EPT4046 Project

General information and Introduction

http://fet.mmu.edu.my/fyp/
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EPT4046 Project

Part 1 (4 CH) Minimum of 78 credit

hours passed, excluding MPU and
University subjects
Part 2 (4CH) - EPT4066 Industrial
Training and EPT4046 Project Part 1
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Aim
1. To expose students to the techniques
and skills involved project planning,
design, implementation and
management.
2. To enable students to acquire hands-on
experience in fields related to their major
of study so that they are able to relate
and reinforce what has been taught in
the class.
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Details
Each student shall be required to undertake a
project which is of academic value for a period of
2 trimesters. The project involves problem solving
using engineering theories and techniques, and
the implementation of the project design. The
student is expected to design a possible solution
to the problem, taking into account various
aspects such as professionalism, economy,
costing and engineering viability.
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Details
Upon passing Part 1, the status will be CON
(Continue).

The Grade will be calculated in the CGPA of the

trimester at the completion of Part 2.

Both Part 1 and Part 2 must be completed within

a year, i.e., there shall be at most one trimester
gap between Part 1 and Part 2.
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Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:
LO1: Analyse problems and develop solutions to complex engineering
problems with the application of principles of mathematics, science
and engineering (Cognitive, Level 4 analysing)
LO2: Develop solutions to complex engineering activities with the aid
of modern engineering and IT tools. (Cognitive, Level 6 - Creating)
LO3: Demonstrate project development skills with respect to design,
process and management with consideration of finance and other
aspects (Cognitive, Level 3 - applying)
LO4: Investigate, analyse and evaluate complex engineering
problems with a sound engineering approach particularly in research
of literatures, analysis of data, and discussion of results to reach a
valid conclusions (Cognitive, Level 5 - evaluating)
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Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:

LO5: Demonstrate effective communication through report writing

(Cognitive, level 3 - applying)
LO6: Present and defend creation of ideas, concepts, analysis,
methods, results and conclusions through oral presentation (Affective,
level 4 - Organization)
LO7: Demonstrate ethical principles and responsibilities in conducting
research (Affective, level 3 - valuing)
LO8: Display ability to engage in independent and life-long learning
(Affective, level 5 - characterizing)
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Programme Outcomes:
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:
PO3 - Identify and analyse complex engineering problems, and formulate

solutions based on fundamental principles of science and engineering

PO5 - Conduct investigation and research on complex engineering

problems in the chosen field of study

PO6 - Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and

modern engineering and IT tools to complex engineering activities

PO9 - Apply and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities of

engineering practice
PO10 - Communicate effectively in both oral and written contexts

PO12 - Recognise the need for, and acquire the ability to engage in self-

improvement through continuous professional development and life-long

learning
PO13 - Demonstrate management, leadership and entrepreneurial skills,

and apply these to ones own work, as a member and leader in a team, to
manage projects in multidisciplinary environments
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Assessment Scheme:
Part 1
Presentation: Supervisor, Moderator (8%)

Part 2
Presentation: Supervisor, Moderator (8%)

General effort/Logbook : Supervisor (20%)

Final Report: Supervisor, Moderator (64%)

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Assessment Scheme:
Presentation (4% x 2)
Delivery (1.25% x 2)
Content (1.25% x 2)
Q&A and work justification (1.5% x 2)

General effort/Logbook (20%)

Project Management (5%)
Achievement (5%)
Ethics (5%)
Lifelong learning (5%)
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Assessment Scheme:
Final Report (32% x 2)
Organisation (1% x 2)
Formatting (1.5% x 2)
Language (2% x 2)
Abstract and Introduction (1.5% x 2)
References and Citations (1% x 2)
Modern Tool Usage (5% x 2)
Background and Literature (4% x 2)
Methodology and Implementation (7.5% x 2)
Results and Discussion (7.5% x 2)
Conclusion and Recommendation (1% x 2)
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Attendance

Students are required to attend 8 hours lecture in Part 1.

Failure to complete all 8hrs, 1 mark will be deducted per

hour missed from the final marks.

