example of objectives in capstone project

Nursing Capstone Project SMART Goals and Project Objectives

• July 21, 2023
• Nursing Assignment Help

As nursing students or aspiring healthcare professionals, the capstone project serves as a significant milestone in our academic and professional journey. This comprehensive endeavor allows us to apply our knowledge and skills to real-world healthcare scenarios, making a tangible impact on patient care and outcomes. To ensure the success of our nursing capstone projects, it is essential to establish capstone project SMART goals and clear project objectives. We’ll explore the importance of capstone project SMART goals and how defining precise project objectives paves the way for an impactful and rewarding capstone experience.

So, let’s buckle up and get ready to rock your capstone project like a pro!

Table of Contents

Understanding capstone project smart goals.

Picture this – capstone project SMART goals are like treasure maps guiding you towards success! ????️ Each letter stands for something super important:

1. Specific: Let’s get crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of a vague goal like “improve patient care,” how about “implement evidence-based pain management protocols for post-surgical patients”? See the difference?

2. Measurable: It’s time to put on your detective hat! ????️‍♀️ How will you know if you’ve achieved your goal? Numbers, data, and metrics will be your trusty companions here. “Reduce post-op pain scores by 20% within six months” – now that’s measurable!

3. Achievable: Dream big, but stay practical! ???? Your goals should be within reach, considering available resources and time. Aim for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground. You’ve got this!

4. Relevant: Your capstone project should align with your passion and the needs of your healthcare setting. Think about what truly matters to you and how you can make a difference. Let your passion shine through!

5. Time-Bound: Every superhero needs a deadline! ⏰ Set a clear timeframe for your goals to keep you on track and motivated. “Complete data collection and analysis within four months” – now you’ve got a superhero schedule!

Crafting Clear Project Objectives

Think of project objectives as stepping stones towards your ultimate goal! Each objective brings you closer to capstone greatness. ???? Here’s how to make them shine:

Be Specific and Action-Oriented

Start each objective with a strong action verb like “implement,” “assess,” or “develop.” It’s like telling the world, “I’m going to do this!”

Keep it Relevant

Ensure each objective aligns perfectly with your capstone project SMART goals. No detours allowed – stay laser-focused!

Break it Down

Big tasks can be intimidating, but not for you! Divide your project into smaller, manageable objectives. Each one brings you closer to that capstone triumph!

Stay Realistic

You’re a rockstar, but even superheroes need to be practical. Be realistic about what you can achieve within your project’s scope and resources.

The Adventure Awaits!

Now that you know the secret to capstone project SMART goals and clear objectives, you’re all set for a capstone adventure of a lifetime! ???? So put on your hero cape, unleash your nursing prowess, and go conquer that capstone project like the champion you are!

You’ve got the power to make a real impact in the world of healthcare – let’s do this together!

20 nursing capstone project objectives examples

• Assess the impact of an evidence-based falls prevention program on reducing fall rates among elderly patients in a long-term care facility.
• Develop and implement a culturally sensitive prenatal education program to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in underserved communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led smoking cessation intervention on long-term smoking cessation rates among hospitalized patients.
• Investigate the barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions and propose targeted interventions.
• Create and assess the impact of a nurse-driven hand hygiene campaign on reducing healthcare-associated infections in a hospital setting.
• Develop a training module for nursing students on the early recognition and management of sepsis in critical care settings.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine program in improving access to healthcare for rural and remote communities.
• Assess the impact of a nurse-driven nutrition education program on improving dietary habits and nutritional status in pediatric patients.
• Investigate the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in an acute care hospital setting.
• Develop a comprehensive discharge planning protocol to reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.
• Evaluate the implementation of evidence-based pain management protocols in reducing opioid use in post-operative patients.
• Create a nurse-led peer support program to enhance mental health and well-being among healthcare staff.
• Investigate the factors contributing to nurse burnout in a busy emergency department and propose interventions for staff support.
• Assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program in reducing stress and anxiety among nurses in a hospice care setting.
• Develop and implement a handoff communication tool to enhance patient safety during transitions of care.
• Evaluate the impact of a nurse-led education program on improving medication adherence in patients with chronic mental health conditions.
• Investigate the utilization of virtual reality technology in pain management for patients undergoing medical procedures.
• Assess the effectiveness of a nurse-driven weight management program on improving obesity-related health outcomes in adults.
• Create and evaluate the impact of a nurse-led health promotion program for preventing pressure ulcers in at-risk populations.
• Investigate the factors influencing nurse turnover in a healthcare facility and propose strategies for retention and job satisfaction.

Remember, the key to a successful nursing capstone project is to choose objectives that align with your interests, expertise, and the needs of the healthcare setting where you’ll be conducting your project. Customize these examples or use them as inspiration to craft meaningful and impactful objectives for your capstone journey. Best of luck in your nursing capstone project! ????????

How to write nursing capstone project SMART goals

Writing nursing capstone project SMART goals requires careful planning and consideration. Follow these steps to craft effective and focused SMART goals for your nursing capstone project:

Identify the Specific Focus

Determine the specific focus of your capstone project. What problem or issue do you want to address? Be clear about the subject and scope of your project.

