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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Project Preparation (MSc)
Reference ASM022 Version 7
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved December 2004 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to effectively plan a short period of research work as preparation for a longer investigation. To provide an opportunity for preliminary research related work to be undertaken.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Produce a project plan which critically evaluates and reflects on key areas such as risk assessment, ethics and the costing of the practical work and methodologies required for the MSc Project.
2 Demonstrate professional competence in identifying appropriate reported work, critically appraising its relevance to the topic(s) being studied.

Indicative Module Content
Project Management: calculation of duration, sequencing of activities, resource profile. Techniques: networks, Gantt charts, critical paths, floats. Management: resourcing, monitoring, control. Research methods. Project Planning Agreement: The student is required to produce, after negotiating with his/her supervisory team, a satisfactory project plan to cover work to be done during the project. This plan is completed and approved in advance.

Module Delivery
The project management component is delivered through lectures and workshops.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 90 90
Non-Contact Hours 210 210
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 300 300
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Practical Exam Weighting: 20% Outcomes Assessed: 1
Description: An oral presentation based on the project plan.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 80% Outcomes Assessed: 2
Description: Critical Review of the Project topic.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (EX1) weighted as minor and the second, Component 2 (CW1), weighted as major. A minimum module grade of D is required for a pass, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, BA, CA
B DA, EA, AB, BB, CB, DB, AC
C EB, BC, CC, DC, AD, BD
D EC, CD, DD, ED, AE, BE, CE
E FA, FB, FC, FD, DE, EE, FE, AF, BF, CF, DF
F DF, EF, FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to course entry requirements.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
In respect of preliminary practical investigations, the safe working practice of the Institution in which the work is being done must be followed, and course members must always follow procedures agreed in advance with the supervisors. The project preparation involves the planning and carrying out of preliminary work including planning, researching the literature and undertaking appropriate experiments.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Cresswell, J.W. (2009). Research Design - qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, SAGE.
2 Crombie, I. (1996). The pocket guide to critical appraisal, Wiley.
3 Subject specific literature as advised by project supervisor, this will include mainly recent journal publications.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781