capstone project scope example

A Comprehensive Guide on High School Senior Capstone Projects (With Examples)

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 3/8/24

As you near the end of your high school journey, it's time to explore the world of senior capstone projects.

If you're a high school student, especially in your senior year, you're likely gearing up for the culmination of your academic journey: the senior capstone project. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about capstone projects, complete with examples to spark your inspiration and help you succeed. Whether you're just starting to explore project ideas or fine-tuning your plans, you've come to the right place!

What Is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is like the grand finale of your academic or personal journey. It's a focused effort that you tackle within a set timeframe, bringing together everything you've learned or accomplished. Unlike a passion project , which you can work on whenever you feel like it, a capstone project has a clear deadline.

For instance, let’s say you're a culinary arts student nearing graduation. Your passion lies in sustainable cooking practices, and for your capstone project, you decide to create a cookbook featuring locally sourced, eco-friendly recipes. 

Your cookbook project demands months of research, recipe development, testing, and layout design. It's a big commitment that demonstrates your expertise in culinary arts and your dedication to sustainable food practices.

Similarly, in school, a capstone project could take various forms, such as conducting research on a scientific topic, developing a business plan, or creating a multimedia presentation. These projects all reflect your broader interests and passions, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a specific area.

Overall, your capstone project in high school is a major milestone, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise, creativity, and dedication. It's a chance to bring everything you've learned together and show what you're capable of achieving.

Different Between Capstone and Passion Project

Capstone projects are typically a mandatory part of a school or college program. They're serious business involving thorough research, problem-solving, and often collaboration with teachers or experts. The goal is to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.

On the other hand, passion projects are all about following your interests and doing something you love. You could focus on writing a novel, starting a community project, or diving into a hobby—passion projects are driven by personal motivation rather than academic requirements. They're more flexible and allow you to explore your passions on your own terms.

So, while both capstone and passion projects are valuable ways to dive deep into a topic you're passionate about, capstone projects are more structured and tied to academic goals, while passion projects offer more freedom and personal expression.

How to Find Ideas for Capstone Project

Looking for capstone project ideas? Let's take a look at some effective strategies to spark inspiration and find the perfect project for you.

Follow Your Interests

Think about what excites you the most. Do you love helping the environment or dreaming up better ways to teach? Pick a topic that really speaks to you. When you're passionate about what you're working on, you'll stay motivated and focused from start to finish.

Use What You've Learned

Consider the subjects you've learned in school. Think about how you can use that knowledge to solve real-life issues. For example, if you've studied marketing, you could create a marketing plan for a nearby business. Or, if you're good at finance, you could analyze a company's finances and propose ways to make them better.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your professors, advisors, or mentors for guidance. They've been through similar experiences and can offer valuable insights and suggestions. They might even be able to connect you with industry contacts or organizations that could provide support or resources for your project. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas and ensure you're on the right track.

Check Feasibility

As you narrow down your options, it's crucial to assess the feasibility of each potential project idea. Consider factors such as the availability of resources, the complexity of the task, and your own time constraints. 

While you want to choose a project that's challenging and meaningful, it's also essential to be realistic about what you can accomplish within the given timeframe. Setting achievable goals will increase your chances of success and prevent unnecessary stress along the way.

Identify Current Issues

Keep up to date with the latest news and trends in your field of study or topics that interest you. Identify important issues or new challenges that you could focus on for your capstone project. By addressing relevant and current topics, you can actively contribute to important discussions and possibly have a bigger impact with your project.

Consider Community Needs

Consider the issues that matter most to your local community or a specific group of people. Is there a problem or something missing that you could help with through your project? By talking to people in your community through volunteer work or doing surveys, you can find project ideas that match real needs and make a positive impact.

Broaden Your Horizons

Think outside the box! Don't stick to just one subject for your capstone project. Instead, think about how you can mix ideas from different areas. By combining different perspectives, you can come up with creative and innovative solutions that you might not have thought of otherwise. This can make your project stand out and bring new insights to your work.

Look for Inspiration from Previous Projects

When searching for ideas for your capstone project, take a look at projects completed by students who came before you. Looking at successful past projects can give you helpful ideas about topics, methods, and how big your project should be. 

Remember, it's important not to copy someone else's work exactly, but you can use it to inspire your own unique ideas and ways of doing things.

Think About Long-Term Goals

Think about how your capstone project can help you achieve your long-term goals, both in school and beyond. Are there particular skills you want to improve or experiences you want to have during the project? By making sure your project connects to your bigger plans, you can make it even more meaningful and helpful for your future journey.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Stay open to exploring new directions and adjusting your project as you learn and receive feedback. Sometimes, the best projects come from unexpected changes or improvements along the way. Stay flexible and welcome the chance to learn and develop throughout your capstone project. 

By blending your interests, what you've learned in school, and advice from mentors, you can create a capstone project that shows off your abilities and makes a difference in your field or community.

Tips on How to Execute Capstone Project

Ready to tackle your capstone project head-on? Here are some practical tips to guide you through the execution process smoothly.

Junior Fall

Brainstorm Ideas : This is your chance to explore a wide range of topics and ideas that pique your interest. Consider what issues or subjects you're passionate about, what challenges you want to address, or what questions you want to explore further. Keep an open mind and jot down any potential project ideas that come to mind, even if they seem unconventional at first.

Set Goals : Once you've generated some project ideas, it's time to clarify your objectives. Think about what you want to accomplish with your capstone project and break it down into smaller, actionable goals. Consider both short-term goals, such as completing research or gathering resources, and long-term goals, such as presenting your findings or implementing a solution.

Junior Spring

Recruit and Fundraise : Depending on the scope of your project, you may need additional support from teammates or financial resources. Reach out to classmates, friends, or faculty members who share your interests and might be interested in collaborating on the project. Additionally, explore fundraising opportunities to secure funding for project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, or travel.

Hit Milestones : As you begin working on your project, set specific milestones to track your progress and stay on schedule. These milestones could include completing research, conducting experiments or surveys, drafting project proposals or reports, or presenting preliminary findings to peers or advisors. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your approach as needed to ensure you're meeting your goals.

Rising Senior Summer

Stay Busy : Although summer break is a time for relaxation, don't let your momentum wane. Dedicate consistent time each week to work on your capstone project, whether it's conducting research, analyzing data, drafting project documents, or refining your presentation skills. Establish a schedule and stick to it to maintain progress and prevent last-minute rushes.

Stay Connected : While you may be physically distanced from campus during the summer months, stay connected with your advisors, mentors, or project collaborators through email, phone calls, or virtual meetings. Keep them updated on your progress, seek their input or feedback when needed, and leverage their expertise to overcome any challenges you encounter.

Senior Fall

Keep Pushing : As the new school year begins, ramp up your efforts and focus on achieving your project goals. Set new objectives for the upcoming semester and prioritize tasks that will bring you closer to project completion. If your project involves organizing events, conducting experiments, or presenting findings, plan and execute these activities with diligence and attention to detail.

Senior Spring

Plan Ahead : As you approach the final months of your capstone project, take time to reflect on your accomplishments and consider the next steps. Evaluate the impact of your project, gather feedback from stakeholders or participants, and identify any areas for improvement or follow-up activities. Prepare for project completion by documenting your findings, finalizing project deliverables, and communicating your results to relevant audiences.

By following these guidelines and staying committed to your goals, you'll be well-equipped to execute your capstone project successfully and make meaningful contributions to your field of study or community.

Common Mistakes

Let's take a look at nine common mistakes students make in their capstone projects, along with tips on how to sidestep them.

Choosing a Topic That’s Too Broad

Your topic should be relevant to your field of study, but many students make the mistake of selecting broad topics that lack focus. To avoid this, consult with professors or career advisors to narrow down your focus and ensure your topic is both relevant and manageable.

Choosing a Topic You Don’t Really Care About

Passion is key to success. If you're not genuinely interested in your topic, your motivation and enthusiasm will dwindle over time. Select a topic that excites you and aligns with your interests to stay engaged throughout the project.

Not Doing Your Research Properly

Research is the backbone of your project. Skipping this step or relying on inaccurate information can derail your project. Take the time to conduct thorough research, cite credible sources, and ensure the accuracy of your findings.

Not Writing Your Paper in the Correct Format

A well-structured paper is essential for clarity and coherence. Follow a standard format, including sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, and conclusion, to ensure your paper is organized and easy to follow.

Not Taking Advantage of All the Resources Available

Don't overlook the resources at your disposal, whether it's the library, the internet, peers, professors , or academic advisors. Utilize these resources for research, guidance, feedback, and support throughout your project.

Not Proofreading Thoroughly Enough

Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies can undermine the credibility of your project. Take the time to proofread your work multiple times, or enlist the help of a peer or professional proofreader to ensure your paper is error-free.

