Key Factors for an Effective Experiential Learning in Industrial and Systems Engineering Capstone Courses

Abstract

Experiential learning can be an invaluable part of an undergraduate student’s education, providing students with hands-on experience that complements classroom learning. In addition to internships, co-ops, and group projects, another way to obtain experiential learning is through a Senior Design Capstone course. Recent studies have explored the benefits of senior design capstone courses; however, a gap exists in identifying the different types of projects in which students engage, and the benefits derived from an Industrial and Systems Engineering Senior Design Capstone course. This study aims to: 1) categorize the different types of projects in which students choose to engage, 2) map course subjects and skillsets utilized in these senior design capstone projects, 3) contrast best practices for teaching a senior design capstone project, and 4) provide insights on achievements gained through the senior design capstone course. The research team analyzed five years of our Industrial and Systems Engineering Senior Design Capstone projects using statistical analysis techniques such as descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis to identify patterns, trends, and relationships with respect to achieving the five objectives. Our results show that teams who select industry projects, start planning early, leveraging team members’ strengths, and work cohesively with clear roles tend to perform better in oral presentations, reports, and video deliverables – often leading to recognition or awards.