2 Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have participated in the development of a set of documents that define a proposed research solution to a defined problem supported by formal presentations. Students will be required to use a combination of the knowledge gained from the series of courses completed at university, external experience from business or industry, and research efforts of the specific problem areas that are identified by mentors. The problem contains aspects of requirements that a project manager would be required to solve in a commercial or research environment. Students will develop plans, analysis documents, and design documents for the various aspects of the project solution.

The use of current technology in the support of the design and development of the problem solution is a critical component of the process. Students will take on the role of project managers and be required to develop management level briefings through formal presentations. The development of these briefings is expected to require research along with interviews of experts in the particular domain. One or more presentations will be a critical design review that seeks the approval for continuation of the project. The various presentations will require students to work as individuals making a presentation, members of a team to prepare a group presentation as well as leaders of group efforts in support of the overall project.

3 Course Topics

1. Project Analysis
2. Project Interviewing
3. Risk Analysis
4. Group Interactions
5. Simulation
6. Prototyping
7. Technical Writing
8. Project Planning
9. Project Resources
10. COTS Hardware and Software
11. Human/Computer Interface
12. Presentation Techniques

4 Course Grading

5 Course Policies

5.1 Honor Policy

The Honor System at Old Dominion University is based upon the integrity of each student. Any form of dishonesty or deception such as lying, cheating, and plagiarism constitutes a violation of the Honor System. All material submitted for grading by a student during the course is to be the student’s own work. Any violations of the honor code may be referred to the honor council for resolution, and grade sanctions imposed.

The instructor reserves the right to question a student orally or in writing and to use his evaluation of the student’s understanding of the assignment and of the submitted solution as evidence of cheating. Violations will be reported to the Honor Council for consideration for punitive action. By CS Dept. policy, students found to be in violation of this rule will, at the very least, receive a failing grade in the course and may be subject to stiffer penalties.

5.2 Policies

Note that each week of the semester, there is at least an informal presentation by each project group. It is expected that these verbal reports will be made by different members of the group on a week by week basis. In addition to the specific topic of the weekly report, the presenter should provide a brief summary of the weeks accomplishments or new problems identified during the week.

5.3 Professionalism/Project Submissions

Old Dominion University supports a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s achievement in a course as a vital part of the educational process. In support of this university policy, successful completion of this course includes a satisfactory performance in the development of the formal project documentation. Any student who fails to perform in a satisfactory manner on the plan may possibly not pass the course, regardless of the student’s overall point total. In addition, each student will be evaluated based upon demonstrated professionalism. Any student who receives poor marks by the professor and/or their group members may not pass the class.