Working in Teams: Industry-based Projects Panel Discussion Jane Carey Arizona State University West

Real-ware versus Vapor-ware: The pros and cons of industry-based projects Questions to ask Do we have a reasonable set of businesses who are interested in participating?(not too many or too few) Can we manage expectations? What are the benefits? Student-business experiences Opportunities to network Relationship management University visibility Potential internship sites

Industry-based projects What are the costs? Loss of control Time, time, time Unrealistic expectations Potential damage of relationships Scope management may be difficult

Suggestions for Effective Industry-based Projects Communication Find a point person within the organization with appropriate authority who can champion projects Always clear communications through the point person Minimize the amount of student team initiation of contact with the organization (especially during the analysis phases) Allow time for training and implementation Follow through – don’t try to start another project before finishing the first

Suggestions for Effective Industry-Based Projects Scope Management If you are going to have an ongoing relationship with a company and intend to develop several projects, take the time to construct a full Enterprise Entity Relationship Diagram (done by faculty and students) to help you identify potential projects and an incremental approach that is top down – then you can tackle small, manageable projects, one at a time It is better to complete small effective systems than to attempt large, unmanageable systems Minimize exposure to risk – pick low visibility systems that impact a small number of users

To manage expectations and clarify tasks, draw up a contract that spells out responsibilities for all parties including end users, student programmer/analysts, faculty, and technical support staff Suggestions for Effective Industry-Based Projects

Not-for-profit organization Lower risk Giving back to the community Easier to manage expectations Example: ASU West School of Management and Saint Vincent De Paul Society of Phoenix How about a Service-Based Project?

A well-managed industry- or service- based project is a win-win situation for all stakeholders! Effective Industry-Based Projects