What This Document Is
This document outlines the requirements for Assignment 1 in CS 707: Information Retrieval, offered at Wright State University. It details a project focused on implementing and analyzing the PageRank algorithm, a foundational concept in understanding modern search engine technology. The assignment challenges students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical implementation, working with real-world datasets to assess ranking methodologies. It’s a core component of the course, designed to build a strong understanding of link analysis and its impact on information retrieval systems.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is crucial for students pursuing a deeper understanding of search engine algorithms and network analysis. Individuals enrolled in CS 707, particularly those interested in specializing in data science, web technologies, or machine learning, will find this assignment highly beneficial. It’s most valuable when approached *before* beginning the coding phase, to ensure a clear understanding of the project scope, deliverables, and evaluation criteria. Successfully completing this assignment demonstrates a practical grasp of PageRank and its application beyond simple search engines.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides the assignment specifications and expectations, but it does *not* include pre-written code, solutions, or detailed step-by-step instructions for implementation. Students are expected to independently design, code, and test their solutions. The document also doesn’t cover advanced optimization techniques or alternative ranking algorithms beyond the core PageRank concepts. It assumes a foundational understanding of data structures, algorithms, and programming principles.
What This Document Provides
* A clear description of the project’s two phases, focusing on different dataset applications.
* Specific deliverables, including a design document and benchmark output.
* Defined milestones to guide project development.
* Key benchmarks for evaluating the performance of the implemented PageRank algorithm.
* Suggestions for potential extensions to explore beyond the core requirements.
* Guidelines for individual or group work, outlining expectations for collaboration.
* Information regarding the weighting of the assignment within the overall course grade.
