Assignment Paper

A written report (approximately 2,500 words in length). Initially a clearly defined set of research aims and
objectives will be defined and explained as the introduction to the report. These will then be critically
discussed and evaluated in terms of appropriate strategies and approaches to be taken if you were to actively
pursue these aims and objectives. This will be coupled with discussion and evaluation on both quantitative
and qualitative research methodologies that could be taken (again relevant and appropriate to your research
aims and objectives). In order to validate and justify your chosen methodologies reference should be made to
relevant current practitioners and their work, in order to reinforce your chosen approaches.
Note this is a proposal with supporting critical discussion, no project is undertaken for this assessment. You
need to show you understand how to undertake a research project. This includes understanding the strengths
and weaknesses in your project and what outcomes you can expect. Refer to the module aims again.
• 25%: appropriate aims and objectives with supporting background, these should be SMART (see module
text) and accessible to an engineer from an unrelated discipline
• 25%: selection of research methodology(s) with critical analysis of existing research methods employed
relevant or related to the field.
• 25%: Implementation strategies for the proposed methodologies, this should include the expected strengths
and weaknesses and a plan such as a GANTT chart.
• 15%: synthesis of ideas into a logical, coherent report.
• 10%: presentation and English.
Assessment Presentation
When marking this assignment the academics will also be looking for the following criteria:
• Use the cover sheet from the template provided.
• Clear legible presentation.
• Good use of spelling, grammar and language throughout.
• Appropriate focus, meeting learning outcomes/assignment criteria.
• Logical progression and structure of arguments.
• (Normally) an introduction, a well-developed discussion and a conclusion summarising the work.
• The introduction will include an exploration of the focus of the assignment and discuss the way the
assignment has been approached.
• Evidence of a range of relevant supporting reading.
• Use of accurate, evidence-based information to support the arguments made.
• Follow normal Academic Regulations in terms of Academic Offences, style and language.
• Use a Harvard system of referencing and will include a reference list of all resources used.
• A declaration statement which says you have checked your Turnitin originality report and certain that the
work is your own (and has never been submitted for marking before by you, or anyone else)
• Maintain the confidentiality of clients/customers and persons associated with them, colleagues and
organisations
This module uses a grading scale applicable to Level 7 in the University Credit Framework. The grade
descriptors (on the next page) are typical characteristics of the standard of work associated with each grade.