HANDBOOK FOR DESIGN PROJECT (EDXP3204)

Faculty of Science and Technology

(Diploma in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering)

Faculty of Science and Technology

GUIDELINE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DESIGN PROJECT (EDXP 3204)

Introduction It is well recognised that design project is an important component of the diploma curriculum. Students are required to take the paper toward or at the end of their studies. Basically the design project aims to train students to carry out small-scale research activities, namely to train them to carry out literature survey for the problem definition and also solutions to the problem. The design project also provides an avenue for the students to develop experiences to present their research in written reports. It is felt that design project should also be part of the OUM diploma curriculum. The course consists of 4 credit hours and it is a compulsory course for the diploma students.

Requirements of Project EDXP 3204 Student must obtain CGPA 2.00 before register for this course. The course will be offer in one long semester (January or September). If offered in May semester (short semester), student who do not complete the project will be giving I status and should continue the project in the following semester. Student who is in the 3rd Year and above of their studies can only register for the Project.

This paper attempts to provide some guideline to assist toward effective management of the students projects at OUM. Objectives and outcomes Students should be able to: 1. Apply a range of techniques for generating, evaluating and selecting design concepts to meet specified requirements. 2. Acquire a range of interpersonal skills. 3. Understand the practical considerations from the theories they have learned.

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Project Topics The scope of design project is program dependent. The design project titles cover a wide range of topics to meet the course objectives. Project topics can be proposed by the students or the supervisors concerned. But the faculty needs to evaluate the topics for their suitability.

Student can select any field for the project based on Table 1.

Table 1 Field 1) Civil Engineering Field 2) Mechanical Engineering Field 3) Electrical Engineering Field Note: Refer to Appendix 1 for the registration form of Project.

Project Evaluation for Final Report (Project EDXP3204) and Monitoring Students can discuss/meet the supervisor in face- to- face meeting and also a forum discussion in the myLMS will be formed for progress monitoring of the project by the supervisor. Item Final Report 1. Introduction 2. Problem Identification and to be solved 3. Literature survey to define problems or issues to be solved 4. Program designed to solve the problem (methodology) 5. Implementation plan (Project Roadmap) 6. Outcome of the implementation plan 7. Discussion 8. Summary Total Final Report OLP % 5 15 15 15 15 10 15 5 95 5

Logistic Students can use their own computers or computers at the PPW/ PPT computer Lab. 3

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Implementation of Design Project EDXP3204 1. Faculty will appoint supervisor for each student based on the selected field. 2. Student can access their supervisor through FST announcement. 3. The attendance of the student in the first face to face meeting with the supervisor is COMPULSORY. 4. Student must meet/discuss their project with the supervisor at least TWO (2) times per semester and student is encouraged to communicate through the myLMS forum. During discussion, the student need to bring the Students Log Book and get supervisor comment and signature towards the end of meeting. 5. Time, date and venue of the meeting can be selected on the basis of agreement between the supervisor and the student. Meeting can be conducted at the PPW/PPT or other places depending on the suitability of the student and supervisor. 6. Project title must be discussed and agreed by the supervisor. If the students unclear about the requirements of the project, they must consult the supervisor again or the respective programme coordinator. 7. Changing the project field must be within ONE month of the first semester. New field must be discussed and agreed by your supervisor. A submission by using form in Appendix 7 must be submitted to the faculty. 8. Supervisor will assist and guide the student to prepare the Final Report Project according to the format given by the faculty.

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HOW TO START YOUR DESIGN PROJECT STEP 1: Choose Project Title and Problem Identification You choice of topic should also governed by: a) your interest on the selection of the area b) adequate resources/data of the project c) time frame of project implementation (2 semesters) d) area/topic chosen has previously been well research by others (can check or refer to the recent related online journals). Research/project starts with a case or problem arise that need to be solved. This part is the most crucial element. As a start of your project, you need to write your problem statement. Problems of a research/project can be identify by: a) reading newspaper, from tv, radio on the current issues related to your chosen field b) browsing through online recent journals through OUM digital library, magazines or books c) having a discussion or communication with your employer, colleagues related issue to your work d) field observation. Introduction gives a brief overview of the topics or subject area research that you have chosen. It can include the problems with past research/project and the current research aims to identify or solve the problems. You need to justify the importance of your project/research in this part. In short, your introduction should have the following item (Ahmad, 2001): Historical development and current importance Main purpose of the research STEP 2: Conduct Literature Survey You can start your literature survey by browsing the online journal on your chosen topic. This is the first chapter which you can start writing while doing your data collection or data analysis. Literature review contains cited articles or books related to your topic. The articles should be arranged in such a way that you can build up your cases in a smooth manner and connecting from one article to another. A literature writing should demonstrate the background theories of your topic, should identify the strengths and weaknesses of previous research. You should be writing a critical evaluation of what other people have done on the same area/topic that you have chosen. For more information on writing a literature review, you can browse the url below: http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/writing/literature

