CE00633-7 - RESEARCH METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

10/09/2011 17:43

10/09/2011

Module Descriptor

Code: CE00633-7

Version: 3

Approval Status: Valid Current

Title: RESEARCH METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Section: Computing, Engineering & Technology

Level: 7

Contact

E-mail Address

VLE

DAVID CHESHIRE

D.G.CHESHIRE@STAFFS.AC.UK

Blackboard

Pattern Of Delivery

Credits
15

Contact Hours
36

Independent
Study Hours
114

Total Learning
Hours

Description of Pattern of Delivery

150

Pattern 1, study 100% in period 1

Pattern 2, study 100% in period 2

Site
STAFFORD

Registration Conditions

Module Version Condition Text

None

Module Details
A COURSEWORK length 3000 WORDS weighted at 100%.

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 relating to the technical areas of the students
chosen research project.
- A complete research proposal for an MSc dissertation including aims and objectives, a plan of work,
deliverables, a Gantt chart, resources needed.
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 the technical literature within the chosen field of
study.

Indicative
Content

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 the student's 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

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/student/modules/showmodule.php?code=CE00633-7

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CE00633-7 - RESEARCH METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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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.
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.

Prospectus
Information

This module prepares the student for planning, undertaking, managing and reporting an MSc level project
in engineering. The work is split into two areas:
1. The development of a proposal of work to be undertaken during the project.
2. Expanding good project management practice to an industrial sized project.
On completion of the module the student will be ready to start their MSc project and write their
dissertation.

Resources

PC with Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project Manager
Blackboard VLE
Access to the Internet
Library

Special
Admissions
Must be enrolled on a FCET MSc Engineering programme
Requirements
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
Texts

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: 0234-3565-0
Meredith & Mantel, Project Management - A Managerial Approach, (2005), 6th Ed, Prentice Hall, ISBN:
0471715379

Learning Outcome
1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF A RANGE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
TECHNIQUES, WHICH WILL ENABLE THE STUDENT TO SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE COMPLEX TECHNICAL
PROJECTS.

Knowledge &
Understanding

2. APPLY A RANGE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES TO PLAN AND FORMULATE DETAILED,

REALIST WORK SCHEDULES FOR COMPLEX TECHNICAL PROJECTS.

Analysis

3. SOURCE AND CRITICALLY APPRAISE THE PUBLISHED TECHNICAL WORK OF OTHER RESEARCHERS IN
THE CHOSEN FIELD OF STUDY.

Communication

4. ANALYSE INNOVATIVE QUALITY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SITUATIONS USING EFFECTIVE

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES.

Analysis

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/student/modules/showmodule.php?code=CE00633-7

Problem
Solving

Problem
Solving

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