Sensors, Instrumentation & Control

School of Engineering

University of Central Lancashire

Sensors, Instrumentation & Control

(MP 4706)

Exam 2019/20

Open Book Practical Assessment and Reporting

Instructions to candidates:

Attempt all Questions

This is a time-limited open book practical assessment and reporting.

This assessment constitutes 50% of the grade of this module.

You may use any book, personal notes or, design data.

Learning Outcomes

This assignment assesses the level to which the candidate achieves the following learning outcomes:

1- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of sensors and transducers typically encountered in engineering applications.

2. Understand critically the practical aspects of sensor use and type.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of instrumentation and measurement systems.

4. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding in the devise of an appropriate and effective strategy for processing data; virtual instrumentation and virtual simulation.

Time: 24 hours

Sensors, Instrumentation & Control MP4706, Exam 2019/20

Question 1:

1.1 Compare between the zero and 1st order sensors response, give examples for different sensors; support your answer with figures and drawings.

(5 marks)

1.2 Explain the meaning of the following specifications for a typical pressure transducer; support your answer with figures and drawings:

- Pressure Range: 70 – 1000 kPa;

- Temperature Range: -54˚C to +120˚C

- Full Range Output: 40 mV

- Non-linearity and Hysteresis Error: ±0.5% Full Range Output

- Thermal Zero Drift: 0.03 % Full Range Output /°C

- Supply Voltage: 10 V DC

(6 marks)

1.3 During the calibration of a load sensor to identify the effect of temperature at different operating temperatures, you measured the characteristics tabulated in Table 1. Calculate the following parameters for your measurement system:

1. Zero drift/°C

2. Sensitivity drift/°C

Table 1

(4 marks)

1.4 A thermometer that is initially at a stable temperature of 0 ْC, is suddenly placed in a liquid which is maintained at 100 ْC.

• If the 'time constant' is 1 second, what is the temperature value that the thermometer (first-order system) is expected to indicate after this time interval?

• What is the time required to get a reading of approximately 99% from the step input? (5 marks)

Total 20 marks

At

30°C

Load (N)

0

100

200

300

400

Sensor Output (v)

0

1

2

3

4

At

40°C

Load (N)

0

100

200

300

400

Sensor Output (v)

1.5

3

4.5

6

7.5

Question 2:

In your capacity as an instrumentation engineer, a fisherman asked you to help him to build an electronic scale out of an old rod that is sticking to a room ceiling (shown in Figure1.1). Using your background about strain measurement, answer the following:

2.1 Build a load cell utilising WSG (Wire Strain Gauge) measurement by selecting the suitable strain gauge configuration to be mounted on the old rod (shown in Figure 1.1) to measure the strain. (4 marks)

(Figure 1.1)

2.2 State the following:

i. Which type of strain gauge you are going to use, and why? (2 marks)

ii. Steps you are going to do for the WSG Installation. (2 marks)

iii. Factors that could affect the WSG measurements. (2 marks)

iv. The advantages of connecting the WSG configurations as Wheatstone bridge sensing circuit. (2 marks)

v. WSG common resistance values? (2 marks)

2.3 Draw a new WSG configuration on the old rod (shown in Figure 1.1) to compensate the above WSG configuration for temperature effects; The circuit diagram is required. What is the name of the new configuration? (4 marks)

2.4 Draw the wiring diagram used to measure strain for this load cell, including the complete measurement system using USB-6003 or USB-6002 NI DAQ card.

(7 marks)

Total 25 marks

Question 3:

If you like to develop a computer-based DAQ measurement system or that can provide several functions in a Smart Home System, such as climate control or gas leakage detection functions, answer the following for the climate control system function:

3.1 Draw the hardware connections of the system focusing on the pin connections of the system components, so that the system can provide the 'Climate Control' function. The available devices are: (5 marks) Microprocessor-based system (Laptop/PC). Interface board: NI USB DAQ. LM35 Temperature sensor Humidity sensor Micro-switches Variable resistor LEDs Relays Multi-output power supply Include any required passive electronic components

3.2 Draw a flowchart for a program that can achieve both the climate control and gas leakage detection functions. (4 marks)

3.3 What are the factors that should be considered when selecting a DAQ card? (4 marks)

3.4 Discuss the signal aliasing problem and how you can overcome this effect; support your answer with figures and drawings (2 marks)

3.5 What are the steps of conversion of continuous signals to digital values (ADC)? (2 marks)

3.6 Name four types of ADC’s and choose any two to compare between them; what is the ADC type that is used in NI DAQ’s? support your answer with figures and drawings (7 marks)

3.7 Compare between RTD (Resistance Type Device) and Thermocouples temperature sensors; support your answer with examples and drawings. The LM35 sensor can be classified as which type of temperature sensors? (5 marks)

3.8 Give examples of DAQ cards that can be used to measure the following properties and discuss the reasons for your selection.?