STEP 3: Choose appropriate Methodology Research/project methodology focuses on the detail the instruments that you think is suitable and used in your actual project. For example, you may want to use questionnaires, observation or whatever method depending on your topic. The population, sampling method and the sampel itself usually can be described in the 5

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methodology part. Articles cited relating to the methodology can also be described here. Finally, your methodology should contain your research/project design STEP 4:Analysis of data, results and data interpretation As you reach to this point of your project, usually you can start of by checking your data, briefly describe the analyses used. For example, using statistical method such as descriptive statistics, i.e. frequencies, means, standard deviation etc. Data presentation can be in the form of graphs or tables and should be numbered accordingly. Your raw data or any software output can be inserted in the appendices.

STEP 5: Writing your Conclusion It is an important section and should contain comments, recommendations that will give the reader a concise summary of the project outcomes. The conclusions should also include recommendations for further work to be carried out where appropriate and limitations of your study (small sample size, limited number of companies or occupations etc.) STEP 6: Writing your Abstract An abstract is a self-contained, short summary describing the contents of the paper which enable a reader to decide whether the remainder of the paper is worth reading in detail. Components vary according to discipline such may contain the scope, purpose, results, and contents of the work. It is also allows you to communicate your findings to whoever read your report and get their feedbacks. The abstract is not intended to replace any other sections of the paper. The abstract write up can be in the first step or in between the overall process of your project.

Format of the Report for Design Project (EDXP3204)

The report must be prepared to a professional standard. Below is the brief descriptions of the items: Title Page Table of Content Listing all the chapters, sub-topics and paging List of illustrations List of photographic plates, if any 6

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Acknowledgement Refer to sample in Appendix 6 Declaration Refer to sample in Appendix 5 Abstract Chapter 1: Introduction and Problem Statement

Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 3: Research/Project Methodology Chapter 4: Results This chapter can be broken down into more than a chapter depending on your length of results and discussion. Chapter 5: Conclusion Bibliography Information obtained from books or journals must be referred to in the text by a reference number. It is recommended to use APA (American Psychological Association) citation style. Please refer to the url below: http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm Appendices Data, charts, diagrams or illustrations that is relevant to the report but not inserted into the body of the report.

Guidelines for preparing Project Report It is very important for students to follow carefully the guidelines for preparing the report. The following items are to be observed in preparing the project report: a. Number of pages: Content of approximately 20-30 pages b. Page set up: Set the page margins with an offset of 1 inch (or 2.5cm) from the top, bottom, left and right. All text, figures and tables must be within this area. c. Paper size: Use only A4 size white paper. The report should only be printed only one side of the paper. d. Font type: 7

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e. f.

g.

h.

Times New Roman, size 12 Line spacing: 1.5 spacing between lines and triple spacing between paragraphs Front cover: Hard cover, colour: blue (OUM corporate colour) Numbering format for headings: The sections and sub-section in the report must follow the numbering format below: 1.0 Main heading 1.1 Secondary heading 1.1.1 Third grade heading..and etc Illustrations: All the charts and diagrams may be hand or computer drawn and must be properly inserted at the relevant sections of the report. References: The source of information or references should be placed at the end of the report in alphabetical order.

Submission of Final Report Student must submit their final report to the supervisor according to the schedule date given by the faculty. Please check the dates in myLMS announcement faculty from time to time. Failing to submit the final report on time (as per the schedule), zero marks will be awarded for the whole course.

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Guideline submission of final report a) ONE copy of printed report with Soft cover binding to the supervisor. Forms to be submitted: Project Evaluation form (Appendix 2) Confirmation Form of receiving Project final report (Appendix 3). ONE copy of printed final report with Hard cover binding (COLOUR: BLUE, OUM CORPORATE COLOUR) and ONE soft copy (CD and casing) to the PPW/PPT. Please write the following on the CD casing: Name Matric No Programme PPW/PPT Project Title Supervisor Name

b)

For the format for the cover page and side page samples, please refer Appendix 4(a) and Appendix 4(b). Sample of Declaration Page in Appendix 5 Sample of Acknowledgement in Appendix 6

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Appendix 1 REGISTRATION FORM: PROJECT (EDXP3204)

Diploma in Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
Date Student Name Programme Matric No PPW/ PPT Postal Address

Contact Number

(House): (Office): (Handphone): [email]: Please tick () for the selection of the project field below: Civil Engineering Areas: Highway, Traffic and Transportation Environmental Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology Project Management Soil Mechanics Geomatic Engineering Construction Methods and Building Services Mechanical Engineering Areas: Safety & Health Management Maintenance Management Quality Management Project Management Electrical Engineering Areas: Electronic Engineering Electrical Engineering Control Engineering Project Management * to be completed by the faculty

Propose Project Field

*Supervisor Name

Note: Please fill in the form and fax to 03-2697 8831. For any inquiries, please contact Ms Laili, Faculty of Science and Technology.

