Research Project/Collaborative Project

Lawrence Technological University

Dr. Lior Shamir
Office: S116C
Email: lshamir@ltu.edu
Phone: 248-204-3512
Objective:
The objective of the course is to work on a novel research project, an innovative video
game, or to solve an actual real-life industry problem using computer programming. The
innovation can be either theoretical (e.g., a new algorithm), or technological (e.g., a
novel application). Students can come up with their own new ideas, or select a project
of their choice from a pool of projects offered by the instructor, or will be assigned with a
project. Students who are employed can select a project related to their work. Students
who want to be employed can work on industry projects with customers who wish to
work with them, and usually there are several companies who wish to work with
students. This will involve working directly with these companies. As was the case with
projects in the past, it is also likely that some of the papers describing the projects will
be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Attendance:
Attendance in this course is mandatory. The class will meet in the first week, and will
meet again in the final week (or final two weeks) of the semester for student final
presentations. During the semester the students will have to meet with the instructor (at
least) once a week to discuss the progress and direction of the project. This meeting
can be on the same day every week as agreed by the instructor and the student(s), or
the students can meet the instructor every week at the time of their choice, but it is the
students responsibility to see the instructor at least once a week unless agreed
otherwise. When needed, students are highly encouraged to meet with the instructor as
soon as possible in case of a problem with the project, interesting results, decisions that
should be made, etc.
Important: If you do not find me in my office, I am probably in the S126 computer lab.
Framework:
Due to the load of work in this course, students are encouraged to work in groups of two
to three students. Groups of more than three students will be allowed in the discretion of
the instructor. In the case of a group project, each student will have to report which part
of the project he or she was responsible for.
When meeting with the instructor, all team members are expected to attend. Each group

will be required to select a project that can be proposed by the instructor or based on
creative and innovative ideas of the students. Students who are employed may work on
projects related to their work. In that case, students are required to submit a detailed
proposal (one to two pages) in which they describe their project, and specify the
innovative concepts that will be developed and studied. It is also allowed in this course
to ask for the assistance of people who are not enrolled in the course, but please
consult with me before asking for outside assistance. In any case, any third party
assistance should be explicitly mentioned, and the person who provided the assistance
should be acknowledged in the final paper. Each group will meet with the instructor (at
least) once a week during the semester, and the entire class will meet in the end of the
semester for oral presentations.
Products
Each group of students will be expected to submit the following items:
1. Abstract of the project. The abstract is due before the final presentation, and
should be submitted after a draft of the abstract is approved. The abstract will be
included in the abstract book of the final presentations.
2. A final paper that describes the research project. Guidelines for writing the paper
will be provided. Students are required to submit a draft before submitting the
final paper. The draft will not be graded. The final paper can be submitted only
after the draft is approved. Some of the final papers will be submitted for
publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
3. A final oral presentation that will be given in the end of the semester. A draft of
the oral presentation should be submitted and discussed before the presentation.
There will be two presentation sessions in the last two weeks of the semester.
4. Software and data (if applicable) that were developed and used for the
experiment, so that the results can be replicated by others. This should also
include software documentation in the case of industry-oriented projects that
contain a primary component of code development. Software and data can be
submitted through Blackboard, email, or any other relevant method.

In some cases students will be asked to present at the Blue Devils show case or other
events.

Grade:
Abstract 5%
Final paper 15%
Final Presentation 15%
Participation 15%
Software 15%
Instructor Evaluation 35%
Instructor evaluation includes the dedication of the student to the project, the efforts that

were put in the study, the presentation of the weekly progress, and the ability to identify
and solve problems in a timely manner.