Overview

This unit of study aims to introduce you to engineering and business research through planning and managing an innovative engineering and business research project, using research methods and reflecting on broader professional issues related to the project.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Plan and manage an innovative engineering and business research project, within given constraints, using knowledge and skills developed during the courses (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, S4, A2, A3, A4, A6)
  • Research a complex problem by formulating a research question, appraising current literature and developments, and applying research principles and methods (K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A2, A3, A4)
  • Demonstrate effective professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences through proposals, business arguments, reports, documentation and presentations (A2, A4)
  • Apply problem-solving methodologies to generate, evaluate and justify innovative solutions (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A3)
  • Use project management processes and tools, and self-management skills, to plan and manage project work (K5, K6, S4, A2, A4, A5, A6)
  • Reflect on professional engineering and business practice and its impact on the project, including safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations, along with standards and codes of practice (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A4)
  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct and professional accountability in all aspects of project work, including teamwork, dealing with stakeholders and demonstrating a professional image (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A5, A6)

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Lecture		1.00 12 weeks 12
On-campus
Workshop		2.00 12 weeks 24
Specified Activities
Supervisor Meetings		1.00 12 weeks 12
Online
Learning activities		1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		7.50 12 weeks 90
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Final Workbook Individual 5 - 15%  1,2,3,4,5,6,7 
Presentation Individual/Group  5 - 15%  1,2,3 
Report Individual/Group  55 - 65%  1,2,3,4 
Research Plan Individual/Group  15 - 25%  1,2,3,4 

Content

Research

  • Principles of engineering research
  • Defining the research problem
  • Reviewing the literature
  • Research methods and methodologies
  • Ethics and plagiarism
  • Planning a research project
  • Communicating research
  • Roles of students and supervisors

The Engineering Profession

  • The Profession of Engineering
  • Issues associated with professional engineering practice, including safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations
  • Reflection and self-review practices

Business Studies

  • Application of business knowledge to a real world context
  • External environment scan to aid strategy development
  • Evaluation of commercialisation opportunities local, national and global
  • Awareness of team dynamics and appreciation of techniques to achieve optimum performance within a diverse project team

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.