Vetting industry based capstone projects considering outcome assessment goals

Abstract

One goal of capstone projects is that they simulate a challenging design experience similar to what is expected of a BS graduateengineer. Consequently industry originated capstone projects are very valuable since they are based on real world problems andtechnical challenges. Capstone projects are also a critical part of the assessment process for most engineering programs. Thechallenge arises in how to evaluate the potential of an industry based project in providing assessment information related toprogram learning outcomes. This paper provides an example of a vetting process used successfully to accomplish this complexevaluation of alternatives.