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Design and Development of the Data Synchronization Case Study Abstract

The Laboratory for Innovative Technology and Engineering Education (LITEE) at Auburn University has been developing case studies that engage students in cross-disciplinary learning and require engineering and business and students of other disciplines to work together in order to solve a common problem. The Data Synchronization case study is one of the latest case studies from LITEE, which focuses on how a construction company solved the problem of synchronizing data forms between remote sites and the headquarters. Unlike other case studies that handle hypothetical or past events, the Data Synchronization case study focuses on a current real-world problem that existed in this company. A graduate student from Auburn University worked directly with the company while living in India during summer 2007 in order to develop this case study. The Data Synchronization case study was made using steps for creating case studies, which involve identifying a company’s problem, having students work with the company, writing the case study, and many stages of refinement in order to create the finished product for the classroom. This paper describes this case study and its creation process further.

1.0 Introduction

Preeminence in technological innovation depends on a wide array of factors, one of which is leadership in engineering research, education, and practice. As other nations increase their investments in engineering research and education, the U.S. risks falling behind in critical research capabilities and, ultimately, the innovations that flow from research 7. The nation’s ability to capitalize on new knowledge resulting from large investments in life sciences will depend on contributions from engineering. Engineering research is founded on a disciplined approach to problem solving and the application of sophisticated modeling, design, and testing tools to solve problems. The Educating the Engineer of 2020 report (2005) calls for system-wide efforts to align the engineering curriculum and engineering profession with the needs of today’s global, knowledge-driven economy, with the goal of increasing student interest in engineering careers. It has also been recommended that research should be combined with education, thereby training students in critical thinking and research methodologies, as well as providing them with solid engineering skills7.

As more industries utilize the economic advantages of a global R&D, U.S. engineering teams need to prepare for collaboration across countries and the blurring of national boundaries. Future engineers need to be trained not only in basic engineering skills, but also in managing global research teams8. Thus, engineering education needs to be drastically altered to give students opportunities to work in international research teams 1, 3, 4, 6. 7.

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Fuller, M., & Sankar, C., & Raju, P. (2009, June), Design And Development Of The Data Synchronization Case Study Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--5517