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Research Methods for Engineers

Assignment 1: Project Proposal - (15%)

Introduction:
Your will engage in a desktop research project. Your project explores the aspects of Sustainability in
the field of engineering. This project provides opportunities to enable you to work with a real-world
problem and develop your professional competencies. A high level of contribution and commitment
is required from each student.

Task:
Your team has been asked to choose a topic from a range of the given themes. You will work on this
topic to identify potential solutions for the gap or problem in your chosen topic. You will determine
the approach by applying the principles of Sustainable Engineering.

Before you start executing your solution your teams need to finalise a project proposal, this
assignment is about your project proposal.

You can refer to the template provided below; you can alter this template according to your needs.

The proposal should define the “Key Objectives”. The document should also provide some
background top the topic. You will conduct relevant research to gain an understanding of your topic
and use it to detail your background and objectives.

Submission Requirements
The following are submission requirements for all teams.

• Although the page limit is between 1-2pages or 1000 words, you must include all necessary
components of the proposal as outlined in the template.
• A written report is to be prepared using an appropriate academic writing style and to include
a list of references.
• Read the Assessment Criteria for guidance on how this assignment will be marked. Make
sure that any analysis you present is your own – not simply a summary of what is presented
in source or reference materials. Your submission is a Design Brief (and not a full Project
Report).
• The submitted report file format must be in pdf format.
• Don’t waste time with fancy layouts, colours, cover pages, and so on. A simple text-based
format is all that is needed with the report layout consisting of a few sections of text (with
section headings). Use photos or diagrams sparingly and only if necessary and/or relevant to
include in your report. Just use a basic and common text font such as Arial or Times New
Roman with at least 10-point font size for body text. Single-spaced paragraphs are
acceptable.
• There must be a Reference Section (Bibliography) in your submission. Marks will be
deducted if it is omitted, not suitably formatted, or lacking more than at least six relevant
citations. Use the IEEE referencing style.
• Don’t be tempted to plagiarise. If you unsure what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, or
collusion then refer to the Academic Honesty information provided for all units on DSO in
the Unit Guide and Information folder.
• Online and in-person resources and materials are available from Student Life for all students
to assist with assignment writing and referencing skills. Student Life also provides online and
in-person resources to assist with understanding plagiarism and how to avoid producing it in
your academic work.

Submission Deadline

Students are to upload their Assignment Submission through collaborative shared folders on Google
Drive by Sunday Week 3, 12.03.2017, 11:59pm.

Proposal Template

a. Introduction

b. Background

This section will provide a brief back ground on the topic you chose and it will identify the
areas of interest with respect to sustainability.

c. Key Objectives

This section should list your outcomes for the final report.

d. Conclusion

e. References
Assessment Guide – Assignment 1: Proposal (15%)

Scoring Criteria Total Points 100


Organization (GLO 2, ULO 2) 15 Score
Overall, the written report is clear, well organized and while appropriately scoped shows a comprehensive
and accurate understanding of the topic and its relevant research methodology.
Introduction is attention-getting. It establishes a clear framework for the report by laying out the problem
and its relevance, identifying key aspects of the topic, including its outcomes

Presents information in effective, logical order. Line of reasoning is interesting and easy to follow.

Uses relevant subheadings throughout enabling readers to move easily through the text and good
structure of paragraphs and transitions enhances comprehension and readability
Conclusion succinctly summarizes the outcomes or research results based on the literature and/or actual
research, including its strengths and any limitations and offers suggestions for future research or action
Comments and tips for improvement:

Knowledge/Research Base (ULO 1, ULO 4) 30 Score


Provides good, relevant background information on the topic. Defines technical terms and acronyms
clearly, and demonstrates a clear understanding of the topic
The methods section provides essential information about Entrepreneurship and data collection
procedures, and in addition might represent a novel and insightful approach to researching the topic
The research output (literature review and/or primary research) demonstrates a robust knowledge of the
field that is accurate and current , and has a sharp distinct focus that enhances the impact of the report
Explores the topic in detail and in depth, information is focused, rigorous, and accurate, makes
scientifically valid arguments supported by reliable evidence
Comments and tips for improvement:

Critical Thinking (GLO 4,ULO3) 35 Score


Uses specific inductive or deductive reasoning to make inferences regarding premises; addresses
implications and consequences; identifies facts and relevant information correctly.
Thoroughly identifies and addresses key aspects of the problem and insightfully uses facts and relevant
evidence from analysis to support and defend potentially valid solutions
Insightfully interprets information; identifies obvious as well as hidden assumptions, establishes credibility
of sources on points other than authority alone
Insightfully relates concepts and ideas from multiple sources; uses new information to enhance chosen
solution; recognizes missing information; correctly identifies potential effects of new information.
Identifies strengths and weaknesses in own thinking: recognizes personal assumptions, values and
perspectives, compares to others’, and evaluates them in the context of alternate points of view
Comments and tips for improvement:

Written Presentation (GLO 2, ULO 2) 20 Score


Compelling evidence from reliable and authoritative sources is given to support claims and are correctly
cited in the accepted citation/referencing style.
Quotations are well chosen, correctly cited and effectively framed by the text and explained as needed.
Effective choice of illustrations (graphs, tables, images, etc.) that truly enhance understanding of the topic
Vocabulary and tone are consistently precise, accurate, consistently professional and appropriate for an
academic research paper. Sentences are well-phrased and flow smoothly from one to another.
The writing is free or almost free of errors and word length is within the range specified

Comments and tips for improvement:

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