1- Displacement

2- Vibration

3- Strain (6 marks)

Total 35 marks

Question 4:

You are to develop a home security system that can be used to monitor a house of two

doors and four windows. The output of the system should present the status of each

location independently and should provide an audible warning in case of any problem -

including the detection of smoke. The available devices are:

− PIC16F877 Microcontroller (given in Figure 4.1)

− two door push button switches

− four window push button switches

− one Motion Detector

− one smoke detector sensor

− eight LEDs

− one buzzer

− Include any passive electronic components required.

According to your study answer the following questions:

4.1 Draw a block diagram for the complete system. (4 marks)

4.2 Using the PIC16F877A microcontroller shown in Figure 4.1, draw the wiring

diagram of the proposed system. Include any necessary electronic components

required for the microcontroller to function correctly; state the function of each

element. (8 marks)

4.3 Draw a flowchart for a program that can achieve the above function. (4 marks)

4.4 Given the pin configuration of the PIC16F877A microcontroller (shown in Figure

4.1), describe the function of the following: (4 marks)

-

- OSC1/OSC2

- RA0

- RD5

(Figure 4.1)

Total 20 marks

____________

MCLR

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Robotics: Coursework

ENGT5256 Robotics: Coursework

The coursework of ENGT5256 Robotics module includes a design study report and a

presentation. The assessment of your work will be calculated as a weighted sum of your

mark from the report and the presentation, as presented in the table below.

Type of

assessment

Duration or

volume

Assessment weighting

%

Deadline or

Date

Design Study

Report

3000-3500 words 75% 08th of May

Presentation 15min 25% TBA

You will select one of the problems listed below and implement a robotic solution. You will

work on the robotic simulation platform called CoppeliaSim (V-Rep). You will write Matlab

codes that will control a robot in the simulation. For each problem, you will be given an

environment model.

Your coursework will be evaluated based the following: i) robot design (choice of robot and

sensors), ii) block diagram of your robotic solution, iii) performance of your solution.

You can work on a problem as an individual or as a group of 2-3. The work of each individual

in the group should be explicitly described both in the report and in the presentation.

Please send me the following information via email by 13th of March

1. The problem you selected

2. The name of the group members, if you are working in a group

List of Problems

1. Domestic assistive robot that is integrated with IoT home sensors

A domestic assistive robot is a type of service robots that is designed to help people with their daily life activities at home [1, 2, 3, 4]. To increase its capabilities, an assistive robot should be integrated with smart home sensors (e.g., window contact sensor) [1, 4].

In this problem, you are going to design and implement a service robot that can quickly respond to an anomaly detected by smart home sensors. In particular, you will consider the following anomalies: i) bedroom light is on during daytime for more than 10mins, ii) motion detected in the living room during the night. To simulate the smart home sensors, you are going to create a Matlab web app where you can change the status of virtual sensors.

TIPS:

• First start by writing a code that makes the robot in simulation to navigate to a specific position on the map

• Check the details given in last section of this document about using CoppeliaSim

• Choose the sensors you think is required for mapping and create a map of the environment by using SLAM

• Write the code for a Matlab web app that changes the status of (virtual) sensors in particular rooms

• Check this tutorial on how to write Matlab web apps (https://uk.mathworks.com/videos/how-to-build-a-web-site-powered-by-matlab-106529.html)

• Write the code that checks the status of sensors and make the robot to navigate to the room of the sensor with abnormal state

[1] Coşar, S., Fernandez-Carmona, M., Agrigoroaie, R. et al. ENRICHME: Perception and Interaction of an Assistive Robot for the Elderly at Home. Int J of Soc Robotics (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-019-00614-y

[2] David Fischinger, Peter Einramhof, Konstantinos Papoutsakis, Walter Wohlkinger, Peter Mayer, Paul Panek, Stefan Hofmann, Tobias Koertner, Astrid Weiss, Antonis Argyros, Markus Vincze, Hobbit, a care robot supporting independent living at home: First prototype and lessons learned, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Volume 75, Part A, 2016, Pages 60-78, ISSN 0921-8890, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2014.09.029.

[3] CARL Assistive Robot, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKcZsNQadGU

[4] ENRICHME Assistive Robot, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geMQf9oSoTU

2. Unmanned search & rescue robot that finds people in a disaster site

In the event of large crises, such as earthquakes, typhoons, the primary task of the fire and rescue services is to search for human survivors on the incident site. This is a complex and dangerous task, which may lead to loss of lives among the human crisis managers themselves. The introduction of unmanned search and rescue (SAR) devices offers a valuable tool to save human lives and to speed up the search and rescue process [1, 2].

