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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Terms of Reference Resources
Identify the software / hardware required
Ensure available at College
Ensure key items identified
Should justify
©Dr I M Bradley

14. 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

15. 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

16. Terms of Reference Assessment Criteria
draft
map to report marking scheme
identify product components
constrained by
general
scheme
©Dr I M Bradley

17. 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

18. 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