Postgraduate Major Project Study Guide

A
Postgraduate Major Project

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Faculty of Science and Technology

1.

Study Guide
Department: Computing and Technology
Module Code: EJ460998S

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Welcome!
to the project part stage of the degree. The project provides you with an
opportunity to demonstrate mastery by undertaking a substantial piece of research in
an area chosen by you.
There are many different ways in which a project might be researched and
presented. These notes are intended as guidance, rather than a prescription on how
to undertake and present a dissertation.
Anglia Ruskin University provides several generic post-graduate dissertation
modules. The one relevant to your award is fully documented in the Anglia Ruskin
handbook Presentation and Submission of Projects and Dissertations for Taught
Higher Degrees (a copy of this is available from the Library, and from the Virtual
Learning Environment). In addition, some subjects have specialist requirements for
the completion of this module, related to compliance with professional body
accreditation. In the case of Computing the relevant body is the British Computer
Society (BCS). The BCS have rules governing the content of an academic postgraduate dissertation in order for you to gain exemption from the Societys
Professional Project.
The purpose of this document is to remind you of these issues and to supplement the
material in the Anglia Ruskin handbook and the BCS project guidelines on these
matters. The intention is, firstly, to prepare you so that you may decide whether you
wish to undertake a project which meets the requirements of the British Computer
Society. Secondly, the intention is, to choose a suitable topic to satisfy Anglia Ruskin,
or both Anglia Ruskin and BCS, requirements. Finally, the intention is, to guide you
though the process to have the best chance of success in your endeavours. All of
these matters will need to be discussed with your supervisor, who will help you focus
within a topic area.
The dissertation module is a compulsory element to complete the Masters
programmes offered by the Computing and Technology Department at Anglia Ruskin
University. It is intended that the work will represent 600 study hours carried out at
Masters Level and that the main body of the project report will be 18,000 words (not
including appendices). The module is worth 60 credits at level 4. Although the
undertaking of a work of this magnitude may at first sight appear somewhat daunting,
you will be given a great deal of support to assist you in its completion. We are sure
that you will enjoy undertaking your project, and once you have started you will
wonder where all that time and all those words went!
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Table of Contents
POSTGRADUATE MAJOR PROJECT

STUDY GUIDE........................................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................5
1.1 The purpose of this guide.....................................................................................................................5
2. THE PROJECT....................................................................................................................................6
3. THE RESEARCH AREA....................................................................................................................7
3.1 Limits...................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Other considerations...........................................................................................................................8
3.2.1 Access and Time-scale.................................................................................................................9
3.2.2 Ethics and confidentiality............................................................................................................9
3.2.3 Cost............................................................................................................................................10
4. DISSERTATION PLAN....................................................................................................................10
4.1 Presentation of your dissertation plan..............................................................................................11
4.1.1 Structure of the dissertation plan...............................................................................................11
4.1.2 Deadline for submission............................................................................................................13
5. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE DISSERTATION PROCESS...............................................13
5.1 Topic selection...................................................................................................................................13
5.2 Literature search and review.............................................................................................................13
5.2.1 Background material.................................................................................................................13
5.2.2 Literature review.......................................................................................................................14
5.3 Research design / methodology.........................................................................................................15
5.4 Conducting your research ................................................................................................................16
5.5 Writing up your research...................................................................................................................17
5.6 Referencing........................................................................................................................................18
6. ORGANISATION AND UNDERTAKING OF STUDIES............................................................19
6.1 General guidance...............................................................................................................................19
6.2 Planning your approach....................................................................................................................20
6.2.1 Background material.................................................................................................................20
6.2.2 Literature review........................................................................................................................20
6.3 Networking.........................................................................................................................................21
7. PRESENTATION OF THE DISSERTATION - STRUCTURE...................................................22
7.1 Title page...........................................................................................................................................22
7.2 Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................................22
7.3 Contents page....................................................................................................................................23
7.4 Abstract..............................................................................................................................................23
7.5 Main text............................................................................................................................................23
7.5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................24
7.5.2 Background................................................................................................................................24
7.5.3 Literature review........................................................................................................................24
7.5.4 Research design / Methodology.................................................................................................25
7.5.5 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of findings...............................................................25
7.5.6 Summary and Conclusions.........................................................................................................26
7.5.7 Considerations for the Main Text as a whole............................................................................26
7.6 References and bibliography.............................................................................................................28
7.7 Appendices.........................................................................................................................................28
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7.8 Balance..............................................................................................................................................29
8. PRESENTATION OF THE DISSERTATION - LAYOUT...........................................................29
9. SUPERVISION..................................................................................................................................30
9.1 Useful supervision tips!.....................................................................................................................31
10. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ...........................................................................................................32
10.1 General considerations....................................................................................................................32
10.2 Key features expected throughout the work.....................................................................................33
10.3 Achievement of learning outcomes..................................................................................................33
10.4 Questions an assessor may ask themselves about your work..........................................................33
11. SUBMISSION...................................................................................................................................34
12. UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS....................................................................................................34
12.1 Project regulations..........................................................................................................................34
12.2 General regulations.........................................................................................................................34
12.2.1 Plagiarism................................................................................................................................35
Descriptor for a qualification at Masters (M) level: Masters degree ..............................................35
Appendices
I
Marking Scheme .............................................................................................35
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1.
Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this guide

This study guide aims to guide you through your dissertation rather than be
prescriptive about how you undertake your studies. It is inevitable that it will not
answer all of your questions and your supervisor is there to advise you when this is
the case. Neither can a guide of this nature be expected to cover all aspects of the
dissertation process in detail and it is recommended that you supplement it with
additional reading.
It is suggested that you take time to read through this guide. This should help
to provide you with an idea of what is expected, and help to ensure that you do
not waste valuable time later because you were unaware of some of the
aspects that are covered. It should also help you to prepare for your
dissertation more effectively, in terms of planning your approach and
managing your time. Any issues that you are unsure about may also be
clarified with your supervisor, at an early stage, before they become
problematic.
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2.
The Project
The dissertation forms a compulsory, essential, and substantial component of your