In this problem, you are going to design and implement an unmanned ground SAR robot that looks for victims in the disaster site. The robot should explore the environment and look for possible victims in the disaster site.

TIPS:

• First start by writing a code that makes the robot in simulation to navigate to a specific position on the map

• Check the details given in last section of this document about using CoppeliaSim

• Create a map of the environment by using SLAM

• Choose sensors that you think are required to detect people

• Write the code to detect people using the sensor data

• Write the code that will make robot to simultaneously explore the environment and detect people if they are present in the scene

[1] Geert De Cubber, Daniela Doroftei, Konrad Rudin, Karsten Berns, Anibal Matos, Daniel Serrano, Jose Sanchez, Shashank Govindaraj, Janusz Bedkowski, Rui Roda, Eduardo Silva and Stephane Ourevitch (August 23rd 2017). Introduction to the Use of Robotic Tools for Search and Rescue, Search and Rescue Robotics - From Theory to Practice, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.69489. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/search-and-rescue-robotics-from-theory-to-practice/introduction-to-the-use-of-robotic-tools-for-search-and-rescue

[2] Search and Rescue Robots, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H-QpCwne5Y

3. A robotic manipulator that sorts out objects by colour and shape

Robotic arms have gained a wide range of use in the industrial applications. It could replace human labour in trivial tasks that are repetitive or requiring a lot of lift force [1, 2, 3, 4]. Object manipulation is one of the common uses of robotic arms. It is essential for an object manipulator to understand the type of object. To achieve this several sensors such as cameras are used to detect the shape and colour of objects [1, 3, 4].

In this problem, you will design and implement a Pick and Place robot that can sort out object by colour and shape. There will be different types of objects coming on top of a conveyor belt. Your robot should select blue round and red cuboid objects, put them in the first and second tables, respectively.

TIPS:

• First start by writing a code that makes the manipulator in simulation to reach to a specific position

• Check the details given in last section of this document about using CoppeliaSim

• Write the code for gripping and placing an object

• Choose sensors that you think are required to detect object by colour and shape

• Write the code to detect objects using the sensor data

• Write the code that will make robot to pick up the required objects and place them on the correct tables

[1] Martinez-Martin, E.; del Pobil, A.P. Vision for Robust Robot Manipulation. Sensors 2019, 19, 1648. https://www.mdpi.com/441142

[2] Md. Hazrat Ali, Aizat K., Yerkhan K., Zhandos T., Anuar O., Vision-based Robot Manipulator for Industrial Applications, Procedia Computer Science, Volume 133, 2018, Pages 205-212, ISSN 1877-0509, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.07.025.

[3] ABB Robotic Manipulator, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPTd8XDZOEk

[4] Universal Robot, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q1a3Rp3H7M

4. A fleet of agri-robots that helps fruit pickers

The introduction of robots into agricultural domain is expected to yield productivity gains as well as improving produce quality. As the agricultural domain is generally very labour intensive, introducing automation in relatively small doses can have significant positive impacts [1]. Soft fruit production involves many operations such as planting, plant care, fruit picking and transportation of the crop to storage facilities. In a typical strawberry production, strawberry plants are grown on table top trays in polytunnels [2]. It is a very labour intensive and time-consuming process to pick strawberries in large farms. Agricultural robots (agri-robots) provide an efficient solution that can have positive impact on workers’ health and productivity [3].

In this problem, you will design and implement a fleet of agri-robots that performs in-field logistics operations and autonomous transportation providing support for soft-fruit pickers. You will coordinate the movement of 2 robots that will go into a polytunnel, which has 5 lanes, to help the pickers to transport strawberries to a food collection unit (FCU). In the beginning, the robots will be in the FCU. The robots will go to lanes 1, 3, 4, 2 and 5 in this order. Assuming a picker is waiting at the end of the lane, robot will go inside a lane and reach to the end of it. The simulation will not include pickers. Thus, the robot will wait for 2 mins supposing a picker is loading the strawberries. Once the loading is done, the robot will head back to FCU to unload the strawberries. The unloading process will take 4 mins.

You will coordinate which robot should go to which lane by considering the time required for reaching the target lane, loading time and unloading time. You will ensure that the robots collect the strawberries in all lanes in the order above as quick as possible.

TIPS:

• First start by writing a code that makes the robot in simulation to navigate to a specific position on the map

• Check the details given in last section of this document about using CoppeliaSim

• Choose the sensors you think is required for mapping and create a map of the environment by using SLAM

• Check the time a robot takes to go to each lane.

