Capsule 8: Capstone Project and Assessment

Project Overview

The capstone project for senior software developers involves designing and building a Discretionary Portfolio Management System. This system will be used by Portfolio Managers to manage investment portfolios on behalf of clients. The project requires implementing a robust and scalable solution using a modern technological stack, adhering to best practices in software architecture, security, and performance.

Technological Stack

• Backend: C# .NET 8, Entity Framework Core (EF Core)
• Architecture: Microservices Architecture
• Frontend: Micro Frontend, Angular
• Deployment: OpenShift

Project Requirements

The Discretionary Portfolio Management System must meet the following requirements:

• User Management: Implement a user management system that allows Portfolio Managers to securely log in, manage their profiles, and assign roles and permissions. Ensure role-based access control (RBAC) is enforced across the system.
• Portfolio Creation and Management: Provide functionalities for creating, updating, and managing investment portfolios. Portfolio Managers should be able to add and remove assets, track performance, and generate reports.
• Real-Time Data Integration: Integrate with external financial data providers to fetch real-time market data. Use this data to update portfolio values, asset prices, and performance metrics dynamically.
• Transaction Processing: Design and implement a secure transaction processing system that supports buying and selling of assets, rebalancing portfolios, and logging all transactions with appropriate audit trails.
• Reporting and Analytics: Provide comprehensive reporting tools that allow Portfolio Managers to generate performance reports, risk assessments, and compliance documentation. Implement data visualization for portfolio analytics using Angular.
• Microservices Architecture: Design the system using a microservices architecture, where each service handles a specific domain (e.g., User Service, Portfolio Service, Transaction Service). Ensure services are loosely coupled and communicate securely via REST APIs or message queues.
• Micro Frontend Implementation: Break down the frontend into micro frontends to enable independent development and deployment of different parts of the user interface. Use Angular for developing each micro frontend and ensure seamless integration into a cohesive UI.
• Data Persistence: Use EF Core for data access and persistence. Implement a robust database schema to store user data, portfolio information, transactions, and market data. Ensure that data integrity and consistency are maintained across services.
• Security: Implement secure coding practices throughout the application. Ensure data encryption, secure authentication, and authorization mechanisms. Regularly audit and test the application for vulnerabilities.
• Deployment on OpenShift: Containerize the application using Docker and deploy it on OpenShift. Implement CI/CD pipelines for automated testing, building, and deployment of the microservices and micro frontends. Ensure that the deployment is scalable and resilient.

Project Expectations

Senior software developers are expected to:

• Architect the Solution: Design a scalable and maintainable architecture that adheres to the principles of microservices and micro frontend development. Justify architectural decisions and document the architecture using UML diagrams or equivalent.
• Implement Best Practices: Apply best practices in coding, design patterns, security, and performance optimization. Use modern tools and frameworks effectively to ensure high code quality and maintainability.
• Collaborate and Communicate: Work collaboratively with other team members, if applicable, to ensure the successful completion of the project. Document and communicate progress, challenges, and solutions effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Deliver a Production-Ready System: The final deliverable should be a production-ready Discretionary Portfolio Management System, deployed on OpenShift, with comprehensive documentation and user manuals. The system should be fully functional, secure, and performant, ready for use by Portfolio Managers.
• Showcase the Project: Prepare a final presentation that showcases the project’s features, architecture, and the technologies used. Include a demonstration of key functionalities, the deployment process, and how the system meets the specified requirements.

Submission Guidelines

Your submission should include:

• Source Code: The complete source code for the Discretionary Portfolio Management System, organized by microservice and micro frontend.
• Architecture Documentation: Detailed documentation of the system architecture, including UML diagrams, service descriptions, and technology stack decisions.
• Deployment Scripts: All scripts and configuration files required to deploy the application on OpenShift, including Dockerfiles, Kubernetes manifests, and CI/CD pipeline configurations.
• Security and Compliance Documentation: Documentation detailing the security measures implemented, including authentication, authorization, encryption, and compliance with relevant standards.
• User Manuals: Comprehensive user manuals for Portfolio Managers, explaining how to use the system’s features and functionalities.
• Final Presentation: A presentation that summarizes the project, including a demonstration of key features, architectural decisions, and the deployment process.

