Module Code - Title:
CS6153
-
MSC PROJECT
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of the project is to enable the student to research, analyse and present a paper or a dissertation on a particular chosen software topic or problem.
The objective of the project is to:
- Provide experience with defining and organising a selected research topic;
- Provide familiarity with collecting and analysing primary and secondary sources of data;
- Obtain deeper insight into the topic selected, in relation to Software Engineering and/or Data Analytics;
- Integrate aspects learned from previously studied modules;
- Develop effective working relationships with those individuals or companies that contribute to the project research in any way.
Syllabus:
The student chooses, in conjunction with a member of Faculty, a Software Engineering research topic, which best suits his or her interests and abilities, keeping in mind the time and resources that are available. The satisfactory completion of the project requires the student to present their own work, and to demonstrate the ability to investigate the chosen topic independently by displaying a mastery of the literature and research relevant to the research topic and the ability to analyse and interpret findings of such readings and literature. The final report should be in the form of a research paper prepared for a specific conference or a dissertation which should be approximately 15,000 words in length and will be subject to both external and internal examination.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon completion of this module the student should be able to:
1. Iteratively refine their research questions in the light of their literature review.
2. Prepare a coherent research methodology to be followed for their project.
3. Perform that research methodology to the highest professional standards.
4. Analyse the results obtained in accordance with a recognised research paradigm.
5. Organise these research results in a coherent, logical manner.
6. Summarise the research which they have completed in a written form that adheres to academic and professional standards.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Upon completion of this module the student should be able to:
1. Exhibit habits of good time-management;
2. Demonstrate a high level of self-motivation and drive;
3. Appreciate the ethical concerns associated with empirical studies and design the study accordingly;
4. Justify the approach adopted;
5. Defend the traceability from research question to design, through to results and conclusions;
6. Adapt their design, analysis and derived conclusions in the light of critique.
7. Answer their research question in the light of the results they have obtained.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be undertaken, under the guidance of a single faculty member. This supervisor will meet the student regularly to discuss and critique the design, result, analysis and conclusions that the student (Proactively) generates during the module. They will work (Collaboratively) towards a research dissertation that is defensible by the student (Knowledge) through debate (Articulate), refinement and iteration.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2016)
Research Methods for Business Students
, Pearson Education
Oates (2006)
Researching Information Systems and Computing
, Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSSOENTFA - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader:
Michael.English@ul.ie