• Write the code that will coordinate 2 robots to reach all lanes in given order

[1] Das, Gautham, Cielniak, Grzegorz, From, Pal and Hanheide, Marc (2018) Discrete Event Simulations for Scalability Analysis of Robotic In-Field Logistics in Agriculture – A Case Study. In: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Workshop on Robotic Vision and Action in Agriculture, 21-25 May 2018, Brisbane.

[2] A Table Top Strawberry Production, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3XUXH76YBE

[3] Thorvald II Agricultural Robot, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUI-h7dhN9w

Design Study Report

You will write a report that describes the robotic solution you implemented. Please use the IEEE conference paper format1. Your report should roughly consist of five sections. It should start with an “Introduction” section where you briefly explain the problem you target. Then, in “Related Work” section, you should briefly talk about existing working solutions in academia and industry (you can use the references given at the bottom of each problem). The third section (“Proposed Approach”) should explain the details of your robotic solution. Then, in “Experimental Results” section you should describe the results you obtained in your simulation. In this section, you should evaluate your solution based on two criteria: i) accuracy, and ii) speed. The last section (“Conclusion”) should briefly summarise your approach and experimental results. You can also briefly talk about future directions; which parts of your approach can be extended and how can it be improved.

Presentation

After you submitted your report, you are going to present the work you have done. You are going to prepare a 15min. presentation. You are free to choose the structure of your presentation. Similar to your report, your presentation can have five parts (Introduction, Related Work, Proposed Approach, Experimental Results, and Conclusion). It is important that your presentation should include a live demonstration of your robotic solution.

How you should approach to your problem

1. Read the description of all the problems listed. You can also check the references to see some examples of existing work in this field. Then, choose the problems that you would like to work on

2. Select a robot from CoppeliaSim that is appropriate for your task

3. Select sensors from CoppeliaSim that is required for your solution and mount them on your robot or in the environment

4. Plan the robotic solution that will achieve the required task. Build a block diagram of your robotic solution

5. Work on the coding of each block. It is a good practice to have one (Matlab) function per block. Each function should get the input from the previous block and create an output that will be fed to the next block. This will allow your robotic solution to have a modular structure. In case of errors or bugs, it will help you to easily understand which part of your code is wrong.

6. Write your main code that will bring together all the codes you have written before.

1https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/conferences/conference-template-a4.docx

CoppeliaSim (V-Rep)

CoppeliaSim is an open-source free robotic simulation software. You are going to use the CoppeliaSim Edu version. You can download and install the educational version from here: https://coppeliarobotics.com/downloads

After you install CoppeliaSim, you need to establish its connection with Matlab. Follow the instructions in these two videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piI5wYEXUms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mal48Vd-DQY&t=151s

Check the following tutorial video about the basic operations you can do in CoppeliaSim simulation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwGY8PxQOXY

In CoppeliaSim, you can create various types of robots by designing parts (e.g., wheels) and configuring their mechanism. CoppeliaSim also includes the model of many well-known robots used in research and industry. In this coursework, you are going to use existing robot models. You will focus on designing the whole robotic solution for the problem you have chosen. In CoppeliaSim, you will also find the model of real sensors that you have seen in the lecture. According to your robotic solution, you will also use these existing sensor models and mount them on your robot or in the environment.

In order to attach a sensor to you robot, first you need to move the sensor where you want to attach on the robot. You will use Position Dialog to move the sensor. Check the following help file to understand how you can move objects: https://www.coppeliarobotics.com/helpFiles/en/positionDialog.htm

After you move the sensor you prefer, you will do one of the following: 1) Select elect elect you r sensor r sensor r sensor in in “Scene hierarchy “Scene hierarchy “Scene hierarchy “Scene hierarchy ” win dow , then , then , then select elect elect your robot while your robot while your robot while your robot while your robot while your robot while pressing control on th pressing control on th pressing control on th pressing control on thpressing control on th pressing control on th pressing control on th e keyboard. e keyboard. e keyboard. Then , click [Menu bar click [Menu bar click [Menu bar click [Menu bar click [Menu bar click [Menu bar click [Menu bar -- > Edit -- > Make last selected object > Make last selected object > Make last selected object > Make last selected object > Make last selected object > Make last selected object > Make last selected object parent] parent] parent] 2) In “Scene “Scene hierarchy hierarchy hierarchy ” win dow, drag your sensor your sensor your sensor onto ontoonto your your robot .

This will attach the sensor to the body of the robot. Now, when your robot moves, it will move together with the sensor attached to it.

