It may not start until February, but the pressure is on to choose your TM470 project ideas for TM470 The Computing and IT Project.
Last month, the module forums opened early. Therefore, students enrolled for the February start (or April, though all finish in September) can bounce ideas off tutors and each other.
You pitch an idea and then a tutor (not necessarily your eventual tutor, but a forum moderator) gives feedback on whether it’s suitable for TM470.
How to Get TM470 Project Ideas Approved
In theory, this is a good idea. You must still get approval from your eventual tutor. However, the forum should weed out obvious non-starters and save time. That matters when TMA01 is due barely a month after the module starts.
Many students with IT experience post almost fully formed ideas. As a result, a little tweaking and they’re ready to go. They often have the advantage of using their workplace as a project sponsor.
For those without an IT background, it’s a different story. I speak from experience here. Indeed, it can be hard to come up with a project that fits TM470 guidelines and would suit a real-world client.
What Makes Good TM470 Project Ideas?
There are three main project types: development, evaluation, and research. Most go for development, like building an app. Fewer choose evaluation or research. In fact, forum tutors often discourage these options as they make it harder to score well. About 40% of the marks depend on practical content.
That said, you can attempt evaluation or research. But be prepared to push hard for approval. Moderators quickly reject many project ideas that don’t meet the rules. Therefore, it’s hard to know what will pass.
Tutors won’t suggest ideas for you. They argue that the project must interest you enough to see it through. This differs from some universities, where tutors offer lists of project titles to struggling students.
The Danger of Delay
The scariest forum stories are about students who fail to get a project idea approved. As a result, they’re forced to defer and repeat the module the next year. Only to face the same issue again. Like a TM470 version of Groundhog Day.
I have an idea in mind but haven’t shared it on the forum yet. Honestly, I’ve found the discussions a little disheartening.
How TM470 Project Ideas Support Could Improve
First, the module could offer better support for idea generation. For example, a few sample titles or past student projects would help.
Second, this module sometimes feels like it targets those with an IT background or IT jobs. However, not everyone fits that mould. The university should recognise this and offer more tailored support.
A Steep Learning Curve
The degree itself doesn’t fully prepare you for TM470. Most modules only scratch the surface of practical skills. In addition, many have ridiculously tight word limits (the Ministry of Silly Word Limits springs to mind).
You face an uphill challenge. You’ll need to learn enough technical skills for a development project. You’ll also write between 2,000 and 10,000 words and juggle project management demands.
The TM353 Experience
TM353, by contrast, has been fascinating. Yes, it’s wordy and packed with diagrams, but I’m still enjoying it. TMA01 went far better than I expected.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, The Final Stretch: TM353 IT Systems Planning for Success Begins, the module team released all three TMA papers at the start. I suspect that will come in very handy if I begin TM470 in February.
Still Searching for TM470 Project Ideas
But first, I still have a project in search of a (workable) idea.