EPT4046 Project

General information and Overview

URL: http://fet.mmu.edu.my/fyp/
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EPT4046 Project

 Part 1 (4 CH) – Minimum of 78 credit

hours passed, excluding MPU and
University subjects

 Part 2 (4 CH) – Passed EPT4066

Industrial Training and EPT4046 Project
Part 1
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Aim
1. To expose students to the techniques and
skills involved in project planning, design,
and implementation.
2. To enable students to acquire hands-on
experience in fields related to their major of
study so that they are able to relate and
reinforce what has been taught in the class.
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Details
• Each student shall be required to undertake a
project which is of academic value for a period of 2
trimesters.
• The project involves problem solving and analysis
using engineering theories and techniques, and its
implementation.
• The student is expected to design a possible
solution to the problem, taking into account various
aspects such as professionalism, engineering
viability, etc.
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Details
• Upon passing Part 1, the status will be CON
(Continue).

• The Grade will be calculated in the CGPA of the

trimester at the completion of Part 2.
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Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:

 LO1: Develop solutions to complex engineering problems with the

application of principles of mathematics, science and engineering
(Cognitive, Level 6 – Creating)
 LO2: Investigate complex engineering problems with a sound
engineering approach particularly in research of literatures,
analysis of data, and discussion of results to reach a valid
conclusions (Cognitive, Level 4 – Analysing)
 LO3: Select modern engineering tools to solve complex
engineering problems (Psychomotor, Level 1 - Perception)
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Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:

 LO4: Demonstrate ethical principles and responsibilities in

conducting research (Affective, Level 3 - Valuing)
 LO5: Prepare a report containing complex engineering activities
(Affective, Level 4 – Organising values)
 LO6: Defend work done on complex engineering activity - oral
presentation (Affective, Level 4 – Organising values)
 LO7: Display ability to engage in independent and life-long learning
(Affective, Level 5 - Internalising Values)
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Programme Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:

 PO3: Identify and analyse complex engineering problems, and

formulate solutions based on fundamental principles of science and
engineering (WK1-WK4)
 PO5: Conduct investigation and research on complex engineering
problems in the chosen field of study (WK8)
 PO6: Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources,
and modern engineering and IT tools to complex engineering
problems (WK6)
 PO9: Apply and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities of
engineering practice (WK7)
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Programme Outcomes
At the completion of the subject, students should be able to:

 PO10: Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities in

both oral and written contexts (EA)
 PO12: Recognise the need for, and acquire the ability to engage in
self-improvement through continuous professional development and
life-long learning

PO3 - PO5 - PO6 - PO9 - PO10 - PO12 -

Problem Investigation Modern Ethics Communication Lifelong
Analysis Tool Usage Learning

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5, LO6 LO7

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Complex Engineering Problems

 Context and definitions based on Graduate Attributes and
Professional Competencies v3, published on 21 June 2013 by
International Engineering Alliance.
 As stated under EAC Manual 2017, the curriculum shall encompass
the complex problem solving, complex engineering activities
and knowledge profile.
 The range of complex problem solving, complex engineering
activities and knowledge profile are described via graduate
attributes.
 Graduate attributes form a set of individually assessable outcomes
that are the components indicative of the graduate's potential to
acquire competence to practise at the appropriate level. The
graduate attributes are exemplars of the attributes expected of
graduate from an accredited programme.
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Complex Engineering Problems

Range of Complex Problem Solving
Complex Engineering Problems have characteristic of WP1 and some
or all of WP2 to WP7. Attributes are as follows:
 WP1: Depth of knowledge required
 Cannot be resolved without in-depth engineering knowledge at the level
of one or more of WK3, WK4, WK5, WK6 or WK8 which allows a
fundamentals-based, first principles analytical approach
 WP2: Range of conflicting requirements
 Involve wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering and other
issues
 WP3: Depth of analysis required
 Have no obvious solution and require abstract thinking, originality in
analysis to formulate suitable models
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Complex Engineering Problems