Conclusion

The capstone project is an opportunity to showcase your ability to design and implement a complex, real-world application using modern technologies and best practices. By successfully completing this project, you will demonstrate your proficiency in software architecture, microservices, micro frontends, secure coding, and deployment on cloud platforms. This project will be a significant addition to your portfolio, highlighting your capabilities as a senior software developer.

Session Overview

This guided work session is designed to help senior software developers successfully complete their capstone project: a Discretionary Portfolio Management System. The session will provide step-by-step guidance, tips, and support throughout the project, focusing on architecture design, microservices setup, secure coding practices, and deployment.

Session Agenda

• Introduction and Objectives (15 minutes):

  Overview of the capstone project, session goals, and key milestones to achieve during the session.

• Architecture Design and Microservices Setup (45 minutes):

  Guidance on defining the architecture, setting up microservices using C# .NET 8, and creating basic API endpoints.

• Entity Framework Core and Data Persistence (45 minutes):

  Instructions on integrating EF Core for data access, designing the database schema, and setting up data persistence.

• Implementing Key Features and Secure Coding Practices (1 hour):

  Step-by-step guidance on implementing user management, role-based access control (RBAC), portfolio management, and transaction processing, with a focus on secure coding practices.

• Performance Profiling, Optimization, and Deployment (1 hour):

  Guidance on profiling the application’s performance, optimizing for efficiency, and deploying the application on OpenShift using Docker and Kubernetes.

• Wrap-Up and Q&A (15 minutes):

  Review of key concepts covered, discussion of challenges, and an open Q&A session to address any remaining questions.

Hands-On Activities

Throughout the session, participants will engage in hands-on activities, including:

• Creating the initial project structure and setting up microservices.
• Implementing EF Core and running database migrations.
• Developing key features with a focus on security and best practices.
• Profiling and optimizing application performance.
• Deploying the application to a cloud environment using OpenShift.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will have:

• A clear understanding of the architecture and design of the Discretionary Portfolio Management System.
• Implemented core features of the system using a microservices architecture and secure coding practices.
• Successfully deployed the application on OpenShift with a functioning CI/CD pipeline.

Session Overview

This second guided work session is designed to build upon the progress made in the first session. The focus will be on integrating advanced features, ensuring data integrity, optimizing the application for performance, and preparing for final deployment. The session will provide hands-on guidance to help senior software developers finalize their Discretionary Portfolio Management System and prepare for the final assessment.

Session Agenda

• Review of Progress and Challenges (15 minutes):

  Discuss the progress made since the first session, review any challenges encountered, and set objectives for this session.

• Advanced Features Integration (45 minutes):

  Guidance on integrating advanced features, such as real-time data processing, external API integration, and complex transaction handling.

• Data Integrity and Security Enhancements (45 minutes):

  Focus on ensuring data consistency, implementing advanced security measures, and auditing for compliance with best practices.

• Performance Optimization and Scalability (1 hour):

  Step-by-step guidance on further optimizing the application for performance and scalability, including database optimization, load balancing, and caching strategies.

• Final Deployment Preparation (45 minutes):

  Instructions on preparing the application for final deployment, including testing in a production-like environment, setting up monitoring, and finalizing CI/CD pipelines.

• Wrap-Up, Q&A, and Next Steps (15 minutes):

  Review of key concepts covered, open Q&A session, and discussion of next steps leading to the final submission and presentation.

Hands-On Activities

Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including:

• Integrating real-time data feeds and handling asynchronous data processing.
• Implementing and testing advanced security features such as encryption, tokenization, and secure logging.
• Optimizing the database with indexing, query optimization, and partitioning.
• Configuring load balancers and implementing caching strategies to improve scalability.
• Deploying the application to a staging environment, setting up monitoring with tools like Prometheus and Grafana, and finalizing deployment scripts.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will have:

• Integrated advanced features into their Discretionary Portfolio Management System.
• Enhanced the security and data integrity of the application.
• Optimized the application for performance and scalability.
• Prepared the application for final deployment and testing.

