Chapter 40 — Presentation and viva | Bachelor's Information security

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Chapter 40 — Presentation and viva

Lesson map

Lesson 40 published. Map, example, EX118.

flowchart TD
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["40.1 Presentation"]
  N2["40.2 Viva"]
  N3["40.3 Outcome"]
  N4["40.4 Next steps"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4
  N4 --> EX["Worked example"]
  EX --> Q["Exercise EX118"]

Logical drawing

flowchart LR
  N0["Learning outcomes"]
  N1["40.1 Presentation"]
  N2["40.2 Viva"]
  N3["40.3 Outcome"]
  N4["40.4 Next steps"]
  N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4 --> Q["EX118"]

[Learning outcomes]
    |
    v
[40.1 Presentation]
    |
    v
[40.2 Viva]
    |
    v
[40.3 Outcome]
    |
    v
[40.4 Next steps]
    |
    v
[Worked example] --> [Exercise EX118]

Learning outcomes

You will (1) present research clearly; (2) answer examiner questions; (3) plan next steps after graduation.

40.1 Presentation

Aisha prepares a fifteen-minute presentation: problem, question, method, findings, limits and recommendations. She uses simple charts showing removal times before and after. She rehearses with classmates and times each section. Dr. Carrow advises her to state findings exactly as written in the dissertation, avoiding stronger claims under pressure. She keeps each chart simple, with clear labels and the number of leavers shown beside each bar. She prepares answers to likely questions about the design and the temporary staff finding, and practises them aloud with Dr. Carrow, who plays a demanding examiner and asks follow-up questions.

40.2 Viva

In the viva, an examiner asks whether the automated process could create new risks. Aisha explains that wrongly entered end dates could disable current staff accounts, and that Ashfield added a confirmation step for early disabling. Another asks why she did not use a comparison organisation. She explains that none was available and that she discusses this limit. The examiners appreciate her clear, honest answers. They also ask how she would extend the study, and she suggests comparing several small organisations over a longer period.

40.3 Outcome

Aisha passes with a strong mark. The examiners praise the clear measure, the investigation of exceptions and the honest limitations. Ashfield's IT manager adopts her recommendation on temporary contract end dates. Aisha reflects that her four years connected technical knowledge with governance, communication and research in one practice. Ashfield's chief executive writes to thank her for the work, noting that the recommendation has already been put into practice. Dr. Carrow invites her to speak to next year's students about her dissertation and placement. She agrees and prepares a short talk on choosing a focused question.

40.4 Next steps

Aisha accepts a junior security analyst role at a regional building society. She plans to keep learning through professional certifications and to keep a journal as she did at Pennick. Dr. Carrow reminds her that standards change; ISO/IEC 27000, for example, was revised in 2026. The next course in this area, data governance, examines how decisions about data quality and use are made, which complements her security knowledge. She also plans to stay in touch with Dr. Carrow and the Ashfield IT team, who invite her back to see the next access review.

Worked example

Aisha presents findings, answers viva questions on new risks and comparison groups, passes with a strong mark and plans continued learning.

Synthetic case. The viva is synthetic.

Errors and limits

Overstating findings under questioning damages credibility.

Exercises

EX118 — New risk. What new risk could automation create? Rubric: 3 = wrong end dates disabling current staff;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.
EX119 — Comparison answer. Why was there no comparison organisation? Rubric: 3 = none was available;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = vague;; 0 = no answer.
EX120 — Adopted recommendation. Which recommendation does Ashfield adopt? Rubric: 3 = temporary contract end dates;; 2 = partly correct;; 1 = other;; 0 = none.

Continue studying — lesson 40 (chapter 40 of 40)

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