Applied Engineering Project: Field Prototype Development

The content details will depend upon the particular subject of each project. However, there will be several common topics. Seminars will be held to deal with:

1. The proposal of a project;
2. The format of a contract;
3. The techniques of gathering data/information;
4. Organizing and running meetings;
5. Information sources, such as libraries and resource centres;
6. The preparation of a report;
7. The management of weekly status report of a project;
8. Problem solving skills;
9. Creating mechanical CAD and/or electronic circuit design documents;
10. Optimally using Project Management software.

Criteria for Selections of Project Topics:

1. A project's subject must entail some form of mechanical, or electronic, or electro-mechanical development  and be viewed by evaluator as providing valuable information;
2. A project's scope must be such that its objectives can be attained in one semester;
3. The client preferably should be an organization outside the educational institution; should be an entity not related to the student (such as a relative);
4. Since confidential information must be protected for some companies, preference will be given to projects for which the results may be published and made available to the public;
5. The contents and results of a project must be original, as plagiarism is unacceptable and viewed as a serious offence;
6. Although projects are essentially for individuals, partnership agreements may be made with the approval of the faculty supervisor.

Typical projects may include (but are not strictly limited to) research, analysis, design or development in one of the following areas:

1. Mechanical device/system design;
2. Electronic device/system design;
3. Electro-mechanical device/system design;
4. Feasibility studies/analyses.

Project Management Life Cycle:

1. Project management deliverables;
2. Project milestones;
3. Risk management.