Forgetting to Reference Your Sources

Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original sources of information. Ensure you cite all sources accurately and consistently throughout your paper, following the required citation style guidelines.

Poor Presentation

Your presentation is the final show of your hard work. Neglecting to prepare adequately or rushing through your presentation can detract from the quality of your project. Practice your presentation, create engaging visuals, and rehearse your delivery to captivate your audience.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Start Writing Your Paper

Procrastination is a common pitfall that can lead to rushed and subpar work. Start early, create a timeline, and break down your project into manageable tasks to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a polished final product.

By steering clear of these common mistakes and approaching your capstone project with diligence and dedication, you'll set yourself up for success and leave a lasting impression with your academic masterpiece.

Ideas and Examples of Capstone Projects

Need some capstone project ideas for high school? Let’s take a look at some high school capstone project examples. 

• Study green marketing strategies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Engineering

• Develop a system to detect red traffic lights using image processing for safer roads.
• Create a solar panel system with adjustable angles to maximize energy capture.
• Analyze how social media can be used to effectively engage and retain customers through content marketing strategies.
• Design educational programs for nurses on asthma care and point-of-care testing protocols for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Computer Science

• Develop a smartphone interface for managing medical records to improve accessibility and patient engagement.
• Design a web-based survey system for collecting feedback and analysis in academic or business settings.
• Evaluate the impact of project management practices on the success of political campaigns.
• Assess how technology influences accounting practices and the effectiveness of accounting software in improving financial reporting.
• Explore the benefits of virtual classrooms and digital engagement strategies for remote learning.

Information Technology

• Investigate cybersecurity issues and propose solutions to protect against threats like intrusion and data breaches.
• Create object recognition systems using machine learning for security surveillance and image analysis.

Looking to gain clarity on your senior capstone project? Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

1. How Does a Capstone Project Differ from Other High School Projects?

A high school capstone project typically involves more in-depth research and interdisciplinary exploration compared to other projects.

2. How Do I Choose a Topic for My High School Capstone Project?

To choose a topic for your high school capstone project, consider your interests, skills, and academic goals, and seek advice from teachers or mentors.

3. Are High School Capstone Projects Required for Graduation?

High school capstone projects are not always required for graduation and can vary depending on the school or program.

4. Can High School Capstone Projects Be Related to Extracurricular Activities?

Yes, high school capstone projects can be related to extracurricular activities and allow students to integrate their interests and experiences into their academic projects.

Final Thoughts

In short, high school senior capstone projects are your chance to shine. By picking the right topic, steering clear of common pitfalls, and tapping into available resources, you can leave a lasting mark. Whether it's in marketing, engineering, education, or any other field, capstone projects let you show off your skills and get ready for what's next.

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Capstone Project: Definition, Types, Structure, and Examples

by  Antony W

January 2, 2024

If you're reading this, chances are that you're in your final year of school and the words "capstone project" have come up somewhere in your first or second semester.

You're probably looking for a quick score on the topic - what it's about, a project template, or even a sample. If so, you're in the right place.

Before we get into it, you' need to know that you're in the hands of consummate capstone project experts.

Help for Assessment is composed of scholars at all levels of academic achievement including Masters and Ph.D., all inspired and motivated to help students like you achieve their academic goals. The expertise and experience we have spans years. Even better, this combined academic expertise is placed at your disposal. If your capstone research project is already giving you goosebumps, we will do it for you from scratch including the project proposal, research, write up, and final review before submission.

Remember, you can trust Help for Assessment to complete your capstone project successfully and earn you top grades. All you have to do is order the service here on our service page.

 In the meantime, let us explore the definition of the capstone project, types of projects for students, and a sample capstone project.

What Is a Capstone Project? 

A capstone project in college is a final independent project undertaken in a program of study designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired by the student.

As the name suggests, it is the capstone or crowning achievement of academic life and the last class taken before graduation. It gives you the final credits required to pass the course, which is why every student must take the project.

Since it is designed to assess knowledge and skills gained in a particular discipline, capstone projects vary from school to school and discipline to discipline.

Such a project might involve something as simple as research on a topic, an evaluation of a new technique or method, development of a health program, research into a historical figure or event, or even composing a skit or theatre presentation.

No matter what kind of project you choose to undertake, the result is the same. You get to showcase your understanding of the coursework material learned and display your readiness to enter the professional world to start your career. It is a rewarding experience if done right, but can mess up your final year and possibly your graduation if you manage to mess it up.

Do you know that a successful capstone project also helps to land you lucrative jobs? That’s right, capstone projects are one of the ways potential employers find out just how learned, resourceful, and talented you are. Think of it as a kind of thesis.

Capstone projects are also called culminating projects, experience, senior exhibition, or other similar names. The project is usually self-directed, and most students find it a challenge to even come up with the right capstone project topic. 

Capstone Project Vs. Thesis

A capstone project and a thesis are both very similar in that they represent a final effort from the student just before graduation.

They are done in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course being undertaken. The comprehensive approach and assessment involved are very similar, and sometimes the structure and methodology might overlap.

Both also have to be reviewed and approved by the institution and will remain in the public domain after publishing.

However, there are some important differences.

• A thesis is purely academic while a capstone project focuses more on the practical preparation of the student for the real world/job market.
• A thesis is guided by a research question resulting in the addition of new knowledge to the field, while a capstone project is guided by the practical importance of the project to the field.
• A thesis involves academic research and analysis, while a capstone project can be anything including a dance or film.
• A thesis is expected to be original and authentic, while a capstone project will have more loose requirements. You can borrow another person’s capstone project ideas , so long as you demonstrate your own advancement in the field.
• A capstone project will usually only have a brief write-up or report, while a thesis generates a detailed, extensive writeup.
• The final presentation of a thesis, called a defense, is meant to prove and show that you have mastered the subject. You are supposed to be a mini-expert in the field. A capstone project presentation comes off as a kind of exhibition where you showcase your project without having to defend it.

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects vary not just in the type of project, also in the level at which they are done.

There are projects for juniors and seniors in college as well as for postgraduate students.

Here are some examples of the forms of projects depending on the academic level.

• In-depth research projects.
• Developing the concept of a product, tool, or service.
• Expositions.
• Experiments.

Capstone projects can be conducted either individually or in a group.

However, the key thing is to make sure that the project proposal has been reviewed and approved by the instructor/panel/institution in charge before proceeding.

Senior Capstone Project

Senior projects are so called because they are done by high school students in their senior year.

Just like other projects, they represent a culmination of the coursework with an interdisciplinary application of knowledge and skills gained so far.

The project usually takes the better part of the final academic year and will have different parts to it, depending on the type of project chosen.

It will also require a presentation where the student(s) explain and describe the project to an audience, including their classmates.

Sample Capstone Project Outline

The write up for a project consists of several parts. However, even before starting the write-up, you need to do a few things:

• Come up with an idea for your project. What will be your subject matter, topic, or premise?
• Find sources for the project and review them beforehand to ensure that they will be of help to you.
• Come up with a step-by-step methodology for your project.

Using this information, you will then write a capstone project proposal for your project. It informs your instructor or review panel exactly what you intend to present so that they can approve or reject it.

Once approved, you can go on to the next stage. The final write-up has the following parts.

• A title page.
• Project outline.
• A description/abstract.
• Introduction
• Rationale/relevance/reason for doing the project.
• Objectives of the project.
• Procedures/methodology.
• Research and analysis.
• Evaluation of results and findings.
• Conclusion and future work/suggestions.
• Bibliography/works cited/reference list.

Note that the project is carried out in stages. Once approved, you will need to be submitting weekly or monthly status reports to your supervisor. After the project report is submitted, you will also have to make a presentation about the whole project.

This brief outline is only meant to be a rough guide. We have a much more detailed article detailing how you can do your capstone project, including a project template. 

Capstone Project Examples

Help for Assessment has extensive experience when it comes to capstone projects of all kinds.

Whether it’s a high school project, a college capstone, or a senior capstone project, you can trust us to carry it out successfully for you.

You can check out various project samples here . 

Get Help With Your Capstone Project

Capstone projects in every level of school are a make or break it deal. Given that they complete the graduation credits required, it makes sense to leave this important part of your coursework to experts.

We are proud to offer you a guide on how to write a capstone project here . If you need help, you can take advantage of our capstone project writing service at affordable, student-friendly rates with amazing discounts. 

Check it out here and make your order to experience excellence, peace of mind, and success thanks to our stellar services.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Product-based Project Description Examples

The following are examples of the product-based project description information to help understand the size and scope that our capstone teams can accomplish during the 20-week project. Many examples were generated from previous projects, with specific details omitted/changed for some.

Example - VibroSonics

Provide a working project name for this project..

VibroSonics

Provide a description of the sponsoring organization, company, lab, or individual as a reference to the students.

