Notes From Class

Week 1 : September 9, 2002

If you do not have a Glue computer account and an ISR computer account, please get them. See the FAQ page for instructions.
The class notes will be available at the Engineering Copy Center (i.e., as of noon, 13th Sep't). You can make out a cheque to "University of Maryland" for $40. Read chapter 1 this weekend, and come to class next week with your questions.

Week 2 : September 16, 2002

You should read Chapters 1 and 2 of the class notes.
Start looking for a project partner. In the old curriculum model, systems projects were developed in ENSE 623 alone. In the new curriculum model, projects are incrementally developed throughout the ENSE 621-622-623 sequence. So try to choose a topic area that you are interested in, and has a moderate level of difficulty (it might even lead right into a research project for an MS thesis). Here are some suggestions:
- Intelligent Sensor Networks for Buildings.
- Multi-level description of building floorplan function and form.
- Fire detection system (or home security system).
- GPS for a palm pilot or car.
- Full-utility service/gas station.
- Buying/Selling on Ebay.
- Cell phone with imaging technology.
- Design of elevators for very tall buildings.
- Car maintenance/oil change at Jiffy Lube.
Of course, you are welcome to propose your own ideas.

Week 3 : September 23, 2002

Project Abstract. Before the close of business on friday, please e-mail me three things: (1) The project title, (2) a 3-4 sentence description of your topic area, and (3) who will be working on the frontend "modeling and analysis" aspects of it this semester.

Week 5 : October 7, 2002

Homework 1 is available.
Project Opportunity. Bonnie Lawford is the student who proposed the "elevator systems" project and would like to find a project partner (based on the handout in class, there's clearly a lot of good work that can be done with this project idea). If you would like to work with Bonnie, please contact her directly. E-mail: bonnieb@wam.umd.edu.

Week 6 : October 14, 2002

Week 7 : October 21, 2002

Here is the PowerPoint handout from Drexel University on Higraphs and Behavioral Design -- Topics in Behavioral Design .

Week 8 : October 28, 2002

Today, we are going to finish the story on statecharts.
Read the chapter on "Models of Systems Engineering Development" in the class notes.

Week 9 : November 4, 2002

Week 10 : November 11, 2002

Midterm Exam. 5 minutes to read the exam. 2 hrs to answer 4 questions. Open book and open notes. Each question will have multiple parts. You will have to create a variety of diagrams (including UML diagrams), so please bring some graph paper and a ruler. As promised in class, there will definitely be a question on the "traffic intersection" case study.
The "project requirements" will be posted this week.

Week 12 : November 25, 2002

I have a lot of handouts today ... if you couldn't come to class, please drop by my office to pick them up!

Week 13 : December 2, 2002

Please send me the URL for your project (when it's available) and I will create a link to it from project abstract page.
The last lecture will cover three things: (1) the scoring method; (2) analytical hierarchy method; and (3) multi-objective decision making.
I am finished with the project requirements (and will hand them out in class tonight). I would like to meet with each group to learn a little more about your project and discuss bottlenecks.

Week 14 : December 9, 2002

Final Exam. 15 minutes to read exam; 2 hours to answer questions. Try to bring some graph paper and a ruler to the exam.

Research Opportunity.

From: Jeffrey W. Herrmann 
To: Mark Andrew Austin 
Cc: Linda C. Schmidt 

Subject: UML and decision-making
--------------------------------

   Mark,

   Linda Schmidt and I have an idea for a project that might
   be appropriate for a MSSE student who has experience with UML
   and is looking for someone to supervise their scholarly paper.
   The project involves using UML to model a system of decision-makers
   that generate, share, and use information.
   Please let us know if you know of anyone who would be interested
   in this opportunity.

   Jeffrey

Week 15 : December 16, 2002

Final Project. Due at 7pm. This is a hard deadline. I have another exam on Dec. 18 and need to get all of the grades in before the close of business, Dec. 20.