Task
You are required to write a research paper (no less than 1500 words) discussing one of the following areas concerned with analysis and design:
• "Should effort be put into the development of software tools to enable End-Users to develop their software rather than more tools for software developers?"
- "What is the best methodology for development of Web Applications? - compare two"
- "How does Cloud Computing affect the software development process?"
- "Software Quality: are the Benefits worth the Costs?"
- "Is there a place for SSADM in the modern world?"
Format of Report and Allocation of marks
Abstract (a paragraph describing the whole report): 5%
Introduction (a few paragraphs identifying the specific area your research covers, why it is useful to investigate this area, and an overview of work by other researchers in this area): 20%
Discussion in depth of the facts you have found (not just a report of the facts). This should indicate that you have not just taken facts at face value, but evaluated other researchers' arguments and discussed any conflicts between arguments given by different researchers. Include reference citations here when you refer to specific points made: 40%
Conclusion (the new ideas that you have drawn from the discussion, or showing how your discussion proves a point):20%
References. (Although you will have a References section, the marks are mainly for citing references within the text. Use Harvard referencing format.) 15%
Appendix (a summary of the information you have found in your research and will use as the basis for your arguments. Include reference citations).
NOTE: References are important to any research work so you will be expected to refer to a number of relevant textbooks/journals. These publications are refereed for correctness and so add weight your discussion. Many relevant journals can be found via Google Scholar, the IEEE and ACM on-line libraries (see module resources page). Any facts you state should have a reference in your text to where you found that fact - not doing so is plagiarism. Use the Harvard referencing format.
Assessment Criteria
The allocation of marks within each section is shown on the attached marking scheme. As a general overview, highest marks will be awarded where the report is structured in the required format, thorough research is shown into an approved topic and a conclusion (not a summary) shows a new perspective on the topic and is justified by the discussion presented.