CMPT 301 Assignment 3

The Year 2000 Problem

The year 2000 (Y2K) problem is a ubiquitous and insidious problem currently receiving much hype. If a program represents dates using only the last two digits of the year, when it flips from the year 1999 to the year 2000, its two-digit date will go from 99 to 00, i.e. 1999 to 1900. This will result in wrong date information, which could cause problems for any system that relies on knowing the correct date.

For this assignment, you should address the following questions:

What, if anything, will happen to SFU if the Y2K problem was totally ignored?
What should SFU be doing to address the Y2K problem? (Of course, your answer to this question will depend on your answer to the previous one.)

This is a research paper, so your answers to these questions must be based on research you have carried out, e.g. finding and reading articles and books about the Y2K problem. You will also be giving a (maximum) 1-minute in-class presentation that summarize your conclusions.

Requirements

Here is a list of requirements for this assignment:

Your written paper is at most 3 physical pages (6 sides) of an ordinary piece of paper. Use your space wisely, but don't cram too much into too small a space, e.g. if you use a tiny font size that is extra difficult to read, you will automatically lose marks (if it is marked at all).
Your paper should present a convincing argument. Part of your mark will depend on the coherence and clarity of this argument, so think carefully about what you are trying to get across. Do not just hand in a list of Y2K article descriptions, or unjustified or unsupported answers to the above two questions.
You must include a bibliography that cites all the sources of information referenced in your document. Look at the bibliography in the text for an example of a good way to format your references. A poorly formatted bibliography will automatically lose marks.
Your 1 minute presentation can make use of at most 1 slide. Do not use more slides or more time --- practice your presentations at least once or twice!

Here's the same information again in a briefer, check-point format (your answer to each question should be yes):

Is your paper no longer than 3 physical pages (6 sides)?
Does it present a clear and coherent (and hopefully convincing!) argument?
Does it include a properly formatted bibliography?
Is your class presentation 1 minute (or less) long?
Does your presentation use 1 (or fewer!) slides?
Have you practiced your presentation?
Have you handed in the review questions separately from the assignment?

Please note that the marking will very likely be less lenient than for the first assignment, since you now have some returned assignments with comments. Ignore such feedback at your own peril!