The OSU OPEnS Lab is partnering with CymaSpace for this project. The Open-Sensing Lab is focused on developing environmental sensing projects and research. CymaSpace is a non-profit community center in Portland, Oregon dedicated to making music, audio, and art accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing through alternative media platforms. Through programs and outreach, Cymaspace hopes to be able to use the results of this project to educate its community on instrumentation, music production, and musical enjoyment.

Briefly describe what the design project is about. Avoid providing specific potential solutions

One of the most exhilarating aspects of experiencing live music events is “feeling” the sound pump against your skin. What if you could experience this sensation from your own playlist anywhere you go? Vibrosonics translates audio from the spectrum of human hearing into the tactile sub-audio range to drive vibrations through the body through wearable devices. This is accomplished through a unique audio encoding process that you will help improve.

What would be some of the benefits of this technology? Ludwig Van Beethoven was famous for being a deaf composer who overcame the condition of his ears by using touch on the piano. This technology could enable Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to dance with and experience music in new ways; gamers in VR-AR to feel and react to more aspects of their environment, and workers in high-noise situations feel critical sonic cues to help them avoid accidents.

We need an ME team to join a group of Electrical Engineering students to integrate their electronic prototype into a backpack or other wearable device.

Qualifications:

Confidence and experience with Fusion360, Solidworks Theoretical knowledge on how mechanical forces propagate and transmit through materials Eager to learn new skills and adapt to a dynamic product development environment

Experiential knowledge working with mechanical forces and propagation and transmission through materials Some electronics experience.

Please provide must-have requirements for the project here. The next question will ask for Stretch Goals.

Multiple iterative prototypes for testing before final design solution

Full CAD model of the wearable will be rendered. 

Other specs like weight limit, production cost, wearability, portability, etc will be determined in Weeks 1-2.

Occasionally a project scope is of a size in which the team is able to achieve all main goals early. If that is the case, what requirements do you have for the project that would be considered Stretch Goals.

Integration of a secondary control system looped to the front of the wearable device.

Integrate system beyond backpack concept for more surround sound feel.

Example - SumoRobotics Competition

The School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering will be sponsoring this competition during the Engineering Expo in June. The College of Engineering may provide funds as well. All teams are welcome to find further external sponsors and funds if they choose (but are not required to)

Teams of Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering capstone students will be tasked with creating an original design for a sumo robot that will compete during the Engineering Expo in June. Sumobot competitions are run similar to human sumo bouts where two robots compete head to head, attempting to push each other out of the competition ring. Robots are not allowed weapons or the ability to flip their opponent out of the ring – it is based solely on the ability to push one’s opponent. The weight class and size restrictions will be set at 3,000 kg weight and no greater than a 20 cm x 20 cm footprint. Autonomous and/or remote control classes may be required.

Last year’s inaugural launch of this competition was a great success during Expo and we’re excited to offer it again this year! Each team will be allocated a budget to work with or may seek out external sponsorship. Up to 4 teams may be fielded for this project, where a round-robin style competition would be implemented during Expo, with the top finishers going head-to-head at the end! This is a great opportunity for ME/MfgE students to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and coding – two highly sought after skills in industry. Further information on the competition rules can be found here: http://robogames.net/rules/all-sumo.php

Meet all competition requirements regarding size and weight.

Must be aesthetically pleasing.

Must represent Oregon State Engineering in a recruitment capacity.

Must include one extra subsystem beyond a simple ramp

Cost under $500.

Expo poster should be geared towards motivating High School students to become an engineer

Fix the older models of sumobots in storage to use as competition practice. Internal system must be easily accessible for repairs and diagnostics.

Process-based Project Description Examples

The following is an example of the process-based project description information to help understand the size and scope that our capstone teams can accomplish during the 20-week project. This example was generated from previous projects, with specific details omitted/changed.

Example - Call Center Improvement

Call Center Improvement

The ACME call center answers calls for (15) primary distribution centers from the coast to the cascades. The call center takes between 16,000 – 21,000 based on the time of the year (fall/winter have the most). The call center has (40+) employees, a template coordinator/supervisor, and three technical experts. The call center also assists with a number of programs: (1) rocket launcher issues (2) roller-skating mishaps (3) warranty claims. The call center, for the most part, is a resource and scheduling center.

The call center has gone through a very rapid growth process and existing processes and structures are not able to cope efficiently with current demand. It is no longer clear if the ACME call center phone tree is still effective for all customers. In addition, new protocols to handle warranty-related injuries will be added and the request is to add this to the phone tree, yet it is unclear if this will add too much to the phone tree. Given the growth in personnel, it is necessary to design a work flow for the call center representatives that is easy to understand and efficient (this may include to examine where the variables are and what can be streamlined). This information may be when to offer discounts or reimbursements, to when the call should be transferred to technicians or our lawyers. As a result, ACME expects the capstone team to determine the best means to streamline information that the reps need to resolve a claim.

The expectation will be that the capstone team and ACME will determine what tools can be developed/removed/enhanced for the call center representatives to ensure that they are able to answer and address all claims effectively. The hope is that by addressing these areas we will be able to maintain our call goals.

No more than 5% abandoned calls

No more than a 30-second hold time

Minimize the time that representatives are off the phone ‘not ready’ because of completing notes.

Provide full ARENA model of system to clearly show where areas of improvement for future iterations can be.

Provide signage for all centers to help personnel during calls with potential transfers/changes/etc. Create training manuals for all new procedures.

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What Is a Capstone Project in University?

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Importance of Capstone Courses

Characteristics of capstone projects, capstone project vs. capstone course, examples across various majors, capstone project process, benefits for students, challenges and tips, frequently asked questions about capstone in university.

Confused with the concept of a capstone project ? As you approach your senior year, you might be hearing about this culmination project—whether a research endeavor, final paper, application, or portfolio— this academic endeavor aims to showcase the depth of your learning throughout your college years and prepares you for the professional world.

 In this blog post, I will explore what it means, how to prepare for it, and how you can bring this academic achievement to life. I'll guide you through this process, ensuring you have the support and resources you need. With the right guidance and understanding, you can transform this challenging task into an opportunity for growth and real-world application.

Start applying for school scholarships now ! There are thousands of applications open for the upcoming school year!

Capstone courses are part of university curricula and are strategically designed to prepare students for a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. They may include research endeavors and theses. However, each has a distinct focus and purpose.

These projects often highlight practical applications and skill enrichment, making them more aligned with professional practice (often done as a group project).

On the other hand, research and theses contribute to the academic body of knowledge, delving deeper into theoretical aspects. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential to empowering students with the understanding needed to make informed decisions about their final-year assessments.

In a broader context, a capstone project is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. It provides a platform to reflect on academic journeys, apply acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios, and develop problem-solving skills. By addressing tangible challenges, learners enhance their readiness for the professional world.

The benefits of capstone projects extend beyond academic prowess. They empower students to navigate complex, work-related issues, through practical experience and fostering a deeper understanding on a particular subject.

This synthesis of knowledge and practical application enriches the graduate student's educational experience and typically involves graduates with a skill set essential for success in their higher education.

Although the terms "capstone project" and "capstone course" are often used interchangeably, it's necessary to understand their differences:

A  capstone project   is an independent assignment that encapsulates students' academic learning and demonstrates their proficiency in a specific discipline or field.

The focus is on individual research, problem-solving, or creative endeavors, providing a medium to demonstrate the knowledge acquired as students finish their studies. A capstone project is part of a course (think of it as a final assignment).

A  capstone course   contains a broader coursework and educational experience. It is an entire course (like any other) in which students incorporate and apply their knowledge gained throughout a program. It often requires students to collaborate on projects, engage in discussions, and participate in various activities. It can take longer to complete and varies depending on the institution. 

Students across different degree programs engage in multifaceted capstone experiences at the end of their college careers. These experiences can vary widely, from individual research to collaborative group endeavors, reflecting the essence of their academic achievements.

For example, in fields such as political science, students may delve into a senior thesis, conducting extensive research and showcasing their critical thinking skills.

Alternatively, within literature courses, the last capstone course may involve a comprehensive literature review, illustrating the culmination of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course of the degree program.

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Many capstone courses extend beyond conventional research papers, requiring you to work on a final project addressing a real-world problem. This collaborative effort and practical method, which can be conducted in small groups, emphasizes teamwork, a significant amount of research, and a strong work ethic (fundamental skills that prepare students for the workplace).

In addition to meeting the degree program and requirements, these capstone experiences often involve a final exhibition, allowing students to present and demonstrate their problem statement to professors, other students, peers, and sometimes even external stakeholders.

A capstone course experience serves as a bridge to graduate degrees or even doctorates, honing research capabilities that are essential for success and develop the necessary skills for potential employers.

