DIGITAL MSU "Capstone Project" Announcement

MSU business-IT students help area companies on new tech projects: Several teams of Michigan
State University undergraduates are ready and waiting to help Michigan businesses and nonprofits solve their digital problems -- for free. As part of their final course in their Information Technology Management Specialization, the students are required to work in cross-functional teams, on a real-world IT problem. And they just need a few more volunteer "clients." Professor Brian Pentland, who has been teaching the course at MSU's Eli Broad College of Business for the last three years, says the students can take on a wide range of projects because each team includes students with relative strengths in computer science, telecommunications and business. Past projects have involved Web sites, Web content management systems, database and workflow system development and wireless Web network development. Pentland is now accepting proposals from area organizations to have student teams take on projects for the spring 2007 semester, starting in January. He says that the ideal project is "hands-on," with a well-defined outcome that can be achieved by 3-4 students in 12 weeks. To submit a project for consideration, complete the on-line "ITM Capstone Sponsorship" form before Dec. 1 at www.bus.msu.edu/itmp/capstone/sponsorship.html.