100% Coursework (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
- A project proposal, which states research objectives and reflects the understanding of the research problem in its context and methods adopted in the research. (2000 words)
- Presentation of the project proposal. (10 minutes)
- A literature review (as part of the Certificate report)

The connection between hypothesis and valid evidence generating activities as embodied in research methods.

All students will cover
- Introduction of basic research and presentation skills such as literature research and reporting of research findings.
- Introduction to the nature of research and the reasons for research investigations, identifying and defining research questions and hypotheses.
- Presentation and dissemination of research, research proposal specification, Techniques of research report writing, research management, regulations and supervisors role.
- Ethical research issues related to investigation, experimentation, industrial collaboration and publication of research findings.

And a selection of the following as appropriate.
- Overview of research methods, quantitative and qualitative research. Data collection strategies and issues.
- Sampling theory and survey methods. Data analysis: types of data, survey and experimental data, statistical analysis.

A student-centred approach will be adopted, involving an independent supported learning component developed on an individual basis.
The teaching and learning methods will include a lecture and tutorial in the University Week, plus independent supported learning with materials.

PC with Office
Access to the Internet and On-line research libraries
Materials supplied

Students must have a good computing based honours degree or equivalent in industrial experience in the IT sector or for students on the MSc Professional Computing to have passed at least one of the accepted Learning Tree Professional Certifications as listed in the Professional Computing Student Award Handbook or the University equivalent.

Co-requisite - Industry based Computing Certificate Project Module

Sharp, J.A. (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project (2 ed), Aldershot Gower, ISBN: 056607706
Oliver, P. (1997) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group, ISBN: 034069081
Cornford, T. and Smithson, S. (1996) Project research in information systems: a students guide, Macmillan, ISBN: 0333644212
Galliers, R.D. (editor)(1994) Information Systems Research: Issues, methods and practical Guidelines. Oxford: Blackwell, ISBN: 187247439
Marshall & Rossman (1995) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, ISBN: 0803952481