The main goal for the project is to leverage data analytics and modeling techniques to conduct comprehensive market research and user needs analysis, providing a data-driven foundation for the development of DERS.

This will involve several different steps for the students, including:

- Conducting market research to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in environmental reporting.

- Analyzing potential user groups to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points related to environmental reporting and compliance.

- Identifying key features and functionalities desired in an environmental reporting system like DERS.

By the end of the project, students should complete the following list of activities:

- A detailed report containing market insights, user needs analysis, and recommendations for DERS's feature set based on data analysis.

- Presentation summarizing key findings and actionable insights to inform the development team.

Final deliverables:

- All source materials used for the research and analysis.

- A comprehensive written report detailing the market insights, user needs analysis, and feature recommendations for DERS.

- A presentation summarizing the key findings and actionable insights.

Access to Tools and Technology:

• Cloud Computing Resources: Provide access to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Amazon Web Services (AWS) with certain usage limits to allow learners to explore, experiment, and deploy their data infrastructure, analytics, and modeling solutions. This includes access to databases, computing power, and data storage services.
• Software and Tools: Offer licenses or subscriptions for necessary software and tools that are crucial for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, such as MongoDB, Elasticsearch, Kibana, and Logstash, ensuring learners have the resources needed for hands-on learning and project development.

Educational Resources:

• Learning Materials: Provide access to curated educational resources, including tutorials, documentation, articles, and case studies related to data analytics, environmental reporting, and the specific technologies being used in the project.
• External Learning Opportunities: Facilitate access to webinars, online courses, and workshops that can supplement the learners’ knowledge and skills relevant to the project.

Collaborative Platforms:

• Communication Tools: Set up dedicated channels on communication platforms (e.g., Slack) for project teams to facilitate easy and open communication among team members and with mentors.
• Project Management Tools: Provide access to project management tools (e.g., Trello) to help teams organize their work, track progress, and meet deadlines effectively.

Recognition and Feedback:

• Showcase Opportunities: Organize events or forums where learners can showcase their project work to peers, staff, and stakeholders, receiving recognition for their efforts and constructive feedback to enhance their learning.
• Certificate of Achievement: Offer certificates or acknowledgments for successful project completion, adding value to the learners’ professional growth and portfolio.