PROJECT PLANNING

Presented by: James M. Mutua

Final Year Project Co-ordinator
2014/15
Department of Mechanical Engineering
JKUAT

INTRODUCTION
What is a project?

Typical projects
Elements of a project
Writing a project proposal

What is a Project?
A project is a designated set of tasks needed to
accomplish a particular goal.
Characteristics of true projects:
They have a clear and agreed upon objective.
They have a defined life span.
Generally involve doing something that is new or a
one-time effort.
have specific requirements (time, cost, and
performance are the three basic sets of
requirements).

Elements of a project
Generally projects have:
a defined beginning
multiple activities performed to a plan
a defined end.

Problem

Activities

Solution

Research proposal
Objectives
Request permission to undertake research
Obtain feedback on ideas
Request resources
Competition for resources
Clarify ideas
Satisfy academic requirements?

Research proposal
Proposal should contain
Title of the project - Appropriate
Authors Including affiliation
An abstract Brief description of
problem and proposed solution
Problem statement clear

Research proposal
Proposal should contain
Aims and objectives
Expected outcomes
Literature review
Justification
Methodology
Time plan
Budget(?)

FORMAT. PROPOSAL
Title -Brief and suitable for indexing

Authors

- Include affiliation

Abstract - Briefly describe the

problem and its solution

Introduction, Literature,
Methodology, Time plan, Refs.

Abstract
Precise intro., results, conclusion
No referencing
Avoid un-identified abbreviation

Introduction
What is the problem?
Define parameters

Literature Review
What is the current practice?
How much is already known?
Where are the gaps?
Problem statement
Objectives

Justification
What is the importance or benefit of
this work?
Has the problem been addressed in
the past?

Materials and methods

How shall I do it?

What will I need?

Expected Results

What will be the

outcomes of this study?

Time plan
- A detailed time schedule of activities
- Could be in form of a Gantt chart or
any other convenient form
- Should be realistic

References
Source of information
Make sure they are accurate
Avoid plagiarism

Equations
Equations must be clear
Numbering of equations consistent

L=2*C+(D-d)2/4C+2*(D+d)
(D d )

L 2C
( D d ) (1)
4C
2
2

Figures
Must be clear
Captions at bottom
Numbering consistent

Tables
Captions at the top
Numbering consistent

Some common shortcomings

It is not clear
what question is being addressed by
the proposal

what the outcome of the research

might be
why the question is worth
addressing

Good proposal
A good proposal is:
Clear
Concise
Not cluttered with technical jargon

Check points
Why do I want to do it?
What will I do?
What solutions do I expect?
Of what use is the solution?
How long and how much will it take?

Aim to achieve your

goals successfully
and within
reasonable time =
Plan your work well

Keep focused and at

the same time
maintain an open
mind

References
1. Farr, A. D., Science writing for Beginners, Blackwell Sc.
Pub. (1985)
2. Ngeno, J. T. and Owino, M.:, Learn to write well, or not to
write at all, Int. J. Report Writing, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2007) pp. 117.

Project Theme 2014/2015

Sustainable research and innovation

to achieve vision 2030

Energy crisis intervention

Emerging trends in Industrialization
Food security - value addition
Security - to curb the increasing cases of insecurity
Water conservation e.g. improving water harvesting
techniques
6. Environmental conservation.
7. or Any project that demonstrates capacity to exploit an
opportunity that benefits the Kenyan community
8. Integration of ICT in the above areas.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Components of the Project

Design
Fabrication
Testing

Proposed Time Schedule

3 weeks to prepare proposal.
Week 5, proposal presentations.
Week 9, preliminary design and budget should
be ready.
Week 12, design complete oral examination.
MODE OF EXAMINATION. MODE

After all is said.

Get on to work