 WP4: Familiarity of issues

 Involve infrequently encountered issues
 WP5: Extent of applicable codes
 Are outside problems encompassed by standards and codes of practice
for professional engineering
 WP6: Extent of stakeholder involvement and conflicting
requirements
 Involve diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs
 WP7: Interdependence
 Are high level problems including many component parts or sub-
problems
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Complex Engineering Problems

Knowledge Profile
 WK1: A systematic, theory-based understanding of the natural sciences
applicable to the discipline

 WK2: Conceptually-based mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and

formal aspects of computer and information science to support analysis and
modelling applicable to the discipline

 WK3: A systematic, theory-based formulation of engineering

fundamentals required in the engineering discipline

 WK4: Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical

frameworks and bodies of knowledge for the accepted practice areas in the
engineering discipline; much is at the forefront of the discipline
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Complex Engineering Problems

 WK5: Knowledge that supports engineering design in a practice area

 WK6: Knowledge of engineering practice (technology) in the practice

areas in the engineering discipline

 WK7: Comprehension of the role of engineering in society and identified

issues in engineering practice in the discipline: ethics and the professional
responsibility of an engineer to public safety; the impacts of engineering
activity: economic, social, cultural, environmental and sustainability

 WK8: Engagement with selected knowledge in the research literature of

the discipline
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Complex Engineering Activities

Complex activities means (engineering) activities or projects that have
some or all of the following characteristics:

 EA1: Range of resources

 Involve the use of diverse resources (and for this purpose resources includes
people, money, equipment, materials, information and technologies)

 EA2: Level of interactions

 Require resolution of significant problems arising from interactions between
wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering or other issues

 EA3: Innovation
 Involve creative use of engineering principles and research-based knowledge in
novel ways
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Complex Engineering Activities

 EA4: Consequences to society and the environment

 Have significant consequences in a range of contexts, characterized by difficulty
of prediction and mitigation

 EA5: Familiarity
 Can extend beyond previous experiences by applying principles-based
approaches
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Complex Engineering Problems

Under EPT4046 Project must fulfill:

 WP1 (depth of knowledge required)

 WK3 – systematic theory based formulation of engineering

fundamentals
 WK6 – apply modern engineering tools
 WK7 – ethics and responsibility of an engineer
 WK8 – engage in literature review
 WP3 (depth of analysis required) – no obvious solution: open-
ended
 WP7 (interdependence) – high level problems with many
component parts or sub-problems
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Complex Engineering Activities

Under EPT4046 Project must fulfill:

 EA1 (range of resources involves)

 Involve the use of diverse resources (and for this purpose

resources includes people, money, equipment, materials,
information and technologies).
 EA3 (innovation)

 Involve creative use of engineering principles and research-

based knowledge in novel ways.
PO3 - PO5 - PO6 - PO9 - PO10 - PO12 -
Problem Investigation Modern Ethics Communication Lifelong
Analysis Tool Usage Learning
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5, LO6 LO7

Complex Engineering Problems – Complex Engineering Activities – -

WP1 (WK3,WK6,WK7,WK8), WP3, WP7 EA1, EA3
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Assessment Scheme

Part 1
 Presentation: Supervisor+Moderator (8%)

Part 2
 Presentation: Supervisor+Moderator (8%)

 Portfolio: Supervisor (20%)

 Final Report: Supervisor+Moderator (64%)

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Assessment Scheme
 Presentation (4%)
 Delivery (3%)
 Q&A (1%)

 Portfolio (20%)
 Ethics (10%)
 Lifelong learning (10%)
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Assessment Scheme
 Final Report/Thesis (32%)
 Formatting (0.5%)
 Language (2%)
 Abstract and Introduction (1.5%)
 References and Citations (1%)
 Modern Tool Usage (4%)
 Literature Review (4%)
 Methodology (9%)
 Results and Discussion (9%)
 Conclusions and Recommendations (1%)
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Assessment Scheme
 Supervisor
• Portfolio – 20%
• Presentation 1 – 4% x 0.75 = 3%
• Presentation 2 – 4% x 0.75 = 3%
• Final Report – 32% x 0.75 = 24%
• Total = 50%
• Students are purely evaluated
based on the marking scheme.
• Students will not automatically
obtain A if they submitted their
work to competitions, conferences,
journals, patents, etc.