FYP is offered every trimester. Please make sure you

complete all 8hrs.
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What is logbook?
All final year project (FYP) students must have a
FYP Logbook for the purpose of reporting all FYP-
related activities such as discussions, project
planning, data gathering, laboratory work, and
others.
Logbook serves as your engineering journal.
logbook

Supervisors advice/suggestion
Project management
(e.g. planning, design,
Financial record
process development,
data analysis, etc)
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What is logbook?
The following are responsibilities that the student
must carry out for the effective handling of the FYP
Logbook:
Students are required to record findings, progress
and activities of their FYP in this logbook.
For purchases such as consumables, please
photocopy the original receipts and paste it in the
logbook. If you are applying for reimbursement,
photocopy and paste also the application form.
Proper record keeping is important.
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What is logbook?
It is the responsibility of the student that this
logbook is kept up to date.
Students MUST attend regular meetings with
supervisor at least once in two weeks. Record
Supervisors advice/suggestion in the logbook as
well, if any.
The logbook must be brought to every meeting with
the Supervisor, in order for the Supervisor to
monitor the progress and evaluate the
performance.
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What is logbook?
Supervisor MUST sign and stamp the logbook after
each meeting.
This logbook has to be handed over directly to the
Supervisor at the end of FYP Part 2 to be
examined.
Finally, when submitting the hardcover report at
Part 2 (the thesis) to the administrative office, the
original logbook shall be submitted as well by
student after inspection by the Supervisor.
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FYP Poster
As a pre-requisite condition for
obtaining A-/A/A+ for the project,
the student is required to submit a
project poster at the end of Part 2.
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Introduction: why FYP?

The skill to apply engineering knowledge is one of the most important
aspects that an engineering graduate must have acquired upon
graduation.
The only way to learn this practical skill is to have a specific

engineering problem to solve. One must learn to use all applicable

theories and methods learnt in analysing the problem systematically.
Experimenting in a laboratory is essential. The process of

experimentation involves organisation, observation, familiarisation

with various pieces of equipment, recording of data, analysing data,
etc.
Students also needs to work with others, writing and communicating
ideas and information.
These are the skills required of an engineer.
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What does Engineering

Accreditation Council (EAC) say
about FYP?
The final-year project can provide one of the
best means of introducing an investigative
research oriented approach to engineering
studies. (research-based project)
It is a requirement of the programme to include
a significant project in its later stages. (offered
at the final year)
The final-year project is required to seek
individual analysis and judgement, capable of
being assessed independently. (each student to
conduct an FYP)
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The student among others is expected to develop

techniques in literature review and information
processing, as necessary with all research
approaches.
It is recommended that final-year projects should also
provide opportunities to utilise appropriate modern
technology in some aspects of the work, emphasising
the need for engineers to make use of computers and
multimedia technology in everyday practice. (you
need to incorporate appropriate modern engineering
and IT tools to help you to solve your FYP)
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FYP
Various subjects
Learning Core engineering
Electives
Others
Apply what you have
learnt in FYP

Knowledge Skills / Writing / Communication /

Teamwork / Independent
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Types of projects

The project may generally be grouped into

one of the following nature:
Design synthesis of hardware/software

Experimental research
Development and application of theory
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For design synthesis of hardware/software, the detailed

descriptions of the designs/techniques used and
justification shall be given. Schematics/ Block
diagrams/ Flowcharts/ Technical Drawing/
Sourcecodes are good way to show design aspects.

Forexperimental research, explanations shall be given

with regard to the equipment used to conduct the
experiment, the function of each apparatus, the
configurations in performing a particular measurement,
sources of errors and how to minimise them, the
material and the ways to produce the sample.
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For development and application of theory, the

detailed descriptions of the techniques used shall
also be given. Mathematical derivations that are
too lengthy shall be given in the appendices.
Experiments conducted to verify the theory shall
also be clearly documented.
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Lecture for EPT4046

Project Note: All 8 hrs are COMPULSORY. If you
missed 2hrs this trimester, pls attend 2hrs next
trimester. Failure to do so shall result in
Topics deduction of marks. Hours
Research Methodology

Introduction. Identification of Problem. Planning for a 6

Project. Data Collection and Processing.

