For MTech/DD Project Students
Shashikanth Suryanarayanan, July 2005

This document is meant for students working with me on their Master's theses. It details my expectations and, specifies how I would like to interact with you.

My Expectations

The Master's project is meant, primarily, to provide you an opportunity to conduct a mature and honest investigation of a chosen problem. It is critical that you pay attention to this statement and internalize it. I expect the following from you:

• Problem Ownership: This means that you will have to take the lead in:
• Understanding the problem: Important questions to answer include - "What is the problem?", "Why is it signficant?", "Why is it challenging?", "How have people approached it in the past?", "Is the problem still unsolved"?, "Where is the potential to improve on existing solutions?"
• Structuring your investigations: This pertains to organizing your work in a logical and coherent manner. It also entails keeping track of time-lines.
• Reporting your work regularly (preferably weekly): This will give me an opportunity to figure out how you are progressing - provide help should you require it or provide re-affirmation that you are doing the right things. I would prefer that you send me a short abstract of your weekly progress (preferably before you meet me).
• Ability to articulate clearly: Oftentimes, the ability to communicate what you have done is as important as the work itself. Reports and presentations are media by which you can communicate to a technical audience. You will not be able to articulate your thoughts unless you practice it. Here is a list of DOs that you could follow.
  • Read technical material extensively. This will give you an idea of what constitutes good writing.
  • Write regular (preferably weekly) technical logs of your work. This practice will not only help you in putting together reports easily but will also give an opportunity to hone your writing skills. See How to write a good report?
  • Discuss your work with peers regularly.
  • Attend seminars organized in the institute. It will contribute to your learning of how to make effective presentations.
  • Volunteer to present in group seminars. If you have substantial results to show, do not hesitate to organize a department seminar.

What you can expect from me?

As your guide, I will provide you direction, resources and platforms for in-depth technical discussions on issues pertaining to the problem. Note the following:

• I will whole-heartedly support your academic ventures. If you need help of any kind related to your work, future plans etc feel free to talk to me.
• I will not spoonfeed you. This means that I will not tell you what to do next week, next month etc. If you are honest in your investigations, questions will naturally crop up. I will provide guidance on which questions may be important and which you could avoid spending time on.
• I will not tolerate dishonesty of any kind.
• I will not approve your work if you do not meet (reasonably) expectations detailed above. This may sound brutal but such a measure is essential to ensure quality and that the Master's degree is not diluted.