CoppeliaSim also allows you to code in its own language called LUA. It is a programming language that is very similar to Python. The codes in LUA allows you to control basic operations of robots and sensors. For instance, you can turn the wheels of the robot, or you can get sensor readings from a laser scanner. To accomplish the task in the problems, you are going to use Matlab codes to perform mapping and navigation of robots.

Assume you have selected Pioneer P3DX robot and a Velodyne 3D Lidar. You have attached the 3D lidar on top of your robot (see Figure 1). In Figure 2, you will find an example of code blocks that will operate the robot do perform mapping. CoppeliaSim and Matlab components are shown as orange and blue boxes, respectively. You can see that the basic components of the robot (wheels and 3D lidar) are controlled by CoppeliaSim. Higher-level functionalities, such as mapping, are performed by Matlab.

You will follow a similar approach to complete the task required in the problem you have selected. You will use CoppeliaSim to provide you sensor reading. Then, you will implement advanced functionalities, such as navigation, mapping, person detection, using Matlab. Finally, you will send motion commands from Matlab to CoppeliaSim to move your robot.

For further details about the CoppeliaSim, check the help files: https://www.coppeliarobotics.com/helpFiles/index.html

Figure 1: A Pioneer P3DX robot with a Velodyne 3D Lidar in CoppeliaSim simulation

Figure 2: Block diagram of mapping task performed using CoppeliaSim and Matlab. Orange and blue boxes represent CoppeliaSim and Matlab components, respectively.

3D Lidar 3D Lidar

Wheels

SLAM

Motion Commands Commands

Map

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Civil Engineering Design and Technology

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

ASSIGNMENT COURSEWORK 1

MODULE CODE: ER1430

MODULE TITLE: Civil Engineering Design and Technology

TUTOR: Julie Marsh

SEMESTER 1, 2019

Issue date: 18.11.19

Hand in date: 24.1.20

Aims of the Assignment:

To communicate survey information gathered in the field. (LO2)

Assignment Brief

Part 1: You have gathered the following information

Results taken during the 2 peg test at Roeburn Hall.

There is a local OSBM near Roeburn Hall and you have transferred the level to a nearby TBM.

You have made a theoretical level survey of an area on Maudland Bank.

You have measured an angle with a theodolite.

You have made a closed theodolite survey.

You have set out several points from a base line.

Present the survey information in a structured report that shows the following, including notes on the practical sessions and how results were gathered:

• The readings taken and results of the 2 peg test.

• The readings taken and results of the flying levels from the OSBM to the TBM including reduced levels at the OSBM and TBM and your error.

• The readings taken for the level survey; calculated reduced levels plotted at each intersection and contour lines marked clearly on the plan provided.

• A volume (cut/fill) calculation for the amount of material to be taken away to leave a formation level of 30.000m AOD for a proposed floor slab of a small 12.5mx12.5m building. 35 marks

• The readings taken during the angular measurement exercises and calculations to translate the readings to an enclosed angle on the ground.

• The results, calculations and a plot of the closed survey clearly showing the angles and distances.

• The results (perhaps a photo) of the setting out points. 30 marks

Part 2: Write 500 words to describe best practice for carrying out an angular and a distance measurement with a total station.

This could include:

How to undertake the exercise, starting from what you do even before you go to site.

What measurements do you take on site and how many of each.

What is the procedure for each of an angular measurement and a distance measurement.

What checks do you make before and after each measurement.

How do you record the measurements and other information.

How do you take care of the instrument.

What risks do you have to consider.

35 marks

Regulations

The assessment will be equivalent to 1500 words and is worth 25% of the overall mark for this module.

It comprises two parts:

1. The survey report (part 1) will be equivalent to 1000 words and 65% of the total marks for the assignment.

2. The written question (part 2) will be equivalent to 500 words and 35% of the total marks for the assignment.

Please amalgamate all work into one document for Turnitin submission.

Create a professional document using tables, figures and calculations as required. Ensure that the document is referenced correctly where appropriate.

Please submit electronically via Turnitin. Your final submission via Turnitin will be taken as a declaration of originality that this final submission is entirely your own work. Make sure you include references as required.

Lateness penalties will be applied (as outlined in the School Guide) in ALL instances, unless a documented case can be made for an extension, in advance of the submission date.

The Turnitin link will allow multiple submissions of your assignment to allow you to check the originality of your work via the Originality Report. Please note that later submissions may take 24 hours to generate an Originality Report. Only the last submission is retained by Turnitin for marking.

