Define the task

At the beginning of a team project there's often a period of uncertainty, even confusion, about what you're doing. Whilst this may be a creative period, it's important to establish as soon as possible a clear understanding - shared by all members of the team - of what is required.

Make sure that all group members are clear about:

• the purpose of the project
  
  
  • What are your agreed goals?
  • What area of knowledge should you cover?
  • What skills should you demonstrate / develop?
  • How is it relevant to the work you've been doing?
    
    
• the product required at the end of the project
  
  
  • What form should it take, eg structured report or presentation?
  • What key elements or stages should be included?
  • What's the required layout, word count, method of presentation?
    
    
• how the project will be assessed
  
  
  • What elements of the project will be assessed?
  • What criteria will be used?
  • Who will assess it?
  • How will marks be allocated - ie on an individual basis only, or is there also a group element?
    
    
• deadlines
  
  
  • Intermediate?
  • Final?

For answers to these questions, refer to:

• your module handbook
  
  
• Blackboard
  
  
• your tutor
  
  
• other students
  
  
• any available examples of successful past projects.

See also:

• Working in a group: SMART objectives
  
  
• Avoiding plagiarism