Make Your Goals Measurable

Ensure your goals are measurable by defining concrete criteria to assess your progress. Use quantitative or qualitative measures to track your achievements.

Set Achievable Objectives

Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable within the time and resources available for your capstone project. Avoid setting overly ambitious objectives that might be difficult to accomplish.

Ensure Relevance

Align your goals with the purpose and objectives of your nursing capstone project. Your goals should be directly related to the problem you aim to solve or the outcome you want to achieve.

Make Them Time-Bound

Set specific timeframes for achieving each goal. Having deadlines will help you stay focused and on track throughout your capstone project.

Write Your SMART Goals

Now that you have all the elements, it’s time to put them together. Write each goal using the SMART format. For example: Specific: “Develop a patient education program on diabetes management for newly diagnosed patients.” Measurable: “Evaluate the program’s effectiveness by conducting pre- and post-assessments of patients’ knowledge.” Achievable: “Utilize available resources, including educational materials and technology, to deliver the program effectively.” Relevant: “Address the need to empower newly diagnosed patients in managing their diabetes.” Time-Bound: “Complete the program development and implementation within six months.”

Review and Refine

After writing your SMART goals, review them to ensure they meet all the criteria. Seek feedback from mentors or faculty members to refine and improve your objectives.

Keep Your Goals Visible

Throughout your nursing capstone project, keep your SMART goals visible and refer to them regularly. Use them as a guide to stay focused and track your progress.

Remember, SMART goals will provide clarity and direction for your nursing capstone project. They will help you remain on target and maximize the impact of your efforts. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you’ll set yourself up for success in your capstone journey!

What is a nursing capstone project?

A nursing capstone project is a comprehensive, culminating assignment that nursing students undertake to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and competencies. It involves identifying and addressing real-world healthcare challenges through research, evidence-based interventions, and innovative solutions.

What are capstone project SMART goals in the context of a nursing capstone project?

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that serve as guidelines for the capstone project. They help students set clear and attainable targets, ensuring focus, efficiency, and effectiveness in project implementation.

Why do I need assistance with writing SMART goals for my nursing capstone project?

Crafting SMART goals requires precision and understanding of the project’s scope and objectives. Seeking professional assistance ensures that your goals are well-structured, measurable, and relevant to your chosen topic, increasing the chances of project success.

How can a writing service help me with my nursing capstone project SMART goals?

A reliable writing service will have experienced nursing experts who can guide you in formulating SMART goals tailored to your capstone project’s unique focus. They will work with you to ensure that your goals align with your interests and the healthcare setting’s needs, enhancing the overall quality of your project.

Can the writing service assist me in choosing a nursing capstone project topic?

Yes, most writing services offer topic consultation and brainstorming sessions to help you select a relevant and engaging capstone project topic aligned with your interests and academic requirements.

Will my SMART goals be customized for my specific nursing capstone project?

Absolutely! A reputable writing service will always customize your SMART goals based on your chosen topic, objectives, and the resources available for your project. They will ensure that your goals are realistic, achievable, and tailored to your unique circumstances.

Morningside Campus/Limited Access

Capstones and culminating projects.

Many SPS graduate programs require students to undertake a capstone course or similar final project. Capstone courses can take the form of a workshop or independent study. Regardless of their title, such courses provide SPS students with a unique opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the skills and knowledge acquired through their studies in replacement of a master’s thesis. 

Working in teams or independently, capstone students solve real-world problems for a range of organizations. For example, the Sports Management Supervised Research Projects have had NFL staff as clients; Sustainability Management M.S. students have consulted with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Technology Management M.S. students have worked with mentors from BP, Goldman Sachs, HBO, Prudential, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

For the culminating project of their master’s degree, SPS students present their capstone project methods, findings, and recommendations before faculty, students, and industry clients, including government and nonprofits. You may find these projects below. 

Bioethics Capstones

  Learn more about the program

Construction Administration Capstones

Learn more about the program

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Capstones

Strategic communication capstones, sustainability management capstones, sustainability science capstones, technology management capstones.

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• The Workstream
• Project management
• Project objectives

Understanding project objectives in project management

Browse topics.

Project objectives in project management are specific, measurable, and time-bound goals that define what a project aims to achieve. These objectives provide a clear direction for the project team and stakeholders, guiding their efforts and ensuring everyone aligns with the project's purpose.

Clear project objectives help manage expectations, guide the decision-making process , and provide a basis for monitoring and controlling the project throughout its life cycle. They serve as a roadmap for the project team, enabling them to work toward specific, well-defined goals.

In this guide, we’ll discuss project objectives, including the different types and their benefits, and how to establish them for your project.

What are project objectives?

Project objectives are specific, measurable outcomes that a project aims to achieve within a defined timeframe. They clarify the project's purpose and guide the team toward successful completion. Articulating project objectives is crucial in project management, as they significantly influence decision-making and resource planning throughout the entire project life cycle.

Measurable criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential components of project objectives. Factors such as budget adherence, quality standards, and timely completion serve as benchmarks to evaluate the overall success of a project.