Masters degree. It provides a forum for you to demonstrate your ability to present
independently researched and analysed problems and to critically evaluate and
analyse the findings of yourself and others.
Anglia Ruskin expects that all Masters graduates will demonstrate in their project the
following generic outcomes. These are amplified in the Anglia Ruskin and QAA
statements included in this guide (see Appendices) which gives further descriptors. It
is against all of these statements, as well as the Learning Outcomes stated on the
Module Definition form, that your work will be evaluated.
Design, implement and evaluate a personal learning program students will

be required to produce a dissertation plan as described in this guide. The plan will
need to be approved by your supervisor before you can move onto the Project.
Generalise, apply and transfer their learning and experience the project
may be based on previous experience or on a topic of particular personal interest
that has been covered within the course. However, the topic must fall within the
definition of Computer Science (see section 3.1).
Generate theory from observation, practice and experience rather than

accept the work of others at face value it is expected that you will examine its
worth and challenge and modify it where appropriate. It is also expected that will
be capable of developing theory and practice in the course of your work.
Innovate at the levels of method and/or intellectual synthesis the Project is

part of a taught MSc and not a pure research exercise. However, it is anticipated
that students may determine novel applications for existing tools, techniques and
equipment or possibly different and new ways of viewing topics.
Handle complex issues from a variety of standpoints solutions that you

provide to problems should be sensibly argued, reasonable and justified in the
light of possible other solutions. They should take into account all relevant
sources of information.
Demonstrate knowledge of a specialised area and commitment within it it

is expected that any student studying at Masters level will have an appropriate
level of expertise in their chosen subject in accordance with the statements
referenced above (section 1.1). Students should present a critical discussion of
the literature in their subject area, from which to develop their own ideas.
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In addition, postgraduates will be expected to have achieved the learning
outcomes identified within the Module Definition Form.
It is important that you understand these outcomes, as you will be expected to show
your attainment of them through the process of completing your dissertation. Their
importance is such that they will be referred to again when we examine how your
dissertation is assessed.
You should bear these expectations in mind when considering your research area, as
well as undertaking it. Ensure that you are able to examine your chosen subject at
this level and demonstrate this to those who will mark your work.
3.
The Research Area
Besides ensuring that you can study your subject to Masters level, the proposed
research area should be carefully considered. There are many factors which you
should take into account to ensure that what you intend to do is feasible, practicable
and likely to result in a useful piece of research that demonstrates your Mastery of
the subject.
3.1 Limits
There are few constraints on acceptable areas for study (check with your supervisor)
but whatever you choose it must be relevant to, and be based in, the generally
accepted definition of Computer Science as described in the QAA benchmark
statement http://www.qaa.ac.uk or British Computer Society guidelines
www.bcs.org.uk If it is not obvious that this is the case then the onus is on you to
show how your intended research area relates to the subject area and your studies
within it. If you cannot effectively demonstrate this you will be advised against the
study and your project proposal is unlikely to be accepted.
Your work must be original. This does not mean that you cannot re-examine a
previously researched area as long as what you intend to do in that area differs from
that of the original work. You may, for example, want to put a different emphasis on
the study or examine an area in the light of changes which have taken place since
the original study was undertaken. This would normally mean that you would have to
generate new data of your own; this does not exclude the undertaking of some form
of meta-analysis of previous works, using their data, which may be acceptable. The
acknowledgement of such sources of data is essential and your supervisor will be
able to guide you in this. Again the onus is on you to demonstrate the originality of
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your approach and you should engage in preliminary discussion with your supervisor
who may be aware of other works in your intended area of study.
If you intend to apply to the British Computer Society for any exemption from their
exams on the basis of your degree and project you will need to demonstrate
competence in practical design leading to a significant piece of software or softwarehardware system.
3.2 Other considerations

Apart from the previous considerations there are several other factors that it is in your
interest to take account of when deciding on an area of study.
First and foremost choose something that you find interesting. Lack of enthusiasm
will reduce the likelihood of you doing your best work; any low points you experience
in your study will probably be exacerbated by your disinterest in the subject matter.
Ask yourself a few questions about the value of your intended work:
Do you feel that it has the depth to justify the definition of Mastery?
Will it offer you the opportunity to exhibit your Mastery of the topic?
Will it add to the current body of knowledge or provide new knowledge?
How valuable will the piece of work be to others within the field?
Can you resource the work that you intend to undertake i.e. do you have access
to the resources to test your theory?
Strike a balance with the focus of your study:
Do not try to be so ambitious that you cannot effectively complete the work in the
time or number of words allowed.
Try to ensure that your focus enables you to demonstrate your Mastery of the
subject.
Do not research an area that is so vague that you never really come to terms
with what you are supposed to be researching. Try to ensure that the research
question is unambiguous.
Try to focus on a central question, which your research will attempt to answer. This
does not rule out any subsidiary questions you may wish to address, but it does help
to give your research an analytical, rather than a descriptive, emphasis. Work of a
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largely descriptive nature is to be avoided at this level, as it does not provide
evidence of the analytical and evaluative abilities that you are required to
demonstrate.
When formulating ideas about a proposed research area it is essential to undertake
some preliminary reading around the subject. This will help you to refine your ideas
and may lead you to reassess the viability or originality of your intended work. A list
of potential and previous projects will be available to you in order that you may see
examples of previous work. This will provide you with an idea of the size and
complexity of task to be undertaken.
3.2.1 Access and Time-scale

You must carefully consider the availability of, and likely access to, personnel and
other resources. A good research idea can quickly become a nightmare if you cannot
obtain, or negotiate access to, the necessary resources and people whose opinions
are central to your research refuse to talk to you.
Information gathering and Data collection can take much longer than you anticipate:
questionnaires do not come back; the library might not easily be able to obtain the
books or articles that you wanted; and busy people may regularly postpone
interviews which have taken you weeks to arrange. You should ensure that you allow
plenty of time for any fieldwork and start it as early as possible. This will help to
avoid putting yourself under unreasonable pressure to finalise your data analysis and
write up the project.
Designing and implementing software can be a black hole for your time and
particular attention is required in order to stay within your time-scales.
It is good practice to set, and try to adhere to, fairly rigid deadlines for yourself and
any research population you may be dependent upon. The project will require a
PERT or Gantt chart to be created and regular review of this is essential.
Try not to base your work on anticipated events especially those some way into the
future. There is no reason why you cannot draw on such events but if you make them
central to your work and they are either delayed or cancelled you could find yourself
in serious difficulty. If you have to base your project around unpredictable or
unreliable occurrences try to make sure that you identify a suitable fallback strategy.
3.2.2 Ethics and confidentiality

