School of Engineering

Department of Industrial and

Systems Engineering
Project 410
BPJ 410 / 2014

Updated by:
Jozine Botha
Date of last revision:
December 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction..........................................................................................3
2. Module coordination ............................................................................3
2.1
2.2

Coordinators ......................................................................................................... 3
Project leaders ...................................................................................................... 4

3. Critical learning outcomes ...................................................................4

4. Phases and deliverables .......................................................................6
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.4
4.4.1

Pre-preparation phase: Title, industry sponsor and leader selection .................... 6

Guidance in selecting a project ......................................................................... 6
Project topic responsibility ............................................................................... 7
Deliverable........................................................................................................ 7
Document format .............................................................................................. 7
Phase 1: Project planning (project proposal)........................................................ 7
Guidance ........................................................................................................... 7
Deliverable........................................................................................................ 8
Assessment criteria guidance............................................................................ 8
Phase 2: Problem investigation, literature review (preliminary project report) . 10
Guidance ......................................................................................................... 10
Deliverable...................................................................................................... 11
Assessment criteria guidance.......................................................................... 11
Intellectual property ownership of project report ........................................... 13
Phase 3: Oral presentation .................................................................................. 13
Guidance ......................................................................................................... 13

5. Assessment of Project 410 (BPJ 410) ................................................13

6. General / additional information .......................................................14
6.1
6.2

Plagiarism ........................................................................................................... 14
Professional conduct .......................................................................................... 14

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

1. Introduction
As part of the pre-requisites for the bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, students
in their final year of study are required to complete an engineering project in which
fundamental industrial engineering knowledge and skills are applied. The project
provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate competency in applying the
general problem solving process (scope the problem; generate a solution; test the
solution) as required by multiple ECSA exit-level outcomes. Project completion is
addressed sequentially in BPJ410 and BPJ420. Combined, the two modules consist of
several phases as described in the table below. Note the related study guides, the required
deliverables and the grades per deliverable.
Table 1: Overview of BPJ410 and BPJ420

Module
BPJ410

Phase
0
1
2
3

Deliverable
Project Topic Selection
Project Proposal
Preliminary Project Report
Oral Presentation

TOTAL for BPJ410

BPJ420

1
2
3
4

Due date
3 March 2014,
12h00
7 April 2014
19 May 2014
26 29 May
2014

Grade

30%
50%
20%
100%

Interim Project Report

Final Project Report
Poster
Oral Presentation

Consult BPJ420 study guide

This study manual provides relevant information that students/lecturers may need to
execute Project BPJ410. Students and lecturers are requested to consult the study manual
on a regular basis to ensure that they know what is expected of them. Students and
lecturers are also advised to consult the study guide for BPJ420 before commencing with
the projects. All information contained in the manual, as well as information on
assessment criteria, allocations and schedules appear in the ClickUP portal for
undergraduate Industrial Engineering students. This is accessible via the student online
services (www.up.ac.za).

2. Module coordination
2.1
Coordinators
The module coordinators are responsible for coordination activities and scheduling of ad
hoc presentation sessions for general guidance on conducting the final year project.
Students are advised to visit the BPJ 410 ClickUP Module on a regular basis regarding
additional contact sessions, deliverable deadlines and assessment results. Module
coordinators may be consulted by appointment only.

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

Name

Room No

Mrs J. Botha

Eng II, 3-21

Telephone
No
420-5168

Mrs W. Bean

Eng II, 3-18

420-6706

Consulting Hours
Thursdays 10:30 13:30
Wednesday 10:30 13:30

2.2
Project leaders
Project leaders will be allocated to project students at the start of the semester. Allocation
will only take place once students have selected a project topic (see section 3).
Once students have been allocated to project leaders, students will be responsible to
schedule and attend meetings with their project leader as and when required. The purpose
of the meetings should be to discuss project progress, highlight areas of concern and
obtain input from the project leader to ensure that the project progresses according to the
project plan.

3. Critical learning outcomes

A number of ECSA exit-level outcomes are addressed in the final-year project modules
(BPJ 410 and BPJ 420). Students must ensure that the selection and execution of the
project demonstrate compliance to the required outcomes as described below:

ECSA exit-level outcomes 4 and 9 are required to pass BPJ 410.

ECSA exit-level outcomes 1 and 3 are required to pass BPJ 420.

Other ECSA exit-level outcomes are partially addressed.

