MS Computer Science Project Phase

Subjects of the second year of study:  Project area – three projects plus Master’s thesis

• One Project of TYPE A

Supervised treatment of a complex task in a research and development project (possibly in cooperation with external partners) in a team. The Lecturer defines the objectives and conducts a regular discussion on the progress of the project. He further agrees with the team milestones, and communication and cooperation forms. The projects are systematically monitored. Process monitoring combines training and reflection components with practical experience and the expansion of the above learning outcomes / skills. It consists of three components: (1) Introductory workshop to work in heterogeneous teams with the content: team definition and team types. Objectives of teamwork; key findings of the group effectiveness research; Heterogeneity of team forms(E.g. inter-cultural, inter-disciplinary, age and gender differences,…); Opportunities and risks of working in heterogeneous teams; specific requirements as a result of the interculturality in teams (cultural definitions, efficacy of cultural experience and behaviour; key cultural dimensions and standards…); Procedures and tools for the design of more effective cooperation in heterogeneous project teams. (2) Diagnosis and reflection on individual skills and team quality This is done in two steps: (a) Diagnosis of individual skills: use of scientifically-based personality-oriented procedures (NEO five-factor inventory, Inventory of social skills) determines which individual aspects (strengths, weaknesses) are brought by the student for teamwork. These results are reported back to the students. (b) Team Diagnostics: The quality of work of each student team is determined by using procedures of team Diagnostics (team climate inventory for the measurement of target and task orientation, as well as participation and confidence in the team after Brodbeck / Anderson/West, SYMLOG-adjective rating scale of bales/Cohen to determine mutual interpersonal evaluations of group members). The results are reported back to the respective team in a reflection workshop and reflected with the members of the group in terms of learning and optimization opportunities. (3) Accounting workshop: a one-day workshop of accounting is completed in the same composition of participants as in the introductory seminar. The experiences from the different teams are exchanged there, reflected in the total Group and crucial insights are highlighted. Accompanying these components students carry out study relevant literature independently.

• Two Projects of TYPE B

Supervised treatment of a more complex task in the framework of a research and development project (possibly in cooperation with external partners). The teacher defines the objectives and leads a regular discussion about the progress of the project. He also agrees on milestones as well as communications and other forms of cooperation. The projects are systematically supported. Accompanying these components the student carries out study with relevant literature independently.

• Master’s thesis

Back to overview