Cross-functional teaming in a capstone engineering design course

This paper describes a cross-functional teaming approach used in a computer-engineering capstone design course. Students are grouped into two sets of interdependent teams, "design teams" and "skill teams". While designing a product, students acquire an understanding of the need for lifelong learning and the need to depend upon each other for critical skills and knowledge necessary to ensure overall project success. Design teams are formed for the entire semester. Each team works on a specific engineering design project that involves the collaborative development and evaluation of a "product" containing an embedded computer. Skill teams are formed from representatives of each design team. These team members acquire specific skills and knowledge needed to ensure success within the individual design projects. Skill teams are highly focused. For example, one team learns how to use Microsoft's PowerPoint presentation software tools. These team members take this knowledge back to their design teams, instruct design-team members in PowerPoint basics, and use PowerPoint in team presentations. Other skill teams focus on topics such as: management of class and team activities; browsing the Internet to obtain information about embedded-system hardware components, software, design tools, and third-party suppliers; hardware and software standards related to embedded systems; and programmable-logic-device technologies and trends.