ECSA 1: Problem solving (ECSA exit-level outcome)
Students only achieve this outcome once they complete their project, demonstrating that
they have solved the engineering problem, using a systematic problem solving method
including:

Analyse and define the problem and criteria for an acceptable solution.

Identify necessary information and applicable engineering and other knowledge and
skills.

Generate and formulate possible approaches to the solution of the problem.

Model and analyse possible solution(s).

Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.

Formulate and present the solution in a report and oral presentation.

ECSA 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge (partially addressed)

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

Students apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences from
first principles to solve project-related problems.
ECSA 3: Engineering design (ECSA exit-level outcome)
As part of their final year project students are required to demonstrate competence to
perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components,
systems, engineering works, products or processes in the following way:

Plan and manage the design process, develop supplementary methods, tools and or
techniques that can assist them with a design/solution.

Acquire and evaluate the requisite knowledge, information and resources: apply the
correct principles, evaluate and use design tools.

Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation.

Evaluate alternatives and preferred solution: exercise

implementability and perform techno-economic analysis.

Communicate the design logic and information

judgement,

test

ECSA 4: Investigations, experiments and data analysis (ECSA exit-level outcome)

As part of their final year project students are required to understand a project
environment and gather/document all information and data to be used in development of
a design/solution for the identified problem. They have to:

Investigate and represent the problem and problem environment.

Analyse existing literature that can assist in design and/or problem solving.

Analyse data gathered during problem investigation.

ECSA 5: Engineering methods, skills, tools, information technology (partially

addressed)
As part of their final year project students are required to:

Identify available industrial engineering methods, tools and/or techniques that can
be used in design and/or problem solving.

Select the most appropriate

design/problem solving.

method(s),

tool(s) and/or technique(s) for

Develop supplementary methods, tools and or techniques that can assist them with a
design/solution.

ECSA 6: Professional and technical communication (This is partially addressed)

As part of their final year project students are required to:

Document their results in a scientific, professional and appropriate style.

Present their results orally. Students are assessed based on the following questions:
Is the attention of the audience captured and kept? Does the explanation and pace of
the presentation fit the audience's capacity? Is the presenter's speech clear? Is the
posture approachable? Is the use of language consistent and acceptable?

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

ECSA 7: Impact of engineering activity (This is partially addressed)

Students need take cognisance of the impact of the engineering design on the sociotechnical context where the solution will be implemented.
ECSA 8: Individual, team, multidisciplinary working (partially addressed)
Students are required to complete their final year project individually.
ECSA 9: Independent learning ability (ECSA exit-level outcome)
As part of the final year project students need to demonstrate independent learning during
all phases of the project, but specifically during problem investigation and literature
analysis.

4. Phases and deliverables

4.1
Pre-preparation phase: Title, industry sponsor and leader selection
The student should have chosen a project topic in alliance with an industry sponsor or
lecturer, and have suggested a project leader by the second week of the first semester.
4.1.1 Guidance in selecting a project
Project topic session
Existing project topics are made available in November of the previous year and students
are welcome to consult the notice boards and the Industrial Engineering website
(http://ie.up.ac.za/, "Industry Collaboration") for these project topics. The following
guidelines apply:
1. The students may select their own topics, available from industry. An appropriate
topic should demonstrate application of industrial engineering methods,
techniques, tools and skills. Note that the industry sponsor should approve of the
study undertaken by the student and the implications regarding intellectual
property, by signing a project sponsorship form. Industry guidelines are
available on http://ie.up.ac.za/ ("Industry Collaboration"). Note that some industry
sponsors also require an application process to conduct a final-year project.
2. Alternatively, a student may consult lecturers at the department for available
research-related project topics. Research-related projects may also require an
application process.
Project briefing session
During the first week of the first semester, a project briefing session will be held to
inform the students of final year project expectations. Industry /lecturers may also present
projects/topics that are still available.

