Chapter 3: Team Contract Agreement
- Page ID
- 116282
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)How to Create a Group/Team Contract Agreement for Mechanical Engineering Capstone Students
A group or team contract is an essential document for capstone projects. It sets clear expectations, defines roles, and ensures accountability among team members. Here's how to create an effective team contract.
1. Purpose of the Contract
Explain why the contract exists and its importance in fostering collaboration and accountability.
Example:
“This team contract is designed to establish shared goals, roles, and expectations to ensure a productive, respectful, and successful collaboration on our capstone project.”
2. Key Sections to Include
a. Team Information
- List all team members with contact information (names, emails, phone numbers).
- Include your team name (if applicable).
b. Project Goals and Objectives
- Clearly state the project’s purpose, scope, and deliverables.
- Example:
“Our goal is to design and fabricate a device to safely remove tungsten carbide rings, ensuring client requirements are met and the final product is ready for testing by [deadline].”
c. Team Roles and Responsibilities
- Assign specific roles based on skills and interests (e.g., project manager, CAD designer, materials researcher, testing coordinator).
- Define the responsibilities for each role.
Example: - Project Manager: Oversees timeline and deliverables, organizes meetings, communicates with advisors.
- CAD Designer: Develops 3D models and ensures design accuracy.
- Testing Coordinator: Plans and executes experimental tests, documents results.
d. Meeting Schedule and Communication Plan
- Decide on regular meeting times (e.g., weekly on Mondays at 5:00 PM).
- Define communication channels (e.g., Slack, email, Zoom).
- Establish response time expectations (e.g., respond to messages within 24 hours).
e. Workload and Deadlines
- Agree on how tasks will be divided and tracked. Use tools like Gantt charts or project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana).
- Include consequences for missed deadlines (e.g., redistribution of tasks, team discussion).
f. Conflict Resolution Plan
- Outline how the team will handle disagreements.
- Example:
- Address issues directly and respectfully during a team meeting.
- If unresolved, escalate to the faculty advisor for mediation.
g. Attendance and Participation
- Specify attendance requirements for meetings and project work.
- Include expectations for participation and engagement.
- Example:
“Each team member is expected to attend at least 90% of team meetings unless prior notice is given.”
h. Code of Conduct
- Define behaviors that support a respectful and collaborative environment.
- Example:
- Be respectful and listen to all ideas.
- Commit to resolving conflicts constructively.
- Avoid unprofessional language or behaviors.
i. Accountability and Consequences
- State the process for holding members accountable.
- Example:
- Document recurring issues and discuss them during meetings.
- Report severe or unresolved issues to the advisor.
j. Amendments
- Allow room for revisions if necessary.
- Example:
“This contract may be amended if all members agree to the changes in writing.”
k. Signatures
- Include a section where all team members sign and date the contract to confirm agreement.
3. Best Practices for Implementing the Contract
- Collaborate on Creation: Develop the contract as a team to ensure buy-in from all members.
- Review Regularly: Revisit the contract periodically to ensure expectations are being met.
- Keep It Accessible: Store a copy in a shared folder or platform for easy reference.