Neil Hingorani
School of Technology (STech)
BCAS QATAR 2011-12
Module Code: 6CN019 Module Title: Group Project Evaluation and Development (GPED)
Assessment Brief (Containing Assignment 1 and Assignment 2) Issued 23rd April 2012
6CN019 Group Project Evaluation and Development © University of Wolverhampton BCAS QATAR – 2011/12
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School of Technology (STech) INTRODUCTION TO THE ASSESSMENT BRIEF 2011/12 This module is a group project which is based on the development of a site in Doha. You will be requested to work in groups of THREE. In the event of any disputes, the Module Team will make the final decision on the students that make up each group. All of the tasks included in each assignment are produced, prepared and presented by the group. ASSIGNMENT 1 Module Title: Group Development Economics Project Module Code: 6CN019 Component 1 of 2 Number: Weighting: 30% Assignment 1 – Synopsis and Presentation
Assignment 1 accounts for 30% of the total marks of the module and is made up of two separate tasks: Task 1a is a synopsis – This accounts for 18% of the total marks for the module. Task 1b is a presentation – This accounts for 12% of the total marks for the module. Task 1a - Synopsis Learning Outcomes to be assessed: Learning outcome 1 You will communicate effectively – demonstrating the ability to maintain a meaningful discussion including listening and receiving; be able to make a presentation, to read and write. Marking Criteria: Produce a GROUP report, which contains your group’s initial thoughts on a proposed development project. In order to achieve an A16 (highest pass grade), the group must produce a (maximum 3 sides of A4) word-processed report (in correct format) expressing highly competent understanding and 6CN019 Group Project Evaluation and Development © University of Wolverhampton BCAS QATAR – 2011/12
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technically relevant proposals. The report must be accompanied by a relevant, correctly referenced source of materials to indicate additional research. Word count – 750 words (excluding appendix items) PER GROUP The minimum pass mark is D5. Assignment handed out: Latest date for submission of Task 1a:
23rd April 2012 Assignment 1a, submitted by 7pm Saturday 26 th May 2012
Assignments submitted after the deadline and without an authorised extension of time will be marked F0. Please mark your assignment for the attention of:
Neil Hingorani
You should make it very clear what sources of information have been used; where material/information from these sources is quoted it must be clearly referenced using the Harvard Referencing System. (Details can be obtained from Learning Centres). Without adequate referencing it is highly unlikely that an A Grade can be awarded. The assignment must be handed in to Mr Inthiyas Saleem at the British Centre of Applied Studies, Doha (Qatar) and a receipt obtained. AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE ASSIGNMENT MUST ALSO BE EMAILED TO NEIL HINGORANI (
[email protected]) WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT. You should keep your receipt in a safe place. You are advised to keep your own electronic and ‘hard’ copy of any work submitted.
Synopsis requirements (Hand in date: 26th May 2012) Produce as a Professional Group, one combined written submission stating the outline proposals for the project to be undertaken. This should be presented as a single document prepared to professional standards and format. The proposal should comprise:
Typed Report, 12 point script Maximum 3 single sides of A4 per group Submitted in week 7 Written in a professional format and to industry standards Your 3 page professionally drafted submission should include: 1. Terms of reference 2. Purpose of the development 3. Site details 4. THREE development proposals clearly outlined A brief account of the proposed additional research required to make a final decision for the use of the site.
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The following items MUST be included within the submission in a clearly marked APPENDIX section. These items are not included within the 3 page word limit for this submission List of references and bibliography Location plan of the site as 1 additional sheet After the Synopsis Submission, worth a potential of 18% of the marks for the module the tutors will assess the proposal and may, at their discretion, incorporate a TUTOR IDENTIFIED ISSUE (TII). The TII will be distributed with the feedback and mark from the synopsis submission together with approval to proceed. It will identify some feature of the proposal that will have to additionally be considered in the economic evaluation of the proposed project and will need to be addressed in both the presentation and the final submission. Marking criteria The marking scheme will consider the following items: Clarity, precision and coherence of expression; Technical feasibility and accuracy of project Explanation of reasoning, effective deployment of supporting evidence; Informed and objective conclusions; Grammar, structure, presentation, use of Appendices etc.; Evidence of effective research, conveyed by the use of a conventional academic referencing method. Note: – the first 3 pages of the main submission ONLY will be assessed – additional work will be ignored. The answer should introduce and contain some degree of complexity to be awarded the top grade. Task 1b – Presentation (weighted at 12% of the total marks for the module) Learning Outcomes to be assessed: Learning outcome 2 You will work with others – demonstrate the ability to identify project objectives, plan work, work towards objectives and review work. Marking Criteria: This assessment consists of a 20-minute meeting/presentation in the form of a round table discussion in which all members of the group participate in a role-play setting. You will introduce your initial alternatives for the development – indicating how the most relevant solution has or will be selected. In order to achieve an A16 (highest pass grade) students must demonstrate an exceptional ability to evaluate critically using a wide range of appropriate criteria, to inter-relate and synthesise concepts and theories with clear evidence of independent thought and/or originality delivered by an appropriate presentation strategy and style. The minimum pass mark is D5.
