Frequently Asked Questions about the F4HS Challenge.
How many hours are we expected to work on this challenge? Can you combine this challenge with other courses?
With this Challenge you can earn 7,5 ECTS. One ECTS is equivalent to 28 hours. Therefore, you will have to invest an average of 10,5 hours per week, over the course of 20 weeks. This is a part-time course so you can still combine it with another course. In weeks when an event is scheduled, more time might be needed. The use of the online learning environment will create some flexibility and facilitate a blended learning process.
Will the Challenge go on despite the current Covid-19 situation?
Yes, the challenge will definitely go on. Based on the circumstances and the unpredictability of the situation we are preparing a hybrid plan. This means that when possible we will offer offline events, but the learning environment will always provide synchronous online activities.
Is it required to be at all the events? And are the workshops scheduled at set times?
We are creating a hybrid version of the challenge. We are happy that it looks like we are able to organize some activities offline, so you can meet each other and the client. We expect that you are happy about this as well and look forward to have all students present. However, we understand that due to Covid-19 there may be special circumstances in which you are not able to join (one of) the offline events. In that case you can contact the coordinator and you will discuss it with your team members. The learning environment provides synchronous activities that are recorded. In these events you can collaborate online with your team members and other participants to learn certain skills and ask questions. Therefore, the whole team has a responsibility, if one cannot be present, someone else can fill in, take notes and vice versa. The offline events are scheduled at set times.
Can you fail this challenge or do you always receive 7,5 ECTS?
The ECTS will be granted upon completion of the deliverables. The deliverables will be assessed by an assessment panel, based on a marking rubric. In case a deliverable is marked as insufficient, you will have the opportunity to do a resit.
It seems like a very big concept to develop, is it the idea to tackle one or a few perspectives or the whole concept?
Trough research, discussions with stakeholders, interviews etc. you will get an idea for a solution, which can go in a certain direction based on brainstorms sessions. Together with the client you determine which specific solution direction you will develop further. It is true that you cannot come up with a solution for every problem. The aim is to look at a problem from different disciplines and perspectives and from there arrive at innovative innovative solutions.
Does working in interdisciplinary teams mean that every group member focusses on their own field or do you also have to think about the aspects you do not have (yet) any knowledge about?
Your new food concept should be an inclusive solution for the Ministry of Defence. We strive to create balanced teams, including various disciplines. It is up to you and your team members how you divide the work on the various aspects. In order to broaden your vision and knowledge on other disciplines we would strongly recommend you to step out of your comfort zone.
I feel like a 'proof of concept' inherently means you must have a prototype, otherwise your concept isn't proved, right?
The purpose of a proof of concept is to provide proof that the idea can actually be realized, a team can demonstrate that in various ways. For example, by a video, a simulation, a hard copy model, etc. So a prototype must be defined more broadly.
