :_____________________________

I hereby declare that this project paper is the result of my own work, except for
quotations and summaries which have been duly acknowledged.

Signature: _________________________ Date: ______________________

{Times New Roman, 12}

28
APPENDIX V – SPINE OF THE PROJECT PAPER REPORT

ABDULLAH SUDIN JANTAN BIT 2012 OUM

{Times New Roman, 12 }

29
APPENDIX VI – LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES {Times New Roman, 14, bold, upper case, right justified}
Page {Times New Roman, 12,
bold, left justified}

Figure 1.2 The Structure of Web 1 {this is page number}

Figure 1.2 The UP model 2
.. ..
.. ..
Figure 5.8 The Interface 70

{Times New Roman, 12}

CHAPTER 1 {font size 16, centralized, bold}
INTRODUCTION

Note: 1.0 Introduction

The same goes for the{font
Listsize 14, bold}
of Tables.
Web services is an ………………………………………......................
{font size 12, justified for the main text with 1 ½ spacing} …….
…………………...…………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

{one tab} The research on Web ………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

1.1 Problem Statement {font size 14, bold}

……………………………………………………………………………
APPENDIX VII – STARTING A CHAPTER
…………………………………………………………………………….

1.1.1 Scope {font size 14, bold}

30
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………….
 {4 single spacing}

{2 single spacing between the paragraphs }

{2 single spacing}

{2 single spacing }

Margins—The left margin should be at 35mm and the right, top and bottom
margins are at 30 mm.

-END OF THE DOCUMENT-

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