The Project Planning Process Terms of Reference Document ©Dr I M Bradley

Project Definition Clearly specifying what is to to achieve in the project Must identify the aims and objectives of the work Need to ensure that what is propose is achievable Ensure 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 Reference Contents Title Background Aims Objectives Description of all expected product items Relationship to course Sources of information / bibliography Resources - hardware / software Structure of Report Schedule of activities Marking Scheme ©Dr I M Bradley

Activity For the project proposal you produced at the previous session a) write out the project aims b) write out the objectives c) list the chapters you would expect to form the report ©Dr I M Bradley

Terms of Reference Background Evidence: initial investigation appropriate level achievable in time overview of project what skills are required why the topic is of interest computing aspects of work expected outcomes what product will be 1 to 2 pages uses references ©Dr I M Bradley

how did your aims match up Terms of Reference Aim how did your aims match up All 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 ©Dr I M Bradley

Terms of Reference Objectives 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 during the project ©Dr I M Bradley

ALL objectives must appear in the schedule of work - they represent what the student will be doing ©Dr I M Bradley

Terms of Reference Schedule 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 Reference Schedule Produce a Gantt chart Show all activities Identify major milestones these will be used to measure progress part of student performance marking input Tasks can be in parallel Look 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 required Ensure available at College Ensure 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 licensed If 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 constrained by general scheme ©Dr I M Bradley

give another student enough information to do the work 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 ©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. ©Dr I M Bradley