Computing Research Project: AI Transformation in Barclays Bank, UK

This computing research project delves into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformation within the financial services sector, specifically focusing on Barclays Bank in the UK. The research aims to explore the concept of AI transformation, identify the challenges associated with its implementation, and determine its role within the context of Barclays Bank. It employs research questions centered around the meaning and concept of AI transformation, the challenges encountered during its adoption, and its overall impact on financial services. The project outlines the researcher's responsibilities, emphasizes the importance of informed consent and ethical considerations, and acknowledges the value of increasing knowledge in both financial services and artificial intelligence. The research methodology involves literature reviews, data collection, and analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The project further includes a proposal form and ethics approval, to ensure academic integrity.

Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Computing
PEARSON SET ASSIGNMENT
UNIT 13: Computing Research Project
For use with the following qualifications: Pearson BTEC Higher National
Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Computing
Issue 1

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Unit 13 – Computing Research Project
Outline Project Brief and Assessment Criteria
This sample assessment project brief and assessment criteria are for the following qualifications:
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Network Engineering)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Data Analytics)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Security)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Intelligent Systems)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Applications Development)
HNC/D in Computing 2016 3
HNC/D in Computing 2017 3

Contents
Unit Planning 5
The role of the Tutor 6
Milestones and interim feedback 6
Authentication of a project 6
Guidance for Tutors 7
Guidance for Students 7
Proposal form 8
Computing Research Project Brief 9
Templates 10
Research Proposal Form 10
Research Ethics Approval Form 12
Assessment Criteria 16
4 HNC/D in Computing 2017

C/D in Computing 2016
Unit Planning
The aim of this unit is to offer students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific
field of study. The unit enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research
theme, to develop research aims, objectives and outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research
in both written and verbal formats. The unit also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in
the research process, during which recommendations for future and personal development are key
learning points.
Students will choose their own research project based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change
annually). The project must be related to their specialist pathway of study (unless the student is studying
the general Computing pathway). This will enable students to explore and examine a relevant and current
topical aspect of Computing in the context of their chosen specialist pathway.
Centers should consider the best way to deliver the unit according to the needs of the students.
Possible delivery methods include whole-class teaching, small group teaching, or e-learning.
The unit should be taught in the way(s) most appropriate to the students and the center. Some
suggestions include:
• a block of lessons at the start of the course
• lessons throughout the course
• small-group teaching, focusing on relevant aspects
• the teaching of, or seminars on, research methods, project management, and/or subject-
specific skills delivered by external experts.
Delivery should include the development of:
• project management skills
• research skills
• writing, investigative, field study, performance or production skills, as appropriate
presentation skills.
Please note that there is a suggested scheme of work for this unit linked to HN Global at
www.highernationals.com.

The role of the Tutor
All students should have initial guidance in planning their work and regular monitoring meetings. However,
when reviewing drafts of students’ work, tutors should ensure they use their professional judgment and do
not give excessive guidance. The student should meet individually with their tutor to monitor the research
project and ensure it is progressing in an appropriate direction and at a pace which will enable the student to
meet the assessment requirements. Students will perform best if some time is allocated within the normal
center timetable for working on the research project. The tutor must be able to authenticate the work as the
student’s own, which can be done by regular monitoring of progress and conducting interim reviews.
Milestones and interim feedback
The purpose of milestones is to monitor the progress of the project and to maintain momentum, making it
more likely that the project will succeed. Each milestone should be a clear, achievable activity that the
student aims to achieve by a particular time. Students should agree at least two milestones with their tutor.
Examples of milestones include:
• completing and discussing the research proposal form
• producing a first draft of findings
• completing all primary research.
At each milestone, the tutor liaises with the student to check whether it has been achieved. They may
need to redirect the student if necessary.
Authentication of a project
Centers are to provide confirmation of the authenticity of a project. It is important that students are made
aware of the issue of plagiarism. Students are required to sign a declaration stating that the work they are
submitting is their own.

