Enabling effective synoptic assessment via algorithmic constitution of review panels

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithmic tool that was used to create panels of experts for the synoptic assessment of a software engineering project course that is targeted towards fostering innovation and creativity in software engineering students. Synoptic assessments succeed with the ability to formulate expert evaluation panels. Yet many industry experts are busy professionals, and hence, the process of constituting appropriately balanced evaluation panels for project demonstrations is a significant challenge. The discussion includes the outcomes of using the algorithm to automate the panel composition and scheduling process for synoptic assessments of project demonstrations for a batch of 100 students following the Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) degree program in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka. We describe the challenges we faced and our approach towards addressing the issues as well as our encouraging successes.