LD7152 – AP Research Project
The LD7152 AP Research Project is a postgraduate research and reflective assessment for students studying within the MSc Computing Framework or MSc International Project Management programme. The module focuses on developing students as independent researchers and requires them to reflect critically on their research strategy, activities, learning and personal development. The assessment is designed to encourage students to recognise their achievements, identify challenges encountered during the research process and evaluate how their research experience has contributed to their academic and professional development. The assessment consists of two components: a 3,000-word Reflective Individual Report worth 80% and a 10-minute Poster Presentation worth 20%. Students are expected to work independently while receiving supervisory guidance. The reflective report requires students to demonstrate critical engagement with knowledge discovery and reflect on their educational development in relation to the challenges experienced during their research project. The report is structured around four main areas. The first section, Finding a Research Topic, is approximately 500 words and requires students to explain their chosen topic, why it was selected, the research tools and search techniques used, the Library collections explored, the research aims and objectives, and relevant discussions or recommendations from their supervisor. The second section, Professional Activities, is approximately 500 words and focuses on research development tasks, scheduling, the independent researcher role, challenges such as time management, and communication with the supervisor. The third section, Literature Review and Research Work, is approximately 1,500 words. It requires a critical review of relevant literature with appropriate citation, discussion of the research method and major research activities, and consideration of the feasibility, challenges and recommendations associated with the selected method. The fourth section, Reflection of Research Project, is approximately 500 words and focuses on achievements, contributions, strengths and weaknesses, continuous self-development and employability. Students are expected to reflect on areas including decision making, problem solving, communication and influencing, technical skills, collaboration, innovation and proactivity. The second assessment component is a 10-minute poster presentation. The poster should provide an overview of the research activities and communicate what the student learned during the research process. It should balance visual and textual information and include the research objectives and significance, a summary of the literature review and research method, key research findings, and conclusions and recommendations. The report must include a cover page, table of contents, page numbers and captions for figures and tables. The required formatting includes Times New Roman, 12-point font, numbered headings and approximately 1.2–1.3 line spacing. The assessment brief permits Harvard or APA referencing. The report is submitted electronically through Turnitin on Blackboard. The module is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis, with students required to achieve 50% or above to pass. The assessment also evaluates critical reflection, application of knowledge, independent learning, communication of complex ideas, personal development and reflection on technical leadership.
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