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

Assignment 100% (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3)
Report 3000 words detailing underpinning research, evaluation and design of a component of a security system.

It is to be understood that coverage of the following topics is within the context of the development of ICT based solutions to problems. Hence coverage of the topics will be selective and tailored to the support such solution development.

Concepts of commercial system development, software metrics, quality of service, the management of change, business plans, understanding of company balance sheets, management and organisational structures, costing techniques, risk management, relevant company and employment legislation, professional integrity, solution costing, project planning and management, solution evaluation and validation, security issues, etc.

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects within discussion forums that are part of the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor.

Use IM and VOIP applications (e.g. MSN , Skype) for individual contact/support.

Students are encouraged to see re-enforcement of academic learning through practical experience in their own workplace.

Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module. Staffordshire University has subscriptions to IEEExplore, ACM Digital Library, Elsevier Science Direct and Infotrac Computer Database all offering full text electronic access to journals and conference proceedings.

Any resources as required.

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

Prior study of Applied Research Methods and Professional Development or equivalent

1. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE ROLES OF FINANCIAL CONTROL, COSTING AND MARKETING AS THEY RELATE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ICT BASED SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS, AND CRITICALLY ANALYSE DATA RELATING TO COSTING, INVESTMENT, RESOURCES AND OTHER FACTORS AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE THEIR RELATION TO COMPANY AND MARKET ENVIRONMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ICT BASED SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM. (Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding).
2. UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PROCESSES INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ICT SOLUTIONS 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 A PROJECT AND UNDERSTAND SYSTEMS OF COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL WITHIN ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN BOTH GOOD TEAMWORK AND MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS. (Communication, Reflection, Knowledge and Understanding).
4. COLLECT AND CRITICALLY ANALYSE DATA, AND REVIEW ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUES AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS, BOTH ESTABLISHED AND NOVEL, RELEVANT TO AN ICT BASED SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM AND SHOW INITIATIVE IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF NEW PROBLEMS, OPPORTUNITIES AND TECHNIQUES AND SOLUTIONS. (Analysis, Enquiry, Reflection).