LEARNER GUIDE

Faculty Engineering and Technology

Department Electrical Engineering

Course Computer Systems

Title EIPRC4A Work Integrated Learning 3

Compiled By KT Nshimba

Year 2024

NQF Level 6

Credits 30

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CONTACT DETAILS
DEPARTMENT OFFICE E-MAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
Computer Systems Coordinator R005 [email protected] 0169507519

Co-operative Education N000 [email protected] 016 950 9161

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
• It is the student's responsibility to register for WBL before training commences.
• The student will simultaneously register for EIEXC1A, EIEXC2A and EIPRC4A, which are
the three components of workplace-based learning.
• The registration, completion, and submission of reports must be done according to the
guidelines on page 4.
• An accredited assessor, appointed by the industry, will assess the project. This assessor
must have a qualification equal to or higher than the assessment qualification.
• The student must do the training under the supervision of a mentor, who could also be
the assessor if the mentor has the necessary qualifications.
• A VUT-accredited staff member will act as an examiner.
• The assessor must complete page 6, the assessor’s declaration (page 9), and the
assessment report (pages 8 to 17).
• If the mentor or assessor needs assistance, contact the Computer Systems Coordinator at
VUT. (See top of page)
• To fulfil the requirements of the Diploma: Electrical Engineering: Computer Systems, the
student must complete all academic requirements, as well as the three Workplace Based
Learning components.
• The syllabus Appendix B is a generic WBL syllabus for the study fields of Computer
Systems Engineering.
• Graduate Attribute 12 (GA12) is to be covered in this module as part of the requirements
of the Engineering Counsel of South Africa (ECSA). The Computer Systems Engineering
Syllabus Appendix B contains a detailed GA explanation.

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 REGISTRATION AND REPORT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Workplace-Based Learning (WBL) Registration

Registration procedure:

• Registration for this module (EIPRC4A) should be done simultaneously with modules
EIEXC1A and EIEXC2A.
• This project module (EIPRC4A) carries a credit value of 30 and need to be completed
within the training period.

Workplace-Based Learning (WBL) Reports

After you have successfully completed with your WBL 2, take note of the important documents
that need to be submitted for WBL 3.

Submission procedures:
• The project proposal, as well as completed page 4 must be emailed to the VUT Computer
Systems Engineering coordinator within the first three weeks after this module of WBL3
commences.
• A progress report giving a summary of your project needs to be submitted midway
through your project.
• A well formatted final project document (according to Appendix B) must be submitted
when the end or your training period. Make use of appendix C for the project format.
• A completed project rubric document (Appendix A) must be submitted at the end of the
training period.

NB. Refer to section 1.1 below for project proposal guidelines.

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 GENERAL INFORMATION – TRAINING SCHEDULE REPORT
WBL (EIPRC4A)
STUDENT STUDENT’S
NUMBER: POSTAL ADDRESS:
INITIALS & SURNAME:

ID NUMBER:

E-MAIL:

TELEPHONE (WORK): CELL PHONE:

COMPANY
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
NAME:
NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN
DIVISION:
TRAINING:
TRAINING SITE/STREET NUMBER OF ECSA REGISTERED
ADDRESS: STAFF:
COMPANY’S SPECIALIZATION FIELD
OR PRODUCTS

ASSESSOR INITIALS ACCREDITED ASSESSOR:

& SURNAME: Y/N

E-MAIL: CELL OR TELEPHONE:

WBL START DATE: END DATE:

STUDENT
SIGNATURE:

ASSESSOR
SIGNATURE:

VUT OFFICE
USE: ACCEPTED □ DECLINED □

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 1. PROJECT PROPOSAL

1.1 PROJECT PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

• Students are required to submit a project proposal within the first four weeks following
the commencement of this module.
• The proposal must be co-signed by both the assessor and the student to ensure mutual
agreement and understanding of the project scope and objectives.
• Projects can be undertaken individually or as part of a team, provided the student is
currently involved in the team project. The primary goal is to afford students the
opportunity to gain experience with industrial projects.
• The project's focus area will be designated by the employer, encompassing a range of
potential topics including but not limited to:

1. Computer Systems and Hardware Engineering: Focuses on projects

related to the design, development, and testing of computer hardware,
including microprocessors, circuit boards, and peripherals. This stream could
also cover embedded systems and computer architecture.

