XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 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

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Characteristics of a Project 2 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!

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 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 3

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Successful Projects Require… 4 Schedule Communication Resources Evaluation Risk Mitigation Project Plan

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Project Plan 5 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

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 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 6

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 WBS Example: Designing a Prosthetic 7

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 MS Project Gantt Chart 8

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 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!

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Project Life Cycle Conceiving Planning Implementing Completing

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Resources ConceivingPlanning ImplementingCompleting Phases Low High Resource Distribution Over the Project Life Cycle (Smith, 2000)

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Resources ConceivingPlanning ImplementingCompleting Phases Low High Resource Distribution Over the Project Life Cycle (Smith, 2000)

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Ability to Make Change ConceivingPlanning ImplementingCompleting Phases Low High Ability to Make Changes and Cost of Changes (Smith, 2000)

XLIX Engineering Design Firm © 2010 ENGR/ETGR 1201 Ability to Make Change ConceivingPlanning ImplementingCompleting Phases Low High Ability to Make Changes and Cost of Changes (Smith, 2000) Cost of Changes