This paper describes the experience in the organization and delivery of a one-term Capstone design project for students in their final year of the Civil Engineering program at the University of Manitoba. The Capstone design course was first introduced into the Civil Engineering program at the University of Manitoba in the fall semester of 2002. It has now been delivered three times. It is a project-based course involving teamwork and encompassing knowledge in transportation, water resources, environmental, materials, geotechnical and structural engineering. The main objective of the Capstone project is to facilitate the transition from the academic environment to the “real world” (industry) through the participation in a meaningful design project under the general guidance of an industry mentor. Local consulting engineering companies volunteer to mentor the student teams. Design projects have been provided by the City of Winnipeg who agreed to act as the sponsor/client for the first three years of the Capstone program. Sponsorship involves selecting a suitable design project and preparing a request for a proposal (RFP). Projects provided by the City to date have included: (1) the preliminary design of a pedestrian bridge over the LaSalle River, and (2) the preliminary design of a grade separation at a congested intersection in Winnipeg. Project deliverables include a written response to the RFP, a progress report, and final report. Student teams are also required to give an in-class presentation to the client of their response to the RFP and the progress report. The presentation of the final report is open to the public and is held immediately following the last day of classes. The quality of the work has improved over the three years. This is attributed not only to the overall organization of the course but also because, so far, each of the student teams has wanted to “do better” than their predecessors. Industry mentors have also become more comfortable with their role and now have more realistic expectations of the capabilities of the students. Successful completion of the Capstone project is a challenge and depends on teamwork and effective project management. The time commitment is significant, and can impact other courses that the student is taking. Despite the significant workload students who have taken the course have with few exceptions said that they appreciated the opportunity to apply their skills to a real project involving all aspects of civil engineering. A spin-off benefit has been that the students have a first hand opportunity to meet and evaluate perspective employers and industry can evaluate perspective employees.
Development and Implementation of a Final Year Civil Engineering Capstone Project – Successes, Lessons Learned, and Path Forward
