Systems Analysis -- FAQ

Systems Analysis FAQ
Progress Reports Some FAQ's and their answers have been provided by former students.
If some advice seems inconsistent with what Dr. Sauter has said in class, please contact her for clarification.

When is the first progress report due?

The first progress report is due on the Monday following the assignment of groups. No progress reports are due until groups are assigned.

Do you need a progress report from each person?

No. One progress report from each group.

What is the purpose of the progress report?

This is a mechanism whereby I monitor how the group is working together and what the group is doing so that I can get early warning signals of problems. Where I perceive problems, I will attempt to get the group back on track. Hence, the more information you provide, the better chance I have of seeing problems that are occurring, and of knowing how to act on them, solve them and maximize the grade you receive.

What do I include in my progress report?

These reports must include: (a) brief minutes of the discussion and decisions considered during any group meetings during the week; (b) action items for the next week; (c) task assignments; (d) problems and/or opportunities faced by the group that week. Additional, specific sections may be required from time to time, and will be announced in class, and stated on the "current page."

How long should the progress reports be?

These assignments can be as long or as brief as is relevant for the activities of the group.

How do we submit the progress reports?

Use the group wiki.

What is the point of the progress reports?

So I can get an idea of where your group is and if needed, to help direct you in the right direction.

If our group doesn't meet until after Monday can our progress report be turned in late?

Progress reports are due on every Monday, if your group hasn't met during the week then specify that in the progress report, and list what work your group has accomplished that week.

Will these affect my grade if the person preparing them doesn't like me?

If there is a problem, I will address the whole group and you will have an opportunity to present your side of the situation.

What if we don't have anything new to report?

I understand that your group will not have to meet every week during this semester. Even I you do not have any new developments I still want a progress report every Monday to track development of the group project. These reports are used to see if everyone is on the same page and to avoid any major down falls. Having one each week, even if nothing new has developed, will keep me up to date with your group progress and can help us discover any major problem as early as possible.

Are the progress reports graded and what are the consequences for missing a progress report assignment?

Part of your grade is the percentage of reports turned in; if you do not turn in a progress report, then that percentage is reduced.

If we don't meet during the week is a progress report still due? And if one or more individuals were not present should we note this?

The progress report is due every Monday rain or shine, whether your group met or not. Regardless of who was present. Your discussions for the week might be summarized by a phone call. Tell me the central theme of that phone call. If one or more individuals did not contribute, I want to know.

How many progress reports should my group turn in?

In order to assess your group's progress, one progress report per group is due every week. This way the group's progress from the past week can be assessed and if there are nay problems, they can be detected early on and fixed accordingly.

Should the same person send in the progress reports every week?

Not necessarily. If your group chooses to appoint someone to act as a reporter that is fine. If you choose to rotate a person each week, that is fine as well. Just as long as you are all on the same page.

What percentage of our grade are all of the progress reports worth?

The combined value of all progress reports is 20% of your final grade.

How it will be graded and will you return back those reports to us?

As long as you submit progress report with all its requirements every Monday once your group is formed and project is assigned to the group it counts 20% of your final grade. Yes I return those to your group with a check mark on it.

Can I include rough drafts of the current assignment?

Yes. The more information I get, the more feedback you will get. This will help you in figuring out if you are on the right track.

What is supposed to be included in the progress reports?

You are to include everything that you feel is important. The progress you are making on the paper, the progress you are making communicating as a group, the progress of basically everything going on. If there is nothing due that week, you still need a progress report, however it may just be based on the group work.

Do we need to turn in what we are working on each week?

No if you would like to send a copy of what you are working on to get my opinion then this is the best time to do that. I will return with my comments attached. Otherwise just include what was mentioned in class.

What if my group hasn't met and therefore has no progress report?

It would be strongly advisable that groups meet at least once a week.

How should the progress report be organized?

It should be neatly organized. I have attached a few examples of progress reports in the past that worked just fine.

How will the Progress Reports be graded?

They will be graded on whether or not you did one, but if you are asked to do something specific and you omit it, it will be counted against you.

What should we include in the explanation?

You need to include how you came up with each part of your prototype, how you intend to implement the prototype, and how this will help you clarify your specifications.

What if we have not discussed anything about the project and do not have any things due for that week. Do we still have to turn in a full report? Or do you just want us to state this exactly?

State in each one of the sections why you did not meet, etc.