Project objectives vs. project goals

While project managers often use these terms interchangeably, project goals and objectives serve different purposes in project planning . Project goals detail the desired project outcome and relate closely to business objectives. Project goals set the project direction and inspire team members.

Project objectives are concise and laser-focused. In a project, the outcomes clearly define the objectives. They tell you exactly what the project is supposed to deliver. The following examples clarify this distinction:

• Project objective :  Introduce five new channels for customers to submit and view feedback within the product interface over the next two months.

Project goal : Improve the mechanism for passing customer feedback to the engineering team to allow them to address issues promptly.

Project objectives vs. project scope

Project scope and objectives are distinct yet interconnected elements of project management. Project scope defines the work necessary for completion, including tasks and deliverables. It defines the boundaries and extent of the project.

Project objectives focus on the specific results the project aims to achieve. They’re the benchmarks for success and direct project efforts within the scope. The following examples clarify this distinction:

• Project objective : Develop a user-friendly mobile app with certain key features to launch by the end of the year.

Project scope : The project encompasses app development, testing, and the launch but excludes post-launch marketing and maintenance activities.

Project objectives vs. project milestones

While objectives and milestones are crucial to project management, they serve different roles. In a project, objectives define the primary outcomes to achieve. They guide the direction and purpose of the project. 

On the other hand, milestones are important markers along the project's journey, indicating when critical phases are complete. With these milestones, you can keep the project on track without necessarily knowing how much work it takes to reach them. 

The following examples clarify this distinction:

• Project objective : Secure 20,000 RSVPs for our virtual event by June 23.

Project milestone : Launch the web page for promoting the upcoming virtual event on June 8.

Types of project objectives

There are various categories of project objectives based on their focus and purpose. Common types of project objectives include the following:

• Time-based objectives help set deadlines for project milestones.
• Performance objectives focus on achieving specific results or quality standards.
• Quality objectives specify the desired level of quality for project deliverables.
• Business objectives align a project with the company's principles for a higher likelihood of success.
• Financial objectives set budget constraints and financial goals for the project.
• Regulatory compliance objectives ensure the project adheres to laws, regulations, and industry standards. 

Benefits of clearly defined project objectives

Project objectives provide a framework that ensures projects are well-planned, well-executed, and aligned with company goals. When team members lack a clear understanding of how their work forms a part of the project and company goals, motivation and engagement suffer. Clearly outlined project objectives empower team members to consistently evaluate their work and realign if deviations occur, contributing to overall project success.

Guidance and focus

Objectives provide a clear direction for the scope of work , guiding the team on what they must achieve. They serve as a roadmap, ensuring efforts focus on specific goals.

Measurable outcomes

Objectives often include measurable criteria and KPIs. This allows you to quantify whether the project is meeting its intended targets.

Stakeholder alignment

Well-defined objectives help align the expectations and efforts of various stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring everyone is working toward common goals. This alignment is crucial for the overall success of the project and the satisfaction of all involved stakeholders.

Improved decision making

Objectives provide a basis for informed decision-making throughout the project life cycle . With a clear understanding of project objectives, project managers and team members can make informed decisions that align with the overall goals and priorities.

How to establish clear project objectives

Establishing clear project objectives is a crucial step in the project management process. This should occur during the project planning phase and involve key stakeholders to ensure the project objectives represent the team.

The SMART criteria for goal setting is a common framework for defining effective project objectives, as it ensures that each objective is clear and actionable by making goals that meet the following criteria:

• Goals should be specific and clearly define what the objective aims to accomplish.
• They should be measurable , establishing criteria to quantify and measure progress toward the objective.
• Goals should be achievable to ensure the objective is realistic and attainable within the constraints of the project, including time, resources, and expertise.
• They should be relevant , aligning the objective with the overall project goals and the company’s mission.
• Goals should be time-bound , with a specific timeframe or deadline to achieve the objective.

This framework enhances clarity and provides a basis for effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation throughout the project life cycle.

Effective project objective examples

Effective project objectives in project management follow the SMART criteria above. Examples of project objectives include the following:

Specific: Increase customer satisfaction by 20% within the next quarter.

Measurable: Monitor customer satisfaction KPIs from previous quarters and compare them to KPIs in the current quarter. 

Achievable: Focus on specific aspects of customer service and support processes.

Relevant: Achieve higher customer satisfaction to align with the broader objective of delivering excellent customer service.

Time-bound: Conduct an assessment of this objective at the end of the quarter.

Specific: Complete a website redesign project by the end of the fiscal year.

Measurable: Hit milestones along the way and complete all work prior to the deadline.

Achievable: Add elements and functionalities within the redesign team's capabilities.

Relevant: Enhance the website's effectiveness to align with the company’s commitment to a modern and user-friendly interface.

Time-bound: Set a clear deadline for project completion by the end of the fiscal year.

Tools for defining project objectives

Several tools and techniques can assist in defining project objectives effectively. Teams can conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to identify internal and external factors that may impact the project. Mind-mapping tools can help you visually brainstorm and organize ideas and engaging with stakeholders can help you gather input on project objectives.

To facilitate the above, teams can use collaborative online platforms such as Confluence project management tools to enable real-time team collaboration and foster an environment for defining and redefining project objectives.

