IEOR 180 Senior Project Fall 2008

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• Analysis and Data Collection (1 to 2 pages)—due October 28 th This report should provide an explanation of your data collection efforts and any preliminary analysis of the problem. It should also provide a work plan for the remainder of the project. Shortly after this report has been submitted, each group should schedule a meeting with the instructor to discuss the status of the project and the work plan in detail. • Summary and Results Report (1 to 2 pages)—due November 18 th This report should summarize findings, results, quantifiable and non-quantifiable benefits of, and any recommendation from your project. It should provide insights about the reasons for your recommendations, including examples, models, analysis techniques, etc. • Draft of Final Report--due November 25 th This is an opportunity to obtain feedback without prejudice on the final version. Feedback will be available no later than May 1 st • Final Report--due December 9 th , 5 p.m. (tentative) You should submit one copy of your report to your client, and one copy to the instructor. Final Reports will not be returned. • Presentations--to be arranged Each group will have 30 minutes for a final project presentation. • For the second class, read the case entitled Martha McCaskey in the reader, and prepare (written) answers to the following questions: 1. What exactly are the problems that Martha McCaskey is facing? Do you agree with her assessment of the situation? 2. How did McCaskey end up in this situation? What are some the personal, organizational, and environmental forces that helped lead to this predicament? 3. How would you handle this situation as McCaskey? As Ty Richardson? As a member of the executive committee in the Chicago head office? • Additional ethics readings will be assigned. 4
Guidelines and Caveats: 1. You should organize yourselves into teams of four or five. Past experience suggests that large teams have problems with logistics (inability to meet regularly, difficulties in coordinating the work, etc.), while small teams have difficulties managing the workload. You should try to organize teams with an adequate portfolio of skills. You will find it helpful to have at least one team member with substantive work experience and/or very strong interpersonal skills, one with good computer skills, one with very strong technical skills, and one with excellent writing skills. 2. You should find a faculty advisor whose interests and expertise are appropriate for your project. The faculty advisor is there to provide you with feedback regarding your approach to solving the problems faced by your client. The faculty advisor is not there to solve the clients' problems for you. 3. Try to gather as much information as possible during your first and second visits to your client's site. For a manufacturing or service organization, you should request a tour of the facilities related to your problem area and brief (or longer) meetings with supervisory or management personnel in that area. For other types of organizations, you should request a meeting with the decision-maker(s) and others who have relevant background information. Very early in the semester, you should ask your faculty advisor accompany you to the client site. This will allow us to provide better guidance as you pursue your project. 4. It is critical that you identify a contact person at your client organization who is in a position (with respect to both time availability and authority) to provide you access to relevant facilities, individuals and data. 5. You should try to choose a problem that interests you, that does not need a solution instantaneously, and that can be handled within one semester. Clearly, you are likely to get more support and assistance from your client's organization if the problem is something of interest to them, also. On the other hand, a problem suggested by your client may be too focused, or it may be inconsistent with your skills and background. Thus, a little negotiation may be necessary. The instructor or your faculty advisor can assist you with this. 6. You should expect to spend about six hours per week at your client's site. Initially, a substantial portion of your time may be spent observing and asking questions. Later in the semester, you may need to collect data, etc. 7. The members of your team should meet frequently and regularly. Although it may be wise to divide the work among members of the team, close coordination is essential for a successful project. Teamwork will help your project proceed more smoothly. 8. Try to be considerate of the personnel at your client's site. Be punctual and prepared for meetings, and make every attempt to use their time efficiently. 5
Page 1 and 2: Instructor: Professor Phil Kaminsky
Page 3: • e-mail address (if available)

IEOR 180 Senior Project Fall 2008

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