XLIXEngineering Design Firm

1© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Definition of Project

1

A project is “…a combination of human and non-human resources pulled together in a temporary organization to

achieve a specific purpose.”

-- Project Management Institute (PMI), June 1987

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

2© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Characteristics of a Project

• Definable purpose

• Established goals

• Cost, schedule, and performance requirements

• Multiple resources across organizational lines

• Elements of risk

• Finite and defined lifespan

• Process of phases

Projects are different from ongoing, routine work!

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

3© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Examples of Engineering Projects

What?

• Design a power plant• Build a bridge• Prepare a proposal• Develop a new product• Design a new cell phone• Install a new system

Who?

• Engineering/Technology• Manufacturing• Marketing• Business• Communications• Testing• Maintenance• Operations

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Successful Projects Require…

4

Schedule

Communication

Resources

Evaluation

Risk Mitigation

Project Plan

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

5© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Project Plan

• Define the problem/project• Set quantitative project goals• Define the tasks (activities) necessary to achieve project goals• Define events or conditions that mark the completion of a task or

group of tasks (milestones)• Assess the resources required• Integrate the above into a formal plan

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

6© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

• Brainstorm a list of all work to be done• Organize tasks and activities• Consider resources and time allocations• Identify critical path items

– Tasks or activities that must be completed before the next task or activity can be completed

• Identify milestone activities– Key activities that measure progress

• Identify who will do the work• Develop a Gantt chart to show the project schedule

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

7© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

WBS Example: Designing a Prosthetic

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

8© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

MS Project Gantt Chart

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

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Measures of Project Success

9

• Time completed according to schedule• Cost completed within budget• Performance meets or exceeds design specifications and

project goals • Quality zero defects, scrap, rework, or errors• Customers meets or exceeds (buying) customers’ expectations• Client acceptance meets or exceeds client’s expectations; final

design is approved and funded!

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Project Life Cycle

• Conceiving• Planning• Implementing• Completing

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Res

ou

rces

Conceiving Planning Implementing Completing

Phases

Low

High

Resource Distribution Over the Project Life Cycle(Smith, 2000)

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Res

ou

rces

Conceiving Planning Implementing Completing

Phases

Low

High

Resource Distribution Over the Project Life Cycle(Smith, 2000)

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Ab

ility

to

Mak

e C

han

ge

Conceiving Planning Implementing Completing

Phases

Low

High

Ability to Make Changes and Cost of Changes(Smith, 2000)

XLIXEngineering Design Firm

© 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201

Ab

ility

to

Mak

e C

han

ge

Conceiving Planning Implementing Completing

Phases

Low

High

Ability to Make Changes and Cost of Changes(Smith, 2000)

Co

st of C

han

ges