Need Help On An IT Project? Call MSU
EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- Nearly 20 teams of Michigan State University undergraduates are ready and waiting to help Michigan businesses and nonprofits solve their digital problems.
As part of their final capstone course for an Information Technology Management Specialization, the MSU students are required to work in cross-functional teams on a real-world IT project. And more clients are needed.
The deadline for companies, nonprofits and government agencies to submit a project idea for consideration is Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Professors Constantinos K. Coursaris and Wietske van Osch, who are teaching the course through the Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media department, say the students are capable of taking on a wide range of technology-related projects. Each team consists of students majoring in telecommunications, business and computer science.
Earlier projects have included:
Websites and web content management systems: Student teams designed and implemented content management systems for clients such as the Lansing Old Town Business and Arts Development Association and TechTown, Detroit's research and technology development park along the Woodward corridor.
Database and workflow systems: Student teams also help with "back end" office operations. For example, one team designed and implemented a new membership database for the Michigan Kiwanis Club using Microsoft Access and another team used Microsoft InfoPath to design and implement a workflow system for a petroleum distribution company.
Wireless web access: A student team created a prototype for the Oakland County Mobile Services system to format website information for smaller screens on mobile devices.
Video production: Students produced promotional videos and DVDs for clients ranging from St. Johns Public Schools to Walnut Hills Country Club.
Social media: Students created a comprehensive social media strategy, initial presence and maintenance plan for Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub.
Professors Coursaris and Van Osch are now accepting proposals from area organizations (business, government or nonprofit) to have student teams take on projects for the spring 2014 academic semester, starting in January and ending on April 27.
To submit a project for consideration, contact Coursaris via email at coursari@msu.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 5.
