Portfolio Feedback I

The Project Semester 2 April—September This module: the Portfolio -- background research and other preparation Design/Implementation/Experiment/Dissertation

Changed Deadlines Reminder wk1 wk4wk6wk7wk9wk12 Hand-in Portfolio Fri 3 rd April Submit draft reference list: 30 relevant items Submit skeleton draft portfolio Monday 9 th March

30-items feedback  14 submissions of `30 items’  412 items altogether!  Most 30, but ranging from 15—44  Overall, VERY GOOD  Some people sent early draft portfolio – good

Common Issues  In some cases, just a list of 30 research papers.  Could be OK, but probably needs to be more creative – review a selection of systems, web sites, company websites that sell relevant products, university research groups, etc…

Common Issues  Recency  A review would normally have some “old” references, which are seminal or pioneering sources of relevant information, and some very recent references, since you are expected to find out what is currently happening, and several inbetween.

Common Issues  Bland list of references  True, I only asked for 30 relevant items. But several of you took the opportunity to group them into categories, indicating roughly how your review would be structured. This was good. In other cases you just sent me a list, which makes it harder for me to evaluate. In your cases, it is not clear to me that you are making progress in organising the review in your head. Please do so!

Portfolio Examples  Some good examples are now available from my teaching www site  Let’s have a look

The portfolio  Here again is the portfolio requirements, slightly amended.

The Portfolio A document of around pages in total, comprising these 10 parts in this order: 1.A signed pro forma statement stating that Portfolio is free of plagiarism 2.An abstract (about 200 words) 3.Aims and objectives of your project ( about 300 words) 4.A project description, (about 500 words) 5.An appropriate discussion of the professional, legal and social issues pertinent to your project. (20—1,000 words)

The Portfolio 6. An outline of the dissertation structure and layout. This is expected to be presented as headings and sub headings and potentially subsub headings with a short description of the expected content of each section, sub section or subsub section. You may wish to discuss this with your supervisor. Note that this is a plan – your final report may contain a modified structure. 7. A literature review and/or review of other background material associated with your project. This is the most substantial and important component of your Portfolio -- ~4000 words or more. 8. A conclusion and discussion of the issues for your project (500—1000 words).

The Portfolio 9. A completed risk assessment form for your project. A risk assessment form is available from the module web site. You may not start your project until this has been completed. 10. A Project Management plan (PMP), comprising: 1. A Gantt chart outlining the timeline for the project 2. A brief description of the project plan to support the Gantt chart, to include risk identification, risk assessment and risk management.

Portfolio Marking Abstract, Aims, Objectives and Project description: Is the project and its rationale accurately described? Dissertation Outline: Is the project outline appropriate and well thought out? Literature Review or appropriate background material: Conclusion: Are the main issues of the project highlighted? Project Management Plan Is the PMP realistic, sufficiently detailed? Have risks been identified and assessed and has risk management been incorporated into the PMP?

Hand-in Dates etc. WhenWhatHow Friday 6th Feb 5pmYour 30 items on which your review will be based me an editable document (e.g. word, txt, not pdf) Monday 9 th March 5pm Draft of portfolio, maybe ~40% done, skeletal in parts me an editable document (e.g. word, txt, not pdf) Friday 3 rd April 5pmPortfolioPaper hand-in via the CS/IT coursework box