IMAT 5314 MSc Project/Dissertation Assessment Marking Grid <45% (Fail) 45-49% (Marginal Fail) 50-59% (Pass) 60-69% (Merit) >=70% (Distinction) Understanding of Problem & Requirements Little understanding of the problem domain, resulting in a substandard product in most respects. Some understanding of the problem domain has been demonstrated, gained through limited research, analysis and design, but insufficient to achieve a pass as indicated by a less than satisfactory terms of reference, dissertation and demonstration / presentation and viva. An acceptable understanding of the problem domain, gained through research, analysis and design but lacking insight or and discrimination. Evidenced in an acceptable dissertation and terms of reference and supported by the demonstration / presentation and viva. A good understanding of the problem domain, gained through well referenced and evaluated research of current literature, analysis and design reflected in the dissertation in general and via the terms of reference and confirmed in the demonstration / presentation and viva. An excellent understanding of the problem domain, gained through comprehensive, fully referenced and evaluated research of current literature, thorough analysis and design reflected throughout the dissertation but particularly in the terms of reference and fully confirmed in the demonstration / presentation and viva. Research and analysis Little effort to investigate topics beyond the curriculum; or some investigation that is inadequately referenced. Some investigation of topics beyond the curriculum, but poorly understood and described, and not used to support development or research, or with sloppy referencing. Limited investigation of topics beyond the curriculum, adequately understood and explained, with adequate referencing making consistent use of a standard reference format, possibly with some gaps or misunderstandings. Limited use to support development or research. Good systematic investigation of selected topics beyond the curriculum, with good survey of appropriate sources, clearly understood and well described, and with good referencing making consistent use of a standard reference format. Good application to support development or research. Very good systematic investigation of selected topics beyond the curriculum, with thorough survey of appropriate sources, fully understood and well described, with immaculate referencing. Insightful application to support development or research.
Demonstration / viva Very poor demonstration demonstrating little or no functionality, and unable to provide any defence of approach taken Content just acceptable, but poorly planned demonstration. Able, with prompting, to answer some of the questions posed. Demonstration some insight into the students work OR shows limited functionality of the system. Reasonably well planned. Able to answer majority of questions posed. Competent performance with an acceptable guide. Demonstrated sound knowledge of the majority of the material relevant to the project. Satisfactory responses to majority of questions in the viva. Highly professional demonstration, with guide providing an excellent view of the projects functionality and technical aspects. Logically presented with a thorough grasp of the relevant material. Excellent defence of the project in the viva. Presentation / viva Very poor presentation demonstrating little or no knowledge of material relevant to the project and unable to provide any defence of approach taken. Content just acceptable but poor presentation skills OR Satisfactory presentation skills but knowledge of relevant material very patchy. Presentation provided some insight into the student's work but performance at the oral rather pedestrian. Able, with prompting, to answer some of the questions posed. Competent presentation using acceptable visual aids. Demonstrated sound knowledge of majority of material relevant to the project. Satisfactory responses to majority of questions in the viva. Highly professional presentation with clear informative visual aids providing an excellent overview of the project. Clearly spoken with a thorough grasp of relevant material. Excellent defence of the project in the viva. Project Management Poor project management: Inadequate time management, little or no contact with supervisor, late or missing documents. Inadequate project management. Serious deficiencies in time management, maintaining contact with supervisor, or getting documents produced. Adequate project management, but with some problems with time management, proactively recognising and carrying out activities, maintaining contact with supervisor, or producing documents on time. Compentent project management, Well organized and proactive with largely successful time management, sought contact with supervisor, produced required documents on time. Exemplary project management: Good time management; development well-organized, proactive and self-directed, actively seeking and acting on advice from the supervisor. Timely production of required documents. Criteria for distinction overall: