Simulation Project -
Goals of the course
This page describes the goals of the course Simulation Project.
There are many skills required of computer scientists and engineers
at the workplace which go beyond the merely academic knowledge
usually taught at the university. Two of the skills which are
almost ubiquitous in these professions are
- Communication skills
- Teamwork skills
Communication skills encompass giving presentations and participating
constructively in team discussions.
Teamwork skills include the ability to work together with others,
contribute to team decision-making, and taking responsibility for
personal contributions to the team's goal.
Very many employers and graduates in the workplace state that these
are vitally important skills. Unfortunately, a typical university education
offers almost no opportunities to learn and practice them.
Simulation Project has been conceived to (partially) correct
this situation. It is a practical course, in which all of the above-mentioned
skills are necessary. Here are the key characteristics of the course:
- Students work together in teams for the duration of the semester.
- Each student has a specific responsibility within his/her team.
- Each team is given a typical industrial simulation research project to
carry out.
- Teams are self-governing.
- Team meetings are led by a professional facilitator.
- The project is defined by milestones.
- Each team presents the results of each milestone at a project
meeting.
- The project ends with a presentation of the final report.
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