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Attendance at the round table discussion will be the record of submission of the assessment and feedback will be provided for the group performance as a whole within three weeks of the discussion taking place. Presentation requirements (The presentations are scheduled for Friday 13th July 2012 - time of presentations to be advised) You are asked to attend and contribute to a presentation (‘Round Table Meeting’) with the ‘Client’. This task will replicate a formal meeting between the consultants (i.e. each group) and the Client (Module Team) in a professional context of the development appraisal. Each group will produce a ONE PAGE AGENDA for the 20 minute meeting, which will be distributed at the start. This will be the ONLY documentation produced or available for this meeting. Although not an exhaustive list, groups will be expected to have achieved the following minimum milestones as part of their role play presentations. The key aspect to convey is the final proposal details with sound reasoning for the choice.
Submission of initial agenda to steer the discussions; A concise ORAL report on the development of the proposals so far; Deal with the process by which the group have developed the project to date, including extent and evidence of research undertaken; Describe and justify any deviations from the original Synopsis submission and why these have occurred(if appropriate); Have a broad financial appreciation of the project which includes Gross Development Value, Total Development Costs, Developer’s Profit and Land Value. Include any problems and how they were overcome; Start to identify and evaluate key risks in the proposals; Introduce elements of originality within the proposals.
The meeting WILL be conducted in a role-play setting. Groups cannot use PowerPoint or other presentation methods of delivering the presentation, and should not use pre-prepared notes to speak from. All group members will be expected to know the project well enough at this stage to discuss it competently. Note: any aspect of the final proposals can be discussed at this point – the module team are fully aware of the level of progress that should be attained at this stage, and the level of responses expected. The marking criteria are based upon the student’s ability to: Demonstrate an exceptional ability to evaluate critically using a wide range of appropriate criteria, to inter-relate and synthesise concepts and theories with clear evidence of independent thought and/or originality; Illustrate ability to work in a group setting; 6CN019 Group Project Evaluation and Development © University of Wolverhampton BCAS QATAR – 2011/12
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Support oral skills with appropriate supporting comments consistently between the group members and in accordance with the agenda.
You must ensure that you complete Task 1a and Task 1b in order to get a grade for Assignment 1. If a student does not complete both Tasks, the grade awarded for Assignment 1 will be F0.
School of Technology (STech) ASSIGNMENT 2 Module Title: Group Development Economics Project Module Code: 6CN019 Component Number: 2 of 2 Weighting: 70% Assignment 2 – Final Submission
Assignment 2 accounts for 70% of the total marks of the module and is made up of one task: Task 2 is a final submission Task 2 – Final submission Learning Outcomes to be assessed: Learning outcome 3 You will be able to identify key project stages – including the ability to identify key project personnel, structures, procedures and stages and address key project influences including key decisions on finance, statutory control, feasibility, project mobilisation and completion, project disposal in the context of the project objectives, risk identification, construction method and hand over and final use satisfaction. Marking Criteria: In order to achieve an A16 (highest pass grade) students must produce a word-processed report (circa 3500 words per student, to professional/industry standards) expressing highly competent understanding and technically relevant proposals and recommendations for a chosen development proposal. The report, submitted as a group, must be accompanied by a relevant, correctly referenced source of materials to indicate additional research, plus appropriate recommendations. The minimum pass mark is D5. Assignment handed out: Week commencing 23rd April 2012 Assignment 2, submitted by 7pm Saturday 11th Latest date for submission: August 2012 Assignments submitted after the deadline and without an authorised extension 6CN019 Group Project Evaluation and Development © University of Wolverhampton BCAS QATAR – 2011/12
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of time will be marked F0. Please mark your assignment for the attention Neil Hingorani of: You should make it very clear what sources of information have been used; where material/information from these sources is quoted it must be clearly referenced using the Harvard Referencing System. (Details can be obtained from Learning Centres). The assignment must be handed in to Mr Inthiyas Saleem at the British Centre of Applied Studies, Doha (Qatar) and a receipt obtained. AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE ASSIGNMENT MUST ALSO BE EMAILED TO NEIL HINGORANI (
[email protected]) WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT. You should keep your receipt in a safe place. You are advised to keep your own electronic and ‘hard’ copy of any work submitted.