It is imperative that you consider any ethical implications that your work might have
and seek advice early where there is any degree of uncertainty. You will not be
allowed to do anything that is considered unethical. Ethical approval, if required, can
take a considerable amount of time. Some ethical committees only meet every three
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months and waiting for the next convening, especially if you have just missed one,
might seriously disrupt your schedule. Plan well ahead if you and /or your supervisor
feel that what you are intending to do will require ethical approval.
Irrespective of whether or not you require ethical approval, you will have to consider
questions of confidentiality and the implications of any legislation governing the use
of personal data, especially in respect of its storage and manipulation on computers.
3.2.3 Cost
Think carefully about the cost implications of what you are planning to do. Special
software and/or hardware costs may be required in order to undertake your proposed
project. Travel for large numbers of interviews can be expensive and even secondclass postage, for several hundred questionnaires with stamped addressed
envelopes provided for return, can result in considerable expense. This is not to put
you off using any of these techniques, or avoiding researching a particular area
because of it, but do make sure that it is something you consider.
Any issues relating to sponsorship must be discussed with and approved by your
Supervisor however it may be possible to obtain some form of funding, or
sponsorship, for research activity with significant cost implications, especially if there
is some party with an interest in its undertaking or the outcome. Before accepting any
form of sponsorship you should discuss this matter with your supervisor.
4.
Dissertation plan
You will be required to submit a dissertation plan for approval before you begin your
research. This enables staff to assess the merits of your proposed research and,
perhaps more importantly, the plan will assist you in clarifying your ideas and
ensuring that you are focusing on a question that is practicably researchable. It is
usual for the first submission of a plan to require some modification and time spent
on careful preparation, in discussion with your supervisor, should help to ensure that
any modifications are only minor and do not result in a total rethink of your research
area. The submission of drafts to your supervisor, well before the submission date for
the finished outline, will also help to keep alterations to a minimum.
A Project Logbook may help. It will provide you with a record of what you intend to do
and what you have done. Writing things down will help you to remember them. It will
act as a record of what books and journals you have consulted and their value to
you. The act of writing also helps you to think and to organise your thoughts. This will
help you to develop the good habit of keeping detailed notes on all technical and
scientific projects
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The sooner there is agreement on your plan the sooner work on your dissertation can
begin. It is unwise to do anything substantive on your dissertation before your plan
has been accepted - unless you have had detailed discussion with your supervisor.
Your dissertation plan firmly commits you to a topic area. However, it is realised that
circumstances may force you to reconsider the focus of your research and you
should discuss this with your supervisor. Your topic area should normally remain the
same.
The importance of the plan in the dissertation process cannot be over emphasised.
Not only is its acceptance a prerequisite to submission of the dissertation itself, but
time spent on getting it right will be some of the most valuable time that you spend on
your dissertation.
4.1 Presentation of your dissertation plan

You are strongly advised to have had at least preliminary discussion with your
supervisor regarding your proposed research area before you construct your plan.
This is to ensure that fundamental issues such as the acceptability and feasibility of
the research have been considered.
4.1.1 Structure of the dissertation plan

Your dissertation plan should be structured in the following way with all of the
headings being addressed;
I.
I.
Introduction and background
II.
Research question, or questions, and expected outcomes
III.
Research methods and proposed information and data

sources and collection
IV.
Access to information and data sources
V.
Methods reviewed for Design, Code, Test, Evaluate phase or

Preliminary review of the literature (Topic dependant)
VI.
Outline time-scale / PERT /Gantt Chart
VII.
Initial bibliography
Introduction and background
This should introduce the research area and provide a brief background to the work
with a rationale. Your introduction should clearly identify what it is you wish to do and
the background should indicate the reasons behind this research. You should set the
limits of the study by outlining the study area and any areas that you do not intend to
cover.
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II.
Research questions and expected outcomes
It is here that you should identify, clarify and discuss the central research question, or
questions, to be tackled, as well as any other areas which you do, or do not, intend to
examine. You should also discuss the expected outcomes of the study. At this early
stage the outcome of your research may be difficult to define but nevertheless you
should demonstrate that you have given potential outcomes due consideration.
III.
Research methods and proposed data sources AND

COLLECTION
You should discuss, and justify, the research and/or design and testing methods to
be applied as well as the information and data sources which you intend to employ to
tackle your research question or questions and achieve your expected outcomes.
You must spend some time researching the methods you are intending to employ.
Within this section of the dissertation plan you must provide evidence that the
methods selected are appropriate to investigate the research question/s. You should
utilise the literature to justify your selection. It is expected that some research
methodology focused materials will be incorporated into your initial bibliography.
IV.
Access to data sources
It is expected that you will discuss the question of access to data sources and other
resources. Although at this stage you may not be entirely certain about all of the
aspects involved, you should be confident that you are able to acquire the data for
your research. Where it is possible that access may be a problem, evidence of some
preliminary enquiry or agreement, such as letters from survey subjects, is desirable.
V.
Preliminary review of literature
You should present a review of the literature outlining the most relevant works. You
should discuss the relevance of these works and justify the bearing they have on
your research area. This activity will form a substantial part of your dissertation and
you should remember that at this stage only a preliminary review is required.
VI.
Outline time-scale
This should provide a rough anticipated timetable of events for the major components
of the dissertation process detailed in section 5.
VII. Initial bibliography

A fully referenced list of sources of information that have been consulted during your
preliminary reading should be provided. The Harvard System of Referencing should
be used. An electronic copy can be found at: <http://libweb.Anglia
Ruskin.ac.uk/subjects/reference/harvard.php>
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4.1.2 Deadline for submission
You will be advised of the final date for submission of your dissertation plan with the
date for submission of the dissertation. Remember that the deadline for submission
of your plan is a FINAL DATE and the submission of drafts, well before this date, is
strongly recommended. Anglia Ruskin guidelines / regulations are such that a
maximum of 20% of the work can be seen by your supervisor in draft form.
It is essential that your plan is submitted in good time and accepted with the
minimum of modification. You can then begin your studies as soon as possible in the
knowledge that what you are doing is acceptable and likely to form a good piece of
research.
5.
Major Components of the Dissertation Process
These can be considered as;
topic selection;
literature search and review;
research design /methodology;
conducting the research / fieldwork
software design, development and testing / experimentation;
writing up the work.
5.1 Topic selection

Most of the issues relating to your topic selection have already been discussed but
the importance of selecting the right subject for study cannot be overstated. It is
fundamental to the completion of an effective dissertation and you should make sure
that you give it careful consideration.
5.2 Literature search and review

5.2.1 Background material
Background material which may be drawn from a variety of sources including
personal experience, general and subject bibliographies, newspapers, journals
(paper and electronic), authoritative web sites i.e. bcs.org.uk and policy
documentation sets the scene for your research. It provides the context within which
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the research is undertaken. Care must be taken in the use of web sites as much
material is published that has not been refereed academically.
5.2.2
Literature review
Your literature review should discuss the current body of knowledge, on the subject
that you are researching, by examining relevant sources of information.
You should already be familiar with the techniques involved in searching and
examining the literature, or other relevant materials, and these are largely the same
at this level. You should, however, bear in mind that at this level you will also be
expected to examine any of the wider issues that have a bearing on your work, rather
than just focusing on that which is directly relevant.
Many sources of information should be examined and drawn upon - not just that
which is written as the term literature review might imply.
i.e.;
Books and book reviews.
Journals and journal articles (paper and electronic)
Authorised web sites e.g. bcs.org.uk .
Newspapers and magazines.
Other theses, dissertations and other unpublished works.
Conference proceedings and seminars presentations.
TV and Radio.
It is not uncommon for there to be very little information available, which is

