CS467 SWOT Analysis

Now that we are approaching the end of the capstone project journey, I would like to conduct a SWOT analysis of this course.

Strengths: This class offers a plethora of interesting projects, providing students with ample options. Many of these projects are well-defined and align well with the tight time frame of the course. This variety ensures that students can find projects that match their interests and skill sets.

Weaknesses: Some industry projects lack clear definition, leading to challenges for students. For instance, my team spent the first two weeks grappling with understanding our project’s goals and the expected format for the final deliverables, as outlined by our sponsor. Improved clarity at the onset could enhance the efficiency of project initiation.

Opportunities: For industry projects, enhancing the collaboration between sponsors and instructors could be beneficial. Providing starting materials to the course instructor, who can then distribute them to the respective student groups, would enable students to familiarize themselves with the material and formulate questions before their initial meeting with the sponsor. Additionally, receiving project information via email before the term begins would allow students to prepare and engage more effectively from the outset.

Threats: A potential threat lies in the perception among students that industry projects often feel like chasing a moving target. While it is the responsibility of students to engage with project sponsors, clearer communication from instructors to sponsors regarding the limited 7-8 weeks of project development time could help establish realistic and achievable goals. This proactive approach would contribute to better project planning within the constrained time frame.

Overall, CS 467 offers a valuable industry-level project experience, particularly beneficial for students without prior internship experiences. Despite some challenges, the course’s strengths in providing diverse project options and practical experience outweigh the weaknesses. Opportunities for improvement in project clarity and communication can further enhance the overall learning experience.