Coursework Assignment

Academic year 2007/8

Coursework Title: Self-directed Research Articles
Coursework Due Dates: 22 Oct 2007, 12 Nov 2007, 26 Nov 2007, 14 Dec 2007, 14 Jan 2008
Lecturer: C Nguyen

COURSEWORK DESCRIPTION

The objective this coursework is to develop your ability to conduct self-directed research, critical analysis and reflection. These skills are required in order to understand and effectively use new technology that you will encounter later in your career.

The coursework mark is the average of the highest 4 marks from the following 5 articles. This coursework contributes 60% to the M591 unit mark.

Each article should inform the reader in a way that is easy to understand and reflects your own personal style. There is no text length requirements for each assignment. You may use supporting images, charts, diagrams and other visual elements from outside sources as long as each source is properly cited within your report using the Harvard APA referencing and citation format.

Article 1 was due 22 Oct 2007
Select two methods used for identification purposes. Each method must be from a different industry and both must be outside the computer or networking industry. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The attributes used for identification.
The authentication methods used to verify identity.
The historical context leading to the current identification methods.
The person or group who benefits the most from the use of the current identification methods.
Known and potential effects on collection of personal data.

Article 2 was due 12 Nov 2007
Select two authentication or data security systems. One must use an open source license and one must use a commercial license. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The technology used to implement each system.
The cost of purchasing and installing each system.
The cost of supporting and maintaining each system.
The known and potential weaknesses of each system.
The type of organization that would most likely benefit from using each system.

Article 3 was due 26 Nov 2007
Select two commercial authentication or data security systems. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The patent(s) used in each system.
Known attacks on each system.
Known and potential effects on personal privacy issues.
The commercial strategy used to sell each system.

Article 4 was due 14 Dec 2007
This article has been replaced by a case study of the lost CDs containing UK Child Benefits data.
Select two legislative acts that have direct effects on identity, authentication or data security. Each legislative act must be from a different country. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The political objective(s) of each legislative act.
The amount of government spending that may have been caused by each legislative act.
Known and potential effects on personal privacy issues.
Estimates of the success of each legislative act towards achieving their political objective(s).
Considerations of the possibility for achieving similar political objective(s) through business markets.

Article 5 was due 14 Jan 2008
Write a provisional patent application for a new idea that relates to one of the earlier assignments or topics discussed in this unit.

COURSEWORK SUBMISSION

Students are required to submit their coursework online using the Mosaic website.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Each coursework article will be marked according to the following criteria:

(1) Critical Analysis and Reflection (50 marks)

Marks	Criteria
40–50	Article indicates an understanding of authentication and data security which is supported by thoughtful personal reflection and considerations of technical, political and economic issues.
35–39	Article contains effective analysis of authentication and data security which is supported by thoughtful personal reflection and considerations of technical, political and economic issues.
30–34	Article contains analysis of authentication and data security with some personal reflection and considerations of technical, political and economic issues.
25–29	Article addresses authentication and data security with some considerations of technical, political and economic issues.
20–24	Article has some considerations of technical, political and economic issues relevant to authentication and data security.
0–19	There is insufficient consideration of authentication and data security issues.

(2) Evidence of Research (30 marks)

Marks	Criteria
22–30	Article follows a creative and purposeful plan of inquiry supported by primary research and relevant research sources.
21	Article follows a creative and purposeful plan of inquiry supported by relevant research sources.
18–20	Article follows a purposeful plan of inquiry supported by relevant research sources.
15–17	Article follows a plan of inquiry supported by relevant research sources.
12–14	Article is supported by relevant research sources.
0–11	There is insufficient evidence of research.

(3) Writing Mechanics (20 marks)

Marks	Criteria
16–20	Article effectively uses a personal style that has a purposeful and easy to follow structure with very few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
14–15	Article has a purposeful and easy to follow structure with very few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
12–13	Article has a clear structure and few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
10–11	Article has some structure and some grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
8–9	Article has minimal structure and some grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
0–7	Article has an ineffective structure and contains many grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.