CSE 498 Collaborative Design (3 cr)

Catalog Course Description

Development of a comprehensive software and/or hardware solution to a problem in a team setting with emphasis on working with a client. Participation in a design cycle including specification, design, implementation, testing, maintenance, and documentation. Issues of professionalism, ethics, and communication.

Course Outcomes
(Letters refer to program outcomes; capitals indicate greater emphasis.)

The capstone experience pairs teams of students with corporate clients that include local, regional and international companies. Corporate clients provide project concepts that students carry through an entire cycle from design through implementation. Students meet regularly with corporate clients throughout the semester to ensure that requirements are met. At the end of the semester students demonstrate the final projects and submit deliverables to the clients along with a video presentation. These materials are also evaluated by a team of external judges drawn mostly from industry who are then given an opportunity to question the team at MSU Engineering's Design Day.

1. Students will solve a problem that is too large for a single person to solve and that requires teamwork in problem-solving, design, and development. (A,B,C,D,h,J,K)
2. Students will gain experience in using project management techniques and computer tools to establish and refine requirements, to design and document a solution, and to plan and track the project schedule up to the final delivery of a product to a client. (E,F,I)
3. Students display professionalism, ethics, and communicate effectively. (E,f,h)

Program Outcomes covered in CSE 498 (all except g)

(a)

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

(b)

An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

(c)

An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

(d)

An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal

(e)

An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

(f)

An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

(h)

Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development

(i)

An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

(j)

An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

(k)

An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

Assessment

• Course outcomes I, II, and III assessed by
  1. External Judges Evaluation
     Judges view design material, product demonstrations, video presentation, and follow up with questions to the team. The judges then meet to discuss the teams' performance with respect to the criteria. A summary of the discussion is recorded.
  2. Client Evaluation
     Clients are surveyed about their satisfaction with the students' performance. Student interaction with the client and the quality of the final product are also part of the survey.
  3. Instructor Evaluation

Topics

• Developing Functional, Design, and Technical Specifications
• Identifying, Managing, and Mitigating Risks
• Writing Software Project Plans
• Managing Software Projects
• Prototyping Software
• Developing Effective Teams
• Creating and Giving Oral Presentations
• Intellectual Property, Patents and Copyrights
• Ethics and Professionalism

Textbook

• None

Grading

• Design
• Software Implementation
• Documentation
• Presentations
• Demonstrations
• Final Video about the project
• Team Web Site
• Design Day
• Teamwork
• Professionalism