Module Major Project

CONTENT

All master graduation projects are motivated by real-life problems, supplied by engineering companies. A master thesis is written, and the project is presented in an oral examination for a major project committee. In most cases, the thesis work is carried out at the company. This means that a representative of a company is involved, to verify (1) whether the thesis result match the expectations of the company, and (2) whether the rated aspects of the master thesis are relevant for the company. In this way, feedback is obtained on the professional requirements regarding the intended learning outcomes.
• The problem to be solved requires an understanding and active analysis of distinctive disciplines.
• The project will always include the step from a real-life problem (where the student has to derive an appropriate problem formulation first) to a more abstract representation of the problem. This restricted representation of the real world is then the basis for problem analysis, using the tools and methods as treated in the curriculum (MAS / MCSE).

The problem analysis will result in a problem solution, to be translated in terms such that conclusions can be drawn to what extent the problem has been solved and objectives fulfilled.
The assignment is carried out by a single student, communicating with an external problem owner. The assignment results are presented and defended in a final presentation, and included in a project report.

Dimensions of assessment:
- Knowledge and understanding (C1 Analyzing and defining problems, C5 Conducting Research)
- Applying knowledge and understanding (C2 Design, C3 Testing, C4 Managing Work processes)
- Making judgements (C1 Analyzing and defining problems, C2 Design, C4 Managing Work processes   C5 Conducting Research)
- Communication (C1 Analyzing and defining problems, Communication and Collaboration)
- Professional Skills (Professional Development)

Study materials

• Lecturing material and hand-outs (Power Point, on Scholar)
• Roel Grit, Project Management, Noordhof Uitgeverijen ISBN 13 9789001790929
• Manual Major Project
• Report Writing for readers with little time’ van Noordhoff Uitgevers, ISBN 978-90-01-81259-1