This module aims to provide students with both a structured and detailed understanding of the methods of defining the objectives of a dissertation or consultancy project. The focus of this will be on ensuring that the proposal developed has a clearly defined purpose, measurable objectives, and an achievable timescale for completion. The module aims to illustrate the nature of a literature review to synthesize and critically evaluate existing published knowledge of the problem to be investigated, whilst also analysing the process and support necessary for the successful completion of a dissertation or consultancy project.