Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Skills and Project Management
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MEC11117
Module leader: Nazmi Sellami
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Engineering and Mathematics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module aims to improve students' skills in two critical academic and professional areas: conducting comprehensive literature reviews and managing research projects.The first part of the module focuses on literature review techniques. Students will learn methods for identifying, evaluating, and synthesising scholarly sources to build a strong foundation for their research. Essential skills include searching and assessing various information sources, critically analysing and interpreting existing research, and identifying gaps in the literature. The module also teaches practical strategies for organising and writing a literature review that aligns with a specific research question or hypothesis.The second part of the module provides a comprehensive overview of research project management. It covers all project stages, from inception to completion, and equips students with essential skills in teamwork, information searching, and utilising various information sources. Additionally, students will learn project management principles, focusing on risk management, time management, and cost control.By the end of the module, students will be proficient in conducting thorough literature reviews and managing research projects effectively.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand and apply principles of research to his/her field of study and to manage a research project.

LO2: Perform a literature review, together with organising and performing data collection, analysis and presentation.

LO3: Critically evaluate a given research project and apply the findings appropriately.

LO4: Deliver project proposals on time and budget.

LO5: Demonstrate effective functioning individually and as a team member while critically evaluating personal and team performance.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nazmi Sellami
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 84 Students consolidate and extend their learning through directed reading, research, coursework preparation, and independent study, providing opportunities to explore relevant topics in greater depth and apply their learning to module assessments.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 84 Students work collaboratively outside scheduled sessions to progress their group coursework and related project activities, including planning, coordinating tasks, sharing ideas, and applying project management concepts.
Face To Face Lecture 20 The module includes 2-hour lecture sessions delivered to the whole class, covering key topics in research skills and project management. The sessions are designed to develop students’ understanding of research methods and effective project planning and management.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 6 Practical classes and workshops include a range of individual and group activities focused on developing research skills. Students engage in practical exercises covering key aspects of the research process, providing opportunities to apply the concepts introduced in lectures, discuss approaches with peers, and develop skills relevant to their research projects.
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 6 Scheduled groupwork involves collaborative activities focused on the project management coursework. Students work together to apply project management concepts, develop project plans, and address practical project challenges, supporting the development of teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 50 1~2~3~5 Week 9 , WORDS= 2000 The students are required to perform background research to identify a topic of interest and then conduct a literature review to identify a research gap for a project [M4]. The students will be required to write a literature review report and critically assess their work using the detailed rubric provided for this assignment.[M16]
Oral Presentation 15 2~5 Week 13 HOURS= 20 minutes Students are required to present their project management work as a group [17] and reflect on both their individual contributions and the overall group performance. [M16]
Report 35 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 2500 The students are required to collaborate as a group to prepare a project information pack for a proposed case study [M4] while statistically analysing relevant data [M2]. They must also reflect on both individual and group performance.[M16]
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MEC11117 Research Skills and Project Management
 

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