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Appendix 2 Evaluation Form FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (FST)

Student Name:
Grade Mark 85 - 100 75 - 84 65 - 74 60 - 64 55 - 59 50 - 54 45 - 49 40 - 44 35 - 39 30 - 34 0 - 29

Matric No:

Project Title: PPW/ PPT:

Supervisor Name: Contact No: Email:

A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D E

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Code

Mark

Project Introduction (5%) Supervisor Comments

_______ _/5

Problem identification and to be solved (15%) Supervisor Comments

_______ _ / 15

Literature Survey (15%) Supervisor Comments

_______ _ / 15

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Methodology (15%) Supervisor comment

_______ _ / 15

Implementation plan (Project Road-map) (15%) Supervisor Comment

_______ _ / 15

Outcome of the implementation plan (10%) Supervisor Comment

_______ _ / 10

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Discussion (15%) Supervisor Comment

_______ _ / 15

Summary (5%) Supervisor Comment

_______ _/5

OLP (5%) Supervisor Comment

_______ _/5

TOTAL MARK

_______ _ / 100

Student Signature:

Supervisor Signature:

Date

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Appendix 3

CONFIRMATION FORM OF RECEIVING PROJECT FINAL REPORT

INSTRUCTIONS 1. This form must be filled by student when submitting the Project final report to respective supervisor/administrator. 2. All the information given must be true and correct. STUDENT NAME MATRIC NO. PROGRAMME NO. TEL SUPERVISOR NAME PROJECT TITLE _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ I declare that I have received the students Project final report:
*Please tick ( ) to select one of the following: 1 copy Project final report (soft cover binding) 1 copy Project final report (hard cover binding) 1 softcopy (CD) Student Log Book

: _________________________________________________________ : _________________________________________________________ : ________________________________________________________ : ______________________ E-MAIL : ____________________

: _________________________________________________________

________________________ Students Signature Date : _________________

__________________________________ Supervisors/Administrators Signature Name : _____________________

Date : _____________________ -----------Students copy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CONFIRMATION OF RECEIVING PROJECT FINAL REPORT

Student Name Matric No : ____________________________________________ : ____________________________________________

I declare that I have received the students Project final report:

1 copy Project final report (soft cover binding) 1 copy Project final report (hard cover binding) 1 softcopy

Supervisors / Administrators Signature Name : _________________________ Date : _________________________

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Appendix 4(a)
COVER PAGE (HARD COVER / SOFT COVER)

EFFECTIVENESS IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS USING COMPUTER AMONG FORM 1 STUDENTS (NOTE: PROJECT FULL TITTLE)

ADELINA BINTI FADHILAH (NOTE: NAME AS STATED IN IC)

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA 2008 (NOTE: THESIS SUBMISSION DATE (YEAR ONLY)) 16

Appendix 4(b)

OUM
WAN NORAZLIN BT WAN MOHD

DIP. IN MECHANICAL ENG.

2009

OUM

WAN NORAZLIN BT WAN MOHD

DIP. IN CIVIL ENG.

2009

SIDE PAGE (HARD COVER)

Faculty of Science and Technology

OUM

DELINA BINTI FADHILAH

DIP. IN ELECTRICAL ENG.

2009

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Appendix 5

Declaration

I declare that this project report entitled XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX is the result of my own work except as cited in the references. The project report has not been accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree.

Signature: Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Matric Number: XXXXXXXXXXXX001 Date: XXXXXXXXXX (Date of Submission to Supervisor)

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Appendix 6

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor, XXXXXXXXXXXXX guidance, patience and invaluable advice throughout this project.

I also would like to express my appreciation to my family and friends for their endless support whenever I face problems. Without the mentioned parties, it is impossible for me to complete this project report successfully.

THANK YOU.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (STUDENT NAME) Feb, 2009 (MONTH, DATE OF COMPLETION)

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Appendix 7 CHANGE OF PROJECT FIELD: PROJECT (EDXP3204)

Diploma in Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
Date Student Name Programme Matric No PPW/PPT Postal Address

Contact Number

(House): (Office): (Handphone): [email]:

Old Project Field & Title

New Project Field

Reason

Students Signature: ______________________

Date: _____________________________

Supervisors Approval

Facultys Approval

--------------------------Name: Date:

-----------------------------------Dean/Programme Coordinator Date:

Note: Please fill in the form and fax to 03-2697 8831. For any inquiries, please contact Ms Laili, Faculty of Science and Technology.

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