A Decision-based Hyper-multi-media Case Environment for the Computer Productivity Initiative, a Large Undergraduate Project

This paper describes our experience in using a multimedia project management and problem solving tool to support a multi-year Computer Productivity Initiative (CPI) project. The purpose of the CPI project is to provide undergraduate studnets with a diverse set of skills required for the conception and development of solutions to large real world problems. In order to organize and develop a solution effectively, the students must work with a broad range of documents including video tape interviews of experts, presentation graphics for slike show, computer drawn figures, charts and graphs, spreadsheets, as well as postscript of other forms of textual documentation. To organize and access the various media documents developed during the course of a CPI project, we are employing DHC (Decision based Hyper-multi-media CASE) tool developed to support the Decision Based Systems Development (DBSD) paradigm. At the same time, DHC is used to guide and support the problem solving process the students employ to arrive at their solution. DBSD organizes the process of project management as well as the project document base around the decision making process. Our experience has demonstrated the value of a hyperlinked, multimedia project space in the development of large, group collaborative real world projects.