Applied Research Methods & Professional Development

Applied Research Methods & Professional Development - Introduction  (5th Nov 2012)

In our Second year of BIT degree,  Applied Research Methods & Professional Development Module prepares the students to focus on our careers and prepares to undertake future projects which may include research and also provides the students with the necessary skills to communicate effectively and professionally. 

We started our first lecture on this Module with our Lecturer - Mr. Syed Rehan today. Today, we were given an introduction on the Module. Mr. Rehan informed us:

1. The learning objectives of the Module
2. Module Aims
3. Learning Outcomes of this Module
4. Topics that will be covered during this semester
5. Referring Texts to this Module.  

We were further educated on the skills and careers in Information Technology where there are 4 main skills that can be highlighted.

• Problem Analysis - Ability to understand the problem
• Academic Research - Ability to apply the suitable solution
• Convert problem to software - Ability to design the solution
• Artifact - Ability to implement the solution

The most important topic that was discussed today was on our Final Year Project Proposal and the Portfolio. 
In our Second year we will complete the following stages of this Project Proposal which covers the following: 
 Final Year Project Proposal

1. Problem Background & Problem Analysis
2. Problem Statement (Research Question) 
3. Literature Review
4. Research Methodology
5. Research Plan
6. Risk Management

The Portfolio is required for our Assessment which weighs 50% and it covers the following: (each log at the end of each week must have 3 posts)

1. Daily discussions carried out?
2. Analysis of each discussion?
3. What we understood from each discussion in class?

 At the end of this lecture,  it was clear for me of what was expected in this module and what method the Final Year Project Proposal must be.