Report Writing and Research Ethics

Technical Writing in General. Referencing. Writing a 2

Bibliography. Research Ethics in General, Honesty,
Confidentiality and Privacy, Research Ethics in
Publication.
Research
Methodology
EPT4046
LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION
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Contents

Aim
Definition of research

Development

R&D and its problems

Introduction to academic research

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Aim

The main objectives are to help students

understand:
What is research and development?
Type of research and its characteristics.
Planning - to propose and justify an appropriate
research plan for the chosen research problem.
Design process - to choose and apply an
appropriate experimental design to a particular
research problem, if required;
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Aim of Topic
Scientific method of the research process: analysis,
hypothesis, synthesis and validation.
To prepare a well written and concise research
thesis or report
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Reference Books
Ranjit Kumar. Research Methodology
Longman, 1996
D. Lindsay. A Guide to Scientific Writing
Longman, 1995
Ralph Berry. How to write a Research Paper, Pergamon,
1986
S.J. Gerson and S.M. Gerson. Technical Writing Process
and Product, Prentice Hall, 1992
S.M. Coley and C.A. Scheinberg. Proposal Writing, Newbury
Sage Publications, 1990
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How do you view research?

A quest for knowledge and

understanding?
An experience?
A course for qualification?
A career?
A style of life?
A way to improve quality of life?
Etc.
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Have you
done
research?
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Not a new process

Looking for a university
Looking for comfortable apartment
Buying a smartphone
Buying a car
Looking for past year exam paper

All of these processes involve.?

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Searching
Inquiring
Collecting information
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Definition of Research
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
(http://www.merriam-webster.com)
careful or diligent search
studious inquiry or examination; especially :
investigation or experimentation aimed at the
discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of
accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts,
or practical application of such new or revised
theories or laws
the collecting of information about a particular
subject
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Definition of research

Greenfield (1996): Research is an art

aided by skills of inquiry, experimental
design, data collection, measurement and
analysis, by interpretation, and by
presentation.
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Then what is

Research &
Development
(R&D)
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What is development?
To develop somethingproducts,
processes, etc. that benefits the society.
Fundamentally more significant as a
contributor to the success of a commercial
organization.
Apply scientific, engineering or technological
knowledge in a systematic manner to
improve performance.
Helps organization growth and increase
shareholder value.
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Development

Exploits technology created elsewhere.

Has a final product or process tied to it.
Has finite timescales in which to deliver.
Has finite costs for the end product.
Is targeted at tangible benefits for the
customer.
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Research & Development

(R&D)
Research is a process that acquires new
knowledge.

Development is a process that applies

knowledge to create new devices or
effects that benefits the society.
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The purpose of R&D is to expand the

frontiers of human understanding and to
improve our society as a whole.
Sometimes, the new knowledge leads to
new products or processes, and
sometimes it doesn't.

Research Development

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-research-and-development-definition-
methods-examples.html
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R&D

Research seeks truth: find new

knowledge.
Development seeks utility: new products
or processes.
R&D is interdependent.
To be success in R&D, industry and
academics working together.
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Research Methodology

What is Research
Methodology?
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Research Methodology
What is research methodology?
systematic rules/process/methods of data
collection and analysis, and finally decision
making.
You may be practicing/doing it but not realised it
explicitly.
Example
management of project (plan, analyse, execute, review,
control, etc.).
Research methodology is important!
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Research Methodology
The key to a successful research project lies in
repetition:
the process of returning again and again to
the research questions, methods, and data
analyse and evaluate, review
which leads to new ideas, revisions and
improvements.
It is not a simple Step 1, Step 2, Step 3 method
but a flexibility in reviewing and repeating
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WH questions in Research
Methodology
helps others know WHY you are conducting the
research
helps others know WHAT you are doing
helps others know HOW, WHEN and WHERE it
affects the communities
helps others know WHO are doing it and WHO
are receiving it (the benefits)
proper research methodology helps identify
innovation, creativity, save time, money, etc.
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Conclusions

Importance of Research Methodology

Definition:
Research
Development