Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) Semester Project Proposal
1. Title and Team Information
Project Title
• Choose a descriptive title that reflects the main objective.
• Example Titles:
o Cybersecurity: “Real-Time Network Intrusion Detection System.”
o Software Engineering: “Optimized Task Scheduler for Agile Project
Management.”
o Electrical Engineering: “Smart Energy Data Management System.”
Team Members
• List team member names, registration numbers, and roles (e.g., Developer, Tester,
Documentation).
• Assign a Group Leader responsible for deadlines, task management, and
communication.
Group Name
• Choose a name that reflects your project’s theme (e.g., SecureNet, Data
Guardians).
2. Project Overview and Objectives (10%)
Project Overview
• Briefly explain the purpose, application, and real-world impact of the project.
• Example: “This project aims to design a system that detects network intrusions by
monitoring traffic patterns, which is critical for timely cybersecurity responses.”
Project Objectives
• List 3-4 objectives emphasizing DSA:
o Process and store data efficiently.
o Prioritize and handle tasks dynamically.
o Quickly detect and flag anomalies in real time.
Relevance to Data Structures and Algorithms
• Describe the DSA concepts that will solve the project’s main challenges:
o Example: “We’ll implement priority queues to manage tasks based on
urgency, and graphs to simulate network pathways for intrusion detection.”
3. Problem Statement and Motivation (10%)
Problem Statement
• Define the problem the project will address, stating the current limitations.
• Example: “Current network systems struggle with real-time intrusion detection
during high-traffic conditions, often resulting in delayed threat responses.”
Motivation
• Explain why this project is significant and how it impacts the target domain.
• Example: “By enabling real-time threat detection, we improve cybersecurity
defenses, protecting valuable data and reducing breach risks.”
4. Detailed Project Plan (40%)
Scope and Requirements
• Clearly outline the boundaries of your project.
• Example: “Our project will focus on the backend processing of network data for
anomaly detection and threat analysis. GUI development is optional, with priority on
efficient data handling.”
Data Structures Utilized
• Detail each structure’s purpose and role in the project:
o Arrays/Lists: Store sequential data like logs.
o Stacks/Queues: Organize and prioritize operations.
o Trees: Efficiently search and organize hierarchical data.
o Graphs: Model network structures and relationships.
o Hashing: Enable secure, fast data retrieval.
o Priority Queues: Prioritize tasks based on urgency.
Algorithms to Implement
• List specific algorithms and their intended purposes:
o Sorting: Organize data for streamlined processing.
o Searching: Locate specific data points.
o Graph Traversal (BFS, DFS): Analyze network structures and dependencies.
o Complexity Analysis: Evaluate the time-space efficiency of each function.
Cybersecurity/Software Engineering/Electrical Engineering Context
• Describe how this project applies DSA principles to your field.
• Example: “By using efficient data structures, the system can quickly flag anomalies
in network data, reducing vulnerability to cyber threats.”
5. Implementation Phases and Timeline (10%)
Phase 1 - Project Proposal and Defense (20%)
• Deliverables: Submit a complete proposal with problem, objectives, structures,
and algorithms, along with a defense presentation.
• Proposal Guidance: Define clear problem statements, list specific goals, and
connect each DSA concept to your objectives.
Phase 2 - 60% Code Submission (20%)
• Deliverables: A working codebase with key data structures and algorithms. Include
comments for clarity.
• Expectations: The project should show basic functionality, core structures, and
progress toward the final solution.
Phase 3 - 100% Final Code Submission (40%)
• Deliverables: Complete code, meeting all project goals with thorough
documentation and validation tests.
• Final Product: Should be fully functional, with testing for performance, usability,
and reliability.
Timeline
• Set deadlines for each phase, allowing time for debugging and performance
optimization.
6. Proposal Defense Presentation (20%)
Presentation Content
• Prepare a 5-7 minute overview covering:
o Problem, objectives, and relevance of chosen data structures and
algorithms.
Visuals and Diagrams
• Use diagrams to illustrate data flows, structures, and logic.
Sample Code or Pseudocode
• Show key functions or pseudocode that highlights the main features and logic.
7. Final Code Submission (40%)
Code Quality and Completeness
• Ensure code is clean, fully functional, and easy to understand.
Documentation
• Provide comments for each function and data structure explaining their purpose.
Complexity Analysis
• Describe time and space complexity for all core functions, justifying efficiency
choices.
Testing and Validation
• Include test cases with expected outcomes to verify code performance and
reliability.
Proposal Hints and Tips
• Choose Practical Titles: Reflect your project’s goal and relevance.
• Detailed Problem Statements: Define why your problem matters and its current
challenges.
• Scope Planning: Ensure your project scope is feasible within the timeline.
• Clear Objective Linking: Connect each DSA concept to practical applications.
• Complexity Analysis: Justify your choice of data structures and algorithms based
on efficiency.