immediately obviously relevant to your study, especially if your intended research is
fairly narrowly focused or esoteric in nature. You will then have to think more widely
about parallel or tangential areas that at first sight might not appear relevant. You will
be surprised how work in apparently unrelated areas can be made applicable to the
work you intend to undertake.
It is sensible to make a start in identifying and obtaining material for preliminary
reading before you commence your work. However, the results of your own
investigation will often make it necessary for you to examine areas, or the work of
others, that you might not previously have considered.
The literature that you end up using should be that which is most relevant to your
own research as it stands when you present it - i.e. your eventual focus.
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5.3 Research design / methodology
It is expected that your project will include a significant software aspect. It is expected
that any design methodologies used in its creation are justified and that strict
adherence to software engineering principles and practices is followed.
The development of your project may rely on a number of research methods for
collecting information or data although this will very much depend on the nature of
the research that you undertake. Highly quantitative research, for example, could rely
on one method of data collection whereas it might be expected that more than one
would be used in a qualitative survey.
Commonly used Research Methods;
Experimental - using a test tool (software/hardware) or

instrument.
Documentary evidence - such as policy documents, minutes

of meetings and memos.
Observation (participant or non-participant) - for example

watching others at work or observing users.
Interviews - with varying degrees of structure.
Questionnaires - quantitative, qualitative or mixed in approach

examining sample or total populations.
It is up to you to determine, through careful consideration, what are the most

appropriate tools to use for your particular piece of research. Your supervisor will be
able to advise you in this process. The use of research methods which are not
necessarily the best possible, or are inappropriate, can significantly devalue your
research. It is recognised, however, that occasionally a compromise must be
reached, as, for good reason, the most appropriate method cannot be utilised. It is
essential that you spend some time researching the method, or methods, you intend
to make use of. Your final dissertation submission should demonstrate that this has
occurred. Criticism of the research methods used is one of the primary methods by
which academic writers will attempt to undermine pieces of research. This critical
evaluation of any research which you utilise during the course of your work is a skill
that you will be expected to demonstrate. To maximise the value of your research
you should therefore ensure that any research methods that you use are appropriate,
argued, justified and supported.
Your research, design, implementation, and test methods will also largely determine
the appropriateness and quality of data generated which will obviously have a
significant bearing on the merit of the finished report
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In determining your research methods you should also consider how you will analyse
and present your data. Your presentation should make your findings clear and your
analysis must be appropriate and feasible. Remember also that certain research
methods can have significant cost implications, especially with large populations.
Whatever methods you decide to use, you will have to try and ensure that the results
they produce are reliable, valid, repeatable and representative.
Reliability
Would anyone else, or yourself if you were to repeat the research, produce the same
results?
Validity
Are you measuring what you are intending to measure and is the data you are
collecting a true picture of what is being studied?
Representativeness
Is the situation in which your research is taking place, or the application you are
working with, representative of the general situation? Can generalisations be made
about the likely outcomes in other situations and with other applications, or are your
outcomes more likely to be case specific - as with a case study, for example? There
is nothing wrong with your conclusions not being more widely applicable as long as
you acknowledge that this is the case and discuss the limits of the
representativeness of your study.
It is sensible, and expected, that in order to address some of the issues of reliability
and validity you perform some kind of pilot study for your intended research methods.
Most standard research texts deal with this process and others that you might utilise
to address issues of reliability, validity and representativeness. Your supervisor will
also be able to advise you on these matters.
Take care to ensure that the research methods you use are designed to generate
only that data which you require. Too often students end up with masses of data that
they cannot realistically present and analyse, with much of it being irrelevant or
unnecessary.
5.4 Conducting your research

Try to get started on your research as soon as you can as it is almost inevitable that
you will encounter delays and the whole process will take longer than you initially
anticipate. Effective time management is essential and you should try to set fairly
rigid deadlines for yourself and the subjects of your research.
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Preliminary findings may indicate that you need to re-examine and /or adjust your
background and /or your literature review and this should be done as the occasion
arises. It is far easier to address the issues whilst they are still fresh in your mind
rather than waiting until later.
5.5 Writing up your research

A logbook is expected to be kept within which you will record work undertaken and
exact references as well as thoughts that you may have had. This will be invaluable
to you when it comes writing up your project (as well as the advantages outlined in
section 4 of this document). It is imperative that you maintain it.
You should start writing up your dissertation as early as possible. To leave it all until
after the testing is complete, is likely to leave you with an insurmountable task.
Frameworks for your introduction, literature review and analysis can be developed
fairly early on, recorded in the logbook and be refined as you start to collect data,
uncover other effectors or have new ideas.
Note down your ideas as they arise and analyse the findings of yourself and others at
the time you examine them. You can be sure that if you decide to leave anything until
later you will forget things, or struggle to remember thoughts which at some point you
felt were of critical importance.
Focus on the most important findings with the development of your analysis. This will
often mean that your position will shift. Do not be afraid to relegate findings which
become less relevant to a more minor position in your work - or even discard them
completely. Often the main thrust of a students work is less obvious because they
are reluctant to sideline issues, as they become less important, and try to include
everything. However painful you find it to place something you have spent a lot of
time on into a minor role, it is your ability to focus on the most significant issues that
you are required to demonstrate.
Regular contact with your supervisor is strongly recommended. The module
definition form (MDF) refers to a total of 12 hours for this activity. Needs and practice
vary depending on the needs of the student, the detailed topic and the supervisor
involved. For example, some supervisors may ask you to attend regular weekly
meetings, at least until they are sure you are on the right track. This allows lack of
focus or direction, analytical deficiencies, or a too uncritical approach to the literature
or your research methods to be picked up earlier. These may then be discussed
before you go too far in an inappropriate direction and use your time less effectively
than you might.
When writing up research it is usual to write in the third person and in the past tense.
This is not always appropriate or possible, especially for the literature review, and
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you will need to decide how best to present the various sections. It is not compulsory
to adopt this style and recent writers have adopted a first person approach quite
successfully. You may wish to discuss this issue with your supervisor before making
a final decision.
5.6 Referencing
The use of referencing in your work at this level is essential. References should be
used to support your arguments, provide evidence of wide reading and assist in
avoiding assertion and allegations of plagiarism. You should use the Harvard
system of referencing as detailed in the University regulations governing the
presentation of dissertations. An electronic copy can be found at <http://libweb.Anglia
Use references appropriately. Do not litter work with references or string them
together to the extent that they replace, or make it difficult to discern what is, your
own work. The stringing together of references is no substitute for your own
discussion of the literature and reasoned argument based upon it.
Try to place quotes, or references to the literature, logically and weave them into your
work so that they add to the quality of your work without adversely affecting its
readability. Fred said this... and Barney states the other... (often in apparent isolation)
adds little to your work and often frustrates and irritates the reader. It is rarely
necessary to directly quote more than a sentence unless a paragraph is said so well
by the author that you feel you must include all of it.
At this level you will be expected to question the value of the work of others and
criticise it (with justification) in your arguments. Do not take the findings of others at
face value - to use them as supportive references in your work, without examining
their worth, will do little for the academic rigour of your own work.
Points to consider when evaluating the work of others;
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Who is the information aimed at?
What are, or might be, the reasons for its existence?
Who is providing the information?
What are their sources?
Do you think what is being said is correct and why?
Are the arguments supported?
Is any supportive evidence credible?
How valid is any research underpinning the information?

