Title: Practical undergraduate engineering education in information systems and operations management: the Capstone experience at the University of Virginia

Authors: Susan K. Donohue, William T. Scherer, K. Preston White Jr

Addresses: Department of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia, 151 Engineers' Way, PO Box 400747, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4747, USA. ' Department of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia, 151 Engineers' Way, PO Box 400747, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4747, USA. ' Department of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia, 151 Engineers' Way, PO Box 400747, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4747, USA

Abstract: We discuss the practical, professional education in information systems and operations management available to undergraduate systems engineers at the University of Virginia through participation in relevant Capstone projects in this paper. Thus, its perspective is more experiential than theoretical. The structure and administration of the Department of Systems and Information Engineering|s award-winning Capstone programme, a unique model at the time of its inception, are presented as an overall introduction to the programme. The model|s robustness is demonstrated both in its longevity and adoption by other institutions. Case studies of Capstone projects conducted during academic year 2002–2003 provide examples of the types of educational experiences students can elect to receive in information systems and operations management. We end with reflections on the lessons learned through participation in our Department|s Capstone. Throughout, the goal is to provide sufficient information to allow those interested to adopt similar practices.

Keywords: Capstone project; senior design project; undergraduate engineering education; information systems; operations management; systems engineering; university education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2006.009716

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2006 Vol.1 No.3, pp.213 - 230

Published online: 07 May 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article