Project: Starting points

Allocation update Project Specifications The Client relationship The Supervisor relationship Time Management & Planning Research Summer Cover Student Absences

Allocation update As of 2 nd May: 55 students 34 have chosen projects 30 have been allocated projects Who are the missing 21? Choose quick or have the choice made for you!

Allocation update If you have been allocated a project you are advised to start some preliminary work, such as: – Contacting the Client – Doing some background research/reading – Reading project documentation on PUMS – Looking at past projects (in Library) – Planning your summer!

Project Specifications One of the first tasks to complete Specification Template available on PUMS Specification must be agreed by the Client, the Supervisor, the Student, and signed by all three! The expectations and requirements of the client and the supervisor will be different!

Project Specifications Clients wants the job done –Clients must understand that artefacts and/or investigations may not be completed by the student. Supervisor wants a project that meets the academic requirements of a Master ’ s degree.

The Client relationship A professional approach towards clients is required. You represent not only yourselves, but the course and the University. Establish good communications early and be sensitive to the clients needs.

The Supervisor relationship Establish contact and good communications early on. Supervisors are your guides through the process of the project. They may have specialist knowledge of your topic area, but they may not.

The Supervisor relationship Keep in touch with your supervisor with regular updates about what you are doing, and preferably with meetings as well. Establish with your supervisor when you and he/she will be unavailable over the summer (and plan accordingly).

The Supervisor relationship If your relationship with the client or your supervisor breaks down, or becomes in some way problematic, please inform, either: –your course leader or –Rod Jeffcote or –Brett Stevens or –Jim Briggs asap

Time Management & Planning Be realistic! Other than a week or two for holidays, we expect students to work full-time on the project. Having a full-time job and doing a project is not realistic. Start early. Expect delays and problems so factor these in to any timescales.

Time Management & Planning You may find free software, such as Star Tree Studio 3 useful. To download a copy go to: Click on the link for Star Tree Studio 3

Research Start early Keep copies/records Start broad and narrow down Use as much up-to-date material as you can The University has many resources but you have to find them and use them! Our subject Librarian is Andy Barrow

Research We have a link from our MSc homepage as a starting point for online searches via the Library s/facultyoftechnology/computingpostgra duateprogrammes/academicsupport/

Summer cover Your supervisor may well take a vacation over the summer of up to 3 (possibly 4) weeks and not be contactable. In this eventuality, WE will provide cover with a rota of lecturers who will be contactable to help you. YOU should try to plan around this with your supervisor as much as possible before they go.

Student absences If you take a long vacation in the summer, or stay out of the country, e.g. to return home, it is at your own risk. Supervisors are contactable by and telephone but we do not guarantee the same level of supervision.