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6.
Can you identify any omissions and what might be their

significance?
How selectively is the information presented?
Does it take into account a variety of perspectives?
Is it balanced?
Is there any obvious bias; what is it and why might it exist?
Do you think that what is being said contains a hidden

agenda; what do you think this may be?
Organisation and Undertaking of Studies
You will be aware by now which study methods suit you best, but the following
section provides a few points worthy of reiteration with regard to the dissertation. It
also includes a few tips on planning your approach to certain aspects of the
dissertation process that may save you some valuable time.
6.1 General guidance
Timetable yourself regular writing sessions and try to get into a routine. With a
piece of work on this scale it can waste an inordinate amount of time just to get
back to the level of familiarity you had with your work before you left it last especially if you leave it for long periods. You can also be sure that important
ideas you have will be lost, or dealt with less effectively, if you do not act on
them quickly.
Effective time planning is essential to keep on top of the work and ensure you
complete it before the submission date. Set yourself objectives within realistic
time-scales. Make a checklist of those tasks that you need to complete to
achieve your objectives. Keep to the time-scale you have set yourself and only
reschedule when absolutely necessary - but always make sure that you have
something to aim at.
Do not procrastinate. It is too easy to put things off until another day. It is unlikely
that you will have the time for this and you will only add pressure by having the
same amount of work to do in less time.
Stress caused by worrying about getting nowhere is not helped by doing

nothing. You will be surprised how much better you feel if you force yourself to
do something constructive.
Drawing upon other academic or professional work you have done, or are doing,
is perfectly acceptable and overlapping your dissertation with this may help to
reduce some of the pressures you may be under.
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Dont let the work get you down. Make sure that you have a break when you
need it. Discuss problems with your supervisor, mentor or a friend before they
take on inordinate proportions in your life!
6.2 Planning your approach

6.2.1 Background material
When collecting background material be systematic and
selective. Running around collecting everything, no matter how
distantly related, can waste a large amount of time and add
little to your work. Concentrate on the significant background
that has a direct bearing on your work.
6.2.2 Literature review

You wont be able to read everything!
There is no need, and it would be impracticable, to read everything. For

example, read relevant chapters and not the whole work. Abstracts will often
indicate the relevance and value of a piece of work to your study only
necessitating obtaining the actual article if you have determined this is
necessary.
Commonly occurring references used by writers on your subject usually indicate

a significant work in your study area and one that would be valuable. It is
expected that any significant works in your field of study will have been explored
Record references meticulously as you come across them. Do not just record
the work and the page number but also make sure that you would know where
to get the work from again should you need it. You are likely to end up with so
many that attempting to remember where you got a particular reference from will
not be easy.
Organise your references using some form of indexing system so that you can
locate them relatively easily. If you are using a word-processor then type them in
as you identify them. This is useful in that they are stored conveniently together,
can be pasted into your work with relative ease and, if your software has the
facility, they may be searched through by using searches based on key-words.
Note any ideas or points which spring to mind when you are reading. As
mentioned before it is easy to forget things if you do not write them down
immediately. When making notes ensure you have included a full reference to
the work. It is useful to also identify page numbers alongside your notes. This
will help if you need to return to the work or want to quote directly from the work.
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Remember that you will be expected to discuss the literature so bear this in
mind when reading the work of others. Note conflicting or generally accepted
ideas, strengths and weaknesses and differing perspectives. Do you have any
comment to make on the work - what is your opinion of the subject or the
authors work? Why do you think authors reached particular conclusions especially if theirs differ from those of other writers or yourself?
6.3 Networking
The utilisation of networks and discussing your work with others is a very personal
thing, which some people avoid and others thrive on. They are useful, however, in
assessing your progress and gaining ideas about problem solving mechanisms
employed to overcome problems that you may be experiencing. Networks may just
be a way of finding a shoulder to cry on or someone to socialise with.
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7.
Presentation of the Dissertation - Structure
Research is often presented in a particular format, which is detailed below. It is not

compulsory to adopt this pattern and you may find that the nature of your research
makes a different style more appropriate. It may be useful to discuss your proposed
presentation style with your supervisor, especially if it differs radically from the
convention.
The consultation of other research texts and examination of other pieces of research,
especially those considered pivotal in your field, can provide useful ideas about the
different presentations employed. You will also get a feel for how other writers
structure and present their arguments. Whatever structure you adopt, you should
ensure that you comply with the regulations regarding the layout of your
dissertation.
The structure usually adopted takes the following form;
1.
Title page
2.
Acknowledgements
3.
Contents page
4.
Abstract
5.
Main text
6.
References / Bibliography
7.
Appendices
7.1 Title page

The title page for your dissertation should provide all of the necessary information in
the required format. You should refer to the regulations governing the layout of the
dissertation and ensure that you comply.
7.2 Acknowledgements
It is here that you may acknowledge any assistance, support, ideas or co-operation,
etc., which you may have received in the course of your work. The section is optional
but if you do choose to include it you should keep it brief.
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7.3 Contents page
A contents page should at least give chapter or section headings with page numbers.
Sub-headings, etc., may also be given if you feel that they would be useful but do not
try to include so much detail that things get unnecessarily complicated. Lists of
tables, diagrams and appendices may also be considered.
7.4 Abstract
This would normally be written after you have completed your dissertation and its role
is to provide a prcis of your work. An abstract is normally included in a catalogue or
guide held in a library or resource centre. It should normally spell out your objectives,
give a brief description of your research methods and highlight your main findings
and general conclusions. It must not exceed 300 words, produced in single spacing
on one side of A4 paper.
7.5 Main text

The main text of a dissertation or project report is usually divided into the following
sections;
i.
Introduction
ii.
Background
iii.
Literature review
iv.
Research design / methodology
v.
Presentation, analysis and interpretation of findings
vi.
Summary and conclusions
Some works benefit from this structured approach and it can often help you to begin
writing up your work. However, some research (and some students) are constrained
by this kind of approach and you may be better off using a different method of
presenting your information that is more appropriate and effective. For example,
research which is based in literature often benefits from the literature review forming
an integral part of your results, analysis and discussion section rather than being
dealt with in isolation. You will have to decide, with the help of your supervisor if
necessary, what method of presentation is best for you and the work you are
intending to present.
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7.5.1 Introduction
Your introduction should state the question being investigated with some preliminary
discussion of the main concepts. The purpose of the research should be made
explicit. What you want to do and why should be obvious to the reader. You should
outline the overall structure and logic of the dissertation and set the limits of your
study by identifying any issues that you do not intend to cover. It would be unusual
for a project report not to include an introduction of this nature.
7.5.2 Background
The background to your research sets the scene for your work and outlines the
context in which it took place. For example. this might be the technical aspects
behind the evolution of networking or a discussion of the latest methods being
applied. Alternatively, any examination of network provision within a company would
probably require some discussion of the evolution of that service and those
commercial, as well as technical, factors which have a bearing on its provision and
development. This would assist in setting the scene for your work and help put into
context any findings or conclusions which you might discover.
7.5.3 Literature review

