The Industry Sponsor Role

The primary mission of the Multidisciplinary Design Capstone program is the education of students.  It is expected that industry sponsors of this program support this mission. Industry-sponsored projects require participation by multiple parties to ensure success.  A commitment by the company is invaluable to help ensure an effective learning experience for our students and to maximize project value to the company.

A Capstone Agreement between the company and Ohio State is approved and signed to ensure the integrity of the project’s success and the protection of company intellectual property. Students sign non-disclosure agreements and are allowed to publicly present their work with the mutual agreement of the company.

Company Management Role

  • Help identify potential company capstone projects
  • Execute Capstone Agreement
  • Provide funding support
  • Commit and support an employee to act as a liaison for the students

The company assigns a subject-matter expert as active liaison with the team and to meet regularly, in person or on the phone, to provide guidance and direction.  Typically, this person spends 2-3 hours per week with the student team.

Client Liaison

  • Has management support
  • Helps develop project scope
  • Has vested interest in the success of the project
  • Is willing to work with students
  • Contributes in weekly meetings
  • Participates in design reviews
  • Coordinates student visits to the company

License

MDC Design Guide Copyright © by Bob Rhoads, Capstone Program Director; John Schrock, P.E., Senior Lecturer; Lynn Hall, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer & Director, Engineering Technical Communications; and Jake Brandon, Graduate Teaching Associate. All Rights Reserved.