As Jolanta Burke and Majella Dempsey highlight in their Practical Guide for Students Book , commencing a capstone project is like constructing a house:

Firstly, you must establish solid foundations, much like a house, ensuring reliability. Then, continue learning and enhancing your skills to build it. Once armed with the necessary skills and information, the next step is to decide on the materials, devise a plan of action, and follow through until the house—your project—is complete and ready for use.

Just as a house requires a robust foundation, a capstone project initiates with meticulous planning. This phase encompasses defining content, goals, and methodologies, ensuring the project demonstrates most capstone courses.

For instance, if your project revolves around human-centered design, identify a problem, such as a shortage of shelters in a city, and conduct research. Then, the person and approach to solving this problem should be determined, perhaps by studying the owner of an existing shelter and identifying gaps in current approaches.

While delving into extensive research, it's crucial for students to hone academic capabilities by studying other courses and examining what has already been done about the specific problem. Seeking input from people, professors, and TAs are invaluable. Once enough material, like a literature review or interviews, is gathered, present it to your professor for feedback before progressing.

Pre-Execution

Jus like choosing construction materials for a house, students must decide on materials and formulate a detailed action plan, meeting degree or course requirements. This phase demands careful consideration of methodologies and strategies, emphasizing material determination—whether it's an app, a history psychology project, or any other course. Craft a structured plan and present it as a proposal before delving deeper into the subject.

The final stage involves executing the plan and completing the project, demonstrating the capstone experience. The research project needs to be prepared for use, showcasing the culmination of efforts.

Presentation

The presentation serves as the grand reveal of the completed project. A well-structured project and a compelling pitch, typically required, is essential to demonstrate its readiness for use.

This approach ensures a seamless transition from planning to execution, essential for success in capstone courses and the culmination of their academic journey.

The preparatory nature of these projects makes students discover what they enjoy the most, what comes easily, and the potential to find areas of improvement. The benefits are crucial for student' personal and professional development, providing a real connection between academic knowledge and real-world application.

Gaining Skills and Experiences

Capstone projects showcase the skills and experiences accumulated throughout a student's educational journey. From research prowess to critical thinking and effective communication, the project culminates in these proficiencies, bringing them to the student's forefront.

Practical Transition to the Next Phase

Capstone projects are vital in preparing students to transition to the professional world or advance in academic pursuits. It's a practical initiation into college career, familiarizing students with the challenges and responsibilities they'll encounter in their future careers or advanced degrees at other schools.

Initiation of Work or Advanced Studies

Working on a capstone project program allows students to navigate the complexities they'll encounter in their chosen field. This experiential learning program equips them with valuable insights and the confidence and adaptability required to transition to the professional world or pursue advanced degrees.

Holistic Development for Future Success

Capstone projects contribute significantly to students' and major programs' holistic development, ensuring they are academically qualified and possess the practical skills demanded by prospective employers for their future endeavors.

Here are some potential burdens and some capstone journey strategies that have helped me throughout my projects during school.

Choosing a Subject:

• Challenge:  Defining the size of your capstone project can be daunting. I recommend balancing ambition with feasibility. For example, if you are trying to help dog shelters, maybe focus on how to prevent owners from abandoning them by educating dog owners. In the case of a more research-based project, look at the literature review of your research focus and build upon what has already been investigated.
• Strategy:  Begin with a clear project scope and revisit the risks regularly. Prioritize key objectives to avoid complicating your project, and focus on a single issue .

Time Management:

• Challenge:  Capstone projects often overlap with other academic commitments. Time management becomes paramount.
• Strategy:  Create a detailed timeline, allocating specific tasks to manageable time frames. Regularly reassess and adjust as needed.

Research Roadblocks:

• Challenge:  Conducting extensive research may lead to information overload or difficulty finding relevant sources.
• Strategy:  Define research questions early. What is the project doing? For whom? In what builds upon? Utilize academic databases and seek guidance from mentors for targeted resource discovery.

Team Dynamics (if applicable):

• Challenge:  Group projects may need help coordinating schedules, differing work styles, or conflicting ideas.
• Strategy:  Establish clear communication channels, set expectations from the beginning, and address conflicts promptly.

What exactly is a capstone project?

A capstone project is a culmination endeavor in your last year of college. This final assignment showcases the knowledge you acquired throughout your college years. It's a bridge between academia and the professional world, demonstrating the complete scope of your learning.

How do capstone courses differ from capstone projects?

A capstone project is an independent culminating assignment reflecting academic individual proficiency. On the other hand, a capstone course is an entire academic course that may involve collaborative projects, discussions, diverse activities, and presentations.

What are the benefits and challenges of capstone projects?

Capstone projects offer transformative experiences, unveiling skills and experiences gained through academic years. The benefits include skill refinement, self-discovery, and a practical transition to the professional realm.

However, challenges such as choosing a subject, time management, research roadblocks, and team dynamics may arise. Strategies like clear project scoping, time management, focused research questions, and effective team communication can help overcome these challenges.

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Project Initiation and Planning

6 Project Charter

The most important things to discuss at this stage are: what a Charter is , what is included in a Charter , why a Charter is important , and how a Charter is developed .

What is a Charter?

“A document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.” (PMI, 2004, 368)

Why is a Charter Important?

The project charter is an indispensable part of the Six Sigma project, and the foundation for the project’s success. The creation of the project charter begins at the top of the organization as management creates a one-page document that summarizes the project. The charter is a dynamic, living document and can be updated as information becomes available in the DMAIC process . When developing a charter to documents we need to ensure we understand the goal of the project so that we can ensure the deliverables will help obtain it.

The charter provide parameters for the project – think of it as being similar to a contract, between a team and a client. It is important the organization and people working on the project understand why they are doing it.  This will also help them to stay focused on the outlined goals and objectives. This is done through questions such as:

• What are the benefits of this project?
• Who will be impacted by the project?
• How will we know the project is successful?

How to Develop a Charter

You will have a Project Sponsor or “client”.  For a Capstone project, this is likely your industry partner or perhaps a faculty member supporting the project within your institution.

This person should be providing the initial SOW ( Statement of Work ) or objectives to define their goals.

The first step of a project should be to have a kick-off meeting.  In this meeting you will do the following:

• Review the SOW and any other documents provided
• Ask about ‘Project Objectives’
• Understand who will be impacted and potentially the outcomes they are looking for once the project is completed
• Contrast requirements between proposal and expectations — try to be as specific as possible
• Set up deliverables, with milestones and checkpoints
• Identify success criteria and create a schedule (tools with automatic reminders will help with this aspect)
• Processes for executing monitoring, controlling and overall management of the project

Project Goal

The project goal the business need, opportunity, or problem that the project was undertaken to address – i.e., the project justification. This should not be the deliverable (or “what you are doing”), but rather what the project is trying to accomplish (the “why”) . i.e. – Company XYZ wants to increase their revenues by 25% through social media campaigns in 2020. Goals should be SMART – specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound ( HubSpot SMART goals ).

Video Modules

Simon Sinek Golden Circle

Simon Sinek and his concept of the Golden Circle is critical in your understanding of what you are try.ing to accomplish and more importantly ‘Why’.

Deliverables and Research Goals

Provide a high-level list of “what” needs to be done to reach the goals of the project.  The overall project should be split into 3 or 4 main deliverables, with 5-6 sub-deliverables or “tasks”.  Each deliverable should be sufficiently detailed and measurable so that the Project Team will understand what needs to be accomplished.  Describe the deliverable using action words (verbs) such as “deliver, provide, create, research, etc.

Steps to Define Deliverables :

• Provide a high-level list of “what” needs to be done to reach the goals of the project.
• Break this into 3-4 smaller defined pieces (sub-deliverables) along the way.
• Each deliverable should be detailed in a way that both the client and team have a clear view of what is to be provided.  This should include things such as format, suggested length and items included. 

The charter deliverables will need to define what will be handed in at each phase and what they will look like in detail.

What Do Deliverables Look Like?

Deliverable #1: Research Phase

This may include primary or secondary research (i.e. interviews versus scholarly analysis). For some projects in which both primary and secondary research are necessary, this phase would consist of solely primary research and secondary research would fall into deliverable #2.

Deliverable #2: Action Phase

For those projects only requiring one form of research, this stage begins the analysis and summary of research into actionable recommendations.

For projects which require secondary and primary research, the secondary research would be conducted as this deliverable – with a thought towards application and filtering of secondary research to the findings from deliverable #1. Note – most institutions have a requirement for specific approval of primary research endeavors – you should check with your professor before proceeding into any primary research.

Deliverable #3: Presentation Phase

For all forms of projects, this phase is the conclusion of the project. Therefore, this should be the deliverable in which the client is presented with a result that seeks to satisfy the original goal of the project. The presentation format is at the client’s discretion but can be in the form of a drafted policy, recommendation report, presentation, or other. The idea is that the students hand a hard copy of the accumulation of all their work to the client in a format that allows the client to easily see the original goal as accomplished.