Define project objectives with Confluence

Confluence is a connected workspace that empowers teams to create, organize, find, and share information. The product is organized into spaces that contain pages, whiteboards, video messages, and databases. Confluence ensures that information helps teams improve, connect, and simplify the work that contributes to team goals.

With features like whiteboards to visualize work, real-time editing and commenting capabilities, notifications, and a SMART goals template , Confluence acts as your company’s single source of truth for project collaboration to define and follow through on project objectives.

Confluence has content types to serve all phases of the project management process. For example, in the ideation phase, whiteboards can be a great option while objectives are still being defined. Once objectives are set, the details can be shared on a Confluence page along with an overview video (via Loom) to ensure the entire team is aligned.

Try Confluence

Project objectives: Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between project objectives, goals, and scope.

Project objectives are specific and measurable statements that guide project activities and success evaluation. Project goals are broader and provide an overarching vision for the project. Project scope defines the project's boundaries, specifying what it includes and excludes.

Why are project objectives essential for project management?

Project objectives are critical in providing direction, focus, and criteria for project success. They guide decision-making, facilitate effective planning, and contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of project execution.

What are some common challenges in defining project objectives?

Defining project objectives is a crucial step in project management, but it can be challenging due to various factors. A lack of stakeholder involvement can result in incomplete objectives, though conducting team meetings early in the project to engage stakeholders can overcome this challenge. Unclear expectations can lead to misunderstandings and misalignment. Frequent communication, clear deliverables, and the SMART framework can help overcome this challenge. 

Additionally, unrealistic targets in project objectives can lead to frustration, demotivation, and project failure. Regularly reassessing project targets, engaging stakeholders in an objective setting, and having open communication limitations, constraints, and expectations can overcome challenges associated with unrealistic targets.

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Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects

Permanent uri for this collection, recent submissions.

• No Thumbnail Available Item Skills on Wheels Program Development: Supporting All Participants, Caregivers, and Siblings ( 2023-05-08 ) Heminger, Rachel ; Chase, Tony ; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences ; Chase, Tony Show more This project was focused on three important aspects, all of which surrounded improving the Skills on Wheels Program for this year and future years. These aspects included improving and promoting the social participation and self-efficacy of the participants, educating, and promoting social support for the caregivers, as well as creating a space for the siblings of the participants to learn, play, and promote community. The latter two topics were focused on program development. However, the first topic was the research portion of this capstone. The goal of this research was to improve the participants initiation in social engagement/participation. The data was collected by giving the caregivers of the participants pre and post surveys about their children’s social engagement. Results of the surveys showed there was an increase in all three variables that were compared. This supports the programs that were implemented and their focus on improving social participation within the participants of the program. There were some implications for this research which includes number of caregivers surveyed, attendance of caregivers on both survey days, as well as the duration of time between each survey. For future sessions, it is suggested that these areas continue to improve, and that social engagement continues to be promoted throughout the program. Show more
• No Thumbnail Available Item Knowledge, Confidence, & Competence: Utilizing Personal Narrative as a Pedagogical Tool for Educating Professional Healthcare Students about Local Lead Involvement ( 2023-04-28 ) Belkiewitz, Johnna ; Wasmuth, Sally ; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences ; Wasmuth, Sally Show more Community-based occupational therapy provides a unique opportunity for practitioners to listen and respond to the needs that are most pressing in local communities. In Marion County, Indiana, lead exposure and resulting negative health consequences should be of major concern to local residents and healthcare providers, as many homes are older and at-risk for lead-based paint and corroded water piping and lead soil contents are high due to historical locations of lead-based product factories (United States Commission on Civil Rights, 2020); however, few local professional healthcare educational programs focus on equipping students with lead toxicity knowledge regarding symptomology, treatment, and legislative mandates for testing schedules, putting community members at high-risk for continued exposure. This 14-week doctoral capstone utilized community-based occupational therapy methods to address these issues, creating and disseminating a videoed narrative-based theater pedagogical tool to educate professional healthcare students and advocating for the profession’s unique role in addressing lead exposure. The intervention consisted of a 35-minute video, produced from community interviews and utilizing narrative medicine techniques, and a virtual lead toolkit for students to implement in future client care. Mixed methods data analysis found significant learning outcomes of occupational therapy students who engaged in the intervention. The products of this doctoral capstone are being broadly shared through professional publication and widespread community distribution of a modified version of the intervention. Show more
• No Thumbnail Available Item Pediatric Emotional Regulation and Parental Wellness: An Educational Program at a Child Development Center ( 2023-05-01 ) Reed, Morgan ; Van Antwerp, Leah ; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences ; White, Debra Show more Pediatric emotional regulation strategies can facilitate increased emotional development, positive interpersonal relationships, and increased self-efficacy. Caregiver wellness can have a direct impact on a child’s emotional, social, and psychological development. Additionally, staff members at an early childhood development center identified a need to improve students’ emotional regulation abilities and address caregiver wellness through capstone program development. The purpose of this capstone project was to meet the identified needs through the: implementation of a pediatric yoga program and outlining of a caregiver wellness workshop. At the conclusion of the capstone, teachers were satisfied with the yoga implementation, believed it helped promote emotional regulation development in the students, and stated they had a high likelihood of continuing yoga sessions after the capstone. The capstone student identified common caregiver stressors, which in turn highlighted client-centered topics to be considered for a caregiver wellness workshop. Show more

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Capstones the First Step to Your Professional Future

What starts here changes the world - but any kind of movement starts by changing YOUR world. As a state of the art institution for technology, entrepreneurship and design, we believe we can create change not just through our curriculum, but also through our multidisciplinary real-life project, Capstones.