Plan of the site on Maudland Bank for the levelling exercise

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Disruptive Low Carbon Innovation

Faculty of Technology – Course work Specification 2019/20

Module name:

Engineering Business Environment

Module code:

ENGT5219

Title of the Assignment:

Assignment B – Disruptive Low Carbon Innovation

This coursework item is: (delete as appropriate)

Summative

Formative

This summative coursework will be marked anonymously

Yes

No

According to the learning outcomes for this module, this assignment will demonstrate that students can:

1. Exhibit a comprehensive understanding and sound judgement in developing proposals and solutions to reduce the impact of organisations as they seek to respond to these risks

2. Apply a range of advanced technical, academic and professional skills to evaluate and critically reflect on current trends in engineering for sustainability such as life-cycle analysis, green accounting, carbon trading, and risk assessment.

This coursework is: (delete as appropriate)

Individual

Group

If other or mixed ... explain here:

This coursework constitutes 70% of the overall module mark.

Date Set:

9th December 2019

Date & Time Due:

19th January 2020 at 12:00 (midnight)

Your marked coursework and feedback will be available to you on:

If for any reason this is not forthcoming by the due date your module leader will let you know why and when it can be expected. The Head of Studies should be informed of any issues relating to the return of marked coursework and feedback.

17th February 2020

When completed you are required to submit your coursework to:

1. Blackboard via Turnitin.

Late submission of coursework policy: Late submissions will be processed in accordance with current University regulations which state:

“the time period during which a student may submit a piece of work late without authorisation and have the work capped at 40% [50% at PG level] if passed is 14 calendar days. Work submitted unauthorised more than 14 calendar days after the original submission date will receive a mark of 0%. These regulations apply to a student’s first attempt at coursework. Work submitted late without authorisation which constitutes reassessment of a previously failed piece of coursework will always receive a mark of 0%.”

Academic Offences and Bad Academic Practices:

These include plagiarism, cheating, collusion, copying work and reuse of your own work, poor referencing or the passing off of somebody else's ideas as your own. If you are in any doubt about what constitutes an academic offence or bad academic practice you must check with your tutor. Further information and details of how DSU can support you, if needed, is available at:

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/academic-offences.aspx and

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/bad-academic-practice.aspx

Tasks to be undertaken:

The UK government’s Industrial Strategy describe a partnership between government and

the private sector to build the foundations of a strong economy, which are the skills of its

workers, the quality of its infrastructure and a fair and predictable business environment. The

strategy aims to foster innovation and identifies four ‘Grand Challenges’, one of which is

clean growth.

1. Choose a business or business type and identify the threats to that business from:

• Climate change, and

• The policy and regulatory framework designed to mitigate climate change

2. Familiarise yourself with innovation theory and briefly summarise the following:

disruptive innovation, incremental innovation and game changing innovation

3. Considering the products and services of the business you have identified above,

write a management report that recommends one or more disruptive innovations

that will address threats to the business from climate change. In your report, consider

the following questions:

• Who will be the early adopters of your innovative products and/or services?

• How will your innovation lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?

You will find it valuable to read the paper by Wilson et al (2018) entitled ‘The potential

contribution of disruptive low-carbon innovations (DLCI) to 1.5° C climate mitigation’. This

assignment will also require careful reading of the lessons used in this module as well as

library research.

Deliverables to be submitted for assessment:

Your assignment report should be in the form of a management report of between 2,000 and

2,500 words, not including any references and appendices. Use appendices to include

additional charts, illustrations and data as necessary, but the appendices should be no

longer than 4 pages. This should be written as a practical report for decision makers rather

than a theoretical treatise on climate change and innovation.

You should explain any pictures and diagrams you use, reference your sources correctly and

choose suitable sources. You should use a font of size no less than 10 points.

How the work will be marked:

Your mark will be based on the extent to which the learning outcomes have been met, and

the extent to which the above instructions, notes and guidance are complied with (for

example regarding word limit, style, structure and citation). The criteria below relate to the

current pass mark of 50%.

• Introduction to the report – 10 marks

• Descriptions of threats to business from climate change and policy – 20 marks

• Summaries of three types of innovation – 20 marks

• Description of disruptive innovations to address threats to business – 40 marks

• Clarity of writing style, referencing and structure of report – 10 marks

Work that is deficient in most of the respects outlined above, showing no evidence of critical

analysis will be awarded an outright fail of 44% or less. A marginal fail of 45% to 49% may

be awarded to work that demonstrates some understanding of the problem but where the

understanding, accuracy, organisation and critical analysis fail to justify a marginal pass.

