INFM 737: MIM Capstone ExperienceInformation SessionDR. WEAVERUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ISCHOOL

KEWEAVER@UMD.EDU

TETYANA BEZBABNAUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ISCHOOL

TBEZBABN@UMD.EDU

Purpose of Capstone ClassCombine previous experiences with new

skills learned in the MIM programPractical IM experienceWork in professional environment

Purpose of Information SessionProvide details about INFM 737 curriculumExplain how capstone projects are

gathered and assignedProvide guidance and processes for

student submissions

Central Component of MIM MIM Core Courses (12 credits)

INFM 600: Information Environments

INFM 603: Information Technology and Organizational Context

INFM 605: Users and Use Context

INFM 612: Management of Information Programs and Services

INFM 736: MIM Internship Experience (3 credits) Advanced Technology Requirement (3 credits) MIM Specializations (15 credits) INFM 737: MIM Capstone Experience (3 credits)

Course Design5 In-class sessions

Initial 3 weeks | Mid-April | May (Before Expo)Attendance is mandatoryAssignments due night before class

Poster online and printed for sessions in class

1st assignment due night before 1st class in January

Weekly check-in with Project ManagersF2F | Online

Course DesignMid-semester Check-in with Dr. Weaver

Discuss project progress and issues

iSchool Learning ExpoPresent project posterClients | Potential Clients | Employers | Potential

EmployersAttendance is mandatory

Course DesignPass / Fail

Need 80% to pass

Point distribution designed to have participation in all activitiesClass attendanceClient evaluationExpo attendance and participationAssignments

Course CurriculumCareer GoalsProject assignmentsRequirements gatheringProject planning InterviewingEvaluation of Projects

Successes and Challenges

Projects Individual projects

1 student per projectMay be multiple students at 1 company

Student = ConsultantCompany = Client

2 levels of managers1. Dr. Weaver

2. Student Project Managers

ProjectsProjects vary based on company and organization

Variety of projects offered to meet the variety of students’ goals

Examples at http://projects.mim.umd.edu

Project CollectionConnect with previous clients, intern employers,

companies interested in MIM and iSchool studentsBecause EVERYONE has IM issues!

Current database of clients is over 50 clientsSuccess of future students depends on you!

ProjectsCollection Process

1. Interested clients review projects.mim.umd.edu

2. Submit interested project in database

3. Dr. Weaver reviews to verify Masters level project

4. Dr. Weaver works with client to include all necessary information

5. Project submitted into current semester database

ProjectsAcceptable Deliverables

Documented Artifacts Prototypes Production System Production Dataset

Proposal or Business PlanPresentation White paperResearch paper

Projects Student submissions

If you have a project already or want to find your own, it will be considered a Student Submission

Graduate AssistantsFull-time employees

Project RequirementsHave external client willing to meet with you 1 hour every week120 hours of work through semesterMust have measurable deliverableMust be new project or area you are not currently associated with

Cannot be part of your Graduate or Research Assistantship

Can be in the same department, but very different from your current GA/RA work

Projects Student submissions

Process1. Work with potential client to develop project details

2. Email Dr. Weaver project details and client name and contact information for approval Must receive approval from Dr. Weaver before next step

3. Client email Dr. Weaver from company email address, include Approval from client stating willing to work with student on project for 100

hours during the semester

Agree to meet with student 1 hour week

4. Submit into the database starting with Student Submission: Will receive link from Dr. Weaver after approval process

Deadline – December 15, 2015

ProjectsProject Assignments

1. Students view projects in database First week of semester

2. Students rank project desire 1-10How your background qualifies you for this projectWhy you think you should be chosen for this projectHow being on this project will contribute to your career plan

3. Dr. Weaver evaluates student preferences, client preferences, additional information about projects

4. Dr. Weaver send email to student and client with assignment

Student Project ManagerResponsibilities

Manage student capstone projectsExtremely professional (must be demonstrated with all

interactions)Ensure the clients satisfaction / Enhance student

learningBuild and maintain strong professional relationships with

clientsProvide excellent quality assurance

Nothing goes out the door without thorough review

Student Project ManagerResponsibilities

Meet with students weeklyF2F | Online

Meet with Dr. Weaver weeklyProvide updates about student projects

Attend additional class sessions (during class time)Schedule provided once project assignments completed

Student Project ManagerRequirements

Successfully completed INST 706 Extremely well organized and detail orientedKnowledge of project management tools and

techniquesFamiliarity with project management software

(Basecamp, MS Project or similar)Technically-fluentStrong communication skills

Additional InformationReturn to Maryland before semester beginsBe professional at all times

Especially when working with clients or potential clientsDo NOT write “Dear Sir/Madam” / use their name: “Dear Mr.

Duffy”

Electronics prohibited in classBring pen and notebook to take notes during class

Interviews are not an excused absenceCompanies respect students that are honest about class

schedules

Questions