Group Project Module Coursework in Computing and Creative Technologies

Project Components

The coursework for this module will be project based, performed in small groups comprising 3-4 members.

It is also expected that group members will meet regularly in undertaking the different tasks comprising the Group Project module coursework.

Completing the coursework project and module is likely to involve students engaging in independent study of specialist techniques and technologies, for example that are required to implement a design that a group has produced, or to develop tools to investigate a problem area that a group has identified.

It is important that in studying modules as part of your programme that you gain as much knowledge, skills and experience that will be highly useful and desirable to future potential employers. Within the computing and creative technologies area one key area that future employers will expect of graduates is the ability to work in small multi-disciplinary teams who can work to tight deadlines and overcome a range of potential problems in delivering an agreed development or investigative project and report to a suitably high standard. 

Depending on the knowledge and skill sets comprising project teams, project deliverables can be development related, where the team develops a small prototype application, or they can investigative in nature which may focus on a report and findings to a particular chosen area of investigation.

The Computing Project coursework is broken down into three main components:

Each group must submit a clear project plan that will outline the work to be undertaken and will comprise the following:

Introduction to project - objectives, general approach, schedules, resources required.

Gantt chart – showing breakdown structure, timeline, project milestones, deliverables.

PERT Chart/CPM – showing clear task dependencies, timeline, critical path.

Part 1 of the coursework should be submitted by 4pm on Friday 4^th February 2022.

The final project deliverable and report will be broken down into the following areas:

Project Planning and Approach – This section should cover how the group set about planning the project and what specific approach was adopted in the development or investigative project and how it progressed throughout the entire project timeline. It is focused on reflecting upon how the project was undertaken and managed after the project plan had been developed. (10 Marks)

Design of Deliverable or Background to Area of Investigation – This section should cover what approach was adopted in the design of the deliverable, including all figures and diagrams associated with the design. This section should cover the background to the area and its importance and significance.  (15 Marks)

Development of Deliverable or Investigation – For development projects this section should include the actual prototype developed, including relevant documentation, user guide, description of deliverable and all relevant code and information needed to run the prototype. For investigative projects this section should include the actual investigation itself, how it was conducted, how the findings were analysed.   (35 Marks)

All groups should arrange a suitable time before the final submission date to demonstrate their prototype to their tutor/supervisor.

Implementation & Evaluation - This section should cover how the development or area of investigation will be implemented covering areas such as relevant implementation models and approaches, how implementation will be conducted and managed, as well as key areas to be addressed. In addition, this section should cover how the development or area of investigation was or will be evaluated, highlighting the evaluation process and different forms of evaluation.  (15 Marks)

Quality of Final Project Report - The final report will be expected to be of a high professional standard, suitably structured with title page, executive summary, table of contents, sections/headings/subheadings,  bibliography using Harvard style referencing, appendices etc.  (5 Marks)

Important:

In completing the final report, it must be clearly identified what the contribution was for each individual group member. Individual marks will be graded accordingly.  

A Peer Assessment Form is to be completed by each group member in which they will evaluate their own contribution to the project, as well as that of each project team member. This form will be made available nearer to the submission date.

Each group member will submit a report in which they reflect on key issues relevant to their computing project such as project management, group work and developing transferable skills. Further details on what should be included in this report will be provided after Week 4.