Software Engineering

Projects: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: We want to form a group with two people (or three people, or six people, …).
A: Your group will need to grow (or shrink). Smaller projects do not present design challenges that require the skills taught in this course and, to complete a sufficiently sized project within a single semester, you must have several group members. We must also limit the size of groups simply to keep the project manageable.

Q: We’re having trouble finding a topic.
A: Start by brainstorming a list of topics. Don’t worry too much about how practical they sound; just get concepts together as a starting point. Then, if you haven’t found a topic, meet with your instructor to discuss your list and refine your project topic.

Q: How challenging should our topic be?
A: Since projects are open-ended and students come from a variety of backgrounds, it’s often difficult to know exactly where the right target is. Feel free to discuss your ideas with the instructor to get some advice. For perspective, your project should definitely be much larger than something you feel you could complete during the course of a semester alone; that’s the whole point of having a team!

Q: Our group is having a serious clash of personalities. We’re having trouble making progress because some of us aren’t getting along.
A: Immediately contact your instructor to schedule a meeting. These problems will only become worse throughout the semester unless they are addressed. Your instructor can help you find an amicable solution which will hopefully help to improve your long-term chances of success (and your grade!). Don’t be shy about reaching out!

Q: One of our group members is doing nothing. This isn’t fair! What should we do?
A: Try your best to involve your group members in the project. If this isn’t working – if the group member has a clear task and simply refuses to do it, won’t show up for group meetings, etc. – contact your instructor as soon as possible. Ultimately, students’ grades may be adjusted (sometimes drastically) according to their involvement in the course. You will not be penalized for anyone else’s irresponsible behavior.

Q: Some of my group members aren’t pulling their weight, but I don’t want to cause any trouble. How do I deal with this without reporting them?
A: Report them. The entire purpose of the peer review is to give your instructor the information necessary to run the course; the reviews are confidential specifically to encourage you to provide accurate and honest assessments. Don’t feel guilty about telling the truth!