2. Software Development and Engineering: Encompasses projects

involving software design, coding, testing, and maintenance. This stream can
be divided into subcategories such as web development, mobile app
development, and enterprise software solutions.

3. Network and Cybersecurity: Dedicated to the design, implementation,

and security of network systems. Projects can range from setting up secure
network infrastructures to developing new cybersecurity protocols and
measures.

4. Cloud Computing and Infrastructure: Involves projects cantered on

cloud services, virtualization technologies, and the management of cloud-based
computing resources. This stream can also explore the optimization of cloud
infrastructure for efficiency and scalability.

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 5. Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Technologies: Covers projects
related to the development and integration of IoT devices and systems,
including smart home technologies, industrial IoT applications, and wearable
devices.

7. Database Management and Development: Focuses on projects involving

the design, implementation, and optimization of database systems. This can
include relational databases, NoSQL databases, and data warehousing.

8. Operating Systems and Platform Development: Involves projects

related to the development and enhancement of operating systems, device
drivers, and system-level software.

9. Emerging Technologies and Innovation: A broad category that allows

students to explore projects in cutting-edge areas such as augmented reality
(AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain technology, and AI.

By providing these categories, students can choose a path that best matches
their interests, career goals, and the technological focus of their workplace.
This structured approach also helps companies identify projects that can
leverage the students' contributions for tangible outcomes, aligning with their
strategic objectives and technological needs.

• Projects may take place in an engineering setting, which typically encompasses servers,
desktop computers, industrial computing devices, and systems. This environment may
involve working with hardware, operating systems, and proprietary software systems of
the employer.
• Students should employ suitable techniques, resources, and contemporary engineering
tools to execute a clearly defined engineering project while cognizant of its limitations,
boundaries, assumptions, and constraints.
• Effective communication is paramount; students must demonstrate proficiency in
articulating project objectives, progress, and outcomes both verbally and in written
form, within an engineering framework.

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 • The program emphasises the importance of independent and lifelong learning,
encouraging students to cultivate advanced learning skills for continuous personal and
professional development.
• Note that you can’t start with a project that has not been approved, otherwise your final
submission will not be recognised.

1.2 PROJECT PROPOSAL FORMAT

Refer to appendix B for the proposal format. Your project proposal will
become chapter 1 of your final project report, that means your proposal
should contain the following sections:

1 Background to the Project

Students are expected to describe in general terms the larger area of the problem
being investigated. This will serve as the basis of introducing the problem. It will
also be a way to establish a relationship that exists between the problem being
investigated and the larger area of concern to people and organizations.

2 Statement of the Problem

The research study is to provide answers /solutions to identified problems.

Students should be able to state the problem clearly and convincingly and
justify/show the necessity to find the solution to it, as well as the implication of
such a problem. If possible, such a problem could be linked to a given theory or
fact.

3 Main Objective and Specific Objectives of the Project

The author is expected to narrow the problem or state the problem in specific
terms. The purpose of the study is to find a solution to the problem or find
relationships that exist between the problem and other problems by breaking the
problem into its component parts through exploration or analysis. Three (3) to
Four (4) specific statements (objectives) of what the project intends to do to
achieve the main objective could be stated.

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4. Significance of the Study

This section provides justification for the study and what will be contributed to
knowledge by the study if successfully carried out. It provides the author with the
opportunity to justify his/her attempt to solve the problem.

5. Scope of the Study

Delimitation or scope of the study enables the researcher to circumscribe his

research within a manageable limit. It provides the researcher with the opportunity
to explain the boundaries of the study and describe the aspects of a general /wide
problem area covered as well as what aspects will not be covered.

