Week 1

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

Complete Proposal Outline

• Draft Outline: Write at least one sentence for each of the five sections
• Prepare for Presentation: Start planning how you’ll present your project in the next session

This outline will serve as the foundation for your complete proposal.
Focus on capturing the essence of each section rather than perfecting the language.