Dissertation (100%) (Learning outcomes 1-4)

This is a major piece of work to be carried out on an individual basis. You are expected to highlight two separate strands during your work on the Dissertation: understanding and application. The first part will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject domain. The second part will allow you to demonstrate your abilities through investigation of the problem and the application of appropriate knowledge and skills in providing solutions.

The major aim of the Dissertation is to allow you extend and unify your understanding of the subject as developed in the underlying modules. The production of the Dissertation is supported by an academic supervisor, who will help you develop your ideas.

It is envisaged that the Dissertation will focus on a particular topic in a computer related field. It is typically expected that projects will seek to apply technology to business and management scenarios with a view to the development of knowledge and understanding of how computing can contribute to further business efficiency. This will involve a critical study of recent developments in the field and will normally be illustrated by a practical component which may take the form of a software product, a design document (including rigorous specification), or guidelines

Software product - Prototype of a suitable software application, interface or tool.

Design document or specification - A suitable document to include planning, modelling, implementation and testing recommendations together with a rigorous specification.

Framework - Document detailing research into method, components / approach, tools or testing and taken to the production of a small prototype.

Guidelines - Set of recommendations based upon relevant research, developed theorem and models which have undergone some form of trial or testing process.

Identify the area of study.
Develop a plan including for the project milestones, deliverables and development schedule.
Identify the resources needed.
Following this the research and development needs to be carried out. This should be based on the techniques and knowledge gleaned from the underlying modules, together with advice from an academic supervisor. Finally the report should be produced describing the achievements, techniques used and analytic aspects of the Dissertation.

Software and hardware appropriate to the chosen project together with standard computing facilities.

Enrolled on MSc Computing for Business, or MSc Computing Solutions for Business.

Research papers and standard textbooks appropriate to the area of study.