TECH8000
IT Capstone
Workshop 10
IT Capstone and Industry
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Subject Learning Outcomes
1
Design a plan for research that aims to identify the causes and potential solutions of a complex IT
problem for a client.
2
Collaborate with colleagues in the completion of IT-based research activities.
3
Recommend and critically analyse multi- disciplinary IT solutions.
4
Present research findings and solutions to a client.
Activity 1 Recap Week 09
As a group (2 3 students) spend 3 minutes answering the following question
What did you learn last week? (1 or 2 points)
A representative from each group will share with the class (3 minutes)
Recap
Mention some significant factors to deliver an effective presentation.
What are infographics?
What is the significance of receiving feedback on your presentation?
What should be your approach towards addressing the feedback?
Lesson Learning Outcomes
1
Learn how to apply interdisciplinary knowledge from
various IT subjects to real-world industry challenges in the IT Capstone.
2
Understanding the ACS COBK.
3
Discuss example scenarios in class.
Industry and IT Capstone
Capstone projects are modelled after real industry challenges.
Collaboration with industry partners (e.g., companies, professionals).
Exposure to current trends and emerging
Applying Knowledge Across IT domains
Use of knowledge from various subjects (e.g., software engineering, data science, networking).
Problem-solving techniques utilized in
Enhances adaptability and multi-disciplinary
IT Capstone: Integrating
Knowledge Across Subjects
Software Engineering:
Application of software design, development methodologies (Agile, DevOps), and testing practices.
Capstone projects often require designing and implementing full software
Database Management:
Use of database design and optimization techniques for data-intensive
Real-world scenarios involve handling large datasets and ensuring efficient data
Networking & Security:
Incorporation of network design, security protocols, and infrastructure
Projects may address cybersecurity challenges or deploy secure networking solutions [1].
Data Science & AI:
Capstone projects involving data analysis, machine learning models, or AI-driven
Integration of statistical methods and predictive
Integrating Knowledge from Professional Practice and Communication in IT
Ethical Decision-Making:
Capstone projects require students to apply ethical theories and adhere to IT codes of conduct, ensuring responsible data use, privacy, and integrity in project outcomes.
Stakeholder Management:
Capstone teams navigate the expectations of multiple stakeholders (e.g., clients, mentors, and industry partners), reflecting real-world IT environments that demand effective communication and collaboration.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Success in Capstone projects relies heavily on group dynamics, where students develop skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and building trust within teamsmirroring professional IT teams [1]..
Time Management and Productivity:
Capstone encourages strong time management practices, requiring students to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines, which are essential skills in the IT industry.
Communication Skills:
Effective communicationoral, written, and interpersonalis critical for presenting project results, documenting work, and interacting with stakeholders in both formal and informal settings.
Career Preparation:
The Capstone project serves as a bridge to professional careers by applying the principles of leadership, teamwork, and communication, while also offering practical experience aligned with industry demands.
Examples
Ethical Data Management Platform:
Develop a system to ensure compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) while maintaining transparency with stakeholders.
Focus on ethical considerations and stakeholder communication about data usage and consent.
Team Collaboration and Task Management Tool:
Create a software tool to improve team collaboration, track productivity, and manage tasks in IT environments [2].
Integrated features for real-time communication and conflict resolution within
Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program:
Design an e-learning platform to educate IT professionals on ethical hacking, IT codes of conduct, and integrity systems.
Focus on delivering clear, accessible content using effective communication
IT Leadership Dashboard:
Build a project management dashboard to support IT leaders in tracking team progress, resolving conflicts, and enhancing time management.
Integrated with analytics for productivity and collaboration
Stakeholder Communication Portal:
Develop a web-based platform to facilitate multi-stakeholder communication during software development projects.
Focused on improving clarity, reducing miscommunication, and ensuring transparency between teams and clients
The Role of Programming Skills in IT Capstone Projects
Software Development:
Programming expertise enables students to build and deploy functional applications in Capstone projects.
Languages such as Java, Python, or C# are commonly used to develop software solutions for real-world problems.
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving:
Capstone projects often require designing efficient algorithms to solve complex problems (e.g., optimization, data analysis, AI).
Students apply principles of algorithm complexity and data structures to improve project performance.
Testing and Debugging:
Capstone teams apply unit testing, integration testing, and debugging practices to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their software.
Automated testing tools are often used to streamline the development
Example IT Capstone Projects Leveraging Programming Skills
E-Commerce Platform with Payment Integration:
Developed using JavaScript (React, js) and integrated with payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe.
Applied software development principles, data structures, and API integration for a functional and secure solution.
AI Chatbot for Customer Support:
Built using Python and natural language processing (NLP) libraries to automate customer support interactions.
Implemented algorithm design and machine learning techniques to enhance chatbot accuracy and responsiveness.
Mobile App for Personal Finance Management:
Created using Java (Android) or Swift (iOS) to help users track expenses, create budgets, and manage financial goals.
Applied mobile development frameworks, user authentication, and secure data storage.
Real-Time Data Analytics Dashboard:
Developed with Python (Django, Flask) and integrated with data visualization libraries to analyse and display business metrics.
Involved backend programming, database management, and real-time data processing algorithms.
Activity 2 Identify Required Networking Skills in IT Capstone Projects
You are tasked with designing a Corporate Network Infrastructure for a Capstone project, connecting two offices with a secure network.
2. Task (7 minutes):
List the networking skills and concepts (e.g., IP addressing, securityprotocols, cloud integration) you would need to complete the project.
Discuss briefly how these skills relate to what youve learned in networking-related subjects.
3. Group Discussion (8 minutes):
Each group shares their list of networking
2. The class will discuss how these components connect to the overall goals of a Capstone project (e.g., demonstrating industry-relevant skills and solving real-world problems).
