2025_EML Capstone Projects

14

Mentor Link Solutions: A Hybrid Mentorship and Knowledge Retention Model

Solution

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Hybrid

Combines the best of both; comprehensive support

Higher cost, complex to manage

Holistic onboarding + long-term retention

Setup delays, adoption barriers if not phased in

Table 4

Impact-Effort Matrix

Solution

Impact

Effort Required

Notes

Peer-to-Peer Mentorship

High

Medium

Builds strong interpersonal relationships; depends on mentor availability Scalable and easy to update; may lack depth without human context Most comprehensive, resource-intensive, but offers long-term payoff

Knowledge Retention Tool

Moderate

Low

Hybrid Approach

Very High

High

Justification for Selected Solution

Based on the feasibility analysis, the results of the SWOT analysis, and the Impact Effort Matrix,

the hybrid mentorship and documentation model outperformed the standalone options in every

category. The hybrid model addresses the immediate need for transferring tacit knowledge while

simultaneously building a long-term knowledge retention infrastructure. While it incurs the highest

short-term costs, it yields the greatest long-term return on investment, is scalable, and leverages best

practices across all engineering industries (NASA, 2024). It also aligns with the consulting concept since

the program can be tailored to fit organizations of any size, demographic, or budget, and at their own

pace. This solution ensures that engineering knowledge is preserved over time, benefiting employees

and organizations alike.

Risk and Change Management

Risk and change management practices were critical components to effectively manage a

project with such a short timeframe. We evaluated technical, operational, and strategic risks throughout

the completion of our capstone project and looked ahead to future implementation within engineering