Many projects will not be completed fully over one semester and will have an additional team picking up where you left off. It is okay to clearly identify a portion of a project or game you are completing over the semester. This means as part of your final document you should have a clear handoff for the next team, including a drive where the files would be accessible.

Research Goals

Data: Information to be used for research purposes.

• Will the use of data/information aid in your project?
• Secondary Research – requesting existing data from external organizations/government – Library resources or Google Scholar are excellent for this.  You need to make sure you are using quality reputable resources
• Primary Research – through human interaction (in-person/online/phone) with participants.  This can be difficult to manage due to the inherent risks.  It requires a solid plan and Research and ethics board approval.
• Program Evaluation and/or Quality Improvement data
• Your client – data that they have already collected internally
• Having considered the above information, are you planning on conducting and/or analyzing research to aid in the project goals and deliverables?

There should be metrics included in this section. i.e., we plan to survey 100 people over the course of 3 weeks, we will analyze 10 different companies, we will provide 20 marketing pieces, etc. These will help in developing your updates or check-ins throughout the term.

Scope – The extent of what a project will produce (product scope) and the work needed to produce it (project scope).

Document the scope of work to be delivered. To assist in defining scope, use documentation such as RFP, sales proposals, business requirements, functional specifications, etc. to set and limit the scope.

In-Scope is what the project will include, meeting the requirements of the project goals.

Out of Scope excludes responsibilities, activities, deliverables, or other areas that are not part of the project.

Scope Creep :  Adding additional features or functions of a new product, requirements, or work that is not authorized (i.e., beyond the agreed-upon scope).

Top 5 Causes of Scope Creep, Larson, R. & Larson, E. (2009).

Assumptions, Constraints & Dependencies

Identify the assumptions that were made to define the scope and to complete the deliverable s. Assumptions are elements that need to be ‘true’ in order for your project to proceed.

Objective: Set the boundaries and address how the triple project management constraint (scope, time, cost) could be impacted or managed (Baratta, A., 2006).

List any constraints (potential factors that will impact the delivery or make it difficult to manage the project) on the project or dependencies (on resources or funding to the project). Consider time, cost, dates, rules, and regulations, etc. as constraints or dependencies to the project.

These should be specific to your project.

• What would limit you?
• What information/data/access are you expecting provided by the client?
• What do you need the client to do by when? IE give feedback, post to social media, provide reports?
• Provided funding? Tools? Equipment?
• What tools will you be engaging with for your project? (Hootsuite, oculus, raspberry pi, databases etc)

Include any required equipment or resources that will be needed and who is expected to be providing them.

Related Documents

Reference any related documents that were used to define scope and assumptions. Include a description, along with a copy/attachment/link to the documentation.

Project Organizational Structure

Tools and Templates

Board of Innovation Stakeholder Map

Miro Stakeholder Map 

Mural Stakeholder Map 

Think of this as a contact list for the project. It should include you client (and other secondary contacts), as well as your course contacts ([professor, TAs, mentors, etc.).

Identify the key stakeholder s and team members by function, name, and role. One team member will be designated Team Lead and will act as the main point of contact for communication for the project external partner.

What’s a Stakeholder?

• A stakeholder is an individual, group or organization who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project (Project Management Institute, 2013).
• Key Stakeholders can include: customers/users, sponsors, portfolio manager, program manager, PMO, Project Manager
• It is important to remember to identify the project stakeholders in your Charter .

Confidentiality Agreement

It is important to understand that there is a confidentiality agreement on your projects and you should be cautious with how you save, share or use the information provided.  Consider things such as:

• Keep anonymous the identity of the interviewed respondents, including the project sponsor (client) and any associated party of the sponsor.
• Not use the respondents’ contact information for any other purpose than to conduct the present study.
• Not use the collected data for any purpose other than to complete the present study.
• Not provide the collected data to any third party other than our client and the professor, and to keep all the research information confidential by not discussing or sharing it in any form or format (eg. disks, tapes, transcripts) with anyone other than our client and the professor. The research results will be discussed with the faculty involved in the Capstone course at the final presentation only.
• NOTE – you should never sign any external confidentiality documentation without consulting with your professor or faculty advisor.

Project Authorization

Once you have completed your charter, it should be reviewed by the main stakeholders for acceptance; this is what will ‘kick off’ the project and allow you to begin work. This can come as an email from your client confirming acceptance, but it is most preferred to have a written signature and/or verbal agreement in a meeting.

A sponsor is the person or group that provides the financial resources, in cash or kind, for the project. (PMBOK Guide)

A document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.

A narrative description of products or services to be supplied under contract. (PMBOK™ Guide)

A milestone is the planned completion of a significant event in the project.

Any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform a service that must be produced to complete a process, phase or project. (PMBOK Guide)

The extent of what a project will produce (product scope) and the work needed to produce it (project scope).

Adding additional features or functions of a new product, requirements, or work that is not authorized.

Assumptions are “factors that, for planning purposes, are considered to be true, real, or certain without proof or demonstration” (PMI, 2008, p 148).

The Triple Constraint says that cost is a function of scope and time or that cost, time and scope are related so that if one changes, then another must also change in a defined and predictable way.

Project constraints are limitations imposed on the project, like the budget, schedule, or resources. The PMBOK Guide recognizes six project constraints: scope, quality, schedule, budget, resources, and risk.

Relationships between products or tasks

A stakeholder is an individual, group or organization who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project (Project Management Institute, 2021)

A project leader can be a project manager, but the project manager is not a project lead.

Tools and Resources for Capstone (v. 1.2 Jan 2024) Copyright © by eCampus Ontario is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Project Scope Statement: How to Write One With Examples

Table of Contents

What is a project scope statement, how to write a project scope statement, project scope statement sample, project scope statement examples, project scope statement vs. scope of work, scope statement vs. scope management plan.

The scope of a project is the sum of all the work that needs to be executed. A project scope statement helps project managers define the boundaries of what will and what won’t be done. But scope statements aren’t just about work management.

To write a project scope statement, you’ll need to understand the project goals, work breakdown structure and requirements, among other things. Then, once you’ve defined your project scope, you can create a scope document.

A scope statement is a document that defines all the elements of the project scope as well as assumptions, project requirements and acceptance criteria. Your project scope statement will act as the primary tool for stakeholders and teammates to reference and use as a guideline to accurately measure project success.

A project scope statement is part of the scope management plan , a larger document that contains all the strategies, rules and procedures to manage your project scope. In the same way, the scope management plan is an important component of your project plan.

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Project Scope Template

Use this free Project Scope Template for Word to manage your projects better.

Now that we know what a project scope statement is, let’s learn how to write this important project management document. Similar to the five Ws of journalism—who, what, when, where, why—to properly outline your project scope statement, you must address these seven things:

1. Project Goals & Objectives

Project goals and objectives are what define the purpose of a project. Project objectives are the smaller steps that lead to the project goals, which are broader. Start your project scope document by explaining them. These goals and objectives should be documented in a project charter , too.

2. Project Requirements

Project managers and stakeholders must reach an agreement about the project scope and other project requirements such as the expected quality, risk, benefits and cost, among others.

3. Project Scope Description

It might sound easy enough, but this is the most important step. Here is where you’ll define your project scope, which is all the work that needs to be done to complete the project. Here are some simple steps to help you define the project scope.

• Use a work breakdown structure to visualize all your project tasks, deliverables, and milestones.
• List what’s within the scope of your project, and what’s out of scope. Everything that’s not included in the project scope is known as project exclusions.
• Identify project constraints, which are all the limitations such as time or cost.
• Create a scope baseline to compare your actual progress to the planned project scope.

Project exclusions and constraints are essential because they help establish boundaries for the project to exist. They also manage your stakeholders’ expectations/input and give your team members some creative limitations to work within.

4. Project Exclusions

While it’s imperative that you define the boundaries around what the project includes from the outset, it’s also extremely important that you list what this project doesn’t include. For example:

• Application updates that are planned for a later project and are intentionally not included in this project
• Restricted or rescheduled customer access to certain support lines/product features

5. Project Constraints

Project constraints are what make managing projects such a puzzle to solve. The top three constraints to managing any project are typically time, money and scope, known as the triple constraint of project management. They’re interconnected, meaning that if you pull one lever on ‘scope,’ another lever on ‘money’ or ‘time’ will also move.

But there are additional project constraints that can crop up at any time, including risk, resources, organization, method, customers and more. List all the constraints you foresee in your project, so you can try to have solutions in place ready to launch when needed.

6. Project Assumptions

Your project assumptions typically revolve around the very things that end up being constraints, including time, money and scope. For example, it’s in this section of your project scope document, “the front-end development team will be available during this project time period,” or, “the customer support team will receive new product training by x time.” It’s important to list these out as this won’t only tell key stakeholders what your primary resource needs are to make the project go, but it also gives you fast insight as to where your biggest risk factors lie.

