‘On completion of this module, you will be able to...

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS, AND DEVELOP APPROPRIATE KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS SOME FIELD-SPECIFIC CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
Knowledge and Understanding,

2. COMMUNICATE, AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL, AN AREA OF CONTEMPORARY INVESTIGATION DEMOSTRATING APPROPRIATE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE.
Communication

3. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF TECHNICAL AND/OR NON-TECHNICAL IMPLICATIONS OF A RESEARCHED EMERGING TECHNOLOGY. THIS IS TO INCLUDE AN APPROPRIATE CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ANY SOCIAL, LEGAL OR ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS.
Analysis, Reflection

4. IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE RESEARCH GAPS IN AN IDENTIFIED EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND PROPOSE SOME POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Problem solving, Analysis

University 8 Learning Outcomes
1) Knowledge and Understanding
2) Learning
3) Enquiry
4) Analysis
5) Problem Solving
6) Communication
7) Application
8) Reflection

Assignment 1 -
Research and write a research paper of a professional standard comparable to that of a conference or journal paper layout (that will be peer reviewed), covers Learning Outcomes 1,3 and 4.

Assignment 2 -
Prepare a seminar related to the paper of assignment one, covers Learning Outcomes 2.

This module will use independent research in the pursuit of investigating a topic chosen for the research paper, using appropriate research methods in its development. You will refer to recent publications and appropriate learning resources to complete the investigation. You will be expected to investigate an identified emerging technology and evaluate one or more technical and / or non-technical challenges, including the social, legal and ethical implications of the topic. Relevant commercial aspects also need to be researched and considered, and this will partly be achieved through an analysis of relevant literature with appropriate referencing, leading to the proposal of potential directions to solve any of the identified challenge/s within the paper. To support the paper, you will also prepare a seminar presentation.

For this module you will be expected to undertake independent guided research in order to address an identified emerging technology area / challenge and present your findings as both a research paper and seminar presentation. This will extend your knowledge in a particular computing field to give you a cutting-edge advantage in the future workplace.

Group sessions will introduce the module and outline the areas of potential topic investigation. Each student will work with a specialist supervisor assigned to help the student develop their paper. Teaching time is divided as follows -

39 hours of lectures/tutorials which includes seminars/workshops (assignment clinics and revisions), communication skills development sessions, and seminar development classes.

Texts appropriate to the issue/problem being investigated, as well as general research guides.

Dawson, C. (2015) Projects in Computing and Information Systems: A Student's Guide. 3rd edition. Pearson Education. ISBN: 9781292073460
Schwalbe, K. (2015) Information Technology Project Management. 8th edition. Course Technology. ISBN: 9781285452340
Creswell, J, W, (2018), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage Publications, ISBN-10: 1506386768
Blaxter L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2010) How to Research, 4th edition, Open University Press, ISBN 9780335238675.
Crème, P., and Lea, M, (2008) Writing At University: A Guide For Students , 3rd edition, Open University Press, ISBN 9780335221165.
Punch, K. F., (2014) Developing Effective Research Proposals, 3rd edition, Sage Publications, London, ISBN 9781473916388.
Lindlof, T. R. and Taylor, B. C. (2018), Qualitative Communication Research Methods, SAGE Publications, ISBN-10: 1452256829
Davies., M and Hughes, N. (2014) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, 2nd edition, Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 9781137306500.
Sharp, J. A., Peters, J. and Howard, K. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project, 3rd edition, Gower, ISBN 9780566084904.
Schwalbe K, and Boston P (2008) Introduction to Project Management, Mass: Course Technology CENGAGE Learning ISBN 1423902203
Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success, Palgrave MacMillan, ISBN 1-4039-1132-0

Software and tools for referencing (e.g. Mendeley, Zotero, and RefWorks), mind mapping software.

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