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Software Project |
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Communication Skills Development
ICT personnel are often stereo-typed as having poor people and communication skills. Software Engineering Project focuses on developing significant
skills in these areas. Since the students work in teams, rather than individuals, the students are required to learn how to communicate with their peers.
Each project also has an external client and the students experience all the joys and traumas of dealing with a real client. Students are required to produce
three substantial design reports and a user manual and a reference manual. Students also have to participate in a team presentation in front of their client,
lecturers and other interested parties. At the end of the year students participate in demonstration day, where all projects are put on display for the general
public. Many employers come to demonstration day and are impressed by the quality of the projects and the ability of the students to market their products.
| "On communication - if every client had the level of attention to detail and effective communication that this group have demonstrated
there would be many more satisfied IT clients in the world. Well done to everyone involved in contributing to this effective and worthwhile project" |
| Client 2002, 2003: Malcolm Lovell, Crank Media Pty Ltd, email |
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| "I developed many new skills throughout the semester as project is unlike any experience I have had before. The most valuable skill
I attained was an improvement in my communication ability. Professional interaction with other members of the team, the client, and others involved in this process
has given me increased confidence in working with others. In the past I had always looked at team work negatively because of my lack of confidence in this area.
The course put me to be in situations I would have normally avoided and from this I realised that they were not as daunting as I first imagined.
Working closely with people you do not necessarily know to begin with, is a common situation in the work place. Due to this, these new skills learned
throughout project will be of great benefit to me in the future." |
| Melissa Williams, Video Team 2004, Reflection Report |
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| "This team has done an excellent job, especially in regard to the final presentation and documentation.
This is the best project we have had done for us yet and I look forward to participating in the scheme next year." |
| Client 2005, Brendan Charles, Federal Hotels and Resorts, sent via Email |
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| "One skill that I have developed over the course of the project is the ability to be a good all-rounder, and to participate
in tasks of all descriptions. While the most apparent focus of the project would be the actual implementation of the software, it is necessary to be
proficient in other areas also. I have increased my marketing skills, including both public relations and web development, my documentation skills
and my research skills. There are also many other more subtle areas of aptitude that are gained simply by being required to do such a
vast range of tasks." |
| Sam Martin, Aquarium Team 2005, Reflection Report |
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