Computer Science and Computer Engineering 115
Solve it with the Computer!
Fall 2006

Projects

GroupProject                 Individual project

Group Project

Students will form groups of 3 or 4 students. The group will find an advertisement or publication that includes quantitative aspects. For example, an advertisement might state that when people buy a new car, they can get 1.9% financing or $1000 cash back. A furniture store may advertise no payments until Jan. 2007. A payday loan company may advertise $200 loan until the next payday for only $10 service fee. A newspaper story may discuss budgets or provide "formulas" for governmental budget, financial or health issues. Banks may advertise no fee checking or savings account rates. Credit card or cell phone company may advertise their rates. Comparisons between different offers are encouraged. Subject restictions: Car purchases are not allowed because we have already discussed them in class. Car leasing would be allowed if the analysis is thorough. For example, it might include costs not included in the lease or compare leasing to purchasing.

The group is to develop a spreadsheet that will allow further consideration of the quantitative issues involved. For example, it could be designed to help a person decide if getting special rate financing or cash back would be better for them. It may provide a means to detail the budget or provide alternatives. The analysis must be complete. For example, sales tax, sales fees, shipping, "hidden charges" and so on must be considered when appropriate. Charts may make it easier for an individual to interpret the numbers. Minor changes in the books examples are not acceptable.

The project proposal should include a copy of the advertisement or publication and explain the purpose of the proposed spreadsheet. After the proposal is approved and signed by the instructor, it becomes a contract for the project.

The group will give a 9 to 11 minute presentation of their project. They will discuss the project goals. A PowerPoint slide show or poster may be helpful but is not required. Be sure to include the name of the project and names of the group members. Then demonstrate the spreadsheet's use. They are encouraged to share any special problems they overcame in developing the spreadsheet. All group members should share in the presentation.

The group will turn in the signed contract with the ad or publication, a paper copy for the formatted spreadsheet, a disk or CD that contains the spreadsheet and any other electronic document used in the demonstration on the project's due date.

Groups will submit a self-evaluation of their project and each individual's contribution to it. The project will be graded on the basis of accuracy (50%), usefulness to variety of users, completeness, and generality of the spreadsheet (15%), difficulty of the spreadsheet(20%), and the presentation (15%).

The presentations will be divided between two dates. The number of presentations on each of those days is limited. Your group may request a particular date as part of the project proposal. Requested dates will be honored on a first come-first served basis. Late proposals are not guaranteed their choice.

Individual Project

Students will complete an individual project for this class which should be designed to demonstrate their ability in mathematical problem solving and use of a spreadsheet. The project may be something that you have always wanted to do to save time and energy ("I wish I had a ..."). It might involve a mathematical analysis for another class or for your job. Some of the advanced problems in the text might give you an idea.

The project proposal will discuss the problem to be solved and give some idea about the spreadsheet that will be developed. Students are encouraged to discuss prospective topics with your instructor prior before the proposal is submitted. After the proposal is approved and signed by the instructor, it becomes a contract for the project.

Students will give a 4.5 to 6 minute presentation of their project. They will use PowerPoint or a HTLM slide show to discuss the project goals and then demonstrate the spreadsheet's use. The slide show should contain a title page with the name of the project and name of the presenter. At least two additional pages should discuss the problem and its solution. They are encouraged to share any special problems they overcame in developing the spreadsheet.

The student will turn in the signed contract, a paper copy for the formatted spreadsheet, and a disk or CD that contains the spreadsheet and the slide show on the project's due date.

The project will be graded on the basis of accuracy(45%), usefulness to variety of users and generality of the spreadsheet(15%), difficulty(20%), slide show (10%) and the presentation(10%).

The presentations will be divided between two dates. The number of presentations on each of those days is limited. You may request a particular date as part of the project proposal. Requested dates will be honored on a first come-first served basis. Late proposals are not guaranteed their choice.

For more information, contact James Brink
brinkje@plu.edu

Revised 11/15/06