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 VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
WORKPLACE BASED LEARNING (WBL)
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

PROJECT ASSESSMENT REPORT

EIPRC4A

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 ASSESSOR DECLARATION – ASSESMENT REPORT WBL PROJECT
(EIPRC4A)

STUDENT INITIALS AND SURNAME:

VUT - STUDENT NUMBER:

ID NUMBER:

COMPANY:

TRAINING TO
WBL:
PERIOD
START DATE: COMPLETION DATE:

ASSESSOR INITIALS AND SURNAME:

CELL OR TELEPHONE
NUMBER:

E-MAIL:

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSOR
DECLARATION
I, the above-mentioned assessor, declare that the above-mentioned student has completed this
workplace-based learning module (WBL) of the qualification in the mentioned period under my
supervision. The student was found competent in the outcomes as specified in the assessment
report.

SIGNATURE: DATE:

VUT OFFICIAL FINAL MARK:

SIGNATURE: DATE:

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LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

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 APPENDIX A

RUBRIC FOR FINAL ASSESSMENT OF GA 12

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE 12: WORKPLACE PRACTICES
SUBJECT: WORKPLACE-BASED LEARNING

STUDENT NAME: ………………….………….

STUDENT NO.: ….……………………………

DATE: …………………………………………..

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GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE 12: WORKPLACE PRACTICES

Learning outcome: Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve engineering problems consistent
with academic learning achieved.
• The balance of investigation and experiment should be appropriate to the discipline. An investigation or
experimental study should be typical of those in which the graduate would participate in an employment situation
shortly after graduation.
Where is the In the final Workplace project report.
outcome
assessed?
How is this outcome Students must submit a report, validated by a mentor, demonstrating their capability to:
assessed?

• Utilize computer engineering principles to develop, construct, and configure

systems within the workplace-based learning environment.
• Employ computer engineering principles for the design or enhancement of existing
systems.
• Implement computer engineering principles to innovate or improve processes
within the workplace.
• Certainly! Here are additional points that build upon the initial requirements,
showcasing a comprehensive application of computer engineering principles in a
workplace-based learning setting:
• Analyse and evaluate the performance of implemented systems, employing
computer engineering principles to identify optimization opportunities and
implement effective solutions.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve
technical issues that arise during the development or operation of systems.

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 • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, using computer engineering
principles to communicate technical concepts clearly and contribute to
interdisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrate an understanding of industry standards and regulatory
requirements relevant to computer engineering, ensuring that all projects comply
with these guidelines.
• Employ computer engineering principles to assess the security implications of
systems and processes, implementing robust security measures and protocols to
protect organizational data.
• Integrate sustainability considerations into system design and development,
applying computer engineering principles to promote environmental responsibility
and resource efficiency.
What is satisfactory The student must comply with conducting a proper investigation and experiment to
performance?
uncover the required information. The student should reflect the following in the report:

• define the scope, methodology, and literature review,

• analyse the results, draw conclusions, provide possible solutions (outcome if
experimental),
• report on the work in writing, keeping in mind to use appropriate methods/tools.
• Include a portion of data/data analysis in the literature review.

This graduate attribute is assessed by a comprehensive four (4) level rubric where a
minimum set of outcomes must be met to prove competency. The GA assessment is
categorised as follow:
• Poor - student does not comply at all,

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 • Borderline - may comply with corrections,
• Competent - min to moderate compliance is met,
• exceed expectation – max compliance is met.

All objectives must be achieved with at least the foundational level of adherence as
specified by the assessment criteria. This involves a detailed evaluation of the necessity
for the project. Computer engineering students must comprehend the critical importance
of experimental and project-based work, demonstrating proficiency in planning and
executing technology-driven projects. In particular, they are expected to:

1. Choose the most appropriate hardware and software tools for conducting research
or experimental projects, showcasing the ability to accurately select and utilize
the necessary technology with minimal mistakes.

2. Independently set up and conduct experiments or simulations using specified

hardware and software, requiring negligible assistance. They demonstrate a
significant degree of autonomy in navigating and employing complex
computational tools and environments.

3. Analyse, interpret, and draw meaningful insights from data collected during the
project. Perform precise calculations or analyses with minor discrepancies.