A literature review should identify literature relevant to your research and discuss the
debates in terms of perspective, approach and interpretation. The relevance of the
literature and any inadequacies /deficiencies in cover, relevant to your research,
should also be discussed.
It is important to stress that a literature review is not merely a stringing together of
quotations or a description of what other writers have found. It is an analysis
whereby you will be expected to discuss the literature and critically evaluate the
work of others.
Make sure that you examine the literature at a breadth and depth appropriate to your
study. Do not concentrate on one dimension at the expense of the other.
All project reports should demonstrate that the literature relating to the topic has been
critically evaluated. Your critical evaluation of the literature should be the basis from
which you develop your project.
It is not always necessary to present this in the form of a chapter dedicated to
reviewing the literature, although this is normally the case for projects of a scientific
nature.
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7.5.4 Research design / Methodology
When discussing your research design and methods you should make sure that you
have answered the following questions;
How did you undertake the research and why did you do it that
way?
Could it have been done any other way and why did you chose
not to do it this way?
What weaknesses /problems with your methods were there?
The answers to these questions may often be made clearer if you firstly reiterate the
question to be answered and discuss the data that was felt necessary to answer it.
You should address the issues of reliability, validity and representativeness. Identify
any flaws, weaknesses or other difficulties with your methods and discuss their
significance. Could you have done the work better? Why didnt you? How might you
approach it if given another chance?
The methodology chapter should defend your choice of data collection methods in a
positive way. Try to support your research design through reference to research
texts. Criticism of your own research is expected at this level and is no bad thing.
Rarely will your research be faultless and have gone smoothly from beginning to end.
Better for you to identify and acknowledge weaknesses in your work than for an
examiner to do so.
7.5.5 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of findings

This section is often presented as; a) results, b) analysis of results and c) discussion.
Again dividing the section up into these three areas may help to structure the work
but may not always be appropriate and an integrated approach may work better for
your particular piece of research.
Presentation and analysis of your results may take many forms and you will need to
decide on the best methods for the most effective presentation and analysis of your
data. This is an area where you may decide to make use of the appendix.
Your discussion and argument should be grounded in your data and must be
supported in some way. Without supporting your arguments you will merely be
presenting assertions which are of limited value. Support can come from referring
back to the literature review or other relevant works or from the utilisation of your own
findings.
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When presenting this section it is also important to consider;
Whether you have analysed all the relevant results and/or data to the
appropriate depth.
Whether your interpretations of the data are logical and coherent - are any
alternative explanations possible? Which do you favour and why? Do your
results corroborate, or tend to cast doubt on, the conclusions of others?
What assumptions have influenced the analysis.
What are the implications of your analysis
You may find that as your analysis develops you end up arguing from a particular
viewpoint which may or may not be already established. If this is the case then you
will need to justify this viewpoint and effectively counter any contradictory
conclusions.
7.5.6 Summary and Conclusions

Again these may be dealt with separately or together. They form a very important
part of the work and should be used to summarise the whole dissertation, clarify your
arguments and reiterate your most important findings. This section being read last
can markedly affect the impression of the reader especially if done well. Works that
are not summarised well can often leave the reader unclear or confused about
exactly what the writers findings were and what they were trying to say.
You must reach conclusions and justify them. If you can only make tentative
conclusions based on your own work then you should proffer suggestions as to how
your conclusions may or may not be supported. Discuss any questions raised by
your research.
7.5.7 Considerations for the Main Text as a whole

When complete, your writing should have responded to the following questions:
What is the intended audience for the work?

The Project should be readily understood by someone who has undertaken the MSc
programme (your fellow students) but without having undertaken the specialist study
that you have completed in order to create the work. It should develop logically
without large jumps in understanding whilst at the same time not getting overloaded
in detail.
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What did I do and why did I do it?
This would normally be answered in the introductory
chapter with the context of your research being explained
in the background. Scene setting is often important to
allow the reader a real understanding of the
circumstances of your research. Some elements of
background information may need to be included as an
appendix.
How did I do it?

The methodology chapter would normally address this
question and should catalogue your journey through the
research process. Discussion relating to the process of
research is paramount. You should be prepared to
critique, and defend, your research methods. Discussion
of issues such as ethical considerations, confidentiality,
any difficulties encountered and resultant response
strategies should also be included. This chapter frequently
represents a significant proportion of the word count.
What did my research uncover?

This is normally dealt with through chapters relating to
results, discussion and analysis. Which of these headings,
and in what combination, depends on your research
subject. Your supervisor will be able to advise you if you
are unsure.
What difference will it make?

You should be able to draw some conclusions from your
research. Some authors like to firstly summarise their
research and then move on to the conclusions. Again your
research subject, and your personal preferences, will
influence the chapter headings you adopt. Some students
like to separate their conclusions into two areas: the
conclusions which have emerged from analysis of the data
and the conclusions drawn from indulging in the research
process itself. For many students the resultant gains from
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conducting their own research represent a major triumph
and it is acceptable to acknowledge this.
7.6 References and bibliography

You are expected to apply the Harvard referencing system to your work. Electronic
copy
of
which
can
be
found
at
<http://libweb.Anglia
You should list all sources alphabetically by author. They do not need to be
numbered. You may wish to use separate sections with a references section for
those sources referred to directly and a bibliography for everything else you have
consulted in the course of your work. Separate sections are usually preferable, where
there would be a very large number of works in a combined section, as references
may be more easily located by the reader.
7.7 Appendices
Appendices are optional and their content is not considered when calculating the
total number of words that you have used.
Full code listings, testing details and results will normally be presented in an
appendix. You may choose to extract specific functions, tests, data or results for
explanation or development of arguments within the maim text.
Appendices are usually used to present information which it is not feasible or
appropriate to include in the body text but which adds to comprehension of the
dissertation. It is a useful way of presenting data or results not directly referred to in
the main work. It is likely to be the place to place your full Design, Build and Test
data.
Data or results you are not going to use, or do not in your view have a direct bearing
on your analysis, can detract from the significance of the most important results and
add unnecessarily to the word count if they are included in the main text. Again you
have to be selective and demonstrate your ability to focus on the most significant
findings / issues. This does not mean that you are allowed to be selective about
what you present to the extent that you do not present findings or data which
do not support, or conflict with, your analysis. You need to justify why you do
not include something - especially if you set out to examine it!
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7.8 Balance
It is not possible to be prescriptive about how many words you need to devote to
each section as this will very much depend on the nature of the work. As a rough
guide your presentation of results, analysis and discussion should normally constitute
about 50% of the finished work but you will need to ensure that the balance you
employ is appropriate and your work reads well. One of the commonest criticisms of
students work is that they get so wrapped up in their results that they present reams
of them leaving very few words for their analysis. Results, however, do not speak for
themselves and do little to demonstrate any analytical ability on behalf of the student.
It is not so much the results themselves that are important but how they are used.
8.
Presentation of the Dissertation - Layout
You should have been supplied with an Anglia Ruskin University booklet called;
Presentation and Submission of Projects and Dissertations for
Taught Higher Degrees.
This details the University regulations regarding the layout and presentation of your
dissertation. You must ensure that you comply with these and other submission
regulations contained within the booklet.
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9.
Supervision
An academic supervisor will be provided by the University

Role of the academic Supervisor:
Advice in identifying, selecting and defining an appropriate, researchable and

achievable topic.
Help in refining your ideas and discussion of the various approaches to your
work.
To act as a resource for assistance with the identification and location of

relevant literature.
To discuss your research design and the choice of appropriate research

methods.
To discuss with you your research findings.
To make general comment on the proposed content of the report and chapters
to assist you in identifying weaknesses or deficiencies in your presentation
and /or analysis.
To monitor your progress.
To comment on sample chapters (up to 20%) of your dissertation.
Your supervisor is there to help you pass this module and it is not in their interest that
you should fail. You should not, however, expect them to read every word of your
work or provide detailed and comprehensive comments on each part you submit. It is
your skills that are being assessed not your supervisors, they will not operate with
you as if you were remote control. Their primary roles are to make sure that you are
progressing adequately along the right lines and that your work does not contain any
gross errors or omissions.
Make sure that you use your supervisor. They will usually be the first marker of your
dissertation and you will have no recourse for complaint if you do not use them or act
on their advice. It is your responsibility to maintain contact with your supervisor and
keep them informed about any difficulties, especially if they are likely to pose a threat
to completion by the deadline. Extensions to deadlines are far more easily justified if
your supervisor has been kept aware of any problems rather than trying to explain at
the last minute why you cannot submit on time.
NB: The writing style, spelling, grammar and overall presentation of the dissertation
are your responsibility as is any proofreading. It is notoriously difficult to proofread
your own work, as you are so familiar with it that spotting mistakes does not come
easily. It is therefore a good idea to get a friend or colleague to do this for you.
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People who are not at all familiar with the subject area, such as members of the
family, often make excellent proofreaders, as they have no preconceptions about
what you are saying.
9.1 Useful supervision tips!
Agree terms - make sure that there is agreement between you and your
supervisor about what you both expect of each other in the supervision process.
Frequency decide the number and frequency of supervision sessions. Are

these sessions voluntary or compulsory, advisory or prescriptive, formal or
informal? It is advisable to record your discussions in a logbook.
Timing / Time-tabling - make sure that you use supervisions effectively and try
to associate them with significant events in the dissertation process where you
are likely to need most help.
Need - try to identify when you need supervision rather than struggling along
aimlessly for long periods and wasting a lot of time. Even if you do not think
there are any issues that you need help with, regular contact can offer a lot of
support and enable you and your supervisor to monitor your progress.
Agenda - Compile an agenda of those matters you wish to discuss with you
supervisor so that you do not forget to deal with any issues or waste valuable
time.
Notification / advance warning - make sure your supervisor has adequate

warning of your desire for a supervision so they may build it into their schedule
and do not have to slot you in at short notice. Similarly, make sure that you notify
your supervisor as early as possible of your inability to keep an appointment.
Prior work - try to provide your supervisor with work that you want them to
comment on at least one week before a scheduled supervision so that they are
given adequate time to read it thoroughly beforehand.
Most supervision may take place by email, over the telephone or via letters. These
tips should still assist you in making the most effective use of the supervision
process.
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10. Assessment Criteria
Although much of what is looked for when marking a Masters stage dissertation has
already been covered within the text of this document, the following section outlines
some of the criteria to assist you in the undertaking and presentation of your study.
Included in this guide is the marking scheme.
10.1 General considerations

Topic selection
Should be based within the topic of Computing, and
preferably clearly related to professional practice, as well
as being a subject worthy of serious study.
Literature review
Appropriate breadth, depth and relevance. Correct
interpretation and critical evaluation - especially of any
strengths or weaknesses. Correct use of referencing
convention.
Research design and methods
Use of appropriate techniques; no obvious source missed; reliability and validity
addressed; representativeness discussed; admission of flaws / weaknesses and
how they would be addressed given the chance.
Analysis and interpretation
Selective and excludes the irrelevant; interpretation is
consistent with the findings; findings related back to
literature; relevant conclusions drawn.
General organisation and quality of presentation
Ordered and logical; linked chapters - logical progression;
structured arguments; compliance with regulations
governing presentation and layout.
You are strongly advised to refer to the attached marking scheme for more
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10.2 Key features expected throughout the work
Discussion, analysis and critical evaluation are amongst the most important skills
that you will be required to demonstrate.
Discussion - an important aspect of any academic work but especially so at

Masters level. It should be evident throughout the dissertation and you should
have made a reasonable attempt at producing a balanced argument drawing on
the literature for support.
Analysis - you are expected to demonstrate analytical skills. Discuss the

framework within which your research took place and how your research fits into
this. Appreciate various perspectives, bias and subjectivity.
Critical evaluation - you will be expected to examine the value of work that you
draw upon, and resources that you utilise, in a critical manner.
10.3 Achievement of learning outcomes

It is essential that you demonstrate your attainment of the generic learning outcomes
as defined in section 2 as well as those found on the Module Definition Form in the
appendices. How effectively you demonstrate your attainment of the learning
outcomes illustrates your Mastery of the subject to the examiner and will be reflected
in how highly your work is marked.
10.4 Questions an assessor may ask themselves about your work
Am I clear about the purpose of the study - is there a recognisable focus and a
consideration of audience?
Is the methodological basis explained and justified?
Are the research methods appropriate, explained, justified and evaluated?
Is there any discussion of the analytical processes employed?
What attempts have been made to avoid bias, subjectivity and narrowness of
interpretation?
Is there any consideration of the implications that arise from the study and
possible applications to practice?
Is the study supported by any experimental data or evidence?
Has there been any attempt to explain what emerges?
Does the study satisfy the necessary conventions of presentation and academic
standards?
Is there due consideration of various perspectives?
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11. Submission
You must submit TWO copies of your dissertation on or before the deadline you are
given. These copies must be accompanied by an electronic copy of the dissertation.
Students who cannot feasibly submit their dissertation in person should ensure that it
is postmarked on, or before, the submission date.
It is in your interest to obtain a receipt of posting if you deliver the work in this
manner.
Unless you advise us to the contrary, abstracts and dissertations will be made
available for viewing by others.
Failure to submit your dissertation on time, without appropriate authorisation,
will result in a fail or reduced mark being awarded.
12. University Regulations

