Capstone Thesis Project

Information for Prospective Capstone Sponsor

Andreas deDanaan of deDanaan Graphic Design is currently in a graduate study program culminating in a Master of Science in Information Technologies degree. As part of the Master's program, Andreas is currently seeking a project sponsor for his capstone thesis. The capstone is an equvalent to a Master's thesis. If you are interested in partnering with Andreas by becoming his capstone sponsor, please consider the points below, which describe the roles of both the capstone sponsor and of Andreas. These points will hopefully address questions you may have. For any further questions, please contact Andreas.

Although Andreas is a graphic designer, the requirements of an ideal project will weigh more heavily on the technical aspects of dynamic Web site construction, which is the focus of Andreas's Master's program, rather than highly customized appearance. This constraint is in place in order to limit the scope of the project and ensure that it is do-able in the limited timeframe. In other words, Andreas merely needs to keep the design simple and clean.

The major technologies that Andreas's program will specialize in are content management systems (CMSs) such as Joomla!.

Desired Capstone Characteristics

1. A Web site design or redesign challenge that will incorporate as many areas of Andreas's graduate studies as possible (dynamic Web-site design, interaction design, Web accessibility, project management, entrepreneurship, and marketing)
2. An appropriate project scope — one in which Andreas can complete the majority of work without bringing in additional personnel outside of the sponsoring organization and that can be completed in six months (project planning time is expected to be 1/4 to 1/3 of total project time)
3. A project that is primarily website structure-based (due to the limited time and scope of the project, the focus should weigh more heavily on the services and interactivity that a Web site would improve rather than Web site special effects technologies such as Flash)
4. Compensation in the form of a stipend in an amount agreed upon between Andreas and the sponsoring organization

Stipend for the Capstone

Although a capstone project is an academic project, the amount of hours of expected involvement (250+) and the benefits of the work is significant. Therefore, a stipend of a negotiable amount is requested.

Capstone Sponsor Tasks

1. To clearly define the sponsoring organization's needs and goals for the project
2. To ensure that this project meets the criteria for a Capstone as established by Marlboro College Graduate School, including compliance with the timeline and inclusion of materials and strategies from every course in the student's program of study
3. To review and offer feedback on the proposal
4. To communicate clearly and frequently with Andreas as the project progresses
5. To contact Andreas if the sponsoring organization's needs should change during this project
6. To regard the work that Andreas does on this project as an academic project first and foremost, privileging the learning experience over any other considerations that the sponsoring organization may have
7. To provide Andreas with any resources, materials, or specialized training beyond the usual curriculum that may be necessary to complete the project
8. To compensate Andreas with a stipend of any agreed-upon amount upon completion of this project.

Andreas's Responsibilities

1. Andreas will plan the project such that an agreed-upon goal is met and problem is addressed for the organization by way of a Web site design or redesign
2. Andreas will implemet a plan that includes important deadlines, deliverables, conditions, and other details that are agreed upon with the sponsoring organization
3. Andreas will include a provision for regular feedback
4. Andreas will include a willingness to comply with non-disclosure and non-compete agreements that Marlboro College Graduate School is also willing to endorse.