Capstones are a requirement and serve as practical work experience throughout the 15 modules in the final year of students’ time at Harbour.Space. They’re the ultimate personal and professional development tactic as they help students master technical skills and perfect interpersonal skills by applying the concepts they learn in class in a project that excites them. These projects are essential to students’ success at Harbour.Space University, but more importantly, to their future afterwards.

W e understand that choosing a career path is a big deal and may take time. That’s why, depending on the degree our students pursue, they choose from one of four Capstone types; a start-up, a case-study, a portfolio, and a thesis. Each Capstone path is personalized in a way that helps students find their passion and work style. Students are given specific milestones to cover throughout the year, and they are encouraged to work with students from other disciplines to make their dreams a reality.

Capstone Types - Which Will Bring You Closer to the Future You Want?

Capstone Type 1: the Startup

A startup is an entrepreneurial venture focusing on solving a real-world problem and capitalizing upon a perceived market demand by developing a viable product, service and/or platform.

For those with high ambition and courageous determination, the startup life is the dream. All students can embark on this journey by either becoming a founder and/or a dedicated team member. Not everyone has the luxury of choice however; all High-Tech Entrepreneurship students are required to be founders of a startup upon entering the university.

As High Tech Entrepreneurship Program Director Don Ritzen underlines, the best foundation for a future entrepreneur is an academic experience built around the creation and development of a company:

Startup Phases: 

Phase 1: Forming a Team 

The Opportunity called FinTech/InsurTech is taught by Hannes Chopra . He introduces the world of finance, FinTech, and ecosystem/platform logic and thinking. This class helps students identify, develop, and refine business ideas to remain relevant to customers. By the end of this module, students commit to a team and define roles and responsibilities for the rest of the year.

Phase 2: Developing a Business Model

Lean Startup & Customer Dev Bootcamp taught by Don Ritzen . This Bootcamp is an intensive course where students learn the essentials and practicality of starting a company. They familiarize themselves with the business model canvas and lean startup to work out the value proposition, validate ideas, and to understand how to take the next step in launching a company. The outcome of this Bootcamp is a developed business model, a ready product vision, and extensive customer research. 

Phase 3: Creating a Prototype

Prototyping is essential, as the startup world moves fast. In this step, students complete additional research and customer interviews, finalize their questions for user testing and have a full prototype design. 

Phase 4: Finalizing the Pitch Deck

Demo Day Bootcamp is a course designed to accumulate a year’s worth of work. During the course, students learn the essentials of fundraising and work on creating a persuasive accelerator application and presentation for investors. Students have a final investor deck as their outcome of the course. 

Phase 5: Submitting the Final Result

Digital Hand-In is either the happy ending to the craziness of this journey, or just the beginning, depending on how you look at it. As the final, obligatory phase of their Capstone projects, all students are expected to finally hand in their work. This is usually in the form of an investor’s deck with any additional information they might want to include. 

Bonus Step: The Investor’s Dinner! 

That’s right! The top startup projects of the year are invited to a dinner where teams have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to potential investors. It just got real.

Capstone Type 2: the Case Study 

A case study refers to a first-hand, in-depth analysis of a project, digital campaign product, and/or a company. The goals are to assess situations, evaluate influential factors, identify opportunities and/or recommend possible solutions and outcomes. The student's findings are based on hands-on experience in the workplace they choose to write about. The resulting study should reflect the application of the concepts seen in the classes they take. Refer to this masterpiece for inspiration.

The only two degrees eligible for this Capstone type are Robotics and Digital Marketing .

Case Study Milestones:

Milestone 1: Case Study Preparation

This is a phase of one-on-one meetings with an academic advisor to review ideas and internships for a selected topic. 

Milestone 2: Internship & Topic Approval

Here, students receive approval for their topic and make sure an internship placement is secured.  

Milestone 3: Rough Draft 

Finalized Theory is taught by Stephanie Schwab in Module 13. To complete this milestone, students are expected to have the following ready: description of the subject/project, goals and objectives, hypothesis, implementation of strategy, KPIs and/or results of the strategy, and conclusion of findings. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot - these may be expected deliverables for this milestone, but each of these topics is covered in previous modules.  

Milestone 4: Creative Execution 

Enough theory - it’s time to get our hands dirty. Creative Execution takes place in module 14. This step will provide hands-on training, combining guest lectures by industry leaders and practical workshops. The expected results of this milestone consist of creative assets, a finalized strategy, and the next steps to move forward. 

Milestone 5: Digital Hand-in

Digital Hand-in & Internship Report includes the finalized version of students learning from Milestone 3. 