 Moderator
• Presentation 1 – 4% x 1.25 = 5%
• Presentation 2 – 4% x 1.25 = 5%
• Final Report – 32% x 1.25 = 40%
• Total = 50%
Refer to the FYP marking scheme with detailed
rubrics at FYP website:
http://fet.mmu.edu.my/fyp/
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Attendance

• Students are required to

attend compulsory 8 hours
lecture for FYP Part 1.

• Failure to complete all 8hrs,

1 mark will be deducted per
hour missed from the final
marks.
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What is logbook?

 All final year project (FYP) students must have a FYP

Logbook for the purpose of reporting all FYP-related
activities such as literature review, project planning,
discussions, data gathering, laboratory work, and others.
 Logbook serves as your engineering journal.

logbook

Project activities (e.g. Supervisor’s advice/suggestion

literature review, planning,
design, process development,
data analysis, etc.) Financial record
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What is logbook?
 The following are responsibilities that the student
must carry out for the effective handling of the FYP
Logbook:
 Students are required to record findings, progress and
activities of their FYP in this logbook. Note: the best way to
follow up with your logbook is to have your activities planned
(i.e. in the form of Gantt chart) out for the whole two
trimesters of your FYP so you know what you are going to do.
Any changes in the activities or non-achievements can be
discussed in the logbook. Try using flowcharts, block
diagrams, tables, etc and not merely words to make your
writing more thorough. Detailed logbook may help in final
thesis writing.
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What is logbook?
 For purchases such as consumables, you may photocopy the
original receipts and paste it in the logbook. Note: Proper record
keeping is important. It also helps you with your financial planning
if you reserve a section totally for the financial part. Remember to
report the cost in the final thesis writing.
 Students MUST attend regular meetings with supervisor at least
once in two weeks (or better). Meeting is calculated per weekly
basis. If you meet your supervisor twice a week or more, it is still
considered as one meeting for the week.
 The logbook must be brought to every meeting with the
Supervisor, in order for the Supervisor to monitor the progress
and evaluate the performance. Record Supervisor’s
advice/suggestion in the logbook as well, if any.
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What is logbook?
 Supervisor MUST date, sign and stamp the logbook after each
meeting.
 It is the responsibility of the student that this logbook is kept up to
date.
 Photocopied of logbook is to be submitted together with FYP Part
1 report at the end of trimester of Part 1.
 The complete logbook after FYP Part 2 has to be handed over
directly to the Supervisor at the end of FYP Part 2 to be examined.
 Finally, when submitting the hardcover report for FYP Part 2 (the
thesis) to the administrative office, the original complete logbook
shall be submitted as well by student after inspection by the
Supervisor.
 Take note that logbook and meeting with supervisor are graded.
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FYP Poster

As a pre-requisite condition for

obtaining A-/A/A+ for the project, the
student is required to submit a project
poster at the end of FYP Part 2.

*Student who failed to submit poster

will be unable to obtain A-/A/A+.
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FYP Claim

 FYP claim reimbursement is done within one week after

Part 2 presentation (use the FYP Reimbursement
Requisition Form). Take note:
 Reimbursement is for consumables (electronics,
chemical, samples, etc) only (not for travel claim,
stationery, photocopy, etc.)
 Any single item above RM100 needs dean’s approval
first (get 3 quotations or official letter if its sole
distributor)
 Returns all remaining claimed consumables to your
supervisors
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Introduction: Why FYP?