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

4.1.2 Project topic responsibility

It is the responsibility of the student to acquire a suitable topic/subject and an industrial
sponsor for his/her project. Lecturers and/or industry sponsors may provide potential
topics for projects, but students should seek their own project topic/subject and not rely
on the option of being offered a topic by a lecturer/industry sponsor.
The students are offered the freedom of defining their own project topic. It is
recommended that students study posters and project documents submitted by students
from previous years so that they may acquaint themselves with the layout and appearance
of final deliverables. Copies of the documents are available in electronic format on UP
Space. Hard copies may also be borrowed from Mrs Anne-Marie van Heerden [Eng II: 310]. The students may also use this archive to gather information for their literature study.
4.1.3 Deliverable
The project topic selection phase is deemed to be completed when a one-page Final Year
Project Definition has been submitted through ClickUP. The following information will
be required:
1. Project Title
2. Company and Sponsors details
3. Background and Rationale
4. Project Scope
5. Mentorship
6. Students details
4.1.4 Document format
The following format can be used as a guideline for all documents:
1. Normal Font = 12pt Times New Roman OR 11pt Arial
2. Top and bottom borders = 3.17cm
3. Left and right borders = 2.54cm
4. Spacing = 1
5. Table and figure headings: 10pt Times New Roman BOLD OR 10pt Arial BOLD top
left hand side of the table / figure.
6. Page number footer = 1.27 from bottom (centre of page)
This format is however not compulsory and the student may use his/her own format
provided the document is presented in a professional way.
4.2

Phase 1: Project planning (project proposal)

4.2.1 Guidance
During the first month following the project title selection (see ClickUP for submission
date) the student should develop a comprehensive project plan and submit a project
proposal. Thorough project planning is essential for successful execution of an

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

engineering project. The demarcated problem statement, the terms of reference as well as
the environment in which it will be done, should be clearly highlighted in the document.
The use of sketches, photos and diagrams usually makes it easy for outsiders to
understand the problem. The scope of the work, as well as a clear roadmap of what is to
be accomplished during the following 4/5 months is essential. Emphasis of evaluation
falls on the planning of the project and the structure into which the work is broken down.
At this stage it might be advisable to establish a skeleton framework/structure of headings
that must be addressed. Sometimes the scope of a project is too large or is not industrial
engineering related.
4.2.2 Deliverable
Phase 1 is deemed to be completed when the Project Proposal has been submitted. The
structure of the project proposal should be established in consultation with the allocated
lecturer, but the following structure/framework can be used as a guideline:
Structure
Title Page (1 Page)
Anti-Plagiarism Page
Executive Summary (1 Page)
Table of Contents (1 Page)
List of Figures and List of Tables (1 Page)
1. Introduction & Background
2. Problem Statement / Need Requirement
3. Project Aim / Rationale
4. Project Approach, Scope & Deliverables
5. Project Plan
Activities, Tasks, Deliverables
Resources
Constraints
Budget (this can be placed in Appendices)
6. Conclusion
7. Appendices
Appendix A: Gantt Chart
Appendix B: Signed Industry Sponsorship Form
Page limit: 8 to 14 pages [excluding table of contents and references]

4.2.3 Assessment criteria guidance

Evaluators will be using the following criteria to evaluate the proposal. The criteria are
primarily linked to ECSA 4 exit-level outcome.

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

Is it clear what the project is about based on the background and introduction provided?
Background to the problem / enterprise (where?). Relevant theoretical context
provided for stating the problem? Relevant product / process context provided for
stating the problem? Relevant enterprise / product metrics provided for stating the
problem (how many?).
Metrics are required to provide an indication of project scope. Metrics that could
be used: throughput, number of employees, number of customers, size of
department, number of workstations etc.
Has the problem(s)/directive(s)/opportunity(s)/need requirement(s) been identified and
formulated?
Problem Statement / Need Requirement. What is the he problem(s) /
directive(s) / opportunity(s) / need(s) that you are going to address?
Is the project properly motivated?
Project Aim / Rationale. Why is this a problem/directive/opportunity/need?
Why does this problem need attention? Is this a real problem?
Is the project approach (activities, tasks, IE techniques) and scope (suggested solution
components/deliverables) clearly formulated?
Is it clear what will be delivered/accomplished as a result of this project? Include
the deliverables for BPJ 410/BPJ 420.
You need to provide a suggested solution for solving the problem. The suggested
solution may still be altered during the execution of the project.
Is the project plan (including a work breakdown structure) sufficient to achieve the
deliverables?
When are you planning to do the required activities AND when are you planning
to achieve the deliverables? Are these realistic given constraints?
Is the scope sufficient for a Final Year Project and is it relevant to the field of Industrial
Engineering?
Sufficient metrics provided to assess the scope? How relevant are the selected IE
mechanisms for solving the problem?
Is the document written in a scientific, professional and appropriate style?
Executive summary and Conclusion up to standard?
Executive summary:
Introductory paragraph the aim of the document within the context of
your project.
Body / content part summarising the content of the document.
Concluding paragraph did you reach the aim set for this document?
Harvard reference method to reference literature sources.
Dont use wikipedia! May use this for your own understanding, but not to be
included in an academic work.
Refrain from using one-sentence paragraphs.
Logical flow in document - use linking paragraphs between different document
sections to maintain flow.
Write in third person.
The Project Proposal (Phase One) due date will be published on ClickUP.

