Module Details

Module Code: MECH8020
Title: Project Management & Research
Long Title: Project Management & Research
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module requires the learner to develop research, problem analysis and project planning skills. The project is undertaken by individuals working from an agreed outline brief of a project title and outline objectives. The learner develops the knowledge, know-how and skills, and competences required to successfully research, develop, scope the project and present an implementation plan. The learner is expected to work under the guidance of a project supervisor and to communicate the process and outcomes of their work in a style and manner appropriate for professional practioners in their discipline.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Review of relevant and appropriate literature to become familiar with current knowledge in the project area.
LO2 Outline a number of viable methodologies to address the identified project area
LO3 Develop and present a project plan to implement the proposed methodology.
LO4 Justify the rational for the chosen methodology on the basis of preliminary engineering analysis, design calculations or experimental design
LO5 Exercise professional judgement in evaluating potential courses of action against appropriate design, safety, commercial and ethical criteria.
LO6 Apply written and oral communication skills required of the professional practioner.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
10887   New Technological Venture Deve
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Literature survey gathering
Critically analysing and referencing research and other appropriate literature.
Core problem definition
Identification and formulation of the core research question
Development of methodology
Formulate and assess viable methodologies to address the identified research question with a view to identifying the most appropriate methodology. Justify chosen methodology on the basis of preliminary analysis, design calculation, or experimental design.
Report writing
Writing a professional report in a manner appropriate to the discipline
Oral presentation
Demonstrate knowledge of the field of research and of the objectives of the project.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
Oral presentation of project objectives. One page project definition report to be submitted in advance of presentation.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Comprehensive professional report of work achieved including literature review, rationale for chosen methodology, culminating in a project implementation plan.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Project Supervisor Meetings Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Project Development Every Week 6.75 6.75
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.25
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Project Supervisor Meetings Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Project Development Every Week 6.75 6.75
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bryan Greetham,. (2009), How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation, 1st. Palgrave & Macmillan, [ISBN: 978-0-230-21875-8].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIOM_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering 7 Mandatory
CR_EMECH_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 7 Mandatory
CR_EMESY_8 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Systems 1 Mandatory