7. Project Deliverables

List out the deliverables your team members need to produce in order to meet business objectives. This can include the product itself, instruction and installation manuals, marketing materials, press releases, advertising campaigns and more.

Your project scope statement outline helps act as a marker as you build out your full scope statement. Because while predicting the future of the project is impossible at such a high level, this is the first step to getting your project as close to the outcome as possible. By starting with the seven key statements above, you can get a head start on a successful project.

Gantt charts are the workhorses of scope management. However, most Gantt chart software is woefully limited in terms of its functionality. ProjectManager has dynamic online Gantt charts that do the regular organizing, prioritizing and linking dependencies and adding milestones. But unlike other tools, you can filter for the critical path. When you set the baseline, you’re able to compare your actual progress to what you had planned. There’s no better way to monitor project scope.

To better understand what the project scope statement is, we thought it’d be helpful to visualize it using our free project scope template for Word as a project scope statement example. As you can see, it has the basic project scoping information on top and then goes into a general justification for the project’s need and how it’ll fulfill that.

Then we get into the main part of the project scope statement, such as what will be in scope and out of scope for the project. This creates boundaries for the project and makes clear what is essential and must be prioritized.

Now we get into explanations of the business objectives, such as targets that the project needs to hit in order to be successful, and the deliverables that’ll be produced over the life cycle of the project.

From there, you’ll describe project exclusions, issues of time, cost, scope, risk, resources and so on that could constrain it and whatever is assumed to be done in the project.

Finally, you’ll go into costs. The project scope statement is going to estimate the costs and list them all, including the estimated cost, the actual cost and the cost on completion of the project. Then you can show the variance, which is the difference between the estimated cost and the actual cost.

Now let’s review two simple project scope statement examples to better understand how a scope statement can be used in different industries.

Construction Project Scope Statement Example

Defining the scope of a project is one of the most important steps in the project planning process . In construction, defining the scope helps construction project owners, contractors and subcontractors not only reach an agreement on what the construction project will look like but also create an accurate project cost estimate based on the work, materials, equipment and labor that’ll be required.

• Project Goals & Objectives: Build a residential construction project, an apartment complex that will generate revenue for the construction firm.
• Project Requirements: Architects, engineers and construction project managers will work on the construction design to determine the specifications and requirements for the project. These include quality standards for construction materials and safety requirements, among others. To have a clear understanding of what these project requirements will look like, they’ll need to create a set of construction drawings and construction documents such as blueprints, a bill of quantities and computer-assisted designs.
• Project Scope Description: Once there’s a design for the building, the project scope can be defined by using a work breakdown structure that’ll allow the construction management team to zoom into the types of tasks that will need to be executed, such as masonry, plumbing, electrical and other types of construction activities.
• Project Exclusions: One of the most important things when writing a scope statement is to state what activities won’t be executed, known as project exclusions. Clearly explaining this helps avoid misunderstandings down the road.
• Project Constraints: In project management, there are three traditional project constraints; time, scope and cost. However, there are even more project constraints that can affect a construction project, such as resources, quality and risk. For any construction project, there will be constraints that need to be factored in during the project planning phase such as environmental concerns, local regulations and building codes.
• Project Assumptions: In any project, there are assumptions that subject matter experts will draw before the construction phase begins. These are usually things beyond the control of the construction management team, such as weather conditions, availability of suppliers and the ability of the team to complete work within the planned time frame. These assumptions will be proven true or false once the work begins.
• Project Deliverables: As previously stated, the construction project involves different types of work such as HVAC, electrical work, woodwork and masonry, among others. Each of these construction crews or subcontractors will be responsible for producing many project deliverables throughout the construction phase.

Manufacturing Project Scope Statement Example

Manufacturing projects generally involve the production of physical products. This takes a series of steps needed to transform raw materials into finished goods. Here’s a simple scope statement example for manufacturing.

• Project Goals & Objectives: Create a finished product based on market research and the strategic planning of the company.
• Project Requirements: There will be internal and external requirements for the development and manufacturing of your product. In terms of internal requirements, think about the concerns of your company stakeholders who will want low production costs, high profit margins and the shortest time possible to get a return on their investment. In terms of external requirements, consider the competition in your market and the preferences of your target customers such as the quality, price and features they expect from your product.
• Project Scope Description: The project scope in this case will summarize the different activities that are part of the production cycle. This includes the product development process, the procurement and transportation of raw materials, parts and components from suppliers to the production line, the assembling process, quality control procedures and the distribution channels that’ll be utilized to bring the product to the market.
• Project Exclusions: It’s important to explain to your stakeholders exactly what features will be included in your product as well as the quality standards that will be followed. Product documentation such as a bill of materials is ideal to define your project exclusions.
• Project Constraints: There will be project constraints specific to manufacturing such as limited production capacity, resource availability, customer demand and machinery maintenance.
• Project Assumptions: Brainstorm with different departments involved with the product, such as marketing, sales, production and maintenance to draft as many project assumptions as you can get. The more cross-functional insights you can get, the better. It’s important to be ready to face multiple scenarios. A good way to do so is to use linear programming models to simulate different levels of production and customer demand.
• Project Deliverables: The deliverables will be all the different product development documents that’ll guide the production process , the product prototype and finally the final version of the product that’ll be launched to the market.

There are a few things that project scope statements typically get confused with, including your scope of work . They may sound like similar project scoping documents, but here are the primary differences between these two.

Your scope of work is an agreement of work, typically between consultant and client, that details the agreement of work to be performed, including, but not limited to:

• Deliverables/products/results
• Project timeline
• Project milestones
• Reports to catalog project progress

While your scope of work can be time-consuming to write, it outlines the project itself and not necessarily the plan that’s to follow. The project scope statement, in turn, fulfills that role by detailing and mapping out exactly what to expect with the project plan and the project itself.

They might sound similar, and the outcome of the project may be similar, but a project scope statement is different from your project scope management plan . A project scope management plan is what follows the project scope statement, detailing the scope management process from the start to the finish of your project life cycle.

Additionally, it helps define the work that must be done over the course of the project, and it controls and monitors those processes. It also documents and tracks phases to avoid scope creep  and assists with project closing, including an audit of deliverables and assessing the project outcome for success factors.

Your scope statement isn’t nearly as involved—it’s just the umbrella over your project scope management plan, acting as a rubric for stakeholders and team members to follow.

Tips to Write a Project Scope Statement

Here are the best practices to consider as you write your project scope statement:

• Avoid using jargon-heavy language. You’ll be talking to multiple people across multiple departments and specializations, so keep the language consistent and clear.
• Keep it short. Since this is a project document that’s seeking stakeholder buy-in, there will likely be plenty of editing to be done before it’s finalized, and it’ll need to be a quick reference guide for later. So, keep it simple and save the verbiage for your full project plan.
• Stay away from sweeping statements. You don’t want to over-commit your resources to the project before it even kicks off.
• What are the long-term business benefits?
• What does it provide our customers that do not already exist?
• Is this better than what we currently offer on the market?

ProjectManager & Project Scope Management

Major project rollouts can be demanding on both your time and energy. Don’t let it overwhelm you before kick-off. For starters, you can use our Gantt chart software to create a WBS and get a visual on deliverables, as well as the tasks needed to complete before submitting your project scope statement.

From there, you can try ProjectManager and use our task management features to get all the necessary tasks organized, prioritized and sorted by project phase. You can even ask other people for input: team members can comment directly on the tasks so communication stays organized and to the point.

Keep tabs on your resources, tasks, deliverables and more so you can keep your project on track. With ProjectManager, you can practice mapping out your project timeline by using our Gantt chart, listing out deliverables using our task list or kanban tool and inviting team members to review the timeline before submitting the scope statement to key stakeholders. Start your free 30-day trial today.

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HOW TO EFFECTIVELY SCOPE A UTDESIGN CAPSTONE PROJECT

October 28th, 2020

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UTDesign Capstone projects provide senior engineering and computer science students from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science with a meaningful experience on their Capstone project by partnering with industry sponsors to create solutions to real-world engineering and computer science problems. Students not only work on a real company project, but also gain valuable experience in an environment similar to that of their industry mentor(s).

The UTDesign Capstone program allows students to fully engage in the design, build and test solution development process and use their project management and problem-solving skills while working on new prototypes, manufacturing automation solutions, computer programs or complete testing systems for companies, or a faculty member’s research. The students learn technical skills and gain valuable experience that sometimes leads to internships and jobs.

