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Coursework Part A – Project Proposal & Defense#

Module: CHC5056 Innovative Product Development

Learning Objectives#

• Understanding Requirements
  Comprehend the core requirements and structure of Coursework Part A

• Mastering Key Elements
  Grasp the critical writing tasks and considerations for each section

• Framework Development
  Establish a framework for your own proposal through exercises and group discussions

• Presentation Skills
  Enhance oral communication abilities for the Presentation & Defense component

Coursework Part A Overview#

• Weighting: 30% of final grade
• Word Count: Maximum 1,500 words
• Format: Word document, 11pt Arial font, Harvard/IEEE citation format
• Submission: Semester 1, Week 5
• Additional Requirement: Individual Presentation/Defense

Coursework Structure (5 Sections)#

1. Title & Description
   Product purpose, functionality, users and beneficiaries

2. Background Research
   Domain analysis, existing products, differentiation

3. Summary of Technologies
   Hardware/software/methodology selection + visual value proposition explanations

4. Professional Issues
   Legal, ethical, social issues + stakeholder analysis

5. Project Team Requirements
   Technical and soft skills required, tailored to project specifics

Pitfalls to Avoid#

• Descriptive Without Analysis – Merely describing without applying critical thinking or evaluation
• Missing Justification – Failing to explain why certain approaches or decisions were made
• Vague Technical Solutions – Proposing technical approaches that are too ambiguous or unrealistic
• Neglecting Format Requirements – Ignoring word limits or citation standards
• Undeclared AI Assistance – Using AI-generated content without proper acknowledgement

First Session (45 minutes)#

Objective: Understanding Coursework Requirements

1. Opening Discussion (5 min) – What do you find most challenging about writing proposals?
2. Instructor Explanation (15 min) – Detailed walkthrough of coursework structure and marking criteria
3. Group Activity (15 min) – Break down key questions for each section in small groups
4. Group Reporting & Summary (10 min) – Share insights and consolidate understanding

Second Session (45 minutes)#

Objective: Practical Application

1. Warm-up Review (5 min) – Quick recap of key concepts from first session
2. Writing Exercise (20 min) – Draft one section of your choice
3. Presentation Simulation (10 min) – Practice presentation and defense in groups
4. Conclusion & Q&A (10 min) – Tips for improving expression and business perspective

Preparation Tip:
Come to class with a product idea in mind to make the exercises more relevant to your actual coursework.

Practice Tasks & Examples#

• Section 1 Exercise: Develop a product idea and identify users & stakeholders

  • Key focus: Clear articulation of purpose and beneficiaries

• Section 2 Exercise: Analyse the limitations of an existing product

  • Key focus: Critical analysis and differentiation strategy

• Presentation Simulation: Present your core value proposition & technology choices in 2 minutes

  • Key focus: Concision, clarity, and justification

Presentation & Defense Key Points#

• Clarity: Be concise, structure presentation logically (beginning, middle, end)
• Justification: Explain why not just what; provide reasoning for decisions
• Engagement: Interact with audience, respond thoughtfully, maintain eye contact
• Commercial Acumen: Show market understanding and feasibility; address business challenges & opportunities

Homework#