BU Research Blog

There are new projects in the SPB for dissertations, unit work or extra-curricular experience.

SPB089: Animated reconstruction of WWII bombing decoy for RAF Hurn and RAF Ibsley

At the commencement of War World II the Air Ministry formed a secret department to oversee ways to fool the German Luftwaffe by using decoys and other means of deception. There was a decoy airfield on Lower Common, Three Legged Cross that simulated the flare path lighting of the local RAF Hurn & RAF Ibsley fighter stations as a lure to encourage attack by night bombers and intruder aircraft. Create an animation to help visitors visualise the decoy in operation at night and gain an understanding of how it was operated. The animation will be displayed in the Moors Valley Country Park visitor centre and online on their website and social media channels with the aim of encouraging members of the public to engage with history and heritage of park. It will also be the basis of an augmented reality app (see project SPB098).

SPB094: Bournemouth in Bloom website re-design

Bournemouth in Bloom is a voluntary group that encourages the residents of Bournemouth to take care of and have pride in their community. By improving our environment, we aim to make Bournemouth one of the most beautiful towns in the UK. Build upon the existing WordPress site to expand it into a resource for the local community that connects schools, Bournemouth in Bloom groups and partners in the community.

SPB95: Public Perceptions of Homelessness

Investigate the causes of homelessness in Bournemouth and how this affects those who experience it. Highlight all definitions of homelessness. Carry out qualitative and quantitative research via surveys and interviews and compile a report on your findings. There is the possibility of interviewing people who are liaising with local agencies and charities under the supervision of Citizen’s Advice. The aim of this project is to provide a fair representation of the experience of homelessness in Bournemouth. It will give a voice to one of the most vulnerable social groups, highlight local issues in the private rental sector and challenge stereotypes of homeless people. The results of this project will be used to inform the general public of the issues faced by vulnerable groups in society and to support Bournemouth Borough Council in working with these groups.

SPB97: Evaluate the impact of a programme to support people who suffer long term health issues to return to work

Tomorrow’s People is in partnership with Borough of Poole, Health Education England and JP Morgan to support patients with physical or mental health symptoms which have prevented them from engaging with education, training, volunteering or employment. Referrals to the programme come direct from GPs and other local agencies across Poole, with no charge for participating organisations. Agencies such as Social Services, PCVS, Job Hubs and Jobcentre Plus use the service to offer additional impartial support in a ‘trusted’ environment, as part of a more tailored one-to-one approach. The programme has reduced the demand on Primary Care Services and at the same time has helped long term unemployed people to return to work. Produce a methodology and conduct an evaluation of the programme in the Bournemouth area. Provide a report of your findings.

SPB098: Augmented reality app for the reconstruction of WWII bombing decoy for RAF Ibsley and RAF Hurn

At the commencement of War World II the Air Ministry formed a secret department to oversee ways to fool the German Luftwaffe by using decoys and other means of deception. There was a decoy airfield on Lower Common, Three Legged Cross that simulated the flare path lighting of the local RAF Hurn & RAF Ibsley fighter stations as a lure to encourage attack by night bombers and intruder aircraft. Create an augmented reality app that will help visitors visualise the decoy in operation at night and gain an understanding of how it was operated. The app will utilise an animation of the decoy in action created for project SPB089.

SPB99: Enriching Lives – assessing the impact of intergenerational activities

‘Enriching Lives’ is a project that aims to bring together nursery and primary school children and McCarthy & Stone homeowners to participate in a variety of activities. The Enriching Lives project is intended to contribute to the debate about the benefits of intergenerational living, and to assist local and national government to formulate their plans for a more cohesive community and social fabric, whilst enriching the lives of McCarthy & Stone homeowners and children in the local area. Design and implement a strategy to assess the impact of the project on the McCarthy & Stone homeowners and the school children. The results of this study will be used by McCarthy & Stone in the process of deciding to roll out the Enriching Lives project across their properties.

SPB100: Eat Fit, Keep Fit media package for St. Mark’s Primary School

The Sports Ambassadors at St Mark’s Primary School want to create a media package (video presentation, advert) promoting how to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes showing what exercises could be done, how to prepare and eat healthy food and to generally promote healthy living. The children want to produce a package which would not only go on the school website but that could be sent out to other schools. Work with the Sports Ambassadors to create a video presentation and advert promoting healthy living.

SPB102: Website review and redevelopment for Wessex Entrepreneurs

Wessex Entrepreneurs support, mentor and, if needed, raise funding for many types of enterprises through a substantial network. Assess the Wessex Entrepreneurs website and propose improvements to update the website. Present your proposal to members of Wessex Entrepreneurs and implement the agreed updates.

SPB103: Social media marketing plan for Wessex Entrepreneurs

Wessex Entrepreneurs support, mentor and, if needed, raise funding for many types of enterprises through a substantial network. Wessex Entrepreneurs are looking to expand their membership base and raise awareness of the events they run via social media. Design a social media campaign that Wessex Entrepreneurs can utilise to achieve this.

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Projects are available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students at BU and can be used for dissertations, assignments, unit, or group work. Send us an email to request a project brief and application form.