Perceptions of Final Year Project Outcomes

Abstract

Students highly value the experience of a good final year design and implementation project. The definition of a good project is by no means trivial but can be crucial to success. A student learns both by managing the process and delivering a product. An ideal project will succeed in both but there can be many obstacles to complete success.

A survey of students shows a variety of well defined expectations. Often these expectations concern the learning process and are independent of the final technical outcome. Supervisors often have a stronger expectation of technical success as a proof of competence but make greater allowance when failure to deliver is for legitimate reasons.

Clear definition of expected project outcome both in terms of learning objectives and project deliverables will maximise the likelihood of a satisfactory outcome.