To provide the learner with the opportunity to develop their independent leadership and project management skills through the study, analysis and resolution of a work-based problem. This will be closely linked with the Electrical Layout and Planning module. A reflective analysis approach is adopted in the selection of a suitable project and the assessment is based on a final report and presentation.

Having successfully completed this module, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify a suitable work based or industry based project relevant to their personal, career and academic goals.

2. Specify the scope of the proposed project or study in terms of a project definition, objectives and outcomes.

3. Plan, undertake and manage a project within a specified timeframe using limited resources.
4. Apply the appropriate tools, methods, techniques and technologies in the development and management of the project.
5. Make comprehensive recommendations on further work necessary on the project or which would improve the design solution.
6. Publish a project report on the specification, conduct and findings of the project, and make a final presentation on project progress and conclusions.
7. Reflect on the conclusions of their research project to their personal and professional development, identify their development needs and address these needs.

Entry is restricted to suitable candidates approved for registration for the Degree Award. Approved registrations for the project are taken throughout the year and are available from the Lifelong Learning office.

The project may be tailored to suit the relevant industrial sector where the learner is typically employed as long as the learning outcomes specified for the module are achieved. Projects may fall into the following categories:
Industrial Project (Specification and resolution of an industry based problem).
Feasability Study (Analysis and selection of an optimum operation).

Design Study (Preparation of a comprehensive design for an application).
In general the project should have the employer's support and fall within the existing expertise of the learner. It is intended that the project provides the learner with the opportunity to apply many of the skills acquired over the duration of the programme. The project also provides the learner with workbased learning that demands a rational coherent approach to problem resolution.

The learner will be assigned a project supervisor who will counsel the learner during all phases of the project. The learner will be expected to use some or all of the following on the project:

1. Library research: Print media, Electronic media, Journals, Books, Internet
2. Project Management: Setting objectives, Project specification, Project planning, Gantt charts, Budgeting, Cost/Benefit Analysis
3. Design Standards: Health and safety implications, environmental implications, energy management, regulatory and/or legislative requirements, industry standards
4. Implementation methods: CAD, Schematics, layouts, floor plans, panel drawings, bills of materials, job schedules,
5. Research and investigation methods: Surveys, Sampling, Questionnaires, Interviews, Observations, Work Study
6. Analysis: Mathematical modelling, Statistics, Simulation, Calculations, Data processing, Financial
7. Creativity: Brainstorming, Group working, Criteria for evaluating solutions and/or proposals
8. Report writing: Table of contents, Layout, Diagrams and tables, Schematics, Layouts, References

The final assessment will be by a panel of academic staff. The marks will be divided into 15% for the Reflective Analysis report and Project Diary and 70% for the Project Report (Dissertation/Portfolio/Design Study/Feasibility Study) and 15% for the Project Presentation. It is necessary to pass all elements to achieve an award in the module.

24 weeks, self-directed. Deliverables include an Outline Report, Reflective
Analysis Report, Project Diary, Final Report and Presentation.

€575