Post on 26-Dec-2015
©Dr I M Bradley
The Project Planning Process
Terms of Reference Document
©Dr I M Bradley
Project Definition
Clearly specifying what is to to achieve in the projectMust identify the aims and objectives of the workNeed to ensure that what is propose is achievableEnsure have the necessary resources are available information software hardware
Identify potential structure of report
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference
Planning document
Yardstick against which project will be measured
Produced in first semester
Submitted in week 6
Not marked
Must be included as first appendix of Report
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceContents
TitleBackgroundAimsObjectivesDescription of all expected product itemsRelationship to courseSources of information / bibliographyResources - hardware / softwareStructure of ReportSchedule of activitiesMarking Scheme
©Dr I M Bradley
Activity
For the project proposal you produced at the previous session
a) write out the project aimsb) write out the objectivesc) list the chapters you would expect to form the report
For the project proposal you produced at the previous session
a) write out the project aimsb) write out the objectivesc) list the chapters you would expect to form the report
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceBackground
overview of projectwhat skills are requiredwhy the topic is of interest computing aspects of workexpected outcomeswhat product will be
Evidence:initial investigationappropriate levelachievable in time
Evidence:initial investigationappropriate levelachievable in time
1 to 2 pages
uses references
1 to 2 pages
uses references
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceAimAll projects have one major aim they hope to achieve
Should provide reader with an understanding of the project’s main purpose
Example: To investigate the problems of real-time systems,
and design and develop a real-time kernel supporting controller area networks within distributed embedded systems
how did your aims match up
how did your aims match up
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceObjectives
these are smaller sub-goals
tasks building towards ultimate aim of project
typically categories investigation new learning production of product writing report evaluation of product & project
objectives are the things
student does duringthe project
objectives are the things
student does duringthe project
©Dr I M Bradley
ALL objectives must appear in theschedule of work - they represent what the student will be doing
ALL objectives must appear in theschedule of work - they represent what the student will be doing
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceSchedule
Steps in producing work plan work breakdown time estimates milestone identifications activity sequencing scheduling
Ensure the project is achievable in the time available
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of ReferenceSchedule
Produce a Gantt chartShow all activitiesIdentify major milestones these will be used to measure progress part of student performance marking input
Tasks can be in parallelLook for fall back positions within schedule if problems need route to ensure can still pass
the project
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference Sources of information / bibliography
making sure there will be relevant material to draw upon
evidence the student has done some research
academic papers / books / web sites
Must cite references correctly
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference Resources
Identify the software / hardware requiredEnsure available at CollegeEnsure key items identified
Should justify
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference Resources
A student may use his or her own computer for part or all of the practical work involved in a project provided that it is suitable for the purpose, as agreed by the supervisor, and that any propriety software used is properly licensedIf a personal machine is used, the responsibility for back-ups etc. lies with the student
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference Structure of Report
draft list of chapters / based on analysis -synthesis - evaluation
list of appendices Terms of Reference Product Documentation
©Dr I M Bradley
Terms of Reference Assessment Criteria
draft
map to report marking scheme
identify product components
constrainedby
generalscheme
constrainedby
generalscheme
©Dr I M Bradley
A Good ToR Should …
Present evidence of some initial research and understanding about the project to be undertaken
Have a clear set of achievable objectives
Show that the necessary resources are available
give another student enough information to do
the work
give another student enough information to do
the work
©Dr I M Bradley
Activity
Consider the example ToRs provided. Working with a colleague discuss the various ToRs identifying what you see as their strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the example ToRs provided. Working with a colleague discuss the various ToRs identifying what you see as their strengths and weaknesses.