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

4.3

Phase 2: Problem investigation, literature review (preliminary project

report)

4.3.1 Guidance
The preliminary project report should resemble the final BPJ420 project report as far as
possible. Although technical refinements may still be made, the structure and content of
the final project report should be presented. Students should consult with their project
leader in advance and obtain feedback in time.
Phase guidelines:
1. Conduct a detailed analysis of existing literature that can assist in the design
and/or problem solving. Collect data from interviews and personal observations.
2. Select the most appropriate IE mechanisms (method/s, tool(s) and/or technique/s)
for design / problem solving. Indicate how one employs the IE mechanisms in
developing the design/solution to obtain potential savings, advantages,
improvements, etc. If necessary, develop supplementary IE mechanisms that can
assist with the design/solution.
3. Analyse the project environment and gather/document all information and data to
be used in development of the design/solution. Indicate how to employ the
information and data in developing the design/solution.
4. Apply appropriate IE mechanisms in the problem solving approach.
5. Validate analysis results.
6. Document the results of Phase 2 in a Preliminary Project Report that constitutes a
draft version of all the chapters of the Final Project Report to be submitted on
completion of Project 420.
Using resources from the academic information service
The Academic Information Service [AIS] specialist will demonstrate the resources of the
AIS and inform how to acquire information. The necessary passwords will be supplied.
Harvard referencing style
References to listed sources should be done according to the Harvard method. Different
authorities give variations in punctuation and format when describing the Harvard
System. Whatever punctuation/format you decide to use, it is important to remain
consistent.
Variation examples...
Author

Date

Title

Publisher Place of publication

Elvin, Ian 1993, Sport and physical recreation

Longman, Harlow, Essex.

Elvin,I.

1993 Sport and physical recreation,

Longman: Harlow, Essex

Elvin, I.

1993 Sport and physical recreation,

Longman, Harlow, Essex

Also consult: http://0-www.lib.monash.edu.au.innopac.up.ac.za/tutorials/citing/harvard.html.

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

10

Consult
Guidelines
for
the
preparation
[www.up.ac.za/asservices/ais/nse/bedryfs.htm].

of

written

assignments

4.3.2 Deliverable
Phase 2 is deemed to be completed when a Preliminary Project Report has been
submitted. The structure of the report should be established in consultation with the
allocated lecturer, but the following structure/framework can be used as a guideline:
Structure:
Title Page (template is available on ClickUp)
Anti-Plagiarism Page
Executive Summary (1 Page): This summary to briefly convey information on the
project investigation, the research or investigation methodology and finally the
achievements, improvements, savings (in monetary values where possible), etc.
Table of Contents (1 Page)
List of Figures and List of Tables (1 Page)
1. Introduction & Background
2. Project Aim / Rationale
3. Project Approach, Scope & Deliverables
4. Literature Review & Problem Investigation (library, internet, interviews and
personal observations) including presentation of appropriate IE mechanisms
(method(s), tool(s) and/or techniques). Based on the nature of your project, you
may have to present the Problem Investigation as a separate chapter.
5. [Development of supplementary mechanisms (methods, tools and/or
techniques where applicable)]
6. [Data analysis where applicable]
7. Conceptual Design
8. Conclusion
9. References using the Harvard method, information regarding this method is
available on ClickUP
10. Appendices where relevant
Page limit: 30 pages [excluding table of contents and references]

4.3.3 Assessment criteria guidance

Evaluators will be using the following criteria to evaluate the proposal. The criteria are
primarily linked to ECSA 4 and ECSA 9 exit-level outcomes.
Is the project properly motivated and has the problem/directive/opportunity been
identified and formulated?

