[Clients]  [Students]  [Advisors]  [Instructor]  [Current and Past Projects]

 

Expectations of Clients

Actual projects in real organizations play a vitally important role in the education of Industrial Engineering students.  The participation of clients who sponsor projects is not only highly valued, but can make a significant difference in the quality of student experience.  The following guidelines will maximize the likelihood of a successful project.

  • Respond promptly to inquiries from students.
  • Meet with the students as soon as possible after the start of the semester to scope the project.
  • Review the student generated Statement of Work in a timely fashion.  If it is acceptable, approve it; if not, provide appropriate feedback.
  • Enable access to the necessary data and information.
  • Be clear and consistent on the objectives of the project.
  • Avoid directing students to particular solutions.
  • Communicate any concerns or issues to the course instructor as soon as they arise.
  • Fill out and return a client satisfaction survey at project completion.

  

Expectations of Students

The capstone project is a sort of bridging experience between one’s educational experience and professional practice.  Students will work more independently than they do in the typical college course, but still under the guidance of a faculty member.  Projects involve real problems faced by actual companies in the present, yet certain academic requirements still apply.  The expectations of students participating in the course are outlined below.

General Expectations

  • Be a team player.  Do your part, share the work equally, and collaborate with others to realize the project objectives.  Treat others with respect. 
  • Communicate frequently and clearly.
  • Act professionally in all interactions with clients, team members, and faculty members.  Respect your sponsor’s company rules.
  • Make every effort to attend all classes and scheduled meetings punctually.
  • Follow through on commitments. Come prepared to meetings and work sessions. Avoid making excuses and hold each other accountable.
  • Maintain confidentiality on all client data and information.
  • Be honest.  Exhibit ethical conduct.

Project Execution

  • Use project management tools and concepts to manage your project.
  • Apply as many tools and concepts from your IE curriculum as you can, and be willing to learn new ones.
  • Hold project management meetings at least weekly where actions from the previous meeting are reviewed, progress assessed, and plans made for the coming week.
  • Every team member participates meaningfully in project planning meetings.   Rotate “project lead” responsibilities among all team members. 
  • Keep your workspace, papers, electronic files and so forth neat and orderly.
  • Track expenses and stay under budget.  Prior approval from the course instructor is required for all expenses if reimbursement will be requested.
  • Keep your journal with you for all project related work, and use it.

 

Expectations of Advisors

Completing a capstone project in the context of a real organization plays a vitally important role in the education of Industrial Engineering students.  The faculty advisor can make a significant difference in the quality of student experience.  The following guidelines outline the baseline expectations of faculty advisors.

  • Meet with assigned student team(s) weekly, provide guidance on their design projects and reinforce IE concepts.
  • Keep students accountable.
  • Keep a record of each team meeting, including individual contribution and project management, and provide feedback to the course instructor at the end of the semester.
  • Attend the interim presentation and Design Fair, give feedback to the students, and provide an evaluation to the course instructor.
  • Evaluate team assignments that are due throughout the semester, provide feedback to students, and submit scores to the course instructor.  Anticipated assignments are a statement of work, interim report, and final report.
  • Contact the course instructor with any concerns as soon as they arise.

 

Expectations of Course Instructor

The course instructor is responsible for the overall functioning of the course.  As such, his/her responsibilities include:

  • Recruiting suitable projects.
  • Planning the course schedule, assigning students to projects, creating assignments and evaluation rubrics, and overall course management.
  • Overall coordination between advisors, clients and students.
  • Final approval of all Statements of Work.
  • Providing instruction on specific topics as needed.
  • Motivating students.
  • Final grade determination.

Current and Past Projects