Project Template

Setter Tasks
Task 1 : Name of Vocational Programme
Project for:
Certificate in Information and Communications Technology

Task 2 : Project Aim

The project aims from which candidates may choose are:
To provide a complete specification for the networking and
computerization of the new Manufacturing Training Block at Palapye
Technical College.

Task 3 : Rationale for the project

The process of completing a project should be built into the programme of
learning for the following reasons:
The project provides candidates with an opportunity to solve a realistic
work-based problem and to practice the skills associated providing a
solution for a given situation

The choice of project is appropriate for the following reasons:

1. This project covers both vocational and key skills unit
specifications
2. It enhances candidates skills in vocationally relevant
topics
3. Provides an opportunity for candidates to be innovative
and creative in the application of their skills

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The degree of complexity of the project should be:

The outcome of your project will be the completion of the process of
organising, and preparing a specification documentation. You will be
assessed on four aspects of this, namely:

the quality of what you achieve in terms of preparation, content and

presentation

the quality of the documented evidence you produce for all stages
of the project

how well you have integrated knowledge, understanding and skills

from a number of units of your award programme

how well you demonstrated subject expertise and use occupational

language.

Task 4 : Project Specification / Scenario, Objectives and Tasks

The specification / scenario for the project is:
A new Manufacturing Training Block is currently being built in Palapye
Technical College. The plans for each floor of this three story building
are attached at the end of the project specification document. You have
been asked to provide a comprehensive equipment list and costing for
the installation of a network and computer equipment. Details are
provided below:
Ground Floor
Office 1
Office 2
Offices 3 -6
Machine Room

telemetry room containing 8 network points, 6

computers and 1 shared Multifunction printer, 1
shared colour plotter
staff office containing, 4 network points, 2
computers and 1 shared laser printer with scanner
and fax facilities
staff offices each containing 2 network points and 2
computers
each machine is connected to the network
providing telemetry information to the telemetry
room

First Floor
Offices 7 11

staff offices each containing 4 network points, 3

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Office 12
Meeting Room 1

computers and 1 shared laser printer with scanner

and fax facilities
central server room containing main authentication
server, network storage and proxy server for
internet access. All these should be rack mounted.
ceiling mounted projector, 1 general use lap top

Second Floor
Training Room 1 - 2
20 network points with 17 computers and 1
shared laser printer each
Photocopy Room large Multi Purpose photocopier
The objectives of the project are to:
(i)

Provide a diagram showing a structured network infrastructure.

Please note distances.

(ii)

Provide details of the network equipment requirements and

estimated cost of installation.

(iii)

Provide specifications for all computer equipment including

estimated cost. Alternatives should be noted where possible.

For all projects, the tasks to be undertaken by candidates are to:

carry out background investigation into available and required information,

materials and resources

draw up a feasible plan of action based on the project objectives

complete the activities identified in the plan of action, in implementing the

project to achieve the overall aim and create the project outcome (the artifact
or report)

monitor progress against the plan of action

write an evaluation report on the project.

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Task 5 : Unit / Outcome coverage and knowledge /

Understanding / skills development
The project requires that candidates maintain the standards of the following key
skill and vocational units:
Network Installation and Maintenance (1, 2)
System Selection and Specification (1, 2, 3)
Hardware and Software Installation and Maintenance
Communication (1, 2, 3)
Numeracy (1, 2, 3)

and allows candidates to further develop and apply the following knowledge /
understanding / skills:
Meeting planned work schedules
Costing \ Time management
Work practice
Communication Skills
Problem Solving Skills

Task 6 : Information sources

Candidates are expected to make use of the following information sources during
the project:
Magazines\newspapers providing costs for devices and components
Manufacturers web sites providing installation information
Manufacturers manuals
Upgrading guides
Videos on training techniques
Safety regulations
Technical College Teaching Staff

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Appropriate means of accessing these resources are:

Interviews
Internet research
Libraries

Task 7 : Materials and Resources

Candidates are expected to select from the following materials and resources as
appropriate:

Magazines, newspapers which provide details of components and

their costs
Manufactures Instructions
Internet Web sites

Task 8 : Guidance on the application of grade description of the

Project Outcome theme in the context of the subject
area of the project
The following guidance assists in the interpretation of grade description 9 in the
context of the project subject:
A Pass grade will be awarded if the objectives are met using minimum
specifications with standard costs, few options, in standard layout
A Merit grade will be awarded if the objectives are met using
reasonably detailed specifications with costs, which reflect reasonable
options. There must also be evidence showing details of research
sources and a good standard of layout
A Distinction grade will be awarded if the specifications are very
detailed with thought given to a range of options and costs given for all
options. It must show a systematic approach to research and high
quality presentation.

Task 9 : Guidance on evidence requirements in the context of

the subject area of the project
Planning - The plan of action
The written plan of action should be structured to include:
an introduction which clearly states

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the project aim

the selected product or event for the project
the project objectives
target timescales for achieving the objectives.
a main body of the plan which:
identifies the additional information that you have gathered at the
early planning stage
the materials and resources required to complete the project
a breakdown of the project objectives into manageable tasks
You are encouraged to show the details of your proposed activities in a
diagrammatic form, for example by using a bar chart or a flow diagram.
Implementing
This is the stage when you undertake the activities that you have
identified in your plan of action. In this stage you must show that you
can:

time manage the activities to the target timescales of your plan of

action

make use of the information you have gathered and the other
resources available to you

carry out all the tasks of your plan

use up-to-date technology/methods in completing your project.

Implementing is to do with how you go about things. You will be

assessed on the four requirements above.
The evidence items for the implementing stage of the project are:
a record of the timescales you achieved during the project
and
a portfolio of evidence containing all the documents you have gathered
and produced.

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Evaluating The Evaluation report

This stage is when you review your own project work. The evidence
item for the evaluating stage of the project is:
a written evaluation report
At Certificate level, this report should be a minimum of 500 words long.
Your report must show that:

you are able to review the effectiveness of your original plan of

action, explain the amendments made during implementation of the
project, including any adjustment you made to the target timescales

you are able to assess the quality, strengths and weaknesses of

your own work and to identify the knowledge and skills which you
developed during your project.

You will be assessed on these two aspects of your report.

The evaluation report should be structured to include:
a brief outline of what your project was about
points relating to the effectiveness of the original action plan and
changes made to the original timescales
a statement of the knowledge and skills which you applied and
developed
an honest assessment of the quality of the project outcome.

Project Outcome
Each candidate must:
Provide a specification including network and hardware requirements
for the new Manufacturing Training Block at Palapye Technical College

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