BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Assignment Notes

Assignment Overview

  • Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
  • Unit Title: Unit 4: Engineering Project
  • Learning Aims:
    • LO1: Keep records, specify a project, agree procedures, choose solution
    • LO2: Plan and monitor a project

Assignment Details

  • Assignment Title: A2: Project Specification and Selection of Best Project Option
  • Assessor: John Dudley
  • Handout Date: 01/04/2025
  • Deadline: 29/04/2025

Vocational Context

  • Opportunity to develop an engineering project to showcase project management capabilities.
  • Projects can vary from large-scale (e.g., hydroelectric power station) to small (e.g., paper clip design).
  • Essential to identify problems and find solutions in engineering projects.

Task 1: Project Specification Preparation

Overview

  • Part 1: Description of the project and the specification process.
  • Part 2: Detailed specification in table format with criteria.

Key Points to Address

  • Describe the project type (e.g., product design, maintenance).
  • Specify the engineering situation to improve.
  • Identify potential customers.
  • Assess project success criteria.
  • Include technical specifications (market info, functionality, cost, etc.).
  • Identify resource requirements (materials, power, etc.).
  • Note health and safety issues.
  • List quality standards/legislation applicable.
  • Outline anticipated deliverables and presentation format (drawings, diagrams).

Task 2: Project Procedures

  • List procedures to complete the project within the deadline.
  • Brainstorm tasks in logical order.
  • Confirm project suitability and planned outcomes with Tutor.

Task 3: Viable Solution Development

  • Research and develop three solutions for the chosen engineering problem.

For Each Solution Include:

  • Key points in a written report.
  • Sketches/Diagrams adhering to BS8888.
  • Supporting research evidence.
  • List of materials/equipment and costings.

Selection of Best Solution

  • Use a wide range of evaluative and analytical methods to select the best solution.
  • Justify the final choice using graphical and statistical techniques.

Checklist of Required Evidence

  • Complete Product Design Specification
  • Project procedures list
  • Records of meetings with Tutor
  • Three solutions with detailed descriptions
  • Evidence for the selection process

Criteria Coverage

  • P2: Prepare project specification
  • P3: Agree procedures for project implementation
  • P4: Evaluate three potential solutions and select the best option
  • M2: Use a wide range of techniques to justify the chosen option

Sources of Information

  • Boyce et al. - BTEC Level 3 Student Book
  • Lock D - Project Management
  • Melton T. - Project Management Toolkit
  • Project Management Institute - Project Management Body of Knowledge
  • Smith N J - Engineering Project Management
  • Tooley M and Dingle L - BTEC National Engineering
  • Additional materials available on MS Teams and Class Notebook.