Computer Information Association

By the Computer Information Association at

Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne

Goal:

The goal of this project is to have students construct computer systems under the guidance of more experiences group members with previous experience with computer hardware.

Fees for participation:

Each member who is not at the senior level is required to contribute an initial $15 participation fee. The following participation fee is reduced to $10 then $5. At the fourth participation they will be considered at the senior level. The member can provide senior level guidance and will not be required to pay the participation fee. This fee will assist our organization in covering part costs and other costs involved in building the system.

Activity Plan in Stages:

Stage 1: For each group is information gathering. The group with the aid of the senior member will define the type of parts such as processor, case, motherboard and video card that they would like to use in the system.

Stage 2: Will be to shop for the parts online or at local computer parts stores. The participants will have assistance from senior members to determine if particular part costs are reasonable, and which vendors are best for the purchases. The parts for the first systems build such cost no more than $400, but future systems may cost more.

Stage 3: Will be the actual building process. Senior members will provide a great deal of assistance with this stage. The group members and senior member will meet at least two times but no more than four times to complete the construction phase.

Stage 4: Will be the sale of the computer. The initial systems will be priced approximately at $475 but may vary slightly from this. Members may elect to purchase the system and will receive a discount of $15. Senior members choosing to buy the system will receive a $25 discount. Sale of the system will be offered to IPFW students but in the future may also include advertising on bidding sites such as EBay.

Stage 5: Will be a project assessment by the senior level member. The idea here will be to provide constructive feedback to improve future construction projects.