Civil Engineering Department College of Engineering and Petroleum Kuwait University GUIDELINES for CE CAPSTONE DESIGN PROJECTS (0620-490 : Capstone Design) 1. Basics of CE Capstone design projects 2. Contents and Format of a Design-Project Report 3. Evaluation of Design Projects and Final Reports February 2004 (revised: April 2013)
1. Basics of CE Capstone Design Projects A design project should be a comprehensive and meaningful effort, focusing on a major area of Civil Engineering and integrating at least three other major areas of Civil Engineering in the curriculum. It should mainly be design as opposed to analysis. A design project should: Establish design objective(s) based on needs Formulate the design problem based on objectives and constraints Consider alternative ideas/solutions systematically Evaluate/analyze alternative solutions to obtain the best solution Realize the selected/best solution in a working model or prototype Document design work properly in a standard formal report
2. Contents and Format of a Design-Project Report
Table of Contents 1. Report Contents... 1 2. Organization of Report Contents... 1 2.1 Title Page... 1 2.2 Abstract... 1 2.3 Table of Contents... 1 2.4 Main Report Body... 2 2.4.1 Introduction... 2 2.4.2 Methodology... 2 2.4.3 Results... 2 2.4.4 Summary / Conclusions... 2 2.5 References... 2 2.6 Appendices... 2 3. Guidelines for Report Format... 3 3.1 Page Numbering... 3 3.2 Diagrams and Tables... 3 4. Guidelines for Oral Presentation... 3 4.1 Goal(s)... 3 4.2 Outline... 3 4.3 Visual Aids... 3 4.4 Practice... 3
1. Report Contents The final design report will contain the following: Title Page Abstract Table of Contents Main Body References Appendices 2.1 Title Page Department & College Name Project title Student(s) name(s) Supervisor(s) name(s) 2.2 Abstract 2. Organization of Report Contents A short overview of the project, including a summary of the objectives, constraints, methodology, results and/or conclusions of the project. 2.3 Table of Contents Lists all sections and subsections with the corresponding page number to indicate the start of each sections and subsections should be numbered as follows: 1. section 2. 1.1 1.2 (subsections) 1.3 1.3.1 1.3.2 (sections of subsections) Etc. 1.4.. etc. (see, Table of Contents of this document as an example)
2.4 Main Report Body The main body of the final report contains the following subsections: Introduction Methodology Results Summary and/or Conclusions 2.4.1 Introduction Project description and objectives Scope, limitations, assumptions Key reference material, if any 2.4.2 Methodology Provides the details of the concepts and techniques applied in fulfilling the project objectives. May be divided into subsections. 2.4.3 Results Sample calculations, numerical data in tables, or preferably in graphs, flow charts, drawings, pictures, etc. 2.4.4 Summary / Conclusions Final design summary, comments, recommendations, or conclusions, if appropriate. 2.5 References (book) (article) Doe, J., and Esen, I. (2001). Hydraulic Engineering. Elsevier, New York. Doe, J., Ahmad, M. and Smart, M. (2000). Vibration of Buildings. Journal f Structures, ASCE, Vol. 30, No. 5, pp. 151-165. 2.6 Appendices Information as supportive documentation for the project. Tables and charts containing raw data related to the project. Any other information utilized. 3.1 Page Numbering 3. Guidelines for Report Format Use i, ii, iii, to number the abstract and table of contents. Use 1, 2, to number all pages of the report body and appendices.
3.2 Diagrams and Tables All graphical displays (figures, graphs, flowcharts, etc.) must be neatly displayed, properly numbered and labeled with an appropriate caption. e.g. Figure 1. Table 3. Deflection versus Load Summary of Live Loads 4. Guidelines for Oral Presentation Oral presentations involve the following principal components: Goal(s) Outline Visual aids Practice 4.1 Goal(s) Statement of the purpose, establishing the focus of the presentation and major ideas to be conveyed. 4.2 Outline List of topics and sub-topics that presents the ideas in an orderly fashion. 4.3 Visual Aids Transparencies, slides, etc. to help convey the message to the audience. 4.4 Practice ~ practice makes perfect! Timing : stay within time limits Check if everything is ready and working Speak to the audience Do not read from notes Refer to visual aids whenever appropriate Control the tone and loudness of voice Project self-confidence Request that questions be delayed until the presentation is finished Reserve time after presentation to answer questions
3. Evaluation of CE Capstone Design Project and Final Report
Guidelines for Evaluation of Design Projects 1. General Rules Design is to be on system or multi-component design; not about a research topic, survey, or review of a certain subject area. English must be used in writing and presentation. Reports should be prepared using word-processing and computer graphics. Hard-cover, commercial binding is optional. Drafting is not considered as part of design. Although clear handdrawn figures, diagrams, drawings are acceptable, use of AutoCad should be encouraged. Design reports must reflect students work, including editing. Students can get help from the English Language Unit in editing. 2. Evaluation 2.1 Report Format (see guidelines)... 5 % 2.2 Report style, grammar, spelling... 10 % Written report evaluation form 2.3 Oral presentation... 15 % Evaluation by 3 faculty attendees (including supervisor) Oral report evaluation form 2.4 Report Contents 2.4.1 Project objectives... 5 % 2.4.2 Scope, Limitations, Assumptions... 10 % 2.4.3 Methodology... 30 % 2.4.4 Results... 10 % 2.4.5 Summary and/or Conclusions... 10 % 2.4.6 References / Appendices... 5 % 2.5 Creativity : New approaches, concepts... 10 % (bonus)