Name:_________________________
The goal of this exam is to induce you to think about a broad range of issues associated with Web-based systems and to relate those issues to specific technologies we have explored this semester. It is also an opportunity to step back and think creatively.
It is an open book and open note exam, but please do not discuss it with others until after you have turned in your paper. Please type your answers. You may submit your exam by email (jbs@cs.unc.edu) or turn in a paper copy to jbs's mailbox or his office (FB 144) no later than noon on Monday, May 4, 2008.
Context
You work for a software development and consulting firm that specializes in Web-based systems. It currently employees some 300 people and is growing quickly. The firm develops custom software for customers, usually new components that fit into their existing systems rather than complete new systems. It also provides technical consulting for customers ranging from helping them plan and develop detailed specifications and architecture for new systems to advising them on strategies and technologies for new components they plan to develop in-house. You lead a team of five young, but highly competent programmers, and the company often calls on your team for some of its most challenging tasks, many with short deadlines.
Problem
A major issue for the company and its technical staff is keeping up with the rapidly changing or emerging technologies that are available. Staff must be able to advise customers on the strengths and weaknesses of available options for their internal development efforts as well as select the best or appropriate options for the systems they build, themselves. Much of this knowledge is carried in the heads of individuals. As the company grows, finding the person that has the knowledge one needs when one needs it is becoming increasingly difficult. The knowledge, itself, may be quite accidental -- that is, the person may just happen to be interested in a particular framework or just happened to sit next to someone on a long flight who has built a system using a new product from company X.
Requirements
You and your team have been asked to plan and develop a strategy and a system for addressing this problem. Some of the specific requirements your approach might address include those listed below, but you may also propose additional requirements as you see fit to meet overall goals:
- help staff identify technical options available to solve a specific problem or meet a specific design goal;
- help staff learn the rudiments of a new technology sufficient to go one or two steps beyond a hello, world test case;
- help staff locate others with specific knowledge or experience;
- help staff get technical advice as well as answers to specific questions in a timely manner;
- encourage and enable staff to contribute to this growing body of knowledge.
Assignment
Your assignment is to write a concept paper to kick-start discussion of the proposed system and to record your assessment of the technical options available and your recommendations for those to use. It should include the following sections:
- executive summary that briefly summarizes key points and conclusions/recommendations in the other sections;
- motivation and concept for the system, in your own words;
- major features and/or functions of the system;
- basic architecture or structure you propose for the system;
- key technologies you considered and those you recommend for building the system, including reasons;
- technical unknowns: where are the major technical risks or areas where new knowledge will be required by your team?
Your discussion should be long enough to allow you to include technical specifics (e.g., 5 pages or so) but short enough so that busy readers will read it (e.g., no more than 8 pages). Thus, it should be both comprehensive and succinct. It should be thoughtful and creative. It should demonstrate your maturity and professionalism, as a thinker and a writer.
Pledge: I have neither given nor receive unauthorized aid on this exam.
Signed: __________________________