CISC 372: Parallel Programming
Fall 2002
Group ProjectC

Deliverable 1 (research synopsis) is due by Thu 5pm, Nov 21.

Deliverable 2 (the written report) is due by Tue 5pm, Dec 3.

Deliverable 3 (the presentation) is due in class on Dec 3, 5, 10.

Objectives

The objectives of this assignment are

to practice techniques of research of existing literature (online and hardcopy), of comprehension and organization of information from multiple sources, and of synthesis of the information into written and oral presentations.
to become familiar with the a successful application of parallel computation, in particular, to understand why parallel computing was desirable for the application, the basic strategy for parallellism there, what tools were used to implement, how successful the parallel application finally was.

The objectives the group collaboration are

to produce a better product through combination of knowledge, skills, ideas, effort of two people.
to experience the challenge of coordinating group efforts and producing a joint presentation.
to enable us to do in-class presentations on the topics using reasonable amounts of class time for it.

Task We will do this project in groups of two.

Find a "real world" application of parallel computation. Gather at least three sources (more is better) of information on the subject including at least one on the web and at least one on paper (book or article). The material must include information about performance of parallel code to solve the application.
Write a research synopsis, namely a one paragraph summary of the application together with a bibliography of your source materials. Be guided by the bibliography of the textbook for the format of your bibliography entries. (The text's bibliography also has some leads on possible applications). This is deliverable 1.
Jointly prepare a report summarizing and synthesizing the information you have gained from your sources on your application. The report should contain 3 to 5 pages of your own text plus any graphs, charts, diagrams, figures, or code.
Address your report to your classmates. In other words, your audience is as familiar/unfamiliar with parallel computing (especially message passing) as you, but your audience knows nothing about your paticular application and the use of parallel computing in it. Explain why parallel computing is necessary or desirable in the application, how it has been done, how well it has worked out. Explain what special tools for parallel computing, both software and hardware, have been used on the application. This is deliverable 2.
Prepare and deliver a 12 minute presentation in class in which you present the highlights of your report on the application. The speaking must be coordinated between the team members so that each person speaks at least 5 minutes. It is equally objectionable to be the "quiet" one or to be the "talkative" one. Thus failure to balance the speaking roles as specified will be considered a failure of both team members.
Attend to delivery of content in a clear, concise way. Don't overuse jargon of the application that is unfamiliar to the class. You may use visual aids such as overhead transparencies or large format paper documents. There will not be time to set up laptop displays.
Attend to presentation points such as standing with good posture with your hands by your side (not in pockets or behind back), except when gesturing. Look up at your audience and move your gaze around the room. Do not focus on one individual.