*Students are also required to hand in an internship report to get additional credits.

Capstone Type 3: the Digital Portfolio

Unique to Interaction Design students, a digital portfolio is the reflection of a designer’s accomplishments, skills, experiences, and unique attributes. This digital space transforms from a blank canvas into an ID student’s creative voice, where they showcase samples of their best work, along with core values, life experiences and overall achievements. 

Portfolio Phases:

Phase 1: Planning

Project & Portfolio Planning is an intensive phase led by Irene Pereyra during Modules 6-8. The ID students at the end present and receive feedback for wireframes and also showcase at least two portfolio pieces. 

Phase 2: Revision

Portfolio Revision of UI is led by Anton Repponen in Module 14. By the end, ID students present a portfolio for feedback around UI alone. 

Phase 3: Final Presentation

Final Presentation is where the digital portfolio comes alive. This part of the capstone ID students showcases a live digital portfolio with five pieces. One portfolio piece must include a real company and/or startup, and another is a passion project. 

Phase 4: Hand-in

Digital Hand-in is the completion of a live digital portfolio.

Capstone Type 4: the Thesis

Students who have a particular academic interest in a field are able to submit a thesis at the end of their studies. This option is for students who are interested in a particular topic, and want to dive into it with a premise to be proven. To their advantage, Harbour.Space presents them with new opportunities for insights and feedback every three weeks from different industry leaders. Students are encouraged to get to know teachers and ask them for resources and/or ideas. This will help students achieve each of their milestones and create a strong thesis to present at the end of the year. 

Thesis Milestones:

Milestone 1: Finding a Mentor

Finding a suitable Mentor is the first step to approaching a thesis paper. This is the phase when students are required to identify and select someone with experience in their topic to support and inspire them to reach their scholarly potential. Students are encouraged to find their mentors, but if they are not able to do so, the University will assist them. They will submit regular written updates to their mentors, but will ultimately need to take responsibility for their work and processes—a mentor not affiliated with Harbour.Space will result in students presenting their work to the respective program director for review.

Milestone 2.1: The Thesis Statement 

The Thesis Statement comes when the student chooses the topic they wish to build his/her thesis on for the next six months. The student's research questions will lead and guide him/her through their research and help them also choose a mentor. We recommend topics that are arguable, and that the statements are focused and specific, abundant and inspiring, original and interesting. We want students to think big and think of technology. A short description of the thesis statement will then be turned into the student's assigned Program Director and Academic Advisor.

Milestone 2.2: The Thesis Proposal

The Thesis Proposal is the student's collective gatherings over his/her selected topic. This hand-in includes the project idea, market research, helpful literature and the development plan. 

They will submit this proposal to their mentor, as well as to their Program Director, Academic Director and Academic Coordinator. 

Milestone 3: The Intermediate Colloquium

Intermediate Colloquium is when all thesis students have the chance to present their research, current progress, and next steps in a 10 min presentation to faculty and tech teachers. After each presentation, there's a 10 min Q&A where all people in the room can ask challenging questions and provide critical/constructive feedback.

Milestone 4: Development & Feedback

Thesis Development & Feedback takes place over the next several months when students can develop and test their theories.   

• April: First full draft & feedback
• June: Alterations & feedback
• August: Final feedback  

Milestone 5: Final Hand-in

Final Hand-in is the result of the student's year-long journey. This document has to be signed off by both students and mentors to present the thesis for graduation officially. During the presentation, students will showcase their research, work and findings, and will be graded by the Program Director. 

The final thesis should include:  

• Thesis Statement
• Literature Review
• Methods and Results
• Discussion and Analysis
• Conclusions and Recommendations
• Appendices incl. all code  

Overview - How Does the Process Work for Each Capstone?

Capstones are the perfect opportunity for students to apply and experiment with the knowledge and experience they acquire throughout their studies at Harbour.Space. Developing personal projects is immensely important for any profession in the disciplines offered at the university, and that’s why the process of student-driven capstones mixes with modules taught by industry leaders. The milestones for each capstone demonstrate the required courses and documents students need to fulfill and/or hand in to move onward. The pillars are set in place to build a collaborative process of feedback and support between peers and those involved. This collaboration helps develop a network of contacts, proper work processes, and an outcome of amazing projects.

By the end of the year, students have the opportunity to showcase startups, case studies, and projects they have worked on throughout the year to their friends, families and guests. 

As a bonus, the top Capstone startup projects are invited to a semi-formal dinner, where founders will network and pitch ideas to potential investors looking for upcoming talent. 

Opportunities stretch as far as creativity and dedication flow through Harbour.Space. As the protagonist, students receive real-world experience to start their career off on the right track. Taking ownership of a project, nurturing it from start to finish, and sticking to it in both the highs and lows can be one of the most important and rewarding experiences a student can have. Furthermore, it’s a huge step into a future that isn’t so far away - a large percentage of Harbour.Space graduates go on to work on big projects for clients and companies, so having experience in this respect is decisive. Most importantly however, the Capstone project is a tangible, measurable, and valuable end result that will hopefully serve as a valuable cornerstone for students in the career that awaits them. 

