Research and development skills (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to define projects and know the basic concepts and principles of project work and project management. You are able make plans for thesis work using iterative development methods.

Content

What do project, project work and project management mean?
How are projects planned, implemented, monitored and controlled during their life-cycle?
What kind of iterative development and project implementation methods are there in the field of ICT?
How is thesis work planned and implemented as an iterative project?
What do thesis work plans include?

Evaluation

Students can
a. use professional vocabulary and concepts in an expert way in different situations.
e. choose appropriate models, methods, software and techniques according to the purpose and justify these choices.

Course material

The lectures, guided readings, and supplemental resources provide the foundational knowledge needed for students to plan and execute projects, conduct research, and practice technical writing. All materials—slides, readings, guides on research methodologies, and writing samples—are made available in the designated learning environment (e.g., Learn) and are thoroughly discussed during lecture sessions.

Study forms and methods

Students should expect a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application. This course is designed to equip students with research methodologies, project management principles, and technical writing skills—all crucial for navigating the R&D lifecycle in ICT. Through lectures, readings, project tasks, and writing exercises, students gain experience in independent research, problem-solving, and professional communication.

By the end of this course, students will:

- Learn to conduct independent research, including problem identification, literature review, data analysis, and critical writing.
- Develop key soft skills such as critical thinking, formulating the right questions, and efficient problem-solving.
- Integrate project management principles into research and development processes.
- Plan, execute, and manage research projects using iterative development methods.
- Communicate research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations.

RDI and work-related cooperation

Although there is no direct participation of external collaborations, this course focuses on real-world R&D scenarios. Students practice research and project management techniques that mirror workplace settings, preparing them for professional and academic challenges where they might collaborate with industry partners or colleagues in the future.

Timing of exams and assignments

Assignments are given to students throughout the course. These include both individual and group tasks designed to foster skill development in:

- Research methodologies (e.g., literature review, data analysis).
- Project management (planning, execution, monitoring).
- Technical writing (reports, thesis-focused documentation).

To pass the course, students must complete all mandatory assignments.
For details on due dates and how each deliverable contributes to the final grade, check the “Assessment methods and criteria” section below.

Student workload

The course has 5 ECT (5 credits), i.e. approximately 135 hours of student work. Of these, 42 hours are dedicated to contact lectures (14 weeks x 3 hours). The remaining 93 hours are allocated for independent study and project work (about 6 hours per week).

Course part description

Lecture Topics:
The course is divided into different skill-based modules that are useful both for completing studies and for supporting one’s professional career.

Module 1: Project Management

Fundamentals of project management (managing scope, time, and costs).
The project lifecycle from planning to implementation.
Monitoring and resolving common issues.
Module 2: Research Skills for Life

Identifying research problems and formulating questions.
Literature review methods and finding systematic solutions.
Research tools and productivity techniques.
Effective collaboration and communication.
Module 3: Technical Writing and the Thesis Lifecycle

Professional writing and technical documentation.
Best practices to ensure accuracy and clarity in complex documentation.
Introduction to the thesis research process: selecting a topic, planning, and practical execution in collaboration with a supervisor.
Academic writing for theses and articles.
Tips for delivering a public seminar, handling results, and finalizing the thesis.

Further information

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. Students are encouraged to approach this course with an open mind and a willingness to explore independent research, project planning, and professional communication.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Information-based know-how
- Minimal theoretical knowledge, lacking connections between different topics, and with frequent inaccuracies or misunderstandings.
- Limited ability to find and use information without significant guidance.
- Limited context awareness, often overlooking the target audience or stakeholder needs.

Skills-based know-how
- Partial completion of assigned tasks, with notable inaccuracies or omissions.
- Inconsistent/limited application of basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Infrequent participation in tasks, requiring prompting to contribute.
- Shows a passive attitude and minimal engagement during the course.
- Takes little responsibility for team outcomes, relying heavily on peers.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Information-based know-how
- Competent use of terminology and core data concepts, with occasional minor errors.
- Demonstrates effective information-search and problem-solving skills with some instructor support.
- Solid theoretical knowledge, applied reasonably well to tasks and projects.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments, most accurately, with few issues.
- Consistently applies basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Actively participates in tasks, contributing to discussions and deliverables.
- Maintains a positive and cooperative attitude throughout the course.
- Shares responsibility for outcomes and shows initiative when needed.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Information-based know-how
- Mastery of professional vocabulary, with precise application in various contexts.
- Independently and creatively uses advanced information-search techniques and problem-solving approaches.
- Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, providing insights beyond the standard course material.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments with exceptional accuracy and detail.
- Produces and delivers materials with an excellent professional footprint.
- Shows advanced proficiency in the use of tools and methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Demonstrates great work in group settings, often taking the lead and fostering collaboration.
- Maintains a highly proactive, inquisitive, and enthusiastic attitude throughout the course.
- Assumes full responsibility for personal and team tasks, consistently exceeding expected outcomes.