Technology Projects and Project Management

What this unit page covers

This page sits in the Design and Problem Solving strand of Engineering and technology (general or other). Almost everything here is a mind map, made by GoConqr users. Most follow one idea: a technology project moves through clear stages, from spotting a problem to writing the report.

Start with the project approach

Begin with the maps that set out the stages. The map called TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEM SOLVING lists them in order: detecting the problem, researching the information, finding possible solutions, choosing one, making a design, planning the work, construction, checking, presentation and assessment, and the report. Several other maps, including TECHNOLOGIES, repeat the same ten steps with extra notes on tools and the workshop. Comparing them helps you spot what each author stressed.

1. Read one stage map from top to bottom.
2. Open a second one and note any differences.
3. Look at the map on teamwork, members' responsibilities and the project report.

Then see real projects

Next, look at maps where students apply the steps to a real brief. There is a plan to design, model and manufacture a water purification system, where the filter is suspended so gravity speeds up filtration. Others cover the Biscuit Cutter Project, Board Game, Wooden Mechanical Toy, AeroQuad Project and a GCSE Project map. A few mention GCSE Design and Technology or Leaving Certificate Engineering, so they suit secondary coursework.

Planning and writing skills

Some resources help with the paperwork. A flowchart shows a work breakdown structure of the dock, and a map on task analysis breaks a job into steps. Another map sets out types of business writing for mechanical engineers, which is handy when you reach the report. Notes created from mind maps, such as the Bird House and Sumo Robot ones, turn a map into readable text.

Using the resources together

There are no quizzes on this page, so use the maps as your checklist. Cover a map, try to recall the ten stages, then check yourself. Teachers can use the stage maps as starting points for a class project. When you are ready, choose a map and build your own version for your project.