Report 3000 words weighted at 100% (Learning Outcomes 1-4)

The coverage of the indicative content will be focus on topics that directly support the development of computing based solutions to problems within a commercial context.

Concepts of commercial system development, software metrics, quality of service, the management of change, business plans and their role, understanding of company accounting principles, management and organisational structures, costing techniques, risk management, relevant company and employment legislation, professional integrity, product pricing and marketing, project planning and management, software development lifecycles in the context of commercial organisations, product quality, evaluation and validation, security issues, etc.

Range of journals and articles as appropriate to individual student needs.

Typical examples include:

Bessant J and Tidd J., Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 3rd edition, Wiley, 2015, ISBN: 978-1118993095
Ward J and Daniel E, Benefits Management: How to increase the Business Value of your IT Projects, 2nd Edition, 2012, Wiley, ISBN 978-1119993261.
Earl M J, Management Strategies for Information Technology, Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd, 1989, ISBN: 0-13-551656 – 0
Somerville I., Software Engineering, 10th edition, 2015, Pearson Education, 2006, ISBN: 978-1292096131

None specific

None specific.

1. Critically evaluate and analyse the organisational and administrative principles of running a business and in particular the roles of financial control, costing and marketing, data relating to costing, investment, and resources, within company and market environments as they relate to the development of a computing based solution to a problem. (Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding).
2. Understand the need to take responsibility for the long-term effects of the engineering processes involved in the production of a product to defined quality criteria and critically evaluate the evidential basis that informs professional judgement based on critical awareness and evaluation of good practice. (Enquiry, Reflection).
3. Critically appraise technical and managerial contributions within an engineering project, the systems of communication and control used within organisations and communicate effectively (with critical reflection on that communication) to develop and maintain both good teamwork and management functions. (Communication, Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection).
4. Demonstrate initiative in the identification of new problems, market opportunities and techniques and solutions, collect and critically review alternative techniques and proposed solutions, both established and novel, relevant to the development of a computing based solution to a problem. (Analysis, Enquiry, Reflection).

Case studies, guest speakers, regular lectures and seminar groups. 13 hours lectures and 13 hours tutorials (typically 1 hour lecture and one hour tutorial group per week).