William D. Cox e-Portfolio - Thesis Reflection

William D. Cox

Construction Management

1099 New York Avenue

Washington, D.C.

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User Note:

“Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work‐in‐progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of William Cox. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.”

Thesis Assessment & Reflection

ABET Outcome Survey

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed (Score of 0)	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable ( Score of 1)	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated ( Score of 2)	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated (Score of 3)
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				X
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
c. An ability to design a system, component, o r process to meet desired needs				X
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				X
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
g. An ability to communicate effectively				X
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context			X
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues			X
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				X
o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program			X
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

AE 481W & AE 482 Course Reflection

Overall, the senior thesis process was a positive educational experience. Studying one project over the duration of two semesters and being able to formulate my own engineering theories proved to be a valuable lesson. Aside from the technical benefits, the process also proved to enhance my work ethic. During the second semester, there was only one due date which forced me to set my own goals and pace to reach those goals. I feel that this experience will be instrumental in my career and help set me apart from my peers in the industry.

My greatest asset also proved to be my greatest struggle. When given such freedom with such a assignment as challenging as this thesis, it was often times very difficult to stay focused and complete the tasks at hand. Through practice, however, I was able to master this technique and produce a well thought out thesis project.

CPEP Reflection

This was my first experience updating and maintaining an e-Portfolio, thus it proved to be another difficult task throughout the thesis process. It was often times difficult to get things to appear they wanted in an artistic, yet technical form, but updating the information seemed to be rather routine. I thought it was a beneficial addition to the program since it allowed me to publish my work throughout the process and receive feedback from all parties involved.

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