25 Jan The Course Project Paper

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 TEAM BUILDING

The workplace has grown increasingly diverse in terms of culture, communications, and workstyle. How do we work together as a team, when individually we are so different?

DQ2 PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

What are your main considerations when approaching the planning phase of the Capstone?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 RESEARCHING INFORMATION

Where do you begin researching the technologies you will consider for the Capstone Project?

DQ2 MANAGING CHANGE

Projects do not exist in a vacuum. What are some outside influences that affect the viability of a project?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 DEVELOPING PROJECT COST ESTIMATES

What are the considerations for deciding whether a project is financially viable?

DQ2 REQUIREMENTS GATHERING AND ANALYSIS

What is the role of a Business Analyst in the Project Planning Process?

DQ3 BIDDER’S CONFERENCE

This Bidder’s Conference is your opportunity to question the “client” and get needed details. This will be your final opportunity to clarify any questions about their business and its telecommunications requirements.

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 IN-HOUSE OR OUTSOURCE?

Is cheaper always better? Are there any considerations that trump initial costs when deciding whether to provide support in house?

DQ2 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Can you identify some specific organizational structures? Are there organization structures associated with start-ups…mature organizations?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 REGULATORY IMPACTS

Telecommunications is subject to a number of federal, state, and local regulations. Which regulations directly impact telecom managers?

DQ2 FUTURE PROOFING, ALLOWING FOR EXPANSION AND GROWTH

Technology is always changing. Is it possible to “future proof” your design?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS

Negotiating service level agreements relies in part on risk assessment. Is 24/7 support the best answer or can you live with less support? What are the considerations?

DQ2 COMMUNICATION TOOLS

What communication tools worked best for your team?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The project is complete! Why do we need another meeting? What is the role of post-mortem at the conclusion of the project?

DQ2 PREPARING FOR A PRESENTATION

How do you prepare a PowerPoint Presentation based on your paper?

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

WEEK 2 COURSE PROJECT DRAFT

The Draft Background Definition is due this week. The Background Definition is sometimes referred to as the Situation Assessment. This section contains general information about the industry, trends and projections, and competitive analysis.

You should also start the requirements analysis this week. Look over the mini-RFP for Travel Agency, Incorporated. Go through it in detail. Do you have questions or need more detail? It is likely that some information is lacking. You will have the opportunity in Week 3 to question your client for any additional details that you need.

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

WEEK 4 COURSE PROJECT DRAFT

The Draft Problem Definition is due this week. A good Problem Definition takes a generalized issue, for example, network congestion and transforms it into a specific problem through the use of research, interviews with the stakeholders, and your own experience. This is the problem that your network design will solve. Use the information garnered from the bidder’s conference as well as your own expertise and knowledge of the industry.

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

WEEK 6 360 DEGREE PEER FEEDBACK

Find the 360 Degree Feedback form in Files. There are two components to this deliverable. You will receive 90 points for turning in an evaluation on each team member. You are required to write 4 or 5 sentences minimum in response to the questions. Give examples where appropriate.

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

WEEK 7 COURSE PROJECT PAPER

The Course Project Paper is due this week. All team members should perform a final check. Once all errors are identified and corrected, each group member should submit the final draft. All team members should submit identical copies. Only one copy will be graded, so it is essential that everyone agree on the final draft.

The WebEx Presentations are due Thursday of Week 8. Take this opportunity to practice and polish your presentations. All team members should participate in the presentation. Every team member should submit the final presentation. Only one copy will be graded, so it is essential that everyone agree on the final draft.

NETW600 Telecommunications Capstone

WEEK 8 COURSE PROJECT PRESENTATION

The WebEx Presentations are due Thursday of Week 8. Practice and polish your presentations. All team members should participate in the presentation. Every team member should submit the final presentation. Only one copy will be graded, so it is essential that everyone agree on the final draft.