Establishing
clear project objectives and goals is critical at
the outset. A project justification (why is it required
or what are the benefits?) and a project scope (what
is applicable?) are examples of project objectives.
The project justification specifies the reason for
pursuing the project and is expressed in quantitative,
or measurable terms, often sales volume or dollars.
The project justification should relate to a Business
Plan, and is typically developed not by Engineering
but by Marketing or Product Management.
Completion of the first phase of the Business Plan
lets engineers move ahead with planning the project
development/design. Typical steps are to:
Choose
a basic strategy for achieving the objective.
Break
the project down into sub-units or steps ("Work
Breakdown Structure" or "WBS").
Determine
the performance standards for each sub-unit (deliverables).
Determine
how much time is required to complete each sub-unit
(resources and schedule).
Determine
the proper sequence for completing the sub-units
and aggregate the information into a schedule for
the total project (critical path chart).
Identify
codes and standards which apply. (Some of these
should be in the Business Plan).
Develop
the cost of each sub-unit and aggregate costs into
the project budget.
Design
the necessary staff organization, including the
number and kind of positions, and the duties and
responsibilities of each, within the project team.
Determine
what training, if any, is required for project team
members.
Develop
the necessary policies and procedures.
A
good project plan is understandable to all users
to facilitate inputs on scope (quality), schedule
(time) and budget (cost).
