BSc Honours Project: Managing a Substantial Individual Project

1. BSc Honours Project IntroductionCSY4010 Amir Minai Module Leader

2. Module Learning Outcomes 1.Manage a substantial individual project which could include; research, planning, design, implementation, testing, and documentation. 2.Construct a focussed problem statement and conduct a suitable investigation, including detailed literature review, in the problem context 3.Demonstrate professional competence by applying appropriate theory and practice to the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of a non-trivial set of deliverables.

3. Module Learning Outcomes 4.      Show a capacity for self-appraisal by analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project process and outcomes with reference to the initial objectives and to the work of others. 5.      Provide evidence of the foregoing in the form of a report 6.      Defend the work orally at a Viva Voce examination.

4. What is an Honours Project? • The project provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their computing or information systems related knowledge and practical skills. • It is expected to be a problem-solving piece of work involving the design of an appropriate solution. • It is desirable that it should result from an industrial, organisational or research context and have an identifiable client other than the student. • A project will include some or all aspects of a project life-cycle and will apply appropriate principles, skills, tools and techniques developed throughout the programme of study and specially acquired during the project.

5. What is NOT an Honours Project Topic • I’m going to build a web site • I’m interested in 3D animation graphics • I want to make a computer game • I’m going to build a Network / Database / GUI • I am going to use Bluetooth to …. • I want to do something that will help me get a job…! • I am going to meet a client’s specific requirements… • I am working as a database administrator ……. • I am going to learn to use an application tool …. • These are all really good places to start!!

6. Computing Project Types • Research Based • Thorough investigation of a particular area • Improving the understanding of that area • Identifying the strengths and weaknesses within the field • Discuss how the field has evolved • Results in a contribution to the development of some aspects of the field

7. Computing Project Types • Development • Includes the development of Hardware and Software system to include; • Design & Spec Requirements • Process models • Methods • Testing • Critical evaluation • Full System Documentation

8. Computing Project Types • Evaluation • This type includes All Projects that involve some form of Evaluation of the main issues. • Comparing different approaches to a problem • Evaluating different programming languages • Analysing an implementation process within an area • Assessing different User Interfaces • Considering alternative and new technological approaches to a problem • Appraising the development methodologies to a problem

9. Computing Project Types • Industry based • Involves solving a problem within an Organisation which, potentially, includes the development of a computerised system • Certain types of Business Enterprises • Etc. A distinctive feature of this type of Project is that the outcome is developed for a specific Client (case study)

10. Computing Project Types • Problem Solving • Develop a new techniques to solve a problem • Improve the efficiency of existing approaches in different situations • Evaluation of existing theories to new problems • Determine the reasons for certain outcomes

11. Computing Project Types • The project should relate, reflect, and be relevant to your chosen Pathway subject area. • What ever Project you choose • You will have to produce an ACCEPTABLE and QUALITY dissertation (product).

12. Choosing your Project • This the most difficult, time consuming, and important stage of all. • You choose a Project that YOU must undertake over the whole of an academic year. • When choosing, keep the following principle in mind • You must be capable of doing the proposed project • You must be interested, motivated, and enjoy the work • You must consider your personal and career aspirations • You must be able to show a degree of personal development • Your must undertake a project with clear and serious outcome(s)

13. Choosing your Project • In addition to your part in choosing a Project, your supervisor should be able to advise you on the following questions • Does your Project have a clear and focused target and direction? • Is your project suitable for your Degree? • Does your project have sufficient Scope and Quality? • Are there adequate available resources for your Project?

14. Choosing your Project • You may use the following techniques, sources of information; • The computing Staff Research interests • Project ideas you may have come across at work • Past Projects • Reading around you area/subject of Interest • Brain storming ideas, Clustering particular Areas • Friends, colleagues, Supervisor

15. Your responsibilities - • Attend the Start up and common lecture Sessions • Complete the Registration form • Actively seek to discuss your idea(s) with the relevant member of staff • Get their agreement to act as your supervisor • Do the background and other necessary work during the summer weeks * You will be given access to the full module material on Nile at the start of the academic year

16. Your responsibilities - • Submit a Proposal at the beginning of the academic year; • Submit a progress Report & Present it at the beginning of the second term; • Actively work on the project and meet your supervisor at regular intervals;

17. Your responsibilities - • keep a diary or record of your weekly activities for a possible inclusion in your final report; • Submit the report (Dissertation) by the end of the academic year; • Prepare for the viva voce examination

18. Resources • CSY4010 material on Nile after Enrolment • Read the Project/Dissertation Handbook, • It tells you precisely what YOU have to do, how, when and for what reason • Plus Read other supporting documents provided • Note: • You are expected to keep in regular contact with your supervisor throughout the life span of your project at pre-arranged meetings.

19. What to do next • If you haven’t done so, • Identify the project area: Your Research Question • Start your project!