Coursework 2
Coursework 2
Preamble
The purpose of this coursework is to facilitate you in practising aspects of good
report writing. Formatting your report in line with the given ‘Dissertation Format’ will
provide the ‘format basis’ for your own Dissertation [MSc] or Group Project Report
[MEng]. You will also gain experience with some of the ‘Word Processing
Challenges’ which arise when drafting a complex technical report.
In Section A you are encouraged to undertake a literature review which will have
potential further use in your subsequent studies [e.g. exploring ideas for your MSc
Dissertation or MEng Group Project literature review]. Thus, it is efficient for you if
you can choose a topic which supports your later studies. You are also practicing
your skills relating to citation/reference matching and the compilation of a robust ‘List
of References’. You should be aware that External Examiners often audit the
accuracy of the ‘citation/reference match’ and the consistency of the content of the
‘List of References’ as a quick proxy to the overall quality of the complete document!
If the foregoing is found wanting the examiners will inevitably scrutinise more closely
other aspects of the document. So, please take care and try and ensure consistency
throughout.
In Section B you are essentially practicing the writing of Abstracts. You are also
asked to evaluate two Abstracts written by others. This is to enable you to be aware
that sometimes Abstracts ‘promise much’ but when you read the paper the ‘paper
delivers little’!
The secret to writing a good Abstract is to cover just three aspects as follows.
Without rambling introductory remarks state what ‘the problem’ being covered in the
report is. Then move on to describe what work has been done, perhaps mentioning
the methodology. Finally, describe the findings and any recommendations arising
from the work. Statements in the Abstract require no justification [these will be
covered in the report]. Think of an Abstract as essentially a form of ‘advertisement’
for the report giving other researchers an insight as to whether, or not, the full report
would be helpful to their needs.
Coursework
Use the Dissertation Format [Peter Gantner Thesis] for this coursework. Include a
Front Page, Abstract, Acknowledgements, Dedication, Authors Declaration,
Abbreviations and Table of Contents, in Roman numbered pages prior to
commencing Section A on Page 1 [Arabic numbers].
SECTION A - Choose a topic related to your Degree and obtain 20 published works.
These published works should include learned Journal papers [a minimum of six].
Conference papers and other commercial or Professional Institution materials are
also acceptable.
1. Read just the Abstracts of the 20 published works.
2. Using “Times New Roman, 12 Font Size, Text”, write a short literature review
of around 1000 words in length citing the 20 published works using the
Harvard System.
3. In the end, list your references using the Harvard System. [Author(s) name
and initials, Date, Paper Title, Journal/Conference Name, pp. {page numbers},
ISBN or ISSN or DOI, Publisher's address etc.] Give the fullest information to
assist your reader to access the material that you have cited.
Your work should be marked with your Full Name and Student ID.
Upload course work in the given submission link in Blackboard on/before the
date announced.
Rubrics
Student Name:
Module: MMH723673
Student Declaration:
This piece of work is not plagiarised. It is my own original work and has not
been submitted elsewhere in fulfilment of the requirements of this or any
other award.
Signature: Date:
Marker Name: