This paper describes implementation of Module Oriented Project Management (MOPM) in capstone design projects. MOPM is a method used in industry to break down projects into modules for which one individual is responsible. This provides opportunity for ownership and responsibility while maintaining a framework for collaboration and milestones, and as such could fill the gap usually encountered in capstone design projects. In the 23-year history of yearlong industry-sponsored capstone design team-projects at Seattle University, projects often suffered from the following shortcomings: failures to meet deadlines, poor contribution from some team-members, and incomplete use of available resources. Furthermore, advice from our program's industry advisors indicates that engineering graduates should have some project management skills and understand the importance and challenges of managing projects. In response, we adopted MOPM to our senior design projects. The paper describes implementation of MOPM in our senior design projects in school year 2009-2010. It also shows qualitative assessment data that support following conclusions: 1) students took more ownership of their duties on the project through involvement in planning and modules; 2) students implemented project scheduling and monitoring to their capstone projects, effectively beginning to develop related skills; and 3) faculty advisors were for most part focusing only on the technical parts of the project, effectively leaving the management to students and a few in-class workshops. The paper also offers suggestions on how to motivate and train the students and faculty for future years.
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