Module leader/tutor name: Dr Andrew Mitchell

Contact details: andrew.mitchell@dmu.ac.uk

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Assessment – Research Plan

TL4010 Assessment 1 Brief and Instructions (Please read carefully)

Assessment 1 (40%) – Research Plan

The leisure activities and behaviours of students at UCLan

The eating habits of students at UCLan

The holiday booking preferences of students at UCLan

Select one of the above mentioned, broad topics. Within the selected topic, you should identify a more specific focus for a research investigation – the decision is yours.  For example, you may wish to focus on a particular group of students or compare groups e.g. UK v international, or you may wish to focus on a particular preference. Then prepare a research plan and present it on a poster.

Your research plan should include:

-       An underpinning research question and a supporting aim and objectives

-       An academic and/or practical justification for the study

-       An outline of the research method/s e.g. survey, interview, observation that could be used and a brief explanation of why this/these are appropriate and favourable to other methods

-       An indication of how, when, where and from whom you will collect your data.

POSTER and PRESENTATION – an equivalent of a 1500-word research plan in a poster format incorporating the above sub-headings.

The poster will be presented to the class on March 5^th or March 12^th (formally assessed). Presentation date and times will be designated by the lecturer.

 

Research Plan Instructions:

Prepare a poster with the components listed above. Remember to place your working title at the top of your poster. Instructions can be found below for creating a poster in PowerPoint. You are not required to print your poster. Please upload your poster to Turnitin by 4^th of March 2020 at 5pm.

Poster Design:

This is an academic poster, so it should be professionally laid out and formatted in a logical manner, but it is not necessary to spend a great deal of time on the aesthetic or visual appeal.

Presentation:

An approximately 10-minute presentation of your poster and then a 5-minute question period is allotted for each student.

 

Poster Instructions:

Step 1:

In order to make a PowerPoint poster, the first and most important step is to set the size of the slide. A normal poster of 4:3 aspect ratio will be of the size 96:72 in. The maximum setting on Microsoft PowerPoint only allows you to enter a value of 52 in, which reciprocates to a value of around 142cm.

To facilitate making a ppt poster of a size that is greater than what is allowed in PowerPoint, simply half the size of your original poster, and input these values. If the values still remain greater, you can half the values again and check if it works.

How to Print Correct Poster Sizes in PowerPoint

The question here arises as to how a size that is half the requirement, would be printed as per your requirements. To do so, for every time you half the value, you will print out a 200% zoom of the slide.

If you’ve halved the values twice, you will have to print out the ppt poster at a 400% zoom, and if you’ve halved it thrice, that would reciprocate to a zoom of 800%. The ratio is a simple 1:2; every half, warrants an x2 zoom.

Step 2:

In order to change the PowerPoint poster size, after clicking on the Design tab, you will see a button named ‘Slide Size’ on your far right. Click on it.

 

Step 3:

This opens up a drop-down menu. To enter the new size, locate ‘Custom Size’ and click on it.

Step 4:

A new window will appear, with a drop-down menu for present size and resolutions, and also an option to manually enter custom values. After calculating the values, and making sure they are under 52”, input your size ratio (keeping in mind the 1:2, half-to-zoom factor for when you print the poster from PowerPoint).

Step 5:

You can also change the orientation of the PowerPoint poster, by either clicking on the Orientation options available or by entering your own values for orientation. A width greater than the height suggests a landscape orientation, whereas a height greater than the width is termed the Portrait orientation.

Step 6:

After changing the size of the slide, you can now begin to add the content you desire. This can be a scientific poster in PowerPoint or an undergraduate research poster.

Step 7:

Depending on the kind of ppt poster you are making, you will need to consider its background. Until you decide on a background, adding content will be futile, as the colors and the combinations of your content should be aesthetically in line with that of the background, to add to the cohesion of your ppt poster design. That can only be achieved after the background has been changed. If you intend on keeping the default white background. Skip and go to step 12.

To change the Background of your ppt poster presentation, make sure the Design tab is selected. On the far right, you will see a button ‘Format Tab Background’. Click on it.

Step 8:

Clicking on the Format Background button will open a window pane on the right of your presentation. This pane allows you to add any type of background you want, it could be a picture you chose from the internet or your own custom pattern. PowerPoint also gives you the option to fill in your background with a pattern, gradient, or texture. All of which will help your PowerPoint poster look better.

Step 9:

For different types of Posters, even e-posters in PowerPoint, you will need to insert different graphics or texts. To add text onto your poster’s format, find the Insert heading and click on it. You will see a list of content that you can insert onto your poster. Then, search for the text box button and click on it.

Step 10:

Once you click the text box button, your cursor changes. Position it where you want your text box to be, and click again. A default text box will appear. You can change the size or location of this textbox by clicking and dragging on the dots around the textbox.

Step 11:

If you want to add a text box with a custom size, click and drag anywhere on the slide to define the size of the textbox you want. Leaving the click will automatically insert your Textbox.

