Conference Session

Capstone Courses I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Sanders, Kettering University; Mark Thompson, Kettering University; Mohamed El-Sayed, Kettering University; Lucy King, Kettering University; Michael Lindquist, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

minute for transition – getting their audio visual materials ready. Students were evaluatedbased on their individual as well as team performance. Faculty and staff were asked to completethe Oral Presentation Form. At the team level, the form contained the following:• How were the quality and use of audio visual materials? Were they clear, uncluttered, large Page 11.238.4 font, easily read? Were the key concepts of design and fabrication explained well?• Were their organization, planning, preparation, rehearsal, transition, and other materials pre- delivered to session chair on-time?• Did they deliver in assigned time (not too long or

Conference Session

Capstone Courses I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Grant Martin, U.S. Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

the cadets analyze their alternatives in terms of cost. The goal is to forcethe cadets to see and evaluate all of the alternatives based on cost and performance.Having completed those required tasks, the cadets present their recommendation for theirclient’s approval on lesson 32. This represents 160 points and at 16% of the coursegrade, is the second-largest single requirement in the course. Although this concludes theDecision Making phase, the teams still must plan how to implement their alternative.As the project moves into the Implementation phase, the cadets develop a plan to enactthe recommended alternative. This means more than just identifying the tasks that must

Conference Session

Capstone Courses I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul Leiffer, LeTourneau University; Roger Gonzalez, LeTourneau University; Thomas Hellmuth, LeTourneau University

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

miss the original objective of the project. The goal of a Formula Car or Mini-Baja competition team, for example, is not simply to produce an elegant design but to compete well and to be a top contender in the competition. This means that (1) the project specifications are driven by the competition rules, and, that (2) part of the planning must include adequate time for competition specific needs, such as driver or pilot training. Examples of purpose statements include: “It is our goal to successfully acquire and install all necessary electrical and electronic components required for the SAE formula competition vehicle in a timely, orderly, and professional manner in such a way as to have as little impact as possible on the

Conference Session

Capstone Courses I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William Smith, University of Kentucky-Lexington; Jamey Jacob, University of Kentucky; Suzanne Smith, University of Kentucky; James Lumpp, University of Kentucky

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

control and ground station designs are presented in detail elsewhere.10In this paper, an overview of the technical accomplishments of the BIG BLUE project isprovided in the next section, along with the plan for phased development of the culminatinghigh-altitude experiment and highlights of the three experiments to date. Descriptions of thestudent experiences have been presented previously,11,12 but the three-year perspective providesan opportunity for more comprehensive review of the educational and project management of astudent project of this technical complexity and scope. Courses, NASA and industry interactionand support are summarized. Finally, workforce development results will be presented.The BIG BLUE Flight ExperimentsThe BIG BLUE

Conference Session

Capstone Courses II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Susan Donohue, University of Virginia; Garrick Louis, University of Virginia; William Scherer, University of Virginia; Michael C. Smith, University of Virginia; K. Preston White, Jr., Jr., University of Virginia; Peter Beling, University of Virginia

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

April), the SIEDS abstract (due inFebruary), the paper for the SIEDS proceedings (due in April), an optional SIEDS poster (due inApril), and the final versions of client deliverables. After spring break, the focus is on the finalversions of the thesis, SIEDS, and client deliverables. Faculty involved in the administration ofSIEDS have a similar task pattern: preparatory tasks before spring break and implementationtasks after. Venue plans for the next SIEDS are also initialized in April, given the demandsplaced on facilities by local events such as Foxfields, a hugely popular steeplechasing event, andvarious parties and events celebrating the upcoming graduation exercises. At the end of thespring semester, the Director will conduct a “lessons

Conference Session

Capstone Courses II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Fernandez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

leaders. Students, upon entering the corporate world, will be activeand effective contributors to the evolving industry of computer science.A&M-CC is using some of these tools, and planning to use others, for graduate and undergraduatesoftware engineering courses, as well as senior capstone courses. The SSI Hub website15, as well asother sources1,3 provide excellent examples of realistic experiences for students. Several institutionshave become members of the SSI project and are using SSI tools to enhance graduate and undergraduatesoftware engineering and associated courses. Information about the individual university programs canbe found on the website