Objectives
This assessment requires you critically analyse the system design process of a project using the theory and principles studied during the course. This assessment item relates to the course learning outcomes 1 to 5.
Background
Chapters 1-3 of Blanchard and Fa
ycky
Details
In this group assessment, you are required to write a report which critically analyses the conceptual design phase of a systems engineering project. Projects might include designing a
idge, a dam, an environmentally-conscious building or a mechatronic system. You might not have been involved in the project personally, but some connection with the project would make the analysis more meaningful. Choose your project carefully because in assignment 2, your group will need to analyse the preliminary design and detailed design phases of the project. If you are unsure as to whether your chosen project has sufficient depth/detail, consult with your tutor. You will also have the opportunity to work on the assignment in the tutorials for the unit. Every group must do a different project. Also, projects from previous years can not be reused.
The report is to analyse the following phases of the project:
· Needs definition
· Conceptual system design
To demonstrate your research skills and understanding, the report must draw upon relevant sources like journals, books or reputable trade publications in analysing the project. You must also present the case study in terms of the above two lifecycle phases and evaluate the proposed conceptual design against the identified needs / requirements.
Format
The report is to follow the format given below:
· Title Page
· Table of Contents.
· Introduction
· Needs definition
· Conceptual design
· Evaluation
· References
You are expected to use the Harvard Referencing style for the Report.
Length
The 2000 (±10%) word length includes only the Body of the Report. It does not include the Title Page, Table of Contents, the reference list or any appendices.
Assessment Criteria
1. Introduction (5 Marks)
2. Needs definition (10 Marks)
3. Conceptual design (10 Marks)
4. Evaluation (5 marks)
5. Research skills (5 marks)
6. Grammar and spelling (5 Marks)
Weighting: 20%
Groups
The group size is to be 3, although variations may need to be made by the tutor depending on the class size. Students are encouraged to form their own groups, select a topic and notify their tutor of their decisions before the end of Week 2. Any students unallocated at the end of week 2 will be allocated to groups by their tutor. All members of a group must be in the same tutorial group. If group conflict arises, discuss the matter with your tutor in the first instance and as early as possible. If necessary, groups may be split.Â
Submission
One report per group is to be submitted via Moodle as a Microsoft Word file. Make sure that you are aware of CQU's plagiarism policy and how it applies to group assignments.