Session Overview

This third guided work session is focused on finalizing the Discretionary Portfolio Management System, ensuring that all components are fully functional, secure, and optimized. Participants will prepare their systems for the final assessment by conducting thorough testing, finalizing documentation, and refining their project presentations. This session will provide the last round of guidance and support to ensure a successful project submission.

Session Agenda

• Final Integration and Testing (1 hour):

  Guidance on performing final integrations, running comprehensive tests, and debugging any remaining issues. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing to ensure the application functions as expected.

• Security Audit and Compliance Check (45 minutes):

  Conduct a final security audit of the system, ensuring all security measures are in place, and verify compliance with best practices and any relevant regulations. Implement any last-minute security enhancements as needed.

• Final Performance Tuning (30 minutes):

  Make final adjustments to optimize performance, including load testing, stress testing, and fine-tuning resource allocations. Ensure the application can handle expected loads and scale appropriately.

• Documentation and User Manual Finalization (30 minutes):

  Guidance on finalizing all project documentation, including technical documentation, deployment guides, and user manuals. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

• Project Presentation Preparation (30 minutes):

  Tips and guidance on preparing the final project presentation. This includes structuring the presentation, highlighting key features and architectural decisions, and preparing a live demonstration of the application.

• Wrap-Up and Final Q&A (15 minutes):

  Conclude the session with a final Q&A to address any remaining concerns or questions. Provide last-minute tips and encouragement as participants prepare for the final submission.

Hands-On Activities

Participants will engage in the following hands-on activities:

• Conducting final integrations and running full test suites across all microservices and micro frontends.
• Performing a comprehensive security audit, including vulnerability scanning, code reviews, and penetration testing.
• Executing load and stress tests to ensure the application’s performance under peak conditions.
• Finalizing all documentation and creating a polished, user-friendly manual for Portfolio Managers.
• Preparing a compelling project presentation, including a live demonstration of key features and system architecture.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will have:

• Completed final testing and integration of their Discretionary Portfolio Management System.
• Ensured the system is secure, compliant, and optimized for performance.
• Finalized all necessary documentation and user manuals.
• Prepared a comprehensive and engaging project presentation.

Event Overview

The Capstone Project Presentations event is an opportunity for senior software developers to showcase their work on the Discretionary Portfolio Management System. Each participant will present their project, highlighting the key features, architectural decisions, challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. This event serves as the final assessment for the capstone project and allows participants to demonstrate their technical and presentation skills.

Agenda

• Welcome and Introduction (15 minutes):

  Opening remarks by the facilitator, including an overview of the event, objectives, and a brief introduction of the participants.

• Presentations (2 hours):

  Each participant will have 20 minutes to present their capstone project, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. The presentations should cover the following key areas:

  • Project Overview and Objectives
  • Architectural Design and Key Features
  • Challenges and Solutions
  • Security Measures and Performance Optimization
  • Live Demonstration of the Application
• Break (15 minutes):

  A short break to allow participants to refresh and prepare for the next round of presentations.

• Continued Presentations (2 hours):

  The remaining participants will present their projects, following the same format as the earlier session.

• Closing Remarks and Feedback (15 minutes):

  The facilitator will provide closing remarks, offer feedback to participants, and announce any awards or recognitions.

Guidelines for Presenters

Presenters should adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth and effective presentation:

• Time Management: Each presenter has 20 minutes to present, followed by 5 minutes for Q&A. Please practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time.
• Presentation Structure: Start with an introduction of your project, followed by an in-depth discussion of your architectural choices, key features, challenges, and solutions. Conclude with a live demonstration of your application.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss technical details, including your use of C# .NET 8, EF Core, Microservices Architecture, Micro Frontend, and OpenShift. Highlight any unique or innovative solutions you implemented.
• Engage with the Audience: Encourage questions and be ready to provide detailed answers during the Q&A session. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
• Visual Aids: Use slides, diagrams, and live demonstrations to effectively communicate your ideas. Ensure your visual aids are clear, professional, and enhance your presentation.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the Capstone Project Presentations event, participants will have:

• Presented their completed Discretionary Portfolio Management Systems to peers and instructors.
• Received constructive feedback on their work, including strengths and areas for improvement.
• Demonstrated their ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Completed the final assessment of their capstone projects, paving the way for their professional advancement.