All of Harbour.Space’s curriculum is taught by remarkable leaders in the industry. The teachers and peers will be your right hand when it comes to excelling for your future. Please take a look at our website to learn what your future could look like at Harbour.Space. Also, get in touch with us at [email protected] to let us know your thoughts!

Thanks for reading

If you’re interested in further growth, take a look at our website to learn what your future could look like at Harbour.Space . Lastly, get in touch with us at [email protected] to let us know your thoughts!

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Engineering Project Showcase Highlights Senior Capstone Design Projects

May 6, 2024 By Danielle Sullivan

• Campus Community
• Current Students

The 12th annual Engineering Project Showcase at Texas A&M University included over 300 teams of 1,400 students presenting their senior capstone design projects and competing for top prizes. The event, which was hosted at the Zachry Engineering Education Complex, brought together 170 industry judges to observe a year's worth of dedicated work and innovation.

The showcase highlighted the collaborative efforts between academia and industry, with students addressing real-world challenges presented by academic departments or industry sponsors. These challenges formed the basis for projects aimed at tackling pressing issues across various sectors. Magdalini Lagoudas, executive director of Industry/Nonprofit Partnerships, stressed the crucial role of capstone design projects in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

“The Engineering Project Showcase allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of our capstone student teams and the incredible value they generate for their sponsors,” said Lagoudas. “It is also a great way for industry to see examples of successful academic partnerships with the College of Engineering.” 

Overall, the event's goals are to celebrate students' innovative solutions to real-world problems, foster engagement with industry partners and collaboration within the teams themselves, and promote STEM awareness among prospective students and educators.

"The students are very well-prepared here at the College of Engineering, and they are very impressive,” said Lynda Estes '87, an employee in the structures group at NASA. “I do a lot of mentoring of co-ops where I work and what I see here is a lot of that work getting done ahead of time, specifically with getting to work with others from different backgrounds that may not be similar to yours, but then figuring out how to divide up the work, get it done and put it all back together to create a final project. I think a skill like that is very helpful to all these students."

Beyond celebrating academic achievements and collaboration, the showcase also facilitated invaluable networking opportunities between students and industry professionals.

"Andersen Windows & Doors looks for students who are flexible, eager to learn, and want to be hands-on,” said Felicia Nguyen, a representative from Andersen Windows & Doors, a platinum sponsor. “Engineering Project Showcase allows the students to show what they have learned and what skills they can bring to our corporation. We sponsor events like this because we want students to know what Andersen does and what we bring to the table. We want to be able to give them opportunities when they get out of school to bring their talent to work with us full-time."

A highlight of the showcase was the announcement of the Overall Showcase Capstone Design Awards. Teams from diverse majors, ranging from aerospace engineering to biological and agricultural engineering, competed for top prizes. With 18 different award categories, the event’s prize pool totaled over $20,000.

Two teams tied for the Overall Showcase Capstone Design first-place award. The project Autonomous and Remote Control Operating Light (ARCOL), sponsored by Texas A&M University’s J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, addresses the challenges faced in operating rooms where frequent adjustments to surgical lighting are needed. The ARCOL system offers autonomous and remote-control capabilities to minimize disruptions during surgeries, such as shadows and obstructions. By providing a cheaper, safer, and more efficient operating environment, it aims to enhance patient care.

Sponsored by Laken Grimes and Dessert Holdings, Production Line Modeling geared their project towards streamlining the management of a production line. Inefficiencies and bottlenecks often happen with fluctuating product sequences, equipment setups, crew compositions, and processing durations. The primary objective of the project is to craft a simulation tool capable of foreseeing process challenges, furnishing feedback on schedule viability and ultimately heightening operational effectiveness.

The annual Engineering Project Showcase offers a platform for students to apply their skills in innovation and collaboration taught by Texas A&M Engineering. Join us at the next showcase to witness future projects on April 25, 2025.

The 2024 Engineering Project Showcase was sponsored by platinum sponsors, Andersen Windows & Doors and Samsung; gold sponsors, Bray Inc. and Caterpillar; and silver sponsors, Baker Hughes, Endeavor Energy Resources and H4 Architects + Engineers.

The top teams from each award category are listed below.

Engineering Project Showcase 2024 Winners: 

Overall showcase capstone award.

First place - Tie  ($2,000) Team: Autonomous and Remote Control Operating Light (ARCOL)

First place - Tie ($2,000) Team: Production Line Modeling

Third place ($1,000), sponsored by Samsung Team: OGRE Skin Test Rig

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Award

First place - Tie ($500) Team: Design and Implementation of Water Distribution and Filtration System in Remote Guatemala

First place - Tie ($500) Team: SCTHS Rainwater Harvesting

Third place ($250) Team : Kubota Tractor Lead/Lag Ratio Tire Testing

Biomedical Engineering Awards 

First place - Tie ($750), sponsored by Bray International Inc. Team: Improved Vesicoamniotic Shunt for Treatment of Fetal LUTO

Second place - Tie ($750) Team: Combined Continuous Glucose Monitor and Infusion Set  

