Engineering Practice 2: Project Development
Module aims
The planning and bidding for projects, as well as the review of project proposals, are a common activity practising engineers engage in, whether working in industry or academia. Through this module you will be introduced to the basic considerations involved in developing a project proposal, from understanding your customers and their needs, to planning and costing a project, and identifying and mitigating risks. Skills developed in this module will be utilised during subsequent project work.
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
1. identify the drivers for success of an engineering project, considering stakeholder priorities and the need for sustainable development;
2. plan, schedule and manage a simple engineering project;
3. identify and accommodate risk and change during the life of a project;
4. identify project cost and account for uncertainty in the project scope.
5. work effectively as a member of a group to prepare a project proposal and deliver a short project pitch.
Module syllabus
Lifecycle of an engineering project – phases, objectives, stakeholders.
Drivers for success – innovation, client needs, customer satisfaction.
Introduction to project management – techniques and tools.
Introduction to costing and budgeting.
Project risk – identification, analysis and control.
Project proposals – writing and evaluating.
Teaching methods
The module will be delivered through large-class lectures, workshops and discussions introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualiser.
Assessments
You will be summatively assessed by a written submission of your group's project proposal and a short group presentation of your project pitch. Your and your peers' contribution to the team will be further reviewed through peer assessment.
Due to the collaborative nature of group work, reassessment for this module must occur in session in the following academic year.
| Assessment type
|
Assessment description
|
Weighting
|
Pass mark
|
| Coursework
|
Project proposal
|
60%
|
40%
|
| Practical
|
Project pitch
|
40%
|
40%
|
You will receive written feedback on your group's project proposal and project pitch. Further feedback will be provided by your peers on your contribution and conduct throughout the project.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.