Connecting Networking with IT Capstone
Network Design and Infrastructure:
Capstone projects often require designing robust network architectures for businesses or applications.
Application of concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, and network topology design [2].
Network Security:
Capstone teams address cybersecurity challenges, ensuring that network infrastructure is secure.
Use of firewalls, VPNs, and encryption protocols to safeguard data during
Cloud Computing and Virtualization:
Capstone projects may involve deploying applications or services in cloud environments like AWS or Azure.
Skills in setting up virtual machines, managing cloud networks, and optimizing cloud infrastructure are key.
IoT (Internet of Things) Networks:
Projects involving IoT devices focus on connecting and securing large numbers of devices over a network.
Application of protocols like MQTT or CoAP to ensure efficient communication between IoT devices.
Activity 3: Exploring Network Security in IT Capstone Projects
Your team is designing a Network Security System to monitor anddetect potential cyber threats for a client in a Capstone project.
2. Task (7 minutes):
Identify key security measures (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption) that you would implement.
2. Relate these to network security topics covered in your networking
3. Group Discussion (8 minutes):
Each group presents one or two key security
2. Discuss how these measures demonstrate practical, real-world applications in a Capstone project and how mastering them can showcase your skills to potential employers.
Networking-Focused Capstone Projects
Corporate Network Infrastructure Design:
Design a secure, scalable network for a mid-sized business, including LAN, WAN, and VPN configurations.
Apply network topology, IP addressing, and security protocols to meet business requirements.
Cloud-Based Web Application with Load Balancing:
Develop a web application hosted on AWS with auto-scaling and load balancing to handle high traffic.
Implement cloud networking concepts such as virtual private clouds (VPC), subnets, and security groups.
IoT-Based Smart City Infrastructure:
Create an IoT network for smart city sensors, connecting devices for monitoring traffic, weather, and utilities.
Ensure secure communication using encryption protocols and IoT networking standards (MQTT, Zigbee).
Cybersecurity Monitoring and Threat Detection System:
Design and implemented a system for monitoring network traffic and detecting potential cyber threats in real-time.
Apply packet sniffing, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and secure data transmission techniques.
Alignment with ACS CBOK
IT Capstone’s Role:
Designed to encompass all essential core and general ICT knowledge areas outlined in ACS
Ensures graduates are equipped with the research skills needed for professional roles in the ICT industry [1].
Core ICT Knowledge Areas in IT Capstone
Essential Core ICT Knowledge Covered:
ICT Professional Knowledge:
Research ethics and professional conduct in
Teamwork and collaboration in research
Effective communication of research
ICT Problem Solving:
Application of research methodologies to understand and solve ICT problems.
Innovative solution design based on research
General ICT Knowledge Areas in IT Capstone
General ICT Knowledge Addressed:
Technical Resources:
Fundamentals of hardware and software systems in research
Data management principles, including research data management.
Technology Building:
Programming fundamentals applied in research-oriented
Systems development and its implications for
ICT Management:
Project management principles in the context of research
Governance and management of research
Bridging Research and Practice
Capstone Experience:
Research projects that require the application of core and general ICT knowledge.
Collaboration with industry stakeholders to conduct meaningful research.
Development of a comprehensive understanding of the ICT landscape through research.
Activity 4 Connecting IT Capstone Research with ACS CBOK
Individual Activity (15 minutes):
You are conducting research to develop a secure and user-friendly mobile payment system tailored for small businesses. The system aims to simplify transactions, improve payment processing efficiency, and ensure secure financial operations for business owners.
Identify how this research aligns with the core and general ICT knowledge areas outlined in the ACS Core Body of Knowledge (CBOK).
Discussion Points:
Core ICT Knowledge:
Reflect on how the research would address:
ICT Professional Knowledge (Ethics, Professional Expectations, Communication)
ICT Problem Solving (Modelling methods, abstraction, and solution design)
Scenario 1 ICT Problem Solving
Research Project: Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation Strategies
Objective: Investigate and propose advanced solutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats in distributed systems.
ACS CBoK Connection:
ICT Problem Solving: Requires students to abstract complex cybersecurity problems and model potential solutions [3].
Technology Resources (Networking): Students need a deep understanding of network protocols and security.
Ethical Considerations: Research ethical implications of privacy and data protection in threat mitigation strategies.
Scenario 2 ICT Professional Knowledge
Research Project: Ethical Challenges in AI-Driven Automation
Objective: Explore the ethical dilemmas in deploying AI automation tools in the workplace.
ACS CBOK Connection:
Ethics and Professional Knowledge: Focus on how AI- driven automation affects jobs, privacy, and societal
Teamwork Concepts: Collaborate in research teams to investigate ethical challenges and present solutions.
Communication: Students must present findings in clear, ethical debates and written reports addressing
Activity 6 Reflect and Share
Individual task: Please reflect by answering the following questions (5 minutes)
What did you learn today? (1 or 2 things)
What do you want to learn more?
What did you like about today?
What could we do better next time?
Any volunteers to share their thoughts? (10 minutes)
Recap: Subject Learning Outcomes
1
Design a plan for research that aims to identify the causes and potential solutions of a complex IT
problem for a client.
2
Collaborate with colleagues in the completion of IT-based research activities.
3
Recommend and critically analyse multi- disciplinary IT solutions.
4
Present research findings and solutions to a client.
Lesson Learning Outcomes
1
Learn how to apply interdisciplinary knowledge from
various IT subjects to real-world industry challenges in the IT Capstone.
2
Understanding the ACS COBK.
3
Discuss example scenarios in class.
Your task & Next week
Your task (MyKBS)
Continue preparing for Assessment 3