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The Project Planning Process

Terms of Reference Document

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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

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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

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Terms of ReferenceContents

TitleBackgroundAimsObjectivesDescription of all expected product itemsRelationship to courseSources of information / bibliographyResources - hardware / softwareStructure of ReportSchedule of activitiesMarking Scheme

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Terms of Reference Resources

Identify the software / hardware requiredEnsure available at CollegeEnsure key items identified

Should justify

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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

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Terms of Reference Structure of Report

draft list of chapters / based on analysis -synthesis - evaluation

list of appendices Terms of Reference Product Documentation

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Terms of Reference Assessment Criteria

draft

map to report marking scheme

identify product components

constrainedby

generalscheme

constrainedby

generalscheme

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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.