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The content of the project descriptions Rules and requirements Presentation of group charters TMH VIA UC. Walkthrough of project groups and supervisors. Which class to follow Supervisors and communication details Studienet – your room. Project description. 1. Background description
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The content of the project descriptions Rules and requirements Presentation of group charters TMH VIA UC
Walkthrough of project groups and supervisors • Which class to follow • Supervisors and communication details • Studienet – your room
Project description 1. Background description 2. Purpose 3. Problem formulation 4. Delimitation 5. Choice of model and method, procedure 6. Time schedule /plan 7. Sources, references and literature
Project descriptionBackground description Description of the background Explanation of how the problem has arisen If cooperating with companies why the company wants the group to work on the topic in question Under no circumstances you can write that you are a student and therefore have no choice but to do the project! Normally ½ - 1 page How has the problem arisen Reason for choosing the topic
Project descriptionPurpose • What is the core purpose of the project? • Which results do they expect to achieve? The purpose is fundamental to the problem formulation and must be formulated so that it forms the basis of the further project work Make it clear and brief. Normally the purpose can be stated in very few lines.
Project descriptionProblem formulation How can a solution be evaluated if you do not know what problem it has to solve?
Project descriptionProblem formulation The problem formulation must describe unresolved problems and the overall challenge of the project What is the central question of the project? Sub questions that can help support the answer of the central question? Why have you chosen this focus? Use open questions (How, What, Why, Which.. – not is it!) Be clear in your formulations
Problem formulationWhy do we need a problem formulation? Often too much focus on the mean or the tools • To make a technical feasibility study • To develop a marketing plan • To create a CAD model • To use Internet survey • … • All of these are just tools for solving something – but what will you solve?
Project descriptionProblem formulation From subject based (and solutions) to the problem formulation/challenge? (How you speak about your project) Examples: Solar Energy (subject) to: How can the solar energy technology be developed so that ordinary users/private households can install the technology without help from experts From Beer Cooler (solutions) to: How to make beverages cold and drinkable?
Problem formulation”The good problem formulation” • The overall question? The starting point of the project! A list of supporting questions, which identify sub-problems and give an overview of the parts of the project, alternatives, variable quantitatives etc. • Need to have! The needs and given conditionswhich the solution shallfulfill. Thesewilltellyouwhich suggestions and solutions thatcanbeaccepted and whichcannot! • All given figures and specificationswhichweknow, e.g. capacity, price, max. weight, height, length. • Nice to have! All the characteristics and qualitieswhichwewouldlike to befulfilled, but theyare not absolutelyneeded. Thesequalitieswillhelpyou to rank and choosebetween acceptable solutions.
Problem formulationWhy should we have a problem formulation? • To develop a problem formulation you need to • identify a problem – not only describeor explaina situation • A problem may be • One or more aspects of your subject – e.g. unanswered questions • Project work is to analyze and find answers • Think problems • why is this a problem • to whom is this a problem • how big is the problem • …
Closing Initiate Problem formulationChanges to the problem formulation • In reality we cannot work out the final problem formulation before the last period or full stop has been set in the report. • Okay to make adjustments (needs to be approved by your supervisor) as long as the governing idea is still in place as long as the can be carried out within the resource and formal frames Plan Scope Evaluate Implement
Project descriptionDelimitation • What should be included and not the least what will not be included • The delimitation criteria should be accounted for in relation to the problem(s) chosen to solve • Relevant and well argued. • The problem formulation and the delimitation must be logically linked. • Not allowed just to exclude all the professionally difficult parts of the problem(s).
Project descriptionChoice of method and model • Theoretical models and methods e.g. • Which kind of analysis • Which kind of calculations methods • Which kind of drawing methods / software ……. • Useful planning tool:
Project descriptionSources, references and literature Search for theories and literature which can help you with different viewpoints – ”open your eyes – open your minds” Search for empirical studies – to give you an overwiev of other peoples work – on similar problems Make sure you don’t forget som aspects and viewpoints Document and validate your work, your proces and your results Outline in the Project Description which sources, references and literature you expect to use
Project descriptionProblems with project descriptions Mismatch between supervisors expectation and what the group produces mainly due to that the group has not been in contact with its supervisor! The group think that it is enough to follow this course -> this course its just for getting you started Not enough work has been put into the project description Problem formulation and project description not specific enough Focuses on symptoms in problem formulation instead of the causes to the problem A diagram or a picture is not self explanatory Too many do not consider the perspective of the reader Many focus on solutions and conclusions – instead of creating a good challenges and problem formulations Do not use the right format of the project description / the 7 items
Problem formulation Theory Empirical studies Conclusion Problem formulation [Andersen, 2003, p.29]
Problem formulationAn example Background: Description of the situation, why is this relevant – to whom, documentation of the problem • Problemformulation: • Whatare the problems and the possibilities to develop a more projectbased organisation • at VIA UC? • Do problems and possibilitiesdependonwhichdepartmentorwhich type of project • wearelooking at? • Howare problems and possibilitiesrelated to the environment of the project and • to the competences of the project teams? Theory: Schein: Organisationskultur og ledelse Glasl & Lievegoed: Develop management Erling Andersen: Project management .. .. Empirical studies: Desk research of agendas, minutes, notes, Evaluationresults. Interviews - directors and managers. Questionnaire – project manager and team-members in 6 differentprojects. Conclusion:
To the next time • Start working on your project description • Subject and problem analysis • Background • Purpose • Problem formulation • Take contact to your supervisor and send group charter (present, listen) • Re – read the guidelines for preparing project description (Jeopardy - next Wednesday)
