Report writing 674

Assignment 3 - Final Project

Proposal

Requirements

The following is a guide to help you construct your final report for SEN719

This report is a comprehensive proposal detailing your project. While it is

based on what you have submitted in assignment 1, your work and thinking

should be extensively developed; and thus sections of this report that are

similar to those contained in assignment 1 should be significantly improved.

There is no exact word limit, but as a guide you should expect to write

around 5000 words or 20 pages. However, it is understood that different

projects will require more description and explanation than others. It should

also be understood that an excessively long report can be as ineffective as an

overly short one. If you have any doubt about how long the report should be,

consult your academic supervisor.

Note that this is a minor change from the Unit Guide, which says no more

than 5000 words. Many of you find this to be somewhat restrictive. If your

project contains a lot of additional information that may make it difficult to

stay within this limit, consider the use of appendices.

Please use the following guidelines for your report:

Project Title

Please include the title, your name and student details, your supervisor(s)

Introduction

An introduction provides context to the project by including background

information that highlights the importance of the area to the industry and/or

public. You should demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the general

importance and implications of the project area

Project aim and objectives

The project aim and specific objectives were introduced in the initial

proposal, however, these may have been further refined or adjusted. Clearly

articulate the specific project objectives and project benefits to the research

area, industry and/or the public. Clearly identify any stakeholder

requirements, such as from your supervisor, industry, researchers or other

organisations that have a vested interest in the outcomes of the project.

Literature review

A literature review serves a number of purposes in a research project. In

simple terms, the literature review should justify the need for the project, the

project objectives and the intended methods that will be utilised. Thus you

should:

 Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the area of study in terms of

the important issues, theory and approaches that have been previously

undertaken to study it

 Demonstrate an understanding of what others have previously learned

by studying the area, and thus identifying the best way to study it to

address your specific objectives

 Demonstrate an understanding of any flaws or gaps in the previous

research done in the area

Note that this can be based on your initial literature review. However, it

should also be noted that your work will have moved on since that was

written and additional literature is generally expected.

Detailed methodology and deliverables

The methodology should provide a detailed outline of the

tests/methods/techniques/etc. that will be undertaken in the project. Clearly

explain the approach that will be used in the project, including detailed

steps/tasks/tests/etc. Demonstrate an understanding of the outputs that will be

generated using the methodology, and how these can be used to provide an

outcome/deliverable/solution to each of the project objectives. Demonstrate

an understanding of the limitations or disadvantages of the approach being

undertaken.

Project planning

Evidence that the project can be completed safely and professionally within

the timelines allowed. This may include a timeline/gantt chart that clearly

identifies the scheduled tasks, resources, milestones and timeline for the

project, evidence of project progress tracked against the project plan/timeline,

critical tasks highlighted with any risks to completion of the project

identified, work safety assessment completed and submitted to Cloud Deakin

and any ethical considerations related to the design of the project identifed

and appropriately discussed

Response to feedback

Feedback will be provided by your supervisor or after the initial proposal or

oral video presentation. Please consider any of the feedback in the form of a

reflection on your project. It can be in the form of a selection of headings

where comments have been made about your project, followed by a

discussion on how you have addressed these comments.

Assessment

You will be assessed according to the the rubric that will be provided as a

separate document. You might like to ask yourself the following questions as

a way to establish the standard of your report. They may also form a basis for

discussion with your supervisors and other stakeholders.

Planning and justification of aims and objectives – Have you described a

technically significant project, with achievable objectives and aims that are

clearly explained? Are these objectives fully justified in terms of stakeholder

requirements and backed up by the literature?

Literature – have you developed a clear context for your project in terms of

what value it may have to the stakeholders? Have you included appropriate

literature to back that up as well as to show what others have done and how

your project draws from this knowledge?

Planning outcomes and deliverables – Have you described a clear set of

outcomes and deliverables for your project? Do you have a clear

methodology on how these deliverables will be generated?

Methodology/approach – have you clearly stated how you are going to carry

out your project in sufficient detail? Does it form a good and accurate guide

for you to achieve your stated deliverables? Do you understand what

techniques and skills you will require to complete your project? If there are

limitations and unknowns to your project, have you allocated time and

resources to overcome these?

Resources and safety considerations – have you clearly identified all

necessary resources to carry out your project? Have you completed all

appropriate safety training and documentation? Have you identified what lab

or other facilities you will need and engaged with the appropriate technical

staff? Have you determined what equipment, components, purchased items,

software, etc. you will need to carry out your project? Have you considered

any ethical issues associated with your project?

Timelines – have you worked out how you are going to manage your time for

the remainder of the project? Has this been discussed with your supervisor

and other stakeholders? Does it make sense?

Response to feedback – Have you included a good reflection on how others

see your project and can you identify how their comments can improve your

project