CEMRMR-Mini-Project and Research Methods

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 7
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Dr MM Vahdati
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CEMREC CEMRHP
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: m.m.vahdati@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
To undertake a critical literature survey of subject matter relating the individual project to be carried out in the summer term and to present the findings as a professional report and seminar.
To write a clear and well-defined proposal for the individual project to be carried out in the summer term

Assessable learning outcomes:

Sourcing of information from literature and other sources.

Critical analysis of both quantitative and descriptive information.

Presentation of a professional quality report and seminar.

Understanding of how to write a clear, well-defined proposal for any project

Definition of clear aims and objectives and the tasks and resources required by each project

Production of a time-chart for each project, defining timescales for each task and deadlines for each intermediate objective

Clear definition of possible risks from the project and their management

Additional outcomes:

Students may link with an outside organisation to find further information.

Research skills, report writing

Outline content:

Presentation methods, report writing, giving a seminar

Process of defining aims and objectives for project planning

Use of time-planning systems such as GANTT charts

Use of planning systems

Testing of project plans against external criteria, such as those for sustainability and environmental impact

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, tutorials, computer based sessions, review meeting, seminar

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		8
Tutorials/seminars		16
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours		24
Number of essays or assignments		2
Other (eg major seminar paper)		2

Assessment:
Coursework
Class presentation (5%) ; Literature survey report (30%); Seminar (15%); Project Proposal (50%)
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Penalties for late submission
Deduction of: 10% up to 7 days. Work submitted more than 7 days late will not be marked
Examinations
None
Requirements for a pass
50% or better overall to pass at M-level
Reassessment arrangements
Resubmission of literature survey and project proposal in Summer Term, before the project starts

Last updated: 8 December 2009