The evolution of information technology Capstone projects into research projects

Abstract

In this paper, we present the motivation and process followed to extend our undergraduate Information Technology programmes to include postgraduate and masters programmes. The undergraduate degree included a capstone project which had gradually evolved to include research projects. This highlighted a growing need in our local industry for graduates with research skills in Information Technologies to keep pace with the rapid rate of change in Information Technologies.

Modernizing Capstone Project: External and Internal Approaches

“…For faculty, research projects that stem from their nascent interests can help better integrate their teaching and research activities. In particular, these projects provide opportunities to improve pedagogical innovation, such as new directions in the curriculum design of related courses and degree programs [12]. Different from some existing Capstone models that involve broader collaboration between multiple academic disciplines and industrial partners [13], [14], here the focus is on smaller project teams advised by individual faculty members.…”