Capstone Project

Project Overview

Student provides a high-level overview of the project in layman’s terms. Background information such as the problem domain, the project origin, and related data sets or input data is given.

Problem Statement

The problem which needs to be solved is clearly defined. A strategy for solving the problem, including discussion of the expected solution, has been made.

Metrics

Metrics used to measure performance of a model or result are clearly defined. Metrics are justified based on the characteristics of the problem.

Data Exploration

If a dataset is present, features and calculated statistics relevant to the problem have been reported and discussed, along with a sampling of the data. In lieu of a dataset, a thorough description of the input space or input data has been made. Abnormalities or characteristics about the data or input that need to be addressed have been identified.

Exploratory Visualization

A visualization has been provided that summarizes or extracts a relevant characteristic or feature about the dataset or input data with thorough discussion. Visual cues are clearly defined.

Algorithms and Techniques

Algorithms and techniques used in the project are thoroughly discussed and properly justified based on the characteristics of the problem.

Benchmark

Student clearly defines a benchmark result or threshold for comparing performances of solutions obtained.

Data Preprocessing

All preprocessing steps have been clearly documented. Abnormalities or characteristics about the data or input that needed to be addressed have been corrected. If no data preprocessing is necessary, it has been clearly justified.

Implementation

The process for which metrics, algorithms, and techniques were implemented with the given datasets or input data has been thoroughly documented. Complications that occurred during the coding process are discussed.

Refinement

The process of improving upon the algorithms and techniques used is clearly documented. Both the initial and final solutions are reported, along with intermediate solutions, if necessary.

Model Evaluation and Validation

The final model’s qualities — such as parameters — are evaluated in detail. Some type of analysis is used to validate the robustness of the model’s solution.

Justification

The final results are compared to the benchmark result or threshold with some type of statistical analysis. Justification is made as to whether the final model and solution is significant enough to have adequately solved the problem.

Free-Form Visualization

A visualization has been provided that emphasizes an important quality about the project with thorough discussion. Visual cues are clearly defined.

Reflection

Student adequately summarizes the end-to-end problem solution and discusses one or two particular aspects of the project they found interesting or difficult.

Improvement

Discussion is made as to how one aspect of the implementation could be improved. Potential solutions resulting from these improvements are considered and compared/contrasted to the current solution.

Presentation

Project report follows a well-organized structure and would be readily understood by its intended audience. Each section is written in a clear, concise and specific manner. Few grammatical and spelling mistakes are present. All resources used to complete the project are cited and referenced.

Functionality

Code is formatted neatly with comments that effectively explain complex implementations. Output produces similar results and solutions as to those discussed in the project.