 The skill to apply engineering knowledge is one of the most
important aspects that an engineering graduate must have
acquired upon graduation.
 The only way to learn this practical skill is to have a specific
engineering problem to solve. One must learn to use all
applicable theories and methods learnt in analysing the
problem systematically.
 Experimenting in a laboratory is essential. The process of
experimentation involves organisation, observation,
familiarisation with various pieces of equipment, recording of
data, analysing data, etc.
 Students also needs to work with others, writing and
communicating ideas and information.
 These are the skills required of an engineer.
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What does Engineering

Accreditation Council
(EAC) say about FYP?

 The final-year project can provide one of the best means of

introducing an investigative research oriented approach to
engineering studies. (research-based project with selected
literature)

 It is a requirement of the programme to include a significant project

in its later stages. (offered at the final year)

 The final-year project is required to seek individual analysis and

judgement, capable of being assessed independently. (each
student to conduct an FYP)
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Please exclude normal word processing, spreadsheet, plotting graphs,
etc. as modern tools. These are common editing tools used in report
writing. The modern tools must be specifically related to solving your
research project such as computer modelling software, drawing tool,
firmware, programming software, multimedia and IT tools, etc. Please
make sure all tools are legitimate.

 The student among others is expected to develop techniques in

literature review and information processing, as necessary with
all research approaches. (you need to develop skills in
searching for relevant information and processing)

 It is recommended that final-year projects should also provide

opportunities to utilise appropriate modern technology in some
aspects of the work, emphasising the need for engineers to
make use of computers and multimedia technology in everyday
practice. (you need to incorporate appropriate modern
engineering and IT tools to help you to solve your FYP)
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FYP
Various subjects
Learning • Core engineering
• Electives
• Others
Apply what you have
learnt in FYP

Knowledge / Skills / Writing / Communication /

Teamwork (if any) / Independent / Ethics
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Types of projects

The project may generally be grouped

into one of the following nature:

 Design synthesis of hardware/software

 Experimental research
 Development of theory and its application
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 For design synthesis of hardware/software:

 creating/developing hardware/software which may
involve combinations of component parts/elements
 the detailed descriptions of the designs/ methods/
techniques/ algorithms used and justification shall be
given
 schematics/block diagrams/flowcharts/technical
drawing/sourcecodes, etc are good way to show
design aspects.
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 For experimental research:

 studying/investigating cause-and-effect
relationships, behaviour, etc.
 may involve independent, dependent,
control variables, etc. in investigative
laboratory experiment
 explanations shall be given with regard to
the equipment used to conduct the
experiment, the use of flowchart/block
diagrams/procedures, etc are good way to
describe the experiment
 the function of each apparatus, the
configurations in performing a particular
measurement, sources of errors and how
to minimise them, the material and the
ways to produce the sample.
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 For development of theory and its application:

 creating new theory revising/improving existing
ones
 the detailed descriptions of the new method/
technique/ model used shall also be given
 mathematical derivations that are too lengthy
shall be given in the appendices
 experiments conducted to verify the theory shall
also be clearly documented
 the application of the theory in solving real life
problems shall clearly be described
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Lecture for EPT4046

Project
Topics Hours

Research Methodology

Introduction. Characteristic and Type of Research, 6

Research Planning, Design Process, Scientific Method.

Report Writing and Research Ethics

Technical Writing in General. Referencing. Writing a 2

Bibliography. Research Ethics in General, Honesty,
Confidentiality and Privacy, Research Ethics in Publication.
Research Methodology

EPT4046 PROJECT
LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION
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Contents

 Aim
 Definition of research

 Development

 R&D and its problems

 Introduction to academic research

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Aim

 The main objectives are to help students

understand:
 What is research and development?
 Type of research and its characteristics.
 Planning - to propose and justify an appropriate
research plan for the chosen research problem.
 Design process - to choose and apply an
appropriate experimental design to a particular
research problem, if required.
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Aim of Topic
 Scientific method of the research process: analysis,
hypothesis, synthesis and validation.
 To prepare a well written and concise research
thesis or report
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Reference Books

 Ranjit Kumar, “Research Methodology”, Longman,

1996.
 S. E. Pauley, D. G. Riordan, “Technical report writing
today”, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin, 1993.
 FYP guidelines (URL: http://fet.mmu.edu.my/fyp).
 Reference materials relevant to the individual project
to be provided by the project supervisor.
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How do you view research?