Step 12:

The next step is generalized for any content that you would want to include. Once you’ve opened the insert tab, everything you want to insert will be available on this.

PowerPoint gives you the option to insert; Pictures, videos, Audios, Graph, Clip Art, Shapes, and Smart Art into your ppt poster. With these options, you also have the ability to insert and change Text as per your liking.

Or add shapes, through Shapes.

Different content types will have mostly the same options, while also providing some specific options for different content types.

Step 13:

Gathering and moving all content around the poster format may also cause some of your content to remain invisible, as it might be behind another object that’s not transparent.

Microsoft PowerPoint’s poster templates do not support the ‘Wrap’ option, you can either manually adjust the arrangement of the content, or, you can use the Insert Object command to use Microsoft Word’s wrapping capabilities and then import them into PowerPoint. Additionally, you can also choose to make your pictures slightly transparent to allow background visibility. This can be achieved in PowerPoint itself.

After inserting, editing, and organizing all content save the file.

NOTE: When printing the poster from PowerPoint, do not forget how many times you halved the original size of your poster for it to be inputted into the PowerPoint poster size, for every time you halved the value, you will multiply the zoom level by a factor of 2.

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Questionnaire Design, Data Collection & Analysis.

University of Chester - Undergraduate Programmes Assignment Specification Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Computer Science & EEE
Module No CO4202	Module Title Mathematics for Computers	Academic Year 2019-20	Assessment No 1 (50%)
Submission date Noon on Thursday, 13th February, 2020			Feedback due by 12th March, 2020
Assignment Title Questionnaire Design, Data Collection & Analysis.
Learning Objectives Assessed 3.     Solve computer algorithmic problems by isolating out its separate parts and subjecting them to logical analysis. 4.     Use computer software and standard techniques to solve less predictable algorithmic problems. 5.     Evaluate and use relevant data in the solution of a problem.
Submission Information This assignment is worth 50% of the overall module mark – equivalent to 2000 words approximately The deadline for submission is 12.00 noon on Thursday, 13th February, 2020. You must submit a single Word document via the CO4202 Assessment Submission facility of Sharepoint. This file should contain your full report and all appendices as one document (in MS .doc format).
Extensions and Plagiarism Extensions   Extensions should be requested through the online system available on the Registry services pages on Portal. Late work is penalised at the rate of 5% per day or part thereof. Plagiarism The material you submit must be your own work.  The penalties for plagiarism are severe.  The minimum penalty is usually zero for that piece of work. Further information is available at Portal > Support Departments > Academic Quality Support Services > Academic Integrity.

 

 

Assignment Brief

 

 

Research Topics

• Is the Internet “dumbing down” western society?
• How is superfast broadband impacting upon the UK economy?
• Why have Apple computers grown in popularity?
• Has the “globalised economy” finally destroyed those of the western world?
• Should the government offer greater incentives for students studying computing subjects at university?
• Are certain sections of society disadvantaged by our increasing reliance upon the Internet?
• Are computer games becoming too addictive?
• Is “sofalising” killing the way we live our lives?
• Are threats of ID theft over-exaggerated?
• Should we be worried about the growth of GPS?
• Will the Internet kill off TV?
• Should prisoners be allowed Internet access?
• Is cloud computing the future or is it already here?
• Has the Internet changed marketing practises forever?
• How can politicians exploit the Internet?
• Should Google, Facebook and other social media be allowed to store data for no more than six months?

 

Task 1 (20%)

In order to assist with research for one of the topics listed above, or any other subject matter that you consider suitable enough from your course of study, design an online questionnaire, that can be used via an appropriate social media site (e.g. Google forms), along with three hypotheses. Describe what sampling technique might best be suitable, if the survey were being performed on a very large population.

Task 2 (40%)

Analyse the data you have collected, using both Excel and R. As a minimum, your analysis should include:

·         Questionnaire design with appropriate coding.

·         Appropriate Graphs and basic statistical analysis to summarize results.

·         Measures of central tendency and dispersal (mean and standard deviation).

·         Correlation and/or measures of association.

·         Appropriate Inferential statistics.

 

Task 3 (40%)

Create a 1500-2000 word written report which is to include the following:

a)    Introduction.

b)    Interpretation of the descriptive data with graphical illustrations.

c)    Interpretation of the hypothesis testing with graphical illustrations where appropriate.

d)    A comparison of the use of R and Excel, along with reasoned justification for your choice of tests.

e)    Conclusion (include what your findings indicate from the data collected). A strong argument has been convincingly delivered. Interpretation of analysis and conclusion - what the results actually mean.            

f)     Appendices should include the results from your quantitative analysis copied from your R output files and Excel sheets.

 

 

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