Second place - Tie ($750) Teams : Fetal Stabilization for Fetoscopic Surgery

Computer Science and Engineering Awards 

First place - Tie ($1,000), sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors Team : FlashMacros: Automating Calorie and Macronutrient Tracking

First place - Tie ($1,000), sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors Team : Promenade

Second place - Tie ($750) Team : BoomBoards

Second place - Tie ($750) Team : SCRAPS

Electrical and Computer Engineering Awards 

First place ($1,000), sponsored by Samsung Team: Raytheon Drone Competition

Second place ($750) Team: RFID PC Passkey System

Third place ($500) Team: Radiation Resilient Logic Circuits

Industrial and Systems Engineering Awards

First place ($1,000), sponsored by Caterpillar Inc. Team: Calibration Lab

Second place ($750) Team: Applied Materials - Detrash/Marry-Up Area Improvement

Third place ($500) Team: CHRISTUS Health Warehouse Optimization

Material Science and Engineering Awards  

First place ($500) Team: Sealing the Deal for Hydrogen Fuel: Characterizing Elastomeric Sealing Materials for High Pressure Hydrogen Environments 

Second place ($350) Team: Metal Turnings Recycling Through ECAE

Third place ($250) Team : Design and Evaluation of Novel Recycling Methods for Coated Polymeric Automotive Components

Mechanical Engineering Awards 

First place ($1,000), sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors Team: Continuous Cement Mixing Head Redesign

Second place - Tie ($750) Team: Parking Alert Service Project

Second place - Tie ($750) Team: Pipeline Displacement Detection Unit

Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Technology Award 

First place ($500)

Team: The Destabilizer

Second place ($350)

Team: Team GDMAN - Automated Camera System  

Third place ($250) 

Team: Fluid Powered Vehicle

Energy Sector Award

Prize Amount: $250 Team: Predicting & Optimizing the Power Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Machine Learning Techniques

Health Sector Award

Prize Amount: $250 Team: Improved Vesicoamniotic Shunt for Treatment of Fetal LUTO

Infrastructure Sector Award

Prize Amount: $250 Team: Alternate Route Study

Manufacturing Sector Award

Prize Amount: $250 Team: Team Metal Turnings Recycling Through ECAE

National Security Sector Award

Prize Amount: $250 Team: Crypto-Analysis Resistant Digital Key FOB

Large Capstone Team Award

Prize Amount: $1,000 Team: LHIVA: Long-Range Hybrid eVTOL Integrated Assembly

Non-capstone Team Award

Prize Amount: $1,000 Team: RASC-AL 2024: Large-Scale Lunar Crater Prospector

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Module 2- Capstone Project – SMART Goals and Project Objectives

Module 2 : Capstone Project – SMART Goals and Project Objectives

Overview: Capstone Project – Smart Goals and Project Objectives

In this assignment, you will locate and summarize content of 2 articles on the use of SMART goals/objectives: what they are, how they are used, and why they are effective. Assignment must contain citations and references in correct APA format.

You will also select 3 peer reviewed articles that address your chosen focus area for your Capstone Project and create 3-5 goals/objectives for your Capstone Project using the SMART Goals/Objective format.

Summarize 2 articles discussing what SMART goals are , how they are used, and/or why they can be an effective tool .

Create 3-5 objectives for Capstone Project using SMART format.

Select 3 peer reviewed articles addressing chosen focus area to include in the provided grid.

Use this rubric to guide your work on the Module 2 assignment.

NOTE: All assignments and discussion posts are expected to be completed on time.

Summarize Articles on SMART Objectives F ormat (Type in the box below)

Summarize content of 2 articles found on SMART goals/objectives. Write your summary in proper APA format. Must include in-text citations and references for both articles. Write one paragraph for each article summary. Should have paragraphs.

TYPE IN THE BOX BELOW (Box will expand as you type in it)

FILL IN THE GRID BELOW WITH PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND SUPPORTING ARTICLES

Create 3-5 Project Objectives

Cite 3 Peer Reviewed Articles on Chosen Focus Area for Capstone Project . One article may support more than one objective. However, you must have 3-5 objectives and at least 3 peer reviewed articles to support your project.

Create a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 objectives based upon Bloom’s Taxonomy (See an overview at https://tips.uark.edu/using-blooms-taxonomy/ or for more in-depth study of Bloom’s view http://bloomstaxonomy.org/ and you can always “google” Bloom Taxonomy for more information-may need to cut and paste these websites into your URL line to access). These objectives reflect the changes you want to see in the behavior of the participants/audience as a result of acquiring the information that you present. Remember: Objectives must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timed (S.M.A.R.T.) and each must include a Bloom term. At a minimum, at least one objective should be “immediate” and one “long term.” Use the table below to record the Objectives and Content for your Capstone Project. (You must create at least three objectives. If you have more, insert rows in the table).

Remember that your final project will need at least three references (less than five years old) . See the example for how to format this grid.

Grid provided below for assignment completion.

C omplete this grid with your information. Must have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5.

Uploading Completed Assignment Template:

Save this completed assignment template with your individual assignment content to your computer in a file you can easily retrieve.

Upload the completed assignment template into Module 2: Assignment 2 of 2 area in Module 2 of the course.

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