Module Descriptors
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MECH70456
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Link
Email: D.Link@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Texts
Marshall & Rossman (2006) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, Fourth Edition, ISBN: 1412924898
Sharp & Howard, (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (3rd Edition), Aldershot Gower, ISBN: 9780566084904
Oliver, P. (1998) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group, ISBN 0844200158
White, M.A. and Bruton, G.D., The Management of Technology, (2006), Thomson South Western, ISBN: 0-234-3565-0
Meredith & Mantel, Project Management - A Managerial Approach, (2005), 6th Ed, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0471715379
Sharp & Howard, (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (3rd Edition), Aldershot Gower, ISBN: 9780566084904
Oliver, P. (1998) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group, ISBN 0844200158
White, M.A. and Bruton, G.D., The Management of Technology, (2006), Thomson South Western, ISBN: 0-234-3565-0
Meredith & Mantel, Project Management - A Managerial Approach, (2005), 6th Ed, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0471715379
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Must be enrolled on a FCET MSc Engineering programme
Module Resources
PC with Microsoft Office
Microsoft Project Manager
Blackboard VLE
Access to the Internet
Library
Microsoft Project Manager
Blackboard VLE
Access to the Internet
Library
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% coursework (3000 words) including 3 deliverables each equally weighted (Learning outcomes 1-4)
- A case study relating to the management of a major industrial project.
- A literature survey and appraisal of the technical areas for a generic project in the student's chosen subject specialism.
- A complete research proposal for a typical MSc dissertation including aims and objectives, a plan of work, deliverables, a Gantt chart, resources needed.
- A case study relating to the management of a major industrial project.
- A literature survey and appraisal of the technical areas for a generic project in the student's chosen subject specialism.
- A complete research proposal for a typical MSc dissertation including aims and objectives, a plan of work, deliverables, a Gantt chart, resources needed.
Module Indicative Content
Literature Survey
Methods and Skills of literature research, gathering of data from a range of sources, selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g. library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources). How to appraise, debate and present complex issues relating to technical literature within the chosen field of study.
Writing and managing a research proposal
Exposure to a range of project management techniques, which will enable the student to successfully manage complex science / technical based research projects. Research proposal specification, regulations and supervisors role. Application of a range of project management techniques to formulate a comprehensive work plan for a typical MSc Dissertation.
Writing an MSc Dissertation
The structure and format of a dissertation. Effective presentation of scientific results. Reflection and appraisal of work undertaken.
Using Microsoft Word to write large documents efficiently.
Industrial project management
A broad coverage of different project management techniques. Different approaches and methodologies to the management of major projects within an engineering framework such as the introduction of a new product and/or implementation of new technological processes.
Methods and Skills of literature research, gathering of data from a range of sources, selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g. library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources). How to appraise, debate and present complex issues relating to technical literature within the chosen field of study.
Writing and managing a research proposal
Exposure to a range of project management techniques, which will enable the student to successfully manage complex science / technical based research projects. Research proposal specification, regulations and supervisors role. Application of a range of project management techniques to formulate a comprehensive work plan for a typical MSc Dissertation.
Writing an MSc Dissertation
The structure and format of a dissertation. Effective presentation of scientific results. Reflection and appraisal of work undertaken.
Using Microsoft Word to write large documents efficiently.
Industrial project management
A broad coverage of different project management techniques. Different approaches and methodologies to the management of major projects within an engineering framework such as the introduction of a new product and/or implementation of new technological processes.
Module Learning Strategies
A range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed, including lectures, guest speakers, group work, role-play, independent supported learning and collaborative work. A student-centred approach will be adopted involving an independent supported learning environment. Lectures 1hr/wk. Other learning strategies 2hr/wk.