Your term project report is a technical write-up describing original research work performed by you on the subject matter of this course. The following topical areas are typical (but not exhaustive) of what I am looking for:

1) Historical analysis of the evolution of a selected technical system,

2) derivation of figure of merit for a device, process or system,

3) roles of invention, innovation and use in technical progress,

4) spreadsheet modeling of technical performance of products,

4) simulation modeling using Stella,

5) forecasting the likely development of a technology.

Please consult the reference guide prepared by Christine Reusch of the Rensselaer Library specially for this class.

A list of proposed term paper topics can be found below. However, the responsibility for selecting your term paper topic is yours. Also, you must get me involved with your project from the outset. Ideas, drafts, comments, questions and suggestions about term projects will be exchanged through electronic mail. All written materials must be saved in ASCII (Text) standard prior to sending.

Deadlines for submission of project proposal, finished final draft and final report will be strictly enforced.

You are welcome to work in groups, however, the maximum group size allowed is three people. Final report must clearly indicate authorship. The main body of the text - excluding appendices - must not exceed 10 pages. Ideally, an internet-ready version of your final report must also be prepared and posted, although this is not mandatory.

Following is a list of suggested term project topics:

* Change in Information Technology.

* Technological Change in Self Contained Power Sources.

* Technological Change in Transportation.

* Changes in Environmental Technology.

* Technological Change in PC Printer Technology.

* Technological Change in Manufacturing.

* Technological Change in Computer Software Development.

* Intel and the Microprocessor: Technological Dynamics.

* Technological Change in Wireless Communications.

* Technological Development in Recording Media.

* Technological Change in Space Flight and Support Systems.

* Technological Change in the Entertainment Industry.

* Technological Change in Finance and Banking.

* Technological Change and Income Distribution.