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

11

See guidance for project proposal for the first three sections of the report (answering
the questions where, what and why).
Does the investigation of the project environment and the literature review assist in
understanding the problem context, solution requirements AND the development of the
design/solution?
Learning from literature of how one could possibly solve the problem at hand. Find
best practices applicable to your problem area.
What IE mechanisms (methods, tools, skills, and techniques) are used by other
similar enterprises are they applicable to your problem area?
How did other similar enterprises solve similar problems (using literature case
studies)? Were they successful? Why / why not? Could you use a similar approach in
solving your problem(s)?
A quality literature review includes relevant and recent references from academic
articles and books.
The problem investigation may include an AS-IS analysis of current processes,
highlighting problematic processes. You may need to investigate the systemic
components of the problem.
You may need to create the context (macro business processes) and zoom in on the
processes under concern. Consider using data gathering (and analyses) on current
process measures to highlight the severity of the problem, deriving improvement
objectives. You may need to re-define the project deliverables.
Have you demarcated the required solution in terms of interfaces with other processes
/ departments / information systems?
NOTE: information should not be included in your report if you cannot explain how
the information will contribute to the definition of the problem or solving the
problem.
Have the appropriate IE mechanisms (methods, skills, tools and techniques) been
considered in the review?
Also consider the set of methods / tools / skills / techniques currently used by the
enterprise. Why should these be used / not used?
Does the preliminary design indicate that the problem / project aim will be addressed
appropriately?
Discuss the reasons for selecting certain mechanisms in the light of your literature
study and environmental analysis.
Discuss how you will use the mechanisms to assist in solving the problem. Apply the
mechanisms in developing logical designs for your solution.
NOTE: your problem solution may differ from your original suggestion (during the
proposal phase). You need to update your own project plans, and manage your own
time. Project plans will NOT be assessed again.
Is the scope sufficient for a Final Year Project and is it relevant to the field of Industrial
Engineering?

BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

12

See guidance for project proposal.

Is the document written in a scientific and professional style?
See guidance for project proposal.
Due date
The Preliminary Project Report (Phase Two) due date will be published on ClickUP.
4.3.4 Intellectual property ownership of project report
The University of Pretoria has the sole Intellectual Ownership of all the Project
documents. Publication of documents from previous years have been published
electronically.
It is your responsibility to establish whether your document may be published. If not then
it is suggested that you do the following:

Make use of a fictitious name representing the Company, eg., ABC, XYZ.
Withhold or code important data

A form can be obtained from the Department to assist you with this matter.

4.4

Phase 3: Oral presentation

4.4.1 Guidance
Students have to present the preliminary project report to an audience consisting of an
examination panel and a selection of fellow students. The presentation consists of a 15-18
minutes presentation with 2-5 minutes of answering questions that may be raised.
Students may use Powerpoint or a similar presentation resource.

5.

Assessment of Project 410 (BPJ 410)

A student requires a semester mark of 40% or more for BPJ 410 for examinationallowance. Thus, if a student has a semester mark of less than 40%, he/she will not be
allowed to participate in the examination process and will fail BPJ 410.
Marks are calculated as follows:
No
Deliverable
% of Final Mark
1
Project Proposal (this also constitutes the 30%
semester mark)
2
Preliminary Project Report *
50%
3
Project Presentation
20%
TOTAL
100%
*NOTE: External examiners will only be involved to examine the preliminary project
report and not involved during project presentation.
In order to pass the module a student must obtain a final mark of at least 50%.
BPJ 410 Study Manual January 2014

13

If a student does not pass BPJ 410, he/she will not be allowed to participate in BPJ 420.
Late submissions:
Late submission of reports will be penalised by 5% if submitted within 24 hours later
than the submission date/time and 10% if submitted within 24 to 48 hours later than the
submission date/time. A student will otherwise receive a zero for the submission.
Assessment frameworks
All assessment frameworks will be published on ClickUP.

6.

General / additional information

6.1
Plagiarism
Please Note: Plagiarism of any type will not be tolerated in Project BPJ410. Please refer
to the Plagiarism Policy Document of the University of Pretoria (available online at:
http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=11297&subid=11297).
This
policy
document must be studied by all the students and students must adhere to this policy
document at all times.
6.2
Professional conduct and ethical clearance
Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally in dealings with sponsors and
personnel. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether he/she needs ethical
clearance for their specific project. All research studies (undergraduate, postgraduate or
studies by personnel) that involve humans or animals require clearance by the EBIT
Faculty Ethics Committee. These include studies in which human participants are
informants (i.e. surveys, questionnaires, interviews). Guidelines on ethical clearance are
available
from
the
Research
Ethics
webpage
of
the
Faculty
(http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=4294&subid=4294&ipklookid=7).

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14