1. How to succeed in Capstone Projects Fall 2009 Presented by: Dr. Bun Yue Chair, Division of Computing and Mathematics August 2009 University of Houston - Clear Lake

2. Introduction  Capstone projects are very useful to your career.

3. Success in Career  Skill sets: Technical skills Soft non-technical skills

4. Keys to Success  Be interested  Possess foundation knowledge  Professionalism  Luck!

5. Professionalism  Attitude!  Be considerate!  Responsive  Hardworking  Attention to details  …

6. General Course Expectation  Demanding.  Not a traditional course.

7. Ownership  The team owns the project!  Need to always know: What need to be done? How to do them?

8. Course Nature  Feedback oriented!

9. General Tips  Start very quick early

10. General Tips  Everyone participates!

11. General Tips  Ask, ask, ask!  (Think, think, think!)

12. General Tips  Form good habits. E.g. Log book Respond quickly Write detailed agenda before meetings Follow-ups after meetings Write detailed minutes immediately Documentation alongside …

13. General Tips  Form good processes and systems Communications Software development Version control …

14. General Tips  Ensure all requirements are satisfied.  Ensure frequent feedback from mentors and instructor.

15. General Tips: Planning  Form good project overview.  Identify and handle critical tasks quick.  Attention to details.

16. Email Communications  Not longer reliable  Devise a solid system for the team  Acknowledge quickly  Follow up!  As specific as possible  Don’t use SMS style

17. Meeting  Effective scheduling a must  Sent agenda beforehand  Do ‘homework’ and prepare questions.  Time management  Everyone participates  Compare notes after meeting  Write and send minutes immediately

18. Questions?