4. They should also be capable of comparing experimental data with theoretical

concepts, acknowledging any discrepancies, measurement inaccuracies, and
variables that could influence the outcomes.

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 5. Formulate conclusions based on a thorough analysis of all gathered data. The
conclusions should be detailed in a coherent paragraph that encapsulates the
project's findings, exhibits a logical flow, and suggests avenues for future research
or development.

6. Compile the project's objectives, methodology, and findings into a well-organized

technical report. Although the report might omit a few negligible details, it should
largely reflect the attributes of a comprehensive and professional document,
including being properly bound.
What is the Achieving this attribute is a critical requirement for successfully completing Workplace
consequence of Based Learning. Non-compliance will result in failure, regardless of whether the aggregate
unsatisfactory score from all summative assessments is a pass. Students who do not satisfy one or more
performance? of the criteria will be afforded a second opportunity, within specified deadlines, to fulfil all
requirements for the Graduate Attribute (GA). Should a student fail to meet all criteria
after this second chance, they will not pass the module, and their record will indicate 'Fail
to meet GA 12'.

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RUBRICS FOR PROJECT REPORT
Note: 10-40% (1-4), 50-70% (5-7), 80-100% = 8-10,
ECSA Candidate’s Not comply Satisfactory to Excellent
Graduate Surname &
Attribute Initials (1-4) (5-7) (8-10) Multiplyin Max
g factor mark
Demonstrates a minimal Demonstrates an Demonstrates a
level of understanding of adequate level of high level of
the problem, literature understanding of the understanding of
review with references problem, literature the problem,
(<5), and ability to use review with references literature review
data for analysis and (at least 5), and ability with references
interpretation. to use data for analysis (>5), and ability
and interpretation. to use data for
analysis and
interpretation.
Chapter 1 X1.75
How does the
candidate logically
lead the reader
toward the
problem to be
investigated?

Is the problem
clearly stated or
defined giving the
research a central
structure?
Chapter 2 X1.75
Does the
candidate

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demonstrate a
clear
understanding of
the issues that are
at stake?

Does he/she know

what others have
written about this
area and field of
investigation?
(Literature review)

Does he/she
know what sort of
conclusions they
have come to?

Does he/she know

what methods
they have used to
come to those
conclusions?
Pass …….. or Fail……. (tick)
/35
SUB-TOTAL
MARKS

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Chapter 3 X1.5
Does the
candidate give a
very detailed
account of the
exact
experimental
conditions,
components, and
equipment used to
do the
experimental
research?
Would others be
able to follow the
account and get
the same results?

Is the application
of the process
(method) of
research to this
research project
convincingly
described, i.e.
does the
candidate

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understand and
effectively apply
the method?

Chapter 4 X1.5
Are all the
results obtained
interpreted by
the candidate?

How accurate
are the results?

How much effort

was made to
validate the
accuracy of the
results?

|Does an
objective
reading of these
results lead to
potential
answers to the

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research
question?

Chapter 4 X1.5

Does the
candidate deal
with the
implications of
the
interpretation of
the results?

Does the
candidate
demonstrate
what the
bearings are
that the results
have on the
field of inquiry?

Does the
candidate
suggest further
topics of
research for
other
researchers?

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Logical
Development:

Does the
candidate
demonstrate
that he/she has
control of the
“rhetoric of
research” or the
process of
making an
argument and
convincing the
reader of the
results?

Does the
structure of the
document
support this?

Pass …….. or Fail……. (tick)

SUB-TOTAL /45
MARKS

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 Is the report X1.2
structured and
presented in a
quality
consistent with
best-practice
scholarly journal
articles?

Is the X0.8
presentation
clear and
professionally
laid out?
Are the slides
and use of
media well
executed?
Pass …….. or Fail……. (tick)
SUB-TOTAL /20
MARKS

OVERALL TOTAL /100

Note: Any failure of a GA caps the
overall mark to 45% if the overall
mark is equal to or greater than
50%
NAME SIGNATURE DATE

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GA12 YES
Compliant WIL CO-ORDINATOR

NO MODERATOR

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i