Task:
A successful project outcome is usually related to an appropriate planning and definition of expected outcomes. Students may consider the following planning headings when developing their project plan:
• Determine aims and objectives.
• Identify and list the activities that need to be carried out.
• Prioritise key activities.
• Estimate the time needed to complete each activity.
• Allow for time in case things go wrong.
• Check the resources available and draw up the schedule taking into account holidays, time to obtain materials, equipment and other work (use the Gantt chart you prepared for the Project Plan submission and include project milestones).
• Re-plan as necessary.
• It is important that you identify any components or items of software which are difficult to obtain, or those with long delivery times, as soon as possible. All components and software (critical path items) must be ideally ordered before the Feasibility Report is submitted. Students should let the technical staff know if they will be requiring help from them, for example in the School’s mechanical workshop.