Programming lesson
Crafting a Winning Project Discovery Proposal: A Step-by-Step Guide for 6002CMD
Learn how to structure a high-quality project proposal for 6002CMD Project Discovery, including research question, literature review, methodology, and ethics application.
Introduction: Why Your Project Proposal Matters
In the 6002CMD Project Discovery module, your proposal is the foundation of your final-year individual project. Due on 4 December 2025, this CW1 assignment requires you to define a research question, conduct background research, and plan your execution. With a 24-hour grace period until 5 December 2025, it's crucial to submit early. This guide will walk you through each section, helping you avoid common pitfalls and impress your supervisor.
1. Define a Project Idea and Title
Your project should relate to your course and spark genuine interest. Think about current trends: AI-powered apps, sustainable tech, or gaming analytics. For example, you could propose a machine learning model to predict esports match outcomes, or a mobile app for campus event discovery. The title must be clear and specific, e.g., "An AI-driven Recommendation System for Sustainable Fashion Choices".
Trend-Inspired Example
Imagine you're building a fantasy football predictor using historical player data. Your title could be: "Predicting Premier League Player Performance Using Ensemble Machine Learning". This ties into the 2026 FIFA World Cup buzz and shows real-world application.
2. Craft a Research Question and Methodology
Your research question should be focused and answerable. For instance: "How can natural language processing improve student feedback analysis in higher education?" Then, choose a methodology from your literature review. Common methods include experimental design, case study, or design science research.
Sub-questions
- What existing NLP techniques are used for sentiment analysis?
- How accurate are current models on student feedback?
- What are the ethical considerations when processing student data?
3. Write the Proposal Document
Your proposal must follow a logical structure. Here's the required outline:
Title Page
Include your name and student ID.
Abstract (Max 300 words)
Summarise your project: the problem, your solution, and expected outcomes. Keep it concise.
Contents Page
List all sections with page numbers.
Introduction
Present your research question, motivation, aims, and objectives. Explain why you chose this topic. For example, if you're passionate about AI in healthcare, mention the growing need for diagnostic tools.
Literature Review
Write a narrative review of recent academic papers. Use the Lanchester Library's LOCATE tool to find peer-reviewed articles. Discuss gaps your project will fill. For instance, if you're working on reinforcement learning for game bots, cite papers from 2023-2025.
Proposed Methodology
Detail your research approach. If you're building a software prototype, describe the development methodology (e.g., Agile) and evaluation plan (e.g., user testing).
Tentative Timeline
Use a Gantt chart to show tasks from January to May 2026. Include milestones like ethics approval, data collection, and final testing.
Declaration of Generative AI Use
If you used ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, explain how. For example: "ChatGPT was used to brainstorm research questions and summarise papers." Include a table:
| Tool | How used |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT-3.5 | Keyword search and idea generation |
| Microsoft Copilot | Summarising background documents |
Reference List
Use APA style. Cite real sources only. Example: Smith, J. (2024). Machine Learning in Education. Journal of EdTech, 12(3), 45-60.
4. Ethics Application
Submit your ethics application via CU Ethics online before the deadline. The application number (e.g., P12345) must appear in your proposal. Common questions include data handling, informed consent, and anonymity. If your project involves human participants, describe how you'll protect their privacy.
5. Tips for Success
- Start early: Research takes time. Begin your literature review in October.
- Use AI ethically: Generative AI can help with brainstorming but not replace your own analysis.
- Get feedback: Discuss your idea with your supervisor during office hours.
- Stay within word count: 2000-5000 words (excluding references). Exceeding 5500 words may result in penalties.
Conclusion
The 6002CMD proposal is your chance to showcase your research skills and project planning. By following this guide, you'll produce a well-structured document that meets all requirements. Good luck!