Reference no: EM134034977
Capstone Industry Project Assessment: Report and Oral Defense
Learning Outcomes
ULO1 to justify the selected approach to solve an IT problem.
ULO2 to apply appropriate project management approaches to solve an IT problem.
ULO3 to devise a technical solution to an IT problem using intellectual independence and judgement.
ULO4 to persuade stakeholders of appropriate solutions in a clear and coherent manner.
Assessment Purpose
This assessment offers students the opportunity to collaboratively prepare and present a comprehensive project design, feasibility analysis, and initial implementation plan in response to an industry-based problem. Students will justify their technical and strategic decisions across areas including system architecture, network design, security planning, and testing strategy. Additionally, the oral defense develops students' persuasive communication skills through justifying their decisions under scrutiny, fostering intellectual independence, stakeholder engagement, and professional judgment.
This task mirrors real-world industry expectations by simulating both the technical documentation and the ability to justify project decisions in professional settings. As a capstone group project, it emphasizes collaboration, applied knowledge, and structured planning.
Assessment Instructions
You will work in your allocated project group to complete a written report (2500 words) and an oral defense presentation. All group members are expected to contribute to both components.
Your group submission must include:
An introduction outlining the scope and goals of the project.
A detailed project design, including system architecture diagrams and justification.
A feasibility analysis and implementation plan that outlines resource selection, deployment strategies, timelines, and project planning and control considerations.
A testing strategy aligned to the proposed solution.
Oral Defense Presentation:
Present your solution to a panel of stakeholders (simulated by your peers and/or faculty).
Demonstrate the rationale behind your decisions.
Address questions with clarity and professional reasoning.
Maximum: 15 minutes total (suggested 5 minutes per student, 15 slides max).
To meet the requirements of this assessment, students must both submit the written component (e.g. slides) and deliver the verbal presentation. Failure to complete both components will result in a grade of zero. This is because the assessment is designed to evaluate students' ability to communicate ideas verbally - a skill that cannot be demonstrated through slides alone.
Group Structure and Collaboration Expectations:
Groups should consist of three students, unless otherwise approved by the Lecturer or Supervisor.
Each student must take lead responsibility for designated core project components, as agreed with the Supervisor in Week 1.
All group members are expected to contribute equitably to the research, analysis, writing, and presentation of the project.
A Group Contribution Statement must be submitted with the assessment, outlining each member's roles, responsibilities, and contribution.
A group process reflection of 150-200 words per member must accompany the final report, describing individual contributions and collaboration practices.
Weekly progress check-ins with the Supervisor will be used to monitor progress, group dynamics, and individual contributions.
Groups are encouraged to use collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, or Trello to support communication, task allocation, and version control.
Any conflicts or concerns regarding group dynamics must be raised with the Lecturer or Supervisor as early as possible.
Where required, groups should provide a brief Week 1 project plan outlining roles, timelines, key responsibilities, and strategies for managing disputes.
Attendance Requirement: Students must attend class to be eligible to receive marks for this assessment.