Final submission requirements Hand in date: Saturday 11th August 2012 This final submission contributes up to 70% of the overall Grade. The Final Submission is a document prepared by your group and submitted as ONE group folder and will normally comprise two sections bound into one document. The first section will be 'THE PROPOSAL' in a Professional report format aimed at the CLIENT; the second section will be “THE APPENDICES” containing all the supporting back-up evidence from the project research, minutes of meetings, letters, planning forms etc. which were used to prepare the proposal, but which are not directly part of it. It will include reference to all assessed areas, although it most probably will not be divided into these areas. It must convince your tutor that you have come up with a well-researched, practical, realistic and intelligent proposal, which the CLIENT would invest in. The Final Submission may be of any length, but the first section, 'THE PROPOSAL', IS LIKELY TO BE IN TOTAL 3,500 WORDS (circa 10 pages) PER STUDENT excluding any drawings, calculations or the like. Quantity does not equate with quality, and a concise, short proposal can always be graded more highly than a verbose, voluminous one of otherwise similar content. All words must be your own, and you must not pad out 'THE PROPOSAL" with, for example, specification, drawings, planning guidance etc., etc., which YOU have NOT produced. HOWEVER 1,000 WORDS WILL BE ATTRIBUTED TO FINANCIAL CALCULATIONS. ALL FINANCIAL CALCULATIONS MUST FEATURE WITHIN THE PROPOSAL SECTION. Additionally, as appropriate, the report should contain suitably referenced items to indicate the depth and breadth of research undertaken. You should also highlight KEY RISKS that could affect the viability of the proposals, with 6CN019 Group Project Evaluation and Development © University of Wolverhampton BCAS QATAR – 2011/12
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appropriate RECOMMENDATIONS. The recommendations should clearly be conveyed to the reader and indicate that thought and research has been put into addressing these key risks. Due to the length of the report an abstract/executive summary may also be considered necessary. STUDENTS WHO TREAT THE REPORT AS AN ASSIGNMENT, IN TERMS OF ITS PRESENTATION, WILL BE DEDUCTED MARKS. IT SHOULD BE A PROFESSIONAL REPORT AIMED AT A BANK AND PRODUCED TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS. Marking criteria:
Report presentation
10%
Standard of written English
10%
Technical content supported by academic referencing
35%
Calculation of land value
15%
Key risks and recommendations to overcome them
15%
Academic referencing, bibliography and appendices
15%
Please note that although your Final submission is marked under all of the above criteria, only one grade will be awarded overall for Assignment 2. Where it is evident that students have not used their own words and have not relied properly on academic referencing to support this use, then students will be awarded a maximum grade of D5.
How the Final submission will be assessed Assessed Areas The final submission will be assessed against the following areas and against the group composition: Content/Structure
Professional Cover sheet/binder
Contents page
Executive Summary/Abstract
Introduction/ Terms of reference
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Part 1
Site details
FINAL SELECTION DECISION, including clear justifications
Method of site purchase
Legal issues relating to land ownership in Qatar
Part 2
Planning permission and building regulations in Qatar
Types of finance available (equity and debt)
Information relating to build costs, rents, yields and sale prices
Residual valuation with explanatory notes on each of the inputs
Construction (statutory processes, procurement & programme)
Development uniqueness with due consideration given to one key selling point or feature that will makes your development proposal unique and attractive to a developer
A key sustainability issue that relates to the project
Two key health and safety issues that relate to the project
Part 3
Key risks of the development and recommendations to overcome these risks
Conclusions
Appendix (In a separate folder section)
References & bibliography
There is considerable overlap and interlinking between these assessed areas, hence only one Grade for the Final Submission will be given. The assessed areas are a guide to indicate the extent of those considerations that must normally be contained within your proposal. No two project proposals are likely to be the same so it will be doubtful if the format and structure of two proposals will be the same. The emphasis on each section will vary and the extent to which it is reported upon will be governed by the nature of the
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project proposal.
Some Supplementary Notes on Group Working –
Group work is necessary to develop the skills to be effective in real work situations. Very rarely do you work completely on your own Group work can be more productive as there are more people generating ideas Group projects are often more interesting as the task can be more complex Group members can motivate and support each other Group problems: Domination - one or two members take over, and the others lose interest Critical - in order to sound knowledgeable, some members are always critical. Sometimes competition emerges Conflict - sometimes open, sometimes not Sexism, racism, ageism etc - you must inform the Module Team ASAP Avoidance - whole group avoiding the task, often due to fear of failure Inactive listening - nobody listens - people working as individuals, not as a group Some suggestions: Analyse the skills and strengths of each member Brainstorm ideas and form a plan of action Allocate tasks and set dates for task completion and regular meetings Set up communications - phone numbers, room numbers, e-mail addresses Set meeting places - this is absolutely essential at a first meeting Keep reviewing progress on the task and on any problems with the group Discuss any problems openly and with all group members
This has been taken from the Learning Centre’s Study Skills Tipsheets and Guidance (accessed via http://asp.wlv.ac.uk/Level3.asp?UserType=6&Level3=542). In addition please note that STech students on this module are expected to:
exchange contact details with other group members AS SOON AS THE GROUP IS FORMED, email details is the minimum details in the public domain; ensure ALL group members attend EACH weekly lecture, ON TIME and complete any pre-agreed tasks; draw to the attention of staff any concerns or problems that emerge AS SOON AS THEY OCCUR. These will normally be discussed in the group setting with all group members participating. keep brief records of who attended what, for how long and what was contributed. These records can be submitted as a separate document in assignment work. Ensure this task is shared equally by all.
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