The Business Administration – Supply Chain Management program requires students to complete a capstone project that involves a real-world supply chain analysis and improvement plan for a local organization. For example, one group of students partnered with a mid-sized manufacturing company to analyze inefficiencies in their procurement and inventory management processes. Through interviews with stakeholders and data collection, the students identified areas of waste. They then developed a set of recommendations to streamline workflows between suppliers and internal departments. This included adopting new technology for tracking incoming shipments and automated replenishment systems. The students presented their findings to the company’s executive team in a formal report and presentation that was over 15,000 characters. They received positive feedback and the company is in the process of implementing some of their proposed changes.

In the Computer Programming program, the capstone involves designing and developing a functional programming project from concept to deployment. A recent group created a web application for a client in the sports and recreation industry. They identified a need to modernize and streamline the registration, payment and communication systems currently in use for various sports leagues, classes and camps. Over several months, the students worked through all phases of the software development lifecycle to deliver a customized solution. This included creating user stories, wireframes, database models, frontend and backend coding, testing, troubleshooting and deployment. The final program contained over 25,000 lines of code and additional documentation. It allowed the client to better manage registrations online, process payments securely, generate reports and send mass communications to participants through automated emails and text messages. The students documented the entire process in a comprehensive technical report exceeding 20,000 characters.

In the Medical Laboratory Technology program, the capstone consists of a major independent research project where students apply theories and techniques learned throughout the program. One such project investigated the prevalence of drug-resistant organisms in patients admitted to a specific intensive care unit at a nearby hospital. The student worked with the hospital’s infection control team to collect bacterial samples from patients over a defined period. They then isolated, identified and performed antibiotic sensitivity testing on any pathogenic organisms found. Through statistical analysis of the results, the student was able to determine how drug resistance had changed over time in that unit compared to published data. An in-depth 15,000 character research paper was written, outlining the objectives, methodology, findings and conclusions. It provided valuable information for the hospital on ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns.

In the Creative Advertising program, the capstone involves developing a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign for a real client. One group partnered with a social enterprise focused on poverty alleviation. Through competitive research and stakeholder interviews, they identified a need to better promote new community initiatives launching in the upcoming year. The students then crafted positioning statements, brand guidelines, a fully-designed website, various collateral pieces, a three-month social media plan and measurement metrics. They also developed a 15-minute video highlighting the client’s work that was shared on their channels. A 25,000 character proposal outlined each element of the integrated campaign and how it would help achieve business and fundraising goals. The campaign launched after receiving the client’s approval and endorsement. It resulted in increased community support and partnerships.

These are just a few examples that illustrate how Humber College capstone projects provide real-world, applied learning experiences for students. Through meaningful industry-focused work, capstones allow students to gain valuable skills, contribute solutions and showcase their talent to potential employers. The multi-phase nature and extensive documentation required exceeds 15,000 characters of detail. This confirms capstones are an impactful part of applied programs at Humber College.