6 HNC/D in Computing 2017

Guidance for Tutors
Research project briefs for this unit must be based on a proposal defined by the student.
• The student must agree and sign off their research proposal with you before embarking on their
project. If this requires extra time to agree, this could be addressed through the student’s tutorial
time.
• On the following pages, there is an example of a research project proposal. This will form the basis of
their project and must be related to their specific pathway unless the student is on the general
Computing pathway.
• Students must complete the research project in order to complete their work for this unit.
• Group work is not appropriate for this project. Student work must be individual.
• Students should be taught how to go about planning, researching, conducting, recording and
reflecting on the research project.
• It is advisable to direct students to appropriate research sources and advise on qualitative and
quantitative methods.
• Students will need to reflect on the success of their research project and their performance at the end
of the project, with the inclusion of project evaluation and recommendations.
• The research project can take the following forms:
○Dissertation.
○Feasibility study.
○Investigation/fieldwork.
Guidance for Students
You should read this information before starting to define and work through your research brief. You
should refer to these instructions as you complete work for this unit.
• Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as the foundation for the
project.
• Choose a topic of personal interest in a specialism. The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and
suitable degree of research through the existence of adequate background materials.
• A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria:
○The proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that can be
reviewed.
○The proposal extends a current line of learning that will lend itself to further
rigorous exploration.

• Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample.
• Ensure that your proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be submitted prior to
completion of research as part of the research proposal.
• Agree your research proposal with your tutor before beginning your research.
• Conduct your research as outlined in the proposal agreed with your tutor.
• Carry out your research, analyze your research findings and draw conclusions. Apply both
qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research.
• Communicate your research outcomes in a manner appropriate to your audience.
• You will be asked to reflect on the success of your research project and evaluate the
problems/issues encountered.
• On the following pages, there is an example of a research project brief.
• You must complete the research project in order to complete your work for this unit.
Proposal form
• You will need to reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the
project with the inclusion of project evaluation and recommendations.
• The research project can take the following forms:
○Dissertation.
○Feasibility study.
○Investigation/fieldwork.

Computing Research Project Brief
• Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question, objectives or
hypothesis.
• Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualization of your proposed area of
study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
• Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate an
understanding of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that
might arise.
• Draw points (1–3, above) together into a research proposal for an agreement with your tutor.
• Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work.
• Carry out your research and analyze your findings in relation to your original research question.
Draw conclusions.
• Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.
• Reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the project
with the inclusion of project evaluation and recommendations.
HNC/D in Computing 2017 9

Templates
Research Proposal Form
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Proposed title
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Section 1: Introduction
Research title
To evaluate the Artificial
Intelligence Transformation in
Financial Services: In the context
of Barclays Bank, UK
Research objectives

This research is emphasized on
Artificial Intelligence
Transformation in Financial
Services: In the context of
Barclays Bank, UK. The
following objectives will be
accomplished by the researcher
to meet the aim of this study:
 To explore the meaning
and concept of Artificial
Intelligence
Transformation in
Financial Services: In the
context of Barclays Bank,
UK.
 To discover the
challenges of Artificial
Intelligence
Transformation in
Financial Services: In the
context of Barclays Bank,
UK.
 To the role of Artificial
Intelligence
Transformation in
Financial Services: In the
context of Barclays Bank,
UK.
Research questions
 What is the meaning and
concept of Artificial
Intelligence
Transformation and
Financial Services?
 What are the challenges
of Artificial Intelligence
Transformation in
Financial Services: In the
context of Barclays Bank,
UK?
 What is the role of
Artificial Intelligence
Transformation in
Financial Services: In the
context of Barclays Bank,
UK?
Research responsibilities
In the research, there are certain
responsibilities that are
performed by the researcher
named research participants
subject participation, training,
Informed Consent, Continuing
Review, Complaints, a record of
retention, IRB approval,
Amendments, and consideration
of university guidelines.