ENSE 623: Takehome Final Exam, Fall Semester, 2003

Problem Statement

In class this semester, we have focused on two areas: (1) analysis techniques for product modularity; (2) validation and verification techniques for various types of engineering systems. Neither field is very mature.

My original idea for the final exam was "write a critical review" of one or more of the papers in Volumes 2 and/or 3 of the class readers. This strategy ensures that you have read at least one of the papers and can write something intelligent about the topic area.

But seeing that most of you will be finishing your degree with either a scholarly paper or thesis, it occurred to me that a much better idea would be to ask you to write a short NSF-style research proposal. The proposal should be related to the material covered in class, but it might also include (or be integrated with) ideas covered in ENSE 621 and 622.

Proposal Format

Your proposal should contain the following sections:

You should assume that the research will require one year of full-time work. While it is okay to solve a specific problem, you might also consider a one year program of research that is truly exploratory -- that is, trying to understand an area more deeply so that you can solve a much more important problem in a year from now.

Students may work in groups of two. Please limit your proposal to five pages.

Preliminary Presentation

Groups of students will present their ideas to Mark Austin on (or before) 7pm, November 11. Plan on a 15 minute oral presentation. Be prepared to answer two questions:

My goal is to make the proposals really good, so I want the oral presentation to be a constructive meeting.

Due Date

Due 7pm, November 18, 2003.