The UTDesign Capstone team will collaborate with your company to effectively scope a Capstone Project.  Here’s what you need to know:

• Companies are encouraged to develop project goals based on the skill level and amount of effort that students are able to contribute. They should identify Minimum Viable Product (MVP) deliverables, as well as two or three stretch goals, with an open-ended problem statement for which the solution is not obvious.
• After a company submits its project proposal, It is also important to discuss the proposed project tasks with the UTDesign Capstone Faculty Director in charge of that engineering department’s UTDesign Capstone projects. They have many years of experience with student Capstone projects and can “right scope” your project within the capabilities of the students to help ensure team success.
• The scope should be similar to what you would expect one full-time intern to accomplish during the duration of the proposed project. Consider what one full-time student who just completed their junior year could accomplish in two semesters (one semester if a computer science project) as a “rule of thumb.”

Want to learn more about how UTDesign Capstone can benefit your organization? See our cool video on how UTDesign Capstone can help your company:  www.bit.ly/UTDesignvideo

Additional information on the UTDesign Capstone program can be found on our website at https://utdesign.utdallas.edu .

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Master of Science in Threat and Response Management

Capstone project guidance, introduction to the capstone project.

The capstone project is a degree requirement of the Master of Science in Threat and Response Management Program. Students complete their capstone projects during the last three quarters of the program. Students will use the skills and experience gained during the program to complete an emergency management project with a sponsoring organization. The projects are conducted in groups of two students with mentorship from the student’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), consisting of scientific advisors and capstone sponsor as well as the capstone course instructors.

Students register for three capstone classes that occur in three consecutive quarters during their second year: Autumn, Winter, and Spring.

In the first of the three courses, Capstone Project Proposal, students will develop their project. They will turn a problem statement, whether provided by a sponsor or developed independently, into an actionable plan for research. In the second course, Capstone Project Implementation, students will complete the bulk of their research. Even though research may or will have already gotten underway during the first course, students will be completing the bulk of their interviews, surveys, quantitative analyses and / or other data collection methodologies during the winter quarter. In the third and final quarter, Capstone Project Writing & Presentation, students may complete their data collection and will write/revise the final capstone paper, the written deliverable for the sponsor, and a presentation that summarizes their work.

All students must meet standards for satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Graham Student Manual to begin their capstone project. Students must not be on probation, must not have incomplete courses, and must possess at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA. Because the capstone sequence involves university-industry partnerships, a high degree of professionalism is expected of students during all phases of the capstone project.

Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Mentorship

The SAC provides mentorship and guidance to student teams throughout the capstone process. The SAC comprises 1-2 MScTRM instructors 1 , who serve as scientific advisors, and at least one representative from the capstone sponsor organization. Even though the scientific advisor and capstone sponsor are both on the SAC and may share certain competencies, they have distinct roles in the guidance and oversight they provide students.

Scientific Advisors

Program staff match MScTRM instructors as scientific advisors to capstone projects based on their subject matter expertise in an area of emergency management. Scientific advisors should be regularly updated on progress on the project throughout the capstone process because they will grade the final capstone paper and presentation. In addition, they can advise students on appropriate sources, methodologies, and perspectives for their projects so that they can produce professionally relevant and rigorous research.

Primary advisors should be available for every meeting to provide guidance and feedback. Secondary advisors will attend meetings if their schedules allow. Both advisors should be included in meeting invites, progress update emails, etc. Both advisors will be grading final paper and presentation at the end of the Capstone Writing and Presentation quarter.

Meetings with scientific advisors should be held each quarter as follows:

• Proposal Course : meet at least three times or approximately once per month to share finalized project scope and solicit feedback and subject matter advice.
• Implementation Course : meet at least three times or approximately once per month to discuss data collection methodologies and preliminary analyses to ensure that high quality research is being conducted.
• Writing & Presentation Course : meet at least three times or approximately once per month to discuss the final analyses, conclusions and recommendations derived from the research to ensure that the final capstone paper and presentation are thorough and rigorous

Capstone Sponsor

The capstone sponsor provides direct oversight and supervision of the student team by guiding the goals and scope of the project. Typically, sponsors are seeking solutions to specific problems or aim to gain an understanding of issues of particular importance and relevance to their work. To ensure that student teams are working according to the expectations of the sponsor, student teams should connect with the capstone sponsor throughout the year. The meetings should occur as follows:

• Proposal Course : two to three times to discuss and set project goals, scope, and deliverables.
• Implementation Course : weekly or bi-weekly to report on findings and progress in data collection and to adjust the goals and scope of the project if necessary.
• Writing & Presentation Course : two to three times to discuss findings and conclusions; and to confirm the structure of the final deliverable for the sponsor 2 .

Capstone Instructors

The capstone instructors will also work closely with students. As social scientists and writing experts, they provide guidance on the research process (generally) including research methods, the structure of the written work, the logic of the analyses and writing. The instructors are there to address confusion, set expectations for the level of work that is required, explain the principles of research, help student teams work together and organize their work, provide advice on how to address the concerns of the SAC and teach principles of writing. Capstone instructors will also meet with students between quarters. Students will meet with capstone instructors as follows:

• Proposal Course : during the monthly course meetings and by student team, at least once a month. Student teams are invited to meet with the capstone instructors whenever they have questions.
• Implementation Course : during the monthly course meetings and by student team, at least once a month. Student teams are invited to meet with the capstone instructors whenever they have questions.
• Writing & Presentation Course : during the monthly course meetings and by student team, at least once a month. Student teams are invited to meet with the capstone instructors whenever they have questions.

Finding a Project

MScTRM staff curate a catalog of projects for student teams and match students to these projects based on their preferences, skills, and professional experience. Even though matching to a project from the catalog is preferred, students may suggest a project idea. Please see below for details on matching to a project and requirements for proposing a project.

MScTRM project catalog

The MScTRM program has academic, industry, and non-profit partners that sponsor projects. Descriptions of these projects will be shared prior to the start of the Capstone Proposal Course. The program staff and MSTR 33301 instructor will facilitate the matching process between organizations and students by initiating an introductory communication between the student and the sponsor. The final decision on whether the student will be matched to the project will rest with the sponsor organization.

Student proposed project

If a student has a relevant project from an employer or network that could be submitted as a capstone project, it must be approved by the MScTRM program staff and the MSTR 33301 instructor. The proposed project is required to be different from day-to-day work duties and must have a detailed scope and goals that address the needs of the sponsor and the field of emergency management. The student team must identify a capstone sponsor who would provide adequate supervision and must work with the sponsor to decide on a final deliverable for the sponsor. If a student is interested in moving forward with an independently proposed project, the project problem statement and description must be submitted in advance of the start of the autumn quarter by the deadline communicated by the capstone project administrator.

Capstone Final Paper

At the end of the spring quarter of the capstone process, student teams will submit a research paper to the MScTRM program. This paper may also be submitted to the capstone sponsor. (Sponsors may require additional, written deliverable(s). See below.) All final papers will have the essential components of an academic paper (e.g., table of contents, problem statement, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, references, and appendices) and should be no more than 50 pages in length (not counting references and appendices.

Even though every team must submit a final academic research paper as a degree and capstone requirement, students may also be required by their sponsor to develop a written product that is different from the capstone paper. This should be discussed with the capstone sponsor during the Capstone Proposal Course. The following are examples of deliverables which may be requested by a sponsor:

• White Paper - A white paper advocates for a certain technical position or solution/tool (e.g., best practices or guidelines) to address a particular problem.
• Data analysis, research summary and report on results – The specific format should be discussed. with the sponsor.
• Emergency operations plan (EOP) .
• Policy brief .
• Capstone Project Confidentiality –  Some industry partners may also require that students keep certain data and work product confidential, including in some cases the identity of the sponsor. As a condition of participation in such a project, students may be asked to agree to grant such rights to the applicable sponsor and comply with any applicable confidentiality requirements and / or data sharing agreements. If any confidentiality, learning, or data sharing agreements are required, please inform the instructor. Please contact the MScTRM course instructor and program staff if you have any questions or concerns about intellectual property.

During the first quarter of the project (Autumn), students will develop a capstone project proposal. In this graded course, students will complete different sections of the proposal as assignments and will revise their work to produce a strong draft by the end of the quarter. In addition, students will be required to meet with scientific advisors and sponsors on a regular basis. (See below.) All assignments are set by the MSTR 33301 instructor and are included in the syllabus on the Canvas course site. Note: Peers will be asked to provide feedback on the work of their partner. Sponsors will also be asked to provide feedback on the work of the student teams.

Sections of the Proposal

The project proposal includes all of the following sections. (These should be reviewed with your SAC before collecting data in the winter quarter.)

