Study Guide

Objective

The main objective is to train students from different countries and different disciplines to work together in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary groups. The students work together to execute an integrated engineering, design and business project, focusing on:

• The development of personal competences, especially the ability to work and communicate within cross-cultural groups.

• The interrelated work of several disciplines like mechanical & electrical engineering, information technology, business & management, etc.

Content

A project performed by a multi-national, multi-disciplinary team of 3 to 6 students. This is the main content of the semester. In the beginning of the semester, the available projects are presented after which the students are given the opportunity to give their preferences for which project they want to participate in. The students are then divided into teams in the beginning of the semester based on their own preferences, major studies, and nationality. The aim is to have a good mix of both nationalities and competences in each team.
The EPS-projects at Novia UAS are typically in the fields of renewable energy, energy saving, robotics and “cleantec” but other topics can occur. The students should note that the aim in EPS is not only to have multidisciplinary teams, but also multidisciplinary projects. This means that one project typically requires different competencies.

Location and time

Novia UAS, Vaasa campus, EPS room and Tritonia library
16 weeks of full-time study (37.5 hours/week), including lectures and project work

Materials

PMI: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
Fundamentals in Project Management
Additional literature recommended by the supervisor

Teaching methods

Teaching methods:
Lectures
Group work
Practical exercises
Independent work
Weekly meetings with supervisors

Employer connections

Projects are often initiated in cooperation with external stakeholders or companies, particularly in fields such as renewable energy and cleantech

Exam schedules

Midterm report and presentation (Week 7–8)
Final report and presentation (Week 15–16)
Ongoing peer review & self-assessments

International connections

The programme is specifically designed for collaboration in multicultural and international teams

Completion alternatives

No alternative completion methods beyond the project and support courses included in the EPS structure

Student workload

Full-time workload (37.5 hours/week)
Project work + supporting courses
Total workload corresponds to 30 ECTS

Content scheduling

Weeks 1–2: Teambuilding, project introduction
Weeks 3–8: Project definition, selecting a solution
Weeks 9–14: Solution development
Weeks 15–16: Final report, presentation, video/social media output

Further information

Attendance at meetings and presentations is mandatory
One longer trip (up to 5 days) is permitted without ECTS reduction
Sick leave over 5 days affects ECTS unless compensated with extra work

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

See the EPS Course Book

Assessment criteria, good (3)

See the EPS Course Book

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

See the EPS Course Book

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

See the EPS Course Book

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment methods and criteria:
Report’s professional content: 35%
Report’s communication value: 15%
Oral presentation: 15%
Teamwork and process performance: 35%

Qualifications

Inga förkunskapskrav