title: Use of timelines in senior design--an efficient project management tool for faculty.
abstract: An important part of any multi-tasked project or undertaking is a work plan. Large contractors with multi-year design projects use a work plan to schedule resources and identify critical design decisions; a smaller company may map out the course and order of work as well as schedule resources. Either way, the work plan is an indispensable tool that assists the project manager in the planning and timely execution of the project. Introduced is the concept of the timeline (or work plan) and its utilization in an Undergraduate Senior Design Course by both Faculty and Student as a Project Management Tool and device from which to chart student progress towards completion of course requirements. Discussed are examples of student project planning and comments with regards to the effectiveness of project planning for the student as well as a discussion of how this device has assisted faculty in charting student progress towards project completion, meeting course requirements, and grading. Project and Time Management issues described in this paper are through the Senior Design Program at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with National Science Foundation Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons with Disabilities and industry-sponsored projects [1].
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut, Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Storrs 06269-2157, USA.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pruehsner
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Enderle
mesh_terms: D008331:Management Information Systems