Assignment 4 (1 October 2016)

Hi everyone

As promised, this email is a preview of what you can expect for Assignment 4 (otherwise known as 'the test').

This assignment is designed to test your understanding and application of PSDM across the full set of learning outcomes associated with this paper.

This assignment will be held during class hours on Monday 7 November 2016. Usual test conditions will apply, so you need to do the test on your own without referring to your classmates, reference notes, digital devices or other support materials. Bags and phones will need to be left at the front of the room.

I will supply your with a copy of the test paper so all you need to bring into the classroom is a pen (and maybe a drink bottle, if you need it).

This test will be open book so you may also bring the Hicks textbook with you if you like (optional). You should note that this test is about your ability to analyse and apply so the textbook isn't essential and some students may even consider it unnecessary, given that this test recalls your existing knowledge. As you have the opportunity to research your answers to the test questions before the test date, you may not find the textbook to be particularly useful in the test.

The test paper is now on Moodle so you should start by downloading a softcopy and maybe printing a hardcopy version for yourself.

(There are a few questions in the test paper that refer to practical exercises that we haven't yet covered in class. Don't worry about this as we will cover them before the 7 November.)

Think about how you want to prepare for this test over the next few weeks. Ideally, you should use the next six weeks to prepare for the test by reviewing the questions ahead of time and by preparing your answers. If you like, you may work in groups and compare possible answers to the questions prior to the test. The important things are (1) to make sure that you are familiar with the questions and (2) that you know what your answers will be on test day.

The test will start at 1:15pm so everyone should have plenty of time to arrive and settle in before this time. You will have up to two hours to complete the test, if required. As there are thirteen questions in the test paper, you should spend no more than nine or ten minutes writing your answer to each question, on average. That should be an easy task if you have prepared your answers ahead of time.

The test isn't designed to 'catch you out'. It is an opportunity for you to show-off your understanding of PSDM. Remember that your answers don't need to be long and involved; I am looking for answers that 'cut to the chase' and give me the important bits of information that I need to assess you.

Let me know if you have any problems understanding any of the questions.

Cheers

Phil