 A quest for knowledge and

understanding?
 An experience?
 An idea?
 A problem solving approach?
 Etc.
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Have you
done
research?
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 Not a new process

 Looking for a university
 Looking for comfortable apartment
 Buying a smartphone
 Buying a car
 Looking for past year exam papers

All of these processes involve….?

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Searching
Inquiring
Collecting information
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Definition of Research

 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-

webster.com)
 careful or diligent search
 studious inquiry or examination; especially :
investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery
and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories
or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application
of such new or revised theories or laws
 the collecting of information about a particular subject
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Definition of Research

 Greenfield (1996): “Research is an art aided by skills

of inquiry, experimental design, data collection,
measurement and analysis, by interpretation, and by
presentation”.
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 Then what is

Research &
Development
(R&D)
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What is Development?
 To develop something…products, processes,
methods, etc. that benefits the society.
 Apply scientific, engineering or technological
knowledge in a systematic manner to improve
performance.
 Helps organisation growth and increase
shareholder value.
 Fundamentally more significant as a contributor to
the success of a commercial organisation.
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Development

 Has a final product or process tied to it.

 Exploits technology – new or existing.
 Has finite timescales in which to deliver.
 Has finite costs for the end product.
 Is targeted at tangible benefits for the
customer.
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Research & Development

(R&D)

 Research is a process that acquires new

knowledge.

 Development is a process that applies

knowledge to create new devices or
effects that benefits the society.
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 The purpose of R&D is to expand the

frontiers of human understanding and to
improve our society as a whole.
 Sometimes, the new knowledge leads to
new products or processes, and
sometimes it doesn't.

Research Development

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-research-and-development-definition-
methods-examples.html
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R&D

 Research seeks truth: find new knowledge.

 Development seeks utility: new products or
processes.
 R&D is interdependent.
 To be success in R&D
 industries and institutions working together
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R&D and Innovation

 “We can also argue that R&D is more about

technology and that the efforts around R&D
tend to be more internally focused whereas
innovation is more about bringing products and
services to market faster while not only
developing and improving the products (more
effective) and services themselves but also
using and improving the processes and
business models for this to happen.”
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-difference-
between-rd-innovation-stefan-lindegaard
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R&D and Innovation

Source:
https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2016/03/i
nnovation-15-experts-share-innovation-definition/
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R&D and Innovation

Source:
https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2016/03/i
nnovation-15-experts-share-innovation-definition/
 59

R&D and Innovation

Source:
https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2016/03/i
nnovation-15-experts-share-innovation-definition/
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Research Methodology

What is Research
Methodology?
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Research Methodology
 What is research methodology?
 systematic rules/process/methods of data collection
and analysis, and finally decision making.
 You may be practicing/doing it but not realised it
explicitly.
 Example
 management of project (plan, analyse, execute,
review, control, etc.).
 designing a new product (plan, analyse, execute,
review, control, etc.).
 Research methodology is important!
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Research Methodology

 The key to a successful research project lies in

repetition:
 the process of returning again and again to the
research questions, methods, and data
 analyse and evaluate, review
 which leads to new ideas, revisions and
improvements.
 It is not a simple rigid Step 1, Step 2, Step 3
method but a flexibility in reviewing and repeating
towards success
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WH questions in Research
Methodology
By practicing Research Methodology:
 helps others know WHY you are conducting the
research
 helps others know WHAT you are doing

 helps others know HOW, WHEN and WHERE it

affects the communities
 helps others know WHO are doing it and WHO are
receiving it (the benefits)
Proper research methodology helps identify innovation,
creativity, save time, money, etc.
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Conclusions

 Importance of Research Methodology

 Definition:
 Research
 Development
 Innovation