Prerequisites for Module
Successful completion of PgDip at SCQF 11 level study.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
• To develop a specification for a substantial problem in depth, making use of principles and practices acquired elsewhere in the course. • To develop a solution from this specification through to implementation and report on the results within a fixed time frame. • To enhance and develop transferable skills, communication skills and the experience of working on a major big data project in a guided but independent fashion.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1. |
Critically appraise literature and current practice in relation to a major big data project and to place it in the context of related work.
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2. |
Plan the project, select appropriate methods, tools and technologies to carry-out research and test potential solutions that complies with the legal, ethical, social and professional context of the project.
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3. |
Evaluate alternative design and development choices to systematically identify the best strategy to deliver a big data artifact.
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4. |
Reflect on project findings and draw insights to establish opportunities for desirable extensions and future work.
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5. |
Communicate effectively in a written dissertation and oral presentation to detail and defend the project contributions and research conclusions.
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Indicative Module Content
Selection of an approved university-based or industry-focused project. Investigation of problem, including context, background, and relevant tools, methods and techniques. Summary of results / research conclusions. An ethical, social, legal and professional review of the project, together with a plan to address any issues, if appropriate. An overall detailed research strategy / design specification, with a development plan and breakdown of activities.
| A test / evaluation specification and schedule. A review document with recommendations for future research / development. A practical demonstration of the operational project and conclusions, including an oral presentation and poster. An electronic version of the report, software and any other appropriate documentation.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Part Time | Supervision meetings
| 25 | Directed Study
| | Directed reading
| 25 | Project Preparation
| 400 | Private Study
| | Private Study
| 150 |
Mode of Delivery
Lectures provide an initial explanation of project activities, together with guidance on research and report writing. Weekly supervision provides further direction as required together with feedback on work submitted as the project progresses. The student is able to call on expert guidance throughout the investigation and implementation phases of the project life-cycle.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| Component 1 | 1,2,3,4,5
| The assessment of Component 1 consists of: (i) a written report which documents the background and motivation for the project, critically appraises relevant literature, design, implementation, evaluation and reflection on the work which the student has undertaken; (ii) an oral presentation, where the student describes the project and demonstrates the associated software. Both sub-components are assessed by the supervisor and a second marker. A Turnitin report will accompany the written report.
Indicative Bibliography
1. | RIDLEY, D., 2012. The Literature Review: A Step-By-Step Guide For Students. Sage Study Skills Series.
| 2. | CADLE, J. & YEATES, D., 2007. Project management for information systems. 5th ed. Prentice Hall.
| 3. | BERKUN, S., 2008. Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management (Theory in Practice). O'Reilly.
| 4. | KERZNER, H., 2013. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, 11th Edition. Wiley
| 5. | PRESSMAN, R., 2009. Software Engineering: A practitioner’s approach.7th ed. McGraw-Hill.
| 6. | BOTT, F., 2014. Professional Issues in Information Technology, 2nd Ed., BCS
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