Over the next six months, 140 3rd year Computing Science students from the University of Glasgow will be working on a number of IT related projects with Crichton Institute, Crichton Carbon Centre, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway and The Stove Network.
21st October saw the inaugural meetings between the Dumfries and Galloway based project hosts and the student groups following initial discussions, in February this year.
Tony Fitzpatrick, Director Crichton Institute Regional Observatory and Eva Milroy, Development Officer Crichton Institute approached Dr Tim Storer from the Glasgow based School of Computing Science course when looking for support to further develop the Crichton Institute Regional Observatory (RO). Tim also co-runs the School’s Industry Liaison Forum arranging student placements and industrial projects.
He commented: “Eva and Tony contacted when I was in the middle of re-designing the 3rd year course. The course aims to provide students with a hands-on opportunity for developing their project management skills in as real-as-possible client/consultant relationships. The issues Tony and Eva wanted help with seemed to fit exactly into the new course profile.”
The students on this team-based software engineering course learn how to manage change in a software project, how to quality assure a project and how to be responsive to changing client needs and other influences that may affect a project.
Eva elaborated that “ through my work on the development of the RO and regular engagement with a number of stakeholders in Dumfries and Galloway I was very much aware that there are local organisations that are keen to explore the benefits of digital technologies such as mobile applications digital mapping and sensor technology to make better business decisions, interact more efficiently with their customers and be more effective in the way data is used to benefit customers and the local economy. It was not difficult to find interested local organisations to join us in this fantastic opportunity.”
Now 24 teams are working on eleven projects that range from creating an economic dashboard for the RO website to developing an inequalities benchmarking tool for the local NHS, building an online learning platform for the Crichton Carbon Centre, an App to interact with volunteers for the Third Sector, a sensor related project for The Stove Network and many more.
The enthusiasm the students have shown so far is almost overwhelming. There was a real buzz in the rooms when the teams met their respective clients. Over the next six months the teams will interact with their clients on a regular basis, including monthly meetings to evaluate progress and agree the next milestones.
Susan McLellan from Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway pointed out: “The expertise these students bring to the project is brilliant. This sort of experience is absolutely invaluable for our organisation. However, it is also a great occasion for us to show the students that there are opportunities in rural regions like Dumfries and Galloway.”
Tony Fitzpatrick remarked that: “As well as helping us develop our regional data observatory and the services offered by local partners, these projects are proving to be a great opportunity for the Crichton Campus to strengthen its links with the University of Glasgow in Gilmorhill and perhaps open the door for further collaborations of this nature, something that lies at the heart of the aims of Crichton Institute. We are keen to work closely with all types of business organisation and help promote rural south of Scotland through projects like this that make a difference.” Some exciting months are ahead – watch this space for an update and progress report on the many projects.
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