• The problem statement should include a brief description of the emergency management problem.
• Research questions should indicate the goals of the research.
• The background section should provide context for the problem that will be addressed. This could include descriptions of the organizations that may be part of the focus of the research, history of laws that are pertinent to the problem, discussions of emergency management concepts and considerations that are relevant to the problem, and the like. The precise content of the background section will depend on the problem being addressed in the research. Again, the background section establishes the context and the relevant information that would make the problem intelligible.
• The Literature Review includes a review of the relevant literature pertaining to the proposed problem/project. The purpose is to establish what is already known about the focus of research and to determine if there are gaps in the research. The literature review also presents controversies and debates. The literature review can provide the rationale for the research that the TRM student team is undertaking. The precise content will depend on the project.
• The methodology section lays out the anticipated methods that will be used for data collection. It will also include the type of analyses that will be conducted and what type of data will be needed. Methods that have been previously used include, but are not limited to, surveying and interviewing professionals in the field, conducting a case study, reviewing media reports, and analyzing quantitative data.
• A timeline of dates by which each step and milestone will be accomplished should be included, along with a description of any potential obstacles.

Note : Proposals should present a well-defined project, but projects continue to evolve. A proposal cannot anticipate all the insights and challenges that would cause the project to change. However, the proposal still helps to guide the project. As the year progresses, sections of the proposal will be revised and will eventually be included in the final paper.

A project that involves human subjects must be reviewed by the University of Chicago Institutional Review Board (IRB). According to the UChicago Social and Behavioral (SBS) IRB office , human subjects research includes but is not limited to:

• Studies that collect new data through intervention or interaction with individuals (e.g., interviews, surveys) and yield information about the individuals including their opinions, views, and thoughts on various topics (e.g., surveys about alcohol consumption, interviews on experience with active shooter situations),
• Studies that produce generalizable knowledge about categories or classes of subjects from individually identifiable information, or
• Studies that use human beings to evaluate environmental alterations, for example, weatherization options or habitat modifications to their living or working space or test chamber.

Students must submit project details to the capstone instructors by the deadline established and no later than the start of month two of the Capstone Proposal course, see supporting document “MScTRM IRB Review.” The instructional team will aggregate project information and submit to the director of the SBS IRB who will determine whether each project must submit an application online via AURA.

In the winter quarter, the student team will execute the research plan outlined in the capstone proposal. Student teams are expected to spend at least 100 hours on the project throughout each quarter (equivalent to the time spent on a typical 100-unit course), but research can be unpredictable, and more time may be required. This course is graded. To ensure that students stay on track with their data collection and analyses, the MSTR 33302 instructor will require assignments that share preliminary data collection results and analyses. These are included in the syllabus on the Canvas course site. Note: Peers will be asked to provide feedback on the work of their partner. Sponsors will also be asked to provide feedback on the work of the student teams. During the Capstone Implementation Course, students are expected to adhere to the following:

Regular Communication with the Sponsor

The project proposal should include a timeline and description of communication with the sponsor, including how and when check-ins will occur. Students should be checking in with their sponsors on a regular basis, whether that means weekly or biweekly, and in-person or virtually. Students should report any obstacles to fulfilling this requirement to the capstone instructor and program staff.

Regular Communication with Scientific Advisors

The project proposal should include a timeline and description of communication with scientific advisors. Regular communication with the scientific advisor about progress, course corrections, and challenges will help manage uncertainty. Regular meetings with scientific advisors will also help address unexpected outcomes, will help avoid errors in the analysis, and will help strengthen the methods and results. Bi-weekly to weekly check-ins are recommended. Students should report any obstacles to fulfilling this requirement to the capstone instructor and program staff.

Professionalism

All students must abide by the sponsor and University of Chicago standards for professional behavior, appearance, and communications during the capstone sequence. When students are working on their capstone project, they are representing themselves, their group, and the University of Chicago as emergency management professionals. If the expectations are unclear regarding onsite business attire, the sponsor should be contacted before visiting the site. Because capstone projects involve crucial communications with the sponsor and/or with the MScTRM team, UChicago email should be used for all official interactions. Voicemail should be checked regularly for sponsor communication as well.

Even though student teams may still be finalizing data collection and approaches to the analysis, the writing and presentation course in spring focuses on writing and revising the final paper and presentation. Throughout the year, teams will have been writing the project. In the final course of the sequence, student teams will bring together different drafts of the sections of the paper, add new sections and revise where necessary. Students will be graded on assignments created by the MSTR 33303 instructor. Assignments mainly consist of drafts of various sections of the paper. Due dates are included in the syllabus on the Canvas course site. Note : Peers will be asked to provide feedback on the work of their partner. Sponsors will also be asked to provide feedback on the work of the student teams. Requirements include:

Final Paper

To complete the requirements of the MScTRM Program, student teams will submit a final paper. (An additional deliverable for the sponsor may be determined with the sponsor.) Students must MASTER OF SCIENCE IN THREAT AND RESPONSE MANAGEMENT 8 keep in mind that no matter the deliverable for the sponsor, the final paper must include the following elements 3 :

• Table of contents
• Executive summary
• Statement of problem
• Research questions
• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology
• Recommendations
• Appendices (as needed)

Final Presentation

All capstone students are expected to develop a presentation of their work and provide a project summary at the MScTRM Capstone Showcase in spring. All team members are expected to speak during their presentation.

Presentation Format and Help

Students will develop the presentation using a PowerPoint template that is accessible on the Canvas capstone course sites. Students are expected to reach out to their SAC to solicit feedback, practice, and fine-tune the presentation. Students should be prepared to rehearse their presentations before the showcase.

Elements of the Presentation

Presentations must include key elements from the proposal and final document such as:

• Brief statement of the problem.
• Recommendations that emerged from the research.
• Brief review of background and the literature review.
• Methodology Results and findings.
• Recap of the recommendations and how they relate to the research.
• Next steps for the organization or field of emergency management.

Capstone Project Grading

The grade for MSTR 33303 Capstone Writing & Presentation will comprise the following elements:

Written document

The final academic research paper will account for a major percentage of the final grade. It is graded by the scientific advisor(s). The final paper and / or the deliverable for the sponsor will be shared with the capstone sponsor.

Capstone Showcase Presentation and Q&A

Scientific advisors will score their assigned presentations during the capstone showcase and provide written feedback. All scores will be averaged and included in the final course grade.

Course assignments as outlined in syllabus by instructional team

Note : The weighting of each component will be outlined on the Canvas capstone course site and syllabus

MScTRM Capstone Project Timeline

Before capstone (summer quarter).

• Attend or review a capstone information session.
• Update resumes.

Capstone Proposal (Pre-Autumn Quarter)

• Review capstone project catalog.
• Complete the Capstone Preferences Survey.
• Complete all pre-quarter assignments as outlined by MSTR 33301 instructor and capstone administrator.
• Complete the capstone checklist.
• Prepare for the IRB process by completing CITI training and applying for an AURA account.
• Get matched with a project.
• Hold introductory meeting with the sponsor, scientific advisors and capstone instructors.

Capstone Proposal (Autumn Quarter)

• Complete all assignments as outlined by MSTR 33301 instructor.
• Regularly meet with the sponsor to finalize project scope, goals for the capstone paper and the deliverables for the sponsor.
• Regularly meet with scientific advisors to receive feedback on sections of the project proposal.
• Submit project information to capstone instructors for determination of IRB application.
• Submit final capstone project proposal.
• Complete peer evaluations.

Implementation (Winter Quarter)

• Complete all assignments as outlined by MSTR 33302 instructor.
• Execute project plan: conduct research, collect data and follow expectations defined in the capstone proposal.
• Check in (weekly or bi-weekly) with sponsor contact.
• Check in (weekly or bi-weekly) with scientific advisors.
• Share assignments with scientific advisors.

Writing and Presentation (Spring Quarter)

• Complete all assignments as outlined by MSTR 33303 instructor.
• Check in with SAC while writing the final paper and presentation.
• Submit final capstone project paper.
• Develop capstone project presentation.
• Present at the MScTRM Capstone Showcase.
• The program may also approve non-MScTRM faculty as a scientific advisor under special circumstances.
• It is possible that the sponsor will request a deliverable that is different from the capstone paper. For more information, please reach out to the capstone instructor.
• Sections may be subject to change. Students should refer to the materials posted on the Canvas sites for the capstone courses by the capstone instructor.
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Capstone Project Examples

The Capstone project is designed to be the BIS program's culminating experience where students meld three disciplines into a coherent, integrated whole to demonstrate academic understanding and application.

Community Engagement

"Service-learning helps students master important curriculum content by supporting their making meaningful connections between what they are studying and its many applications” (National Service Learning Partnership, 2009).

A record of academic experiences, achievements and professional development related to educational activities, culminating with completion of the Capstone/Senior Project. It should include documents and other media that demonstrate variety, depth, breadth, and quality of work.

Primary Research

An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student and faculty mentor that results in an original intellectual or creative contribution to a field of study (Council on Undergraduate Research, 2009).

Secondary Research

Reading, examining, studying, summarizing, and integrating research completed by others with the intent of answering an original thesis question or supporting other scholarly or service related work.