100% Coursework assessing Learning Outcomes 1-4
A dissertation of 15,000 words and created artefact.

A dissertation read and assessed by two academics and a viva (in addition a demonstration of the artefact may be required but the viva is an oral examination of the work written in the dissertation and any relevant background material).

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 a subject domain that is appropriate to your employment/industry sector. The second part will allow you to demonstrate your abilities through investigation of the problem and application of appropriate knowledge and skills in providing solutions.

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

It is envisaged that the dissertation will focus on a particular topic in the IT, Engineering or Entertainment Technology field and will be related to your work/industry sector. This will involve a critical study of recent developments in the field and an understanding of how these may impact in your current role or work within an organisation/industry and will be illustrated by a created artefact which may take the form e.g. of a software product, a design document (including rigorous specification), guidelines or other artefact agreed with your University tutor and industry mentor.

(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 rigorous specification.

Framework - Document detailing research into method, components / approach, tools of 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).

Initially you should (a) identify the area of study, (b) develop a plan including for the project milestones, deliverables and development schedule, (c) 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 in conjunction with your agreed learning contract and together with advice from an academic supervisor and the work based mentor. Finally the dissertation should be produced describing the achievements, techniques used and analytical aspects of the work. The academic supervisor will be able to provide support in the development of the dissertation as it is developed and be able to review draft versions to provide formative assessment.

Students must be enrolled on the FCET negotiated masters award.

As appropriate

Introduction to Project ManagemenT, (2008) Kathy Schwalbe pb Boston, Mass. : Course Technology CENGAGE Learning ISBN 1423902203