12.1 Project regulations
For details of the university regulations governing your dissertation you should refer
to the Anglia Ruskin University booklet
(http://libweb.Anglia Ruskin.ac.uk/guides/skillguides/pres_booklet.pdf);
Presentation and Submission of Projects and Dissertations for

Taught Higher Degrees. Fourth Edition.
12.2 General regulations

Besides project regulations students of the University are also bound by more
general regulations contained within the following University booklet;
Postgraduate Student Handbook
If you have not received the above booklet please contact the course
administrator for a copy.
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12.2.1
Plagiarism
The above regulations include the University rules on plagiarism. Plagiarism is totally
unacceptable and all sources utilised in the course of your study MUST be
acknowledged. The University may exact severe penalties where a student is guilty
of plagiarism. You should refer to the University regulations for more details on this
and other disciplinary matters.
Descriptor for a qualification at Masters (M) level: Masters degree
Masters degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:
i a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current
problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of
their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice;
ii a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or
advanced scholarship;
iii originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding
of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and
interpret knowledge in the discipline;
iv conceptual understanding that enables the student:
to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the

discipline; and
to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where

appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

a deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound
judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions
clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
b demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent
level;
c continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills
to a high level;
and will have:
d the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and
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the independent learning ability required for continuing professional

development.
Appendix
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Marking Scheme
A
Characteristics
Overall Impression
Coverage
Grade
Mark Range
1. Comprehension of Task
2. Literature Review
3. Presentation
4.11. Design
4.12. Implementation
4.13. Testing
4.2 Intellectual
5. Critical Appraisal
6. Overall Impression
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outstanding
B
excellent
good, some
excellent
C
consistently
good
satisfactory,
some good
D
satisfactory,
some
weaknesses
weak, but
meeting
threshold
standard
Vague, not related.
Superficial
D+
D
D40 49%
Vague objectives and title not
clearly related to content
Information mostly obtained from
few sources, which are probably
textbooks, web sites etc.
Rigorous and authoritative.

Deep
A+
A
A70 100%
Rigorous and authoritative
scholarly approach throughout
Each plank in the argument well
attributed. Evidence of real,
thorough research. Extensive
use of journals, advanced texts
etc. Relevance is the keynote.
Clear and suitable.

Good
B+
B
B60 69%
Clear objectives and suitable title
Suitable for inclusion in

academic journal. Evidence that
the student is in strong control of
the topic. Clear, powerful,
persuasive writing.
Adaptation of design
methodology for specific need
Excellent attempt at difficult task,
showing significant innovation
Well laid out document. Good

writing style. Strong strand of
reasoning apparent, but nothing
new.
Good document with satisfactory

referencing. The strand of
reasoning apparent, if unoptimised.
Poorly structured document.

Significant errors. Poor referencing
Clear and accurate design using

suitable methodology
Good attempt at challenging task
with few flaws or excellent attempt
at modest task
Comprehensive and appropriate
Satisfactory design but with some

inaccuracies/ omissions
Good attempt at modest task or
incomplete attempt at difficult one
Incomplete or inaccurate design
Absolutely appropriate OR
innovative approach to testing
As B AND the student offers
their own coherent ideas - even
solutions in the topic area
Very perceptive analysis of

outcomes and process
Identify and undertake complex
task using own initiative, using
scholarly approach.
Suitable but limited.

Satisfactory
C+
C
C50 59%
Suitable but limited objectives. Title
appropriate.
Relevant coverage but not well
integrated Reference to a good
range of texts, magazine articles,
web sites etc..
satisfactory, with
significant
weaknesses
Comprehensive account of
theoretical background to topic
area. Comprehensive relevant
bibliography showing use of
published research papers
As C sentence 1 AND strongly

critical/evaluative of the material.
Clearly identified conclusions with

a good analysis of process
Identify and undertake difficult task
independently
37
Reasonable testing, some of which

may be inappropriate
Organised and sufficient material,
an advance or the corresponding
taught course. Treated with no
deep insight. Credit is given if the
student broaches a subject not
taught to them personally
Suitable conclusions but little
critical analysis
Undertake modest task
independently or complex task with
support
Limited success with difficult task or

reasonable success with modest
one
Limited testing undertaken
Pedestrian or skimped treatment of
material digested from the
corresponding taught course (as
taught to this student) and no more.
Credit is given if the student
broaches a subject not taught to
them personally
Few or weak conclusions drawn
Ability to perform modest task with
support
F
poor, marginally
below threshold
poor, clear fail
Lacking in direction.
Inadequate
F+
F
F30 39%
0 29%
Lacking in direction. Poorly
formulated objectives
Little attempt to co-ordinate
material. Irrelevant to title. Large
unattributed sections copied.
Little or no use published material.
Poorly referenced. References bear
little relation to study
Poor style of language. Weak
structure. Omission of important
sections.
Lacking or poorly thought out and
presented design.
Poor style. Very limited functionality.
Unrelated to design
Little or no testing. Poorly presented
test results.
No real; understanding of the
material
Little attempt to draw conclusions

and relate to objectives.
Unable to undertake modest task
without detailed direction.

EJ460998S
191380271.doc
42 Date and time printed: 26/11/2013 4:30 a11/p11

Postgraduate Major Project Study Guide

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Postgraduate Major Project

Faculty of Science and Technology

Postgraduate Major Project

Postgraduate Major Project

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Postgraduate Major Project

POSTGRADUATE MAJOR PROJECT

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Postgraduate Major Project

Marking Scheme .............................................................................................35

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Postgraduate Major Project

1.1 The purpose of this guide

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Postgraduate Major Project

The dissertation forms a compulsory, essential, and substantial component of your

Design, implement and evaluate a personal learning program students will

Generate theory from observation, practice and experience rather than

Innovate at the levels of method and/or intellectual synthesis the Project is

Handle complex issues from a variety of standpoints solutions that you

Demonstrate knowledge of a specialised area and commitment within it it

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Postgraduate Major Project

The Research Area

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Postgraduate Major Project

3.2 Other considerations

Will it add to the current body of knowledge or provide new knowledge?

Strike a balance with the focus of your study:

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Postgraduate Major Project

3.2.1 Access and Time-scale

3.2.2 Ethics and confidentiality

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Postgraduate Major Project

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Postgraduate Major Project

4.1 Presentation of your dissertation plan

4.1.1 Structure of the dissertation plan

Introduction and background

Research question, or questions, and expected outcomes

Research methods and proposed information and data

Access to information and data sources

Methods reviewed for Design, Code, Test, Evaluate phase or

Outline time-scale / PERT /Gantt Chart

Introduction and background

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Postgraduate Major Project

Research questions and expected outcomes

Research methods and proposed data sources AND

Access to data sources

Preliminary review of literature

VII. Initial bibliography

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Postgraduate Major Project

Major Components of the Dissertation Process

These can be considered as;

literature search and review